I’m Andrei “DRE” Ausch, a professional sketch card artist, illustrator and acrylic painter working in the entertainment and collectibles industry. Since 2016, I’ve created commercial sketch card art for publishers including Upper Deck, Perna Studios and Topps, contributing artwork to licensed projects featuring properties from Marvel, DC, Warner Bros., Paramount and Netflix.
My work is primarily focused on character-driven illustration and collectible trading card art. I enjoy taking familiar characters and interpreting them through my own approach to painting, composition, color and lighting while still respecting what makes those characters recognizable to collectors and fans.
Much of my professional illustration work has been created in the world of licensed sketch cards and trading card collectibles. Sketch cards are miniature pieces of original artwork created directly on official trading card stock, typically measuring only 2.5 by 3.5 inches. Working at that scale presents a unique challenge because every piece still needs to feel like a complete illustration despite the limited space.
Over the years, I’ve worked on numerous licensed sketch card projects, creating original artwork for collectors while developing a painting process that allows me to work within the small format without sacrificing detail, depth or character. The format has pushed me to continually refine how I approach composition, values, color and visual storytelling.
Marvel characters have been a significant part of my sketch card work, along with projects connected to DC and other entertainment properties. Each project brings different characters, visual styles and creative challenges, which is one of the things I continue to enjoy about working in licensed illustration.
Acrylic paint is my primary medium. I often work with thin layers of acrylic, building color, shadows, highlights and details gradually rather than treating the paint as a heavy opaque medium from the beginning. Depending on the artwork, I also incorporate colored pencil, airbrush and ink into my process.
My work is rooted in realism, but I’m not interested in simply reproducing a photograph. I want the finished piece to retain the energy and personality of an illustration. I’m constantly experimenting with technique, color and composition while trying to develop a visual style that feels distinctly my own.
Some of the artists who have influenced me include Joe Jusko, Simon Bisley, Alex Ross and Glenn Fabry. Their approaches to painting, anatomy, lighting, storytelling and character have all influenced how I think about illustration, while my own process continues to change as I study, experiment and produce new work.
My creative background extends beyond traditional artwork. I also have a background in graphic design and nearly 25 years of experience in digital marketing, working with both local and international brands.
That experience has had a significant influence on the way I approach illustration. Graphic design taught me to think about composition, hierarchy and visual communication, while marketing reinforced the importance of understanding how imagery connects with an audience. Those principles carry over naturally into my artwork, whether I’m working on a small sketch card, a larger painting or another illustration project.
One of the most important parts of being an artist for me is continuing to learn. I’m always looking for ways to improve my drawing, painting and understanding of color, anatomy, composition and technique. Every new project presents an opportunity to experiment, solve problems and refine the way I work.
That ongoing process is also one of the reasons I enjoy looking back at earlier artwork. Artistic development happens gradually, and producing work consistently makes it possible to see how techniques, decisions and personal style change over time.
DRE Studios is where I share my professional sketch card work, original artwork, paintings and other illustration projects. If you’re interested in Marvel and DC sketch card art, trading card illustration, acrylic painting or the process behind creating collectible artwork, you can explore my galleries to see more of my work.
Browse my sketch card art and illustration portfolio and follow my latest work as I continue creating, experimenting and developing as an artist.
