Behind the Design of 2024 Topps Chrome® Baseball
For the 2024 Topps Chrome® Baseball set, we had the opportunity to chat with Art Director Arvin Catriz, who shared some fascinating insights into the design process behind this highly anticipated release. This year’s set introduces some thrilling new inserts and autograph cards that are sure to catch the eyes of collectors.
“This year, we have a few inserts and autograph cards that are really exciting,” Catriz enthused. He highlighted three standout features: FANATICAL, which “plays with creative swirl lines that interact in and out of the player images,” the 1989 TOPPS CHROME LAYER VARIATION, which is “a play on the Topps 1989 design as a shadowbox card build,” and ON THE SPOT AUTOGRAPHS, described as “a perimeter die-cut autograph card with a blazing baseball graphic.” These new elements not only bring fresh aesthetics to the set but also enhance the overall collector experience.
Mastering Chrome Challenges
Chrome technology is a staple of Topps Chrome cards, but it brings its own set of challenges. “When it comes to Chrome cards, working out the intricacies of how we utilize white opaque ink over chrome substrates within our designs is always paramount,” he explained. The goal is to maintain a dynamic balance between the design elements and the shiny chrome substrate, ensuring that each card is visually striking.
Catriz’s enthusiasm for the project is evident when he talks about his favorite inserts. “We especially loved working on the Topps Chrome ALL ETCH and the Topps Chrome ALL ETCH ROOKIE RUSH. These designs were uniquely playful and had a perfect combination of retro colorings and modern elements.”
When designing other specific inserts like the Radiating Rookies or Base Award Winners Variations, attention to detail is crucial. “When working on variations of the base card design, it’s very important to honor the original design and where all the text and logos are placed,” he said. Moving elements too much can lead to covering key parts of the player images, which is something they diligently avoid.
Retro Meets Modern
The design team enjoyed mixing retro and modern elements this year. “I think it’s a staple element when it comes to Topps Chrome Baseball year over year,” Catriz noted. This blend of old and new creates a nostalgic yet fresh feel that appeals to a broad range of collectors.
Creating visually appealing cards that are also functional and collectible is a balancing act. “Our designers have a strong commitment to producing cards that have high-quality visual appeal and engaging artwork,” Catriz shared. Ensuring readability of text and proper contrast is essential. Additionally, they design with varying degrees of rarity to enhance collectability and stay informed by market trends and collector feedback to produce meaningful and well-rounded designs.
The 2024 Topps Chrome® Baseball set is a testament to the creativity and dedication of the design team. With exciting new features, a perfect blend of retro and modern elements, and a keen eye for detail, this year’s release promises to be a hit among collectors.
