CGC Signature Series Sketches on Blank Covers

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aj583
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CGC Signature Series Sketches on Blank Covers

Post by aj583 »

Looking to understand how folks go about securing CGC SS Sketch Cover art from their favorite artists.

I understand you need to have a CGC rep present when an artist is sketching a blank cover. Does this mean cons or comic shop signing (where the shop is an CGC submitter) are really the only locations this can be done at? Do I understand that CBCS can give a yellow label when they are not present at the actual sketching?

I assume it takes some time for an artist to do a sketch on a blank cover, so would it be challenging to get a sketch done at a busy con or shop? Do artists block appointments?

What are typical costs for a sketch from an artist? Do top tier artists may charge an arm and a leg?

If you’re trying to get a 9.8 SS rating, are folks getting their blank cover graded first at 9.8 and then getting it cracked for the sketch, or do most simply hunt down high grade raw and roll the dice?

I assume some folks here have this all figured out. Thanks for the insight!


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aj583
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Re: CGC Signature Series Sketches on Blank Covers

Post by aj583 »

Anyone have any pointers on this? Thanks again.


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devilsrain
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Re: CGC Signature Series Sketches on Blank Covers

Post by devilsrain »

Outside of a convention or comic shop, if you want to mail a blank to a creator, then you’ll need.......

A signature series invoice, a artist agreement form, the sketch cover and the artist or the reps address. You’ll need to explain to them what you want on the cover, what to sign and where to send it back to CGC (there’s an address for UPS or a PO BOX for USPS)

That doesn’t sound like it would be difficult but you’d be surprised how many things could go wrong.

All artists are different with their schedules. You’ll have to check with them to get a better understanding of how backed up they are with commissions. Some are (much) better than others with their turn around times.

As for costs, again it’s obviously going to differ. A low level artist who isn’t published might charge you $50-150 depending on what you ask for. Head sketch, bust, full fig etc. Oh you want Jim Lee? 3k

If possible buy your blanks in person so you can inspect them yourself. That way you can gauge if they’re 9.8 candidates. Ebay is usually pretty good as long as the seller provides decent photos. Midtowncomics.com is reliable too.

Hope that helps :thumb:
Last edited by devilsrain on Tue Jan 05, 2021 8:58:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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aj583
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Re: CGC Signature Series Sketches on Blank Covers

Post by aj583 »

Super helpful. Thanks! I didn’t know that you could send directly to the artist with a SS invoice. That makes sense.

$3k fir a famous artist. Wow. I assume in today’s day and age that’s how they make most of their $s. If I look at top VEI artists, I assume someone like Clayton Crain would be at the top end for VEI based on his Marvel work.

Funny, I’m not sure I’d feel great just sending my stuff and a note on what I want. For that kind of cash I’d at least like to have some type of email exchange on the sketch details, but I guess these guys are in high demand.


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devilsrain
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Re: CGC Signature Series Sketches on Blank Covers

Post by devilsrain »

No problem. Yes definitely establish some line of communication first.

I’d also suggest looking at whatever artists your interested in on comicartfans.com That could give you a better idea of what to expect in regard to sketch covers. There are many examples. Of course there’s no guarantee that you’ll get something amazing and therein lies part of the risk.

If you do attempt one be specific & provide subject references, trust me....it helps. Artists are crazy and have a tendency to do whatever they want.

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Re: CGC Signature Series Sketches on Blank Covers

Post by TheeBaldMoose »

I've done this once, but with a signature series book, and it was quite similar to what Devilsrain said.

The one thing I would add is make sure the artist gives basic information (phone number, address, etc) as they will try and contact them. I did this with Kekai Kotaki (X-O #15 1:50), and I was very happy that he was willing to do that. You'll need to explain, in detail, exactly what the artist should expect (ie, phone calls, letters, verification of some sort, confirmation of address, etc). I mean, spell it out for them, cuz there aren't many who collect as well as do the art (maybe not on your level at least), and even fewer who know what they should be doing (sending books to CGC). It's a good amount of work for them, so you may consider "tipping", as the work they will have to do is more than just the art.

You might want to reach out to CGC first, before you do anything, and verify what they expect. I know they recently moved to these one time use plastic bags that seal up and once opened, no longer are valid. Basically, after you complete the paperwork, they seal your signed books in a bag where you then (depending on the size of the Con) take it to their processing booth. You don't need an escort for them, as long as the bag is not opened.

CGC may send you a bag, you send it with your book, they complete the art, and put the book inside the bag and seal it. Then it can get shipped back to you, and you send it to CGC. That would cut out a ton of confusion for the artist.
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aj583
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Re: CGC Signature Series Sketches on Blank Covers

Post by aj583 »

Great insight. Thanks. I wonder if the best route is to have them just do original art. It seems like quite a process to do it in high grade on a comic cover.


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