If you’re developing a trading card game — for tabletop, Kickstarter, or a digital platform — hiring the right illustrator is key. Great card art helps your game stand out, tell a story, and connect with players. In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for when hiring a trading card illustrator and how to make the process smooth.
If you’d like to see examples of my comic-style, cartoon-style, and hand-drawn card illustrations, visit my trading cards portfolio
Why Strong Trading Card Art Matters
The artwork on your cards does more than look good — it defines your game’s identity. Great trading card art:
Helps players quickly recognize card types and abilities
Adds depth and lore to your world
Builds excitement for collectors and backers
Creates a memorable visual style
For fantasy and sci-fi card games, comic-style and hand-drawn art helps bring characters, creatures, and artifacts to life.
What to Look for in a Trading Card Illustrator
When hiring an illustrator for trading cards:
Review their portfolio for detailed, clean small-format art
Look for consistency so your card set feels cohesive
Choose an artist experienced in comic-style, cartoon-style, or hand-drawn illustration if that fits your theme
Ensure they can work with your card dimensions and template requirements
Learn more about my card game services here: services page.
How the Commissioning Process Works
Here’s what to expect:
You provide style references, templates, and asset lists
I provide concept sketches for your review
After feedback, I create the final detailed, colored art
You receive layered files (PSD, PNG) ready for print or digital use
Clear communication ensures the artwork fits your vision and production needs.
Rights and Licensing for Card Art
Make sure your agreement covers:
Commercial use rights for printing and selling your cards
Whether the artwork is exclusive
What file formats will be delivered
This protects your project and ensures clarity.
Budgeting for Trading Card Illustrations
The cost of card art depends on:
Number of illustrations required
Complexity of the designs
Style (comic-style, cartoon-style, hand-drawn)
High-quality card art is a valuable investment. It helps attract players, backers, and publishers.
Ready to Hire a Trading Card Illustrator for Your Game?
Hiring a trading card illustrator is about finding someone who can balance detail, clarity, and style at small scale. I specialize in comic-style, cartoon-style, and hand-drawn illustrations that bring fantasy and sci-fi trading card games to life.
If you’re ready to bring your game’s cards to life, visit my contact page to get in touch.