I want to start a trading card company

[PerfectStorm]

I used to collect football cards when I was a kid, and now I sometimes make digital art just for fun. It occurred to me that some of my designs would look way better on sports cards than the cards I bought in the mid to late 90s. Here is a sample of some of the things I have made with Photoshop:



I made these as avatars so they are the wrong shape and not exactly what I would do, but this is the kind of designs I had in mind for trading cards. I don't have any real business experience, and I want to do this not so much because I love the idea of starting a business but because I have an idea and want to apply it. I also see an opportunity for immense wealth if I can succeed at this, which is why I'm not particularly excited by the less ambitious prospect of being a card designer for an existing company.

I asked around on a manufacturing forum and people there said a commercial printer would be able to handle all the production without much problem (not sure if they can do packaging too though). There are two big problems I have. The first is, in order to sell the cards I think you need a license from the league organization whose images are on the cards, for example the NFL. I downloaded the NFL's license application and it requires bank references, credit references, sale histories, etc., in other words you have to already have an existing and functioning business in order to get a license. For trading cards this is a catch 22 because I don't know how you can sell trading cards without a license from someone. And of course getting a license costs a lot of money including expensive insurance and a $100k royalties advance, but I'll worry about that later.

The other issue I have is I have no idea how the card companies acquire the images they put on cards. Do they get them from a third party like Getty Images and pay for them? Do they get them directly from the NFL? Or do they get them off the internet from sites like daylife.com, and if so do they still have to pay to use those images? And how much?

I emailed Upper Deck two days ago to ask about how they acquire images and have yet to get a response. Topps doesn't even have an email contact listed on their website. I'll have to wait until next week to place some phone calls and I'm not exactly looking forward to it because I know big companies like to give people the runaround who make inquiries like this, plus I can't imagine they'd want to divulge much information to someone whose intention is to compete with them.

I found a few companies online who will produce trading cards for you in small quantities for personal use, you just have to supply the .jpeg files. I am thinking of making ten cards or so to show as samples to the VC guys when I learn more about how to go about starting this business. Are there any kind of conventions for trading cards or maybe just sports collectibles where I could meet people who might be interested in joining up with me?

I am appreciative of any information, advice, or suggestions anyone can provide to help me pursue this venture.

[Philliesfan09]

They look great. You definately should!!!

[indyreds]

I believe that the card companies have their own photographers for pictures. Besides having to have the league and players union sign off on the cards I have personally seen the contracts from Topps to players to make their cards. Yes everyone has their hands out for some of that profit you are looking for.

[shaggyrockmer]

I found a few companies online who will produce trading cards for you in small quantities for personal use, you just have to supply the .jpeg files.

^^ what companie is that?

[C&C Collecting]

You will need the players unions to produce the image of the player. Then you will need the league to give you permission for the right to use team logos and uniforms. This isn't exactly a start-up friendly place. You might try something for Lacrosse or a small major league sport.
The pictures are gotten from a variety of places. Most of them are from photographers who work exclusively for the company, for example, Topps. Then you also have some other photographs that are used as well but that is rare and usually around something iconic.
As for those companies that are mentioned above, you can no longer have cards made with real players. I used to do that with a certain company but they will no longer allow a players image to be used at all, especially if it shows the logo of the sports team. I will not give out the name of the company so don't ask, I don't want to see people trying to sneak one past and see if they can get a card done. Besides, they require a bulk order of at least 15 or more.

If you are interested, truly interested in getting into the sports card business I would suggest aiming for an existing company. You aren't going to get rich overnight in professional sports unless you can play the game. I suggest investing in a camera (an expensive investment for the right one...at least $600+ for the camera and another $200-500 for a good lens) and going out to ballgames. Try to get good seats near the action for your photos look the best. Also, contact local minor league teams and ask them it you can shoot a game. They will provide a pass for you to go on the field if your equipment is decent enough. However, all the pics you take are technically property of the team...that doesn't mean you can't use them in your portfolio, however. You can also create different card designs and the like and build up a portfolio to take to card companies. It is not an easy world to get into...and one that will be filled with many letdowns. However, you never know and if there is a passion there then you should at least try. Better to live with the knowledge that you tried rather than never knowing. Good luck.