MeWeFree | A Word With Artist Cuyler Smith About His Pop Culture Trading Cards [COPPED]

Here at CISED, we approach art from a consumer standpoint. Basically, the posts I make are things that I would buy if I could afford it. Sometimes, I post items that I’ve bought. I’m still working on a way to define why what moves me moves me, but some of my recent purchases came in and I love it now that I can hold it in my hand.

The items I’m talking about are pop culture trading cards by California-based artist Cuyler Smith. The Houston-burb-raised illustrator hand draws trading cards of mostly sports-related characters from TV and movies. I can say that I was drawn to these due to the fact that I was an avid card collector as a child. Cuyler has a wide selection (if they aren’t sold out) and most come signed and numbered in editions of 90. Each also comes in a plastic top loader for preservation. At only $15 a pop for an original, unique piece of art, these were an easy buy for me. He also offers framed sets for $85.

I copped a card for myself and a card for my nephew from Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles. The one I grabbed for me was of Neon Boudeaux, Western University’s new star center in the classic movie Blue Chips. I got the neph one of Spike from Little Giants, since he loves the movie as much as his father and I do. Alas, he is also a Cowboys fan:

Cuyler is far from a rookie. His illustrations, inspired by visual storytelling, have been featured in the New York Post, Entertainment Weekly, and Cineplex Magazine. His clientele is even more impressive boasting brands which include Sony Pictures, Lionsgate Pictures, AMC Pictures, HBO, ThinkGeek, Sony PlayStation, Fandango, TSN, and the LA Kings. On top of his own art and freelance illustrating, Cuyler works as a college professor.

As Cuyler just had another successful show featuring new cards at Gallery 1988 on June 12, I grabbed a word with him about his pop culture trading cards. Check out our interview below followed by some more of Cuyler’s cards that I want

You can check out Cuyler’s latest show here.

Search Gallery 1988 for “Cuyler Smith” to find his other pieces that are available.

Check out Cuyler’s official website at cuylersmith.com.

Cuyler can be followed on Instagram and Twitter at @cuylersmith.

When did you first realize you had artistic talent?

I was always asking for paper to draw when I was young, and it was something that I enjoyed and always wanted to get better at. I have always and continue to strive to improve as much as possible.

How did you hone your craft?

I studied animation and illustration in college, and I love the classroom environment which is what led me to become a professor. I love being around creative individuals that inspire me and push me to work harder as well as sharing that knowledge as a community.

What was your breakout moment?

The first Trading Card show was really well received and that was the most recognition that I have received in regard to my work. It opened up several doors and allowed me to expand my creative voice.

How did the pop culture trading cards come to you?

I was looking to do something different for a group show at Gallery 1988 based on movies featuring Tom Hanks. I had finished a portrait of Jimmy Dugan from A League of Their Own and I just thought that it would be fun to make a print that was the size of a baseball card. I then thought it would be fun to sell them in top loaders to make them look and appear like an actual baseball card. It was just a print at that point and there wasn’t anything on the back. I only printed a small amount as I was unsure of the response and I was shocked at how well it was received.

Are the cards hand-drawn or digital art?

The images are hand drawn on an 8 ½” x 11” piece of paper with pencil and then I scan them in and color them digitally. Once the portrait is complete, I design the card layout and then scale the portrait to fit the card.

Do you print them up yourself?

After the first two cards, I started working with a baseball card printer that I have continued to work with to this day. With each new series, I try to incorporate all of the types of cards that I used to collect as a kid. I have started to do more lenticular and foil cards and I look forward to expanding even more.

How do you choose which characters you’re going to make cards for?

As a huge movie buff, I have a long list that I have been working from and I enjoy finding and creating the cards that people don’t expect.

Tell us about your latest show at Gallery 1988.

This is the fifth straight year of the series and I am extremely grateful to the entire staff at Gallery1988 for their continued support. I would have never imagined that the series would come this far, and I am excited to share the new work.

What advice would you have for up and coming artists?

Continue to follow your passion and never give up on your dreams.