Preston Linzy II on Design, Culture, and Topps

Topps Graphic Designer Preston Linzy II Talks The Hobby

Date: Feb 6, 2026

Topics: 2025-26 Topps Chrome Basketball, Cards and Culture, Trending

Length: 1006 Words

Reading Time: ~6 Minutes

For Preston Linzy II, design has always lived at the intersection of creativity, sport, and culture. At 32, he brings that blend to life as a graphic designer at Topps, helping shape the visuals that collectors connect with every time they open a pack.

A University of Arizona graduate and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Preston’s path into The Hobby has been guided by a lifelong appreciation for art and athletics. Since joining Fanatics in December 2023, he has approached his work with intention and gratitude, contributing behind the scenes to products that reflect both legacy and innovation. His journey speaks to the power of representation, thoughtful design, and storytelling within The Hobby. We celebrate Black History Month by sharing his story.

Preston Linzy II is a graphic designer at Topps whose work blends sport, culture, and storytelling. Since joining Fanatics in 2023, he has helped shape products like Topps Chrome Basketball while championing thoughtful design and representation behind the scenes in The Hobby.

Can you walk us through your journey into design and how that path ultimately led you to Topps?

“I’ve always had an interest in art and computers, so it felt natural that I pursued a career in graphic design when I was in college. When I graduated, I knew I wanted to work in the sports industry, so I built a body of work centered around sports ad campaigns, sports logos, and social media graphics.

“I started my professional career working in college athletics, and after about five years in that space, I began thinking about what the next step in sports might look like for me. I came across an opening at Fanatics, applied, interviewed, and the rest is history.”

What does your role as a graphic designer at Topps involve day to day, and what parts of the process excite you the most?

“Day to day can vary depending on the projects the team and I are working on, but when a new project comes in, it typically starts with meetings to define the scope of what we’re creating. From there, we move into mood-boarding to collect ideas and help guide the design direction for each subset of cards. Once that foundation is set, we begin designing.

“Designing trading cards involves more than traditional graphic design. Printing technology and production specifications play a huge role in how the final product comes together. That’s what excites me most. Every card design feels like an exercise in product design just as much as it is graphic and print design.”

As a Black creative working in the sports and collectibles space, how has your background and perspective shaped the way you approach design?

“I think my background shapes where I draw inspiration from. I grew up drawing and developing an appreciation for art, so I enjoy referencing visual elements from the media I consumed over the years. A lot of that inspiration becomes abstracted during the card creation process. It might be something as simple as lighting I remember from a TV show, or typography from an ad I saw in a sports magazine.

“I also make it a point to be mindful of how those influences are represented, making sure I’m respectful of the cultures and spaces they come from.”

How important is representation behind the scenes in The Hobby, and what does it mean to you to be part of that visibility at Topps?

“I’m humbled and grateful to be a part of Fanatics, and I try to center that gratitude in how I approach my work every day. Representation in spaces like this is incredibly important. It helps foster a more inclusive creative environment and brings a wider range of perspectives into the design process. Being able to contribute those perspectives while also being a strong team player means a lot to me.”

Are there any designs or projects you’ve worked on that feel especially meaningful or personal to you?

“I was fortunate to work on cards for Topps Chrome® Basketball this past year, as well as Royalty UFC. Seeing those cards come to life was extremely gratifying. As a huge NBA fan, getting the opportunity to work on a major project that helps reintroduce a new generation of fans to Topps Basketball cards was truly a dream come true.”

What advice would you give to young Black creatives who are interested in design, sports, or finding their own path into The Hobby?

“The best advice I can give is to find something you’re truly passionate about and let that passion drive your designs and portfolio. Some of my best work in college and early in my career came from projects I felt deeply connected to. The journey definitely wasn’t easy, but if you use your love for the craft as fuel and stay focused on building a plan around what you want to pursue, great things can happen.”

Topps Black History Spotlight FAQs

Who is Preston Linzy II at Topps?
- Preston Linzy II is a graphic designer at Topps who contributes to trading card design across multiple products, blending graphic, print, and product design within the sports collectibles space.
What does a Topps graphic designer do?
- Topps graphic designers develop card visuals, collaborate on creative direction, and work within printing and production constraints to bring trading card designs to life.
How did Preston Linzy II get into sports design?
- He built a sports-focused portfolio in college, worked in college athletics, and later joined Fanatics after applying for an open design role.
What Topps products has Preston worked on?
- He has contributed to Topps Chrome® Basketball and Royalty UFC, projects he describes as especially meaningful.