In this live drawing session, I sit down with fellow sketch card artist Gordon Wills to draw, talk art, and discuss working in the trading card and collectibles industry.
Gordon and I both started working on professional sketch cards around the same time. In this conversation, we talk about Marvel sketch cards, Upper Deck, developing as an artist, social media, commissions, and the creative process while Gordon works on a Cyclops piece.
Gordon’s first Upper Deck set was 2017 Marvel Premiere. After posting his artwork online, he received an unexpected message from Upper Deck asking if he would be interested in contributing to the set.
From there, Gordon worked on additional licensed projects, including Marvel movie sets such as Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
We also discuss the realities of sketch card work, including deadlines, licensing restrictions, large card counts, and maintaining quality while producing original artwork for a set.
While working on Cyclops, Gordon explains how he uses his sketchbook to prepare poses and ideas before drawing on the final card. By the time he starts a finished sketch card, he may have already drawn variations of the pose several times.
We also talk about how repetition helps artists improve. Creating dozens of sketch cards forces you to identify weaknesses, refine your process, and become more confident with your drawing.
Gordon also shares why he enjoys showing the construction behind his artwork through YouTube. Understanding the basic shapes, structure, and problem solving behind a finished drawing can help newer artists develop much faster.
We discuss Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and how social media has changed opportunities for artists.
Gordon was discovered by Upper Deck through Instagram, which is a good example of why simply putting your artwork online can matter. You never know who may be looking at your work or what opportunities can come from it.
We also talk about dealing with criticism, connecting with other artists, learning from the art community, and how sketch cards can become a starting point for larger opportunities in comics and illustration.
Gordon also talks about his YouTube channel, future art book ideas, commissions, and Artist Proof sketch cards.
You can find Gordon by searching for Art of Gordon Wills on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
If you’re interested in Marvel sketch cards, trading card art, drawing, or the creative process behind professional illustration, check out the full conversation.
