The artist behind one of the 1990s’ most memorable trading card subsets is back in the game.
Terry Smith, who created 61 works used for the Fleer’s Pro-Vision cards, has a new line of sports art on the market, but his latest works will cost a bit more than a pack of cards.
Smith has produced TSC Limited Edition giclée prints of NBA players that will be capped at 250 to 500 pieces, depending on the athlete. The first subject is LeBron James. Others will be released once a week and available for seven days or until they’re sold out.
Each print is 36”x24” and signed by Smith. Each will come with a numbered letter of authenticity. The prints cost $499 with artist proof versions also available at $999.
The plan is to expand to other sports in the future.
Smith says he felt athletes deserved a new treatment in how they should be portrayed in the art world.
“In the ’50s, the movie stars were cultural icons. They were the aspirational figures that society seemed to idolize and follow,” Smith stated. “In the ’60s rock stars moved to the top of the cultural icon charts. In the late ’80s we began to see another shift. Athletes were beginning to emerge as the most recognized and followed figures worldwide. They were fast becoming the new cultural icons in society on a global basis.”
Over the years, Smith’s paintings have been used for major sporting events including the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl, and NHL All-Star Game. His art has been commissioned by numerous athletes, companies, and collectors.
Smith is known for much more than those Pro Visions cards and sports art, though. He also created content with major studios like Sony Entertainment and Universal Studios and has held creative leadership roles at companies like Electronic Arts, Sony Computer Entertainment, Activision, and Zynga. He is also well-known for his art and creative art direction for video game properties such as God of War for Sony and Americans McGee’s Alice for Electronic Arts.
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