CZX CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS TRADING CARDS
A print ad for distributors using key art from the show
Assignment: Logo / packaging / card design / product mockup / print ads
For Cryptozoic’s CZX Crisis on Infinite Earths trading cards set, I was able to design the packaging and some of the rare chase cards, such as autograph cards, autograph / wardrobe cards, and the popular STR*PWR (“Star Power”) chase. With extremely limited assets available, this project involved creating a lot of backgrounds and elements from scratch, attempting to stay as close as possible to the promotional materials released by The CW to promote this television event.
PACKAGING AND EXPLORATIONS
This box was designed to fit in with previous CZX style boxes. After creating 8 different versions of the box, I was steered towards the final design, which was much more minimal and allowed the logo to take center stage. I designed a new, subdued logotype for the set which wouldn’t compete with the CZX logo, and created a space themed background loosely based on some of the promotional images of Superman released before the episodes aired. Round shapes imply the shape of the Earth(s).
Inspiration for the CZX Crisis packaging
EARLY EXPLORATIONS FOR THE PACKAGING
In early designs, I explored the ideas of being more overt with the Earth motif, using the CW’s Crisis logo instead of the new subdued one I created, being more liberal with the gold foil, or using the textures of the characters’ costumes as an homage to the CZX Outlander box, which had used leather and tartan patterns. Below are 8 of the last mockups I did, just before settling on the final design.
OVERSIZED WARDROBE CARDS
3D mockup of one of the oversized wardrobe cards, showing foil and costume swatch placement
Some of the chase sets I got to design for this set included the oversized wardrobe cards, shown here. Because there were only three of these cards, I was able to make each of them a little more unique than a standard trading card. Each one features a color scheme unique to the character, and their logo is etched in foil at the bottom of the card, and the back of the cards show all three characters together in costume. For these cards, I was asked to place the CZX logo in the center of the card, with the X being cut out to show a swatch of production used fabric matching the costume worn in the photo of the character.
CZX STR*PWR CARDS
The STR*PWR cards are a popular chase set in Cryptozoic trading cards. Printed on a rainbow foil board with opaque white ink under the character art and STR*PWR logo to keep them visible at all times, they come in 4 color variants of differing rarities, and usually feature exciting, gaudy designs. Before working on this set, I created a mood board, taking inspiration from a handful of sources ranging from photos by NASA to some of my favorite audiobook covers. I’m very excited about how these cards came out, and can’t wait to see them in person!
Mood board / palette for the STR*PWR cards
