Behind the Design of 2023 Topps Motif Football
The release of 2023 Topps Motif Football has football card collectors buzzing with excitement. This brand-new product under the Topps umbrella blends the collectability of iconic players with a fresh, modern design aesthetic. We had the opportunity to interview Adam Johnson, product manager at Topps, and Jed Papa, assistant product manager at Topps, to get the inside scoop on how the set came together and the creative choices behind its unique look.
The Process
When it came to selecting the players for the set, Papa explained that the goal was to strike a balance between legends and rising stars. “We selected the players based on their collectability within the hobby. This includes Hall of Fame players, as well as up-and-coming top rookie quarterbacks who are gaining momentum. We wanted to create an exciting and diverse set for collectors of all kinds,” said Papa. By curating a mix of legends and future stars, Topps ensured that the set would appeal to both long-time collectors and newcomers alike.
One of the standout features of 2023 Topps Motif Football is its unique base card design. Johnson described the creative process behind it: “We asked for a frame-style design that made it look like the player was being featured in a high-end art gallery. We also wanted the sleek watercolor design to really flood the area behind the athlete.”
Innovative Inserts and Colorful Parallels
The insert designs follow a similar art-based theme. “Most of the insert designs were based around different art styles or elements of art collecting,” said Johnson. “For example, Acrylic Drip and Aquarelle Autographs both stem from art styles. Virtuoso Marks plays off elite artist talents, while Gallery Graphs were inspired by looking at high-end art in a gallery. We also incorporated classic football elements into the program with Canvas Champions, Headline Signatures, and Gridiron Legends to highlight some of the best to ever play the game.”
The materials and parallels used in the set also play a big part in enhancing the overall aesthetic. Johnson noted that the canvas-style card stock was chosen to complement the art theme, and the colors were pulled directly from a traditional artist’s paint palette. “The parallels were built around specific shades like cadmium red and ultramarine blue to really help collectors dive into the program’s art style and theme,” Johnson explained.
The Collector Experience
According to Papa, the balance between traditional and modern elements is what makes this set special. “Collectors are increasingly drawn to high-end, modern aesthetics, and we wanted to blend that with the timeless aspects of football cards. The result is a unique fusion of tradition and modern artistry,” he said.
2023 Topps Motif Football stands out as a perfect combination of innovation and tradition. As Johnson put it, “We aimed to create something that not only looks stunning but resonates emotionally with collectors. The canvas card stock and watercolor design really make the colors pop, giving the cards a clean, high-quality feel.”
