An often overlooked aspect of sportscard creation - the 'write up' - is almost as much of an art form as mocking up a design for a card front. I myself am a nerd for card creations and all aspects of design (even the boring text). So I found this article to be a unique look at an underappreciated talent.
How many of you take the time to read the backs of cards (ok...not ALL of them, but some)? These words don't grow on trees.
Have you ever tried to write up a card back yourself? It's not as easy as you might think.
To me, things like where the word appears on a given line, the length of the line in comparison to the others, the overall aesthetics, the font size, the descriptive words, the accuracy of the information....I could go on. It all plays a role in making the cards comfortable to look at and consistent from one to the next.
Thank you Panini for taking a moment to give the writers center stage.
cool article. Rather ironic that it came from the company that release after release has the worst card backs in the history of cards.
ReplyDeleteThis was indeed an excellent article, quite nice to see someone touch on card backs. I think that many people gloss over the card photos and text and only focus on the rarity. I don't expect this to change much, if anything, but it's nice to see behind the scenes for those of us who do care about stuff like this.
ReplyDeleteI find the thing that's holding me back from completing the 88-89 OPC tribute site on my site is writing a brief blurb about the player with each card I post. At least I not restricted to a character count or have to stay positive about the player.
ReplyDeletehttp://jblarghcards.blogspot.com/
I read all my cards. Well not the doubles off course, but every card from every pack I open, I read. Cards from the 90's, when they used to write really long stuff, would take like a minute per card to check all the details and read the text. So I'd spend four hours in the sofa opening packs, and manage to open like a whopping 15 packs in that time...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I imagine that would be a pretty fun gig. Challenging, too, at times, I suppose. Imagine writing Sean Avery's. Where would you begin?
ReplyDelete"Known more for running his yap than for any actual hockey skills, Avery is also somewhat of a fashion plate. Look for him soon in the center of Hollywood Squares."
Circle gets the square!
ReplyDeleteGood stuff.
We saw Sean Avery today. Swore at some dealers, but signed later for some kids. The guy is a real study in contrast.
ReplyDelete