UPPER CRUST

FOUNDING CONTRIBUTOR CALL

Help Build the First Official Release

We’re assembling artists and creative contributors for the first release.

Apply to Contribute

Upper Crust is an artist-driven collectible series built around original work, limited drops, and real-world experiences.

AT ITS CORE, IT’S A TRADING CARD RELEASE. BUT IT’S ALSO SOMETHING BIGGER.

A collaborative project shaped by the artists behind it.

A platform for new and established creators.

A way to bring collectors and artists closer together.

We're bringing together artists, designers, creators, and collaborators to help shape the first official Upper Crust release, scheduled for October 2026.

Why Participate

This is an opportunity to help build something from the ground up.

Selected contributors will have the opportunity to:

  • Create original work featured in the first Upper Crust release

  • Collaborate with other artists and creators

  • Contribute to packaging, merchandise, and other creative elements

  • Receive physical copies of the finished release

  • Gain exposure to collectors and fellow artists

  • Be considered for future releases and projects

This is not meant to be a one-time project. We're building something that continues.

Three trading cards featuring cartoon characters with colorful backgrounds and red-and-white checkered borders. The first card shows a blue cartoon character in casual clothes with skateboards. The second card shows a character with spiky hair eating pizza. The third card depicts a frog-like character in a bowl of spaghetti wearing glasses and a helmet with swords.

Who we’re looking for.

You don't need to be part of the trading card world already.

You do need to bring something unique.

We're interested in original perspectives from:

  • Illustrators

  • Cartoonists

  • Comic Artists

  • Graffiti & Street Artists

  • Designers

  • Packaging Creatives

  • Merch Designers

  • Independent Creators

And more.

The medium is up to you. The perspective is what matters.

Three cartoon-style trading cards with red and white checkered borders. The first card features a distorted illustration with the title "Atlas Slice" and the subtitle "Blunt Force Trauma." The second card shows a yellow character wearing a chef's hat and apron, holding a slice of pizza near a green refrigerator, titled "The Pizza Parlor" by Brenda Bellosi. The third card depicts a cartoon person with spiky hair eating a slice of pizza, titled "The Fold" by Jim Ealing.

We’re intentionally open in style, but selective in execution.

Original artwork only

No AI-generated final artwork

No unlicensed or borrowed intellectual property

Quality over quantity

We're not looking for one specific look. We're looking for contributors who understand what we're trying to build.

Upper Crust is more than just card art.

We’re looking for contributors across multiple areas:

Trading Card Design
Three snack packets, one with a circular label and two with square labels, arranged over a black background.

Design

Packaging / Product Design

Icon of a paintbrush and a pencil crossed over a starry background.
Icon of two hands shaking, with three stars above, set on a teal background.

Creative Collaborators

Merch / Apparel Design

This is built around the experience.

NOT JUST COLLECTING CARDS, BUT OPENING THEM.

NOT JUST OWNING ARTWORK, BUT DISCOVERING THE ARTIST BEHIND IT.

THINK;

Opening Packs with Friends

Finding New Artists through Collecting

Physical and Digital Interaction

Future Drops, Collaborations, and Events

This is meant to be shared.

A first look at the identity and direction of Upper Crust.

More will be revealed soon.

If this resonates with you, apply below to contribute.

We're currently reviewing contributors for the first official release.

Every applicant will receive a free Upper Crust card from the experimental West Chester series while supplies last.

We’re building this either way.

You’re early. That matters.