This was a great project to work on. One, it’s football. And two, I was not only responsible for the art direction of this brand, I was also in charge of designing most of the set! This high-end football product will release in March of 2013. The memorabilia booklet cards are what drive this set, especially the Rookie Booklets (as some have up to eight jersey swatches per card). With just four cards per box at $200 a pop, you are guaranteed one Rookie Booklet, an autographed card and two other memorabilia and/or autograph cards. Last year (2011) was the debut of this Panini brand and the 2011 NFL Playbook was an instant success. The cards were highly acclaimed and quickly became one of the trading card company’s most desired sets. Now the pressure was on to continue this product’s good fortune… and do it in 2 weeks. Turn on the coffee maker.
The above graphic shows the initial looks that would drive the look and feel of the set. I usually begin with the common card. The common card for this high-end set includes a clear signature label and a level one foil pass (which means minimal coverage). So from the get go I had those elements and their specifications to contend with. The key with any design requirements is to create a final solution that doesn’t glaringly show these limitations. Below show my choice for the common and rookie common.
Here are some insert designs. Fabled Fabrics, a game-worn jersey swatch card and Accolades, an autographed card. Generally with inserts you are given a bit more freedom to elaborate on the line’s look and feel.
Here’s the Playbook Materials insert designs. These are the cards that drive the product. They are booklet style constructed cards. Simply put, they are two traditional memorabilia cards with a spine. With this amount of real estate you are able to design up to eight full size swatch cards and create some rare, high-end memorabilia. No wonder these are the drivers. I researched book covers (different leathers and spines) and wanted to add to the construction and unique look of the previous set. With a full foil pull (full coverage) the end result will hopefully look very nice. Fingers crossed.
Below are specs for the various number of possible swatches and how the hash marks lays out.
Here’s the Rookie Playbook version, cover and inside design.
The Rookie Mammoth card is an insert with a huge area for a jumbo swatch, around 400% larger than a regular swatch. Here the design needed to work for a regular jersey card, a Reebok NFL Equipment patch and for the new NFL Shield patch (on the new 2012 Nike jerseys).
I hope to get some actual samples to share soon!
Update 7/13:
Here are some pics of actual booklet cards.
- The Robert Griffin III Rookie Playbook: This booklet with acetate shadow box construction has it all- Jersey, multi-colored patch and auto. Only 25 made. I’ve seen some on eBay for a Buy It Now price tag of $1000!
- RG3 Rookie Auto 7x Swatch Booklet (Black Version): Also crash numbered to 25 this booklet came out looking dope… my personal favorite. Especially with all the multi-colored swatches. Panini did a great job on these. This specific one was going for only $400 on eBay.
For more images from Panini click here to view their gallery of booklet cards including their Printing Plate Cards (the 1 of 1’s). I haven’t seen those on eBay… yet.
From Ultimateboxbreaks.com check out this video of a 5/5 parallel. Watch the video form the 9 minute mark. How much will that one cost me?
