02 — Working model

Creator Collaboration Card Drops

Let's turn your work into a collection and share the upside.

For artists who want to launch a trading card collection together with TCTC. TCTC and the artist collaborate on the release and share net sales according to the agreed creator percentage.

Quick estimate

Artist Earnings Calculator

Typical range: 40–55%

Estimated Creator Earnings

$1,400.00

Estimate only. Final payout is based on actual net sales and the agreed creator share.

Process at a glance

  1. 01

    Start a Conversation

    TCTC reaches out to artists we like and invites them to collaborate.

  2. 02

    Collaboration Setup

    The artist fills out a short form about the collection, such as artwork choices, quantity, and pricing.

  3. 03

    Confirm the Plan

    TCTC and the artist discuss the details and agree on the final plan.

  4. 04

    Sign the Agreement

    Once everything is confirmed, both sides sign the collaboration agreement.

  5. 05

    Sample & Content

    TCTC creates physical samples, card mockups, and launch content.

  6. 06

    Pre-Order Launch

    TCTC and the artist launch the collection together. Pre-orders usually stay open for about one week.

  7. 07

    Customer Payment

    Orders and payments are collected through TCTC’s Big Cartel store.

  8. 08

    Creator Payment

    After the payment is collected, TCTC pays the artist based on the agreement.

  9. 09

    Production

    TCTC produces the cards based on the final pre-order quantity.

  10. 10

    Fulfillment

    TCTC packs and ships the finished cards to customers.

  11. 11

    Continue Collaboration

    Successful releases may lead to restocks or new collections.

01

Start a Conversation

TCTC reaches out to artists and creators whose work we genuinely like.

We introduce the collaboration, share examples of our cards, and talk briefly about how the project works.

If the artist is interested, we move forward to set up the collection.

02

Collaboration Setup

The artist fills out a short form about the collection.

This includes things like:

  • Artwork choices
  • Number of card designs
  • Pack structure
  • Retail price
  • Creator share
  • Any special card ideas or preferences

This gives us a clear starting point before we finalize the collection together.

Start Collaboration Setup
03

Confirm the Plan

TCTC reviews the artist’s answers and discusses the details with them.

We confirm the final collection structure, selected artworks, pricing, card quantity, special finishes, and creator share.

Small changes can still be made at this stage before anything is officially locked in.

04

Sign the Agreement

Once both sides are happy with the plan, we prepare the collaboration agreement.

The agreement confirms the collection details, creator payment, artwork usage, production, and other key terms.

Both sides sign before the project moves into production preparation.

05

Sample & Content

TCTC turns the selected artworks into trading card designs and prepares physical samples.

We also create mockups and launch materials that can be used on Instagram, websites, or other platforms.

The artist can review the cards before the collection is launched.

06

Pre-Order Launch

TCTC and the artist launch the collection together.

The collection is sold through pre-order, usually for about one week.

Both TCTC and the artist can share the launch with their audiences using the content prepared for the release.

07

Customer Payment

Customers place their orders through TCTC’s Big Cartel store.

TCTC collects the orders and payments during the pre-order period.

Once the pre-order closes, we know the final quantity that needs to be produced.

08

Creator Payment

After customer payments are collected, TCTC calculates the creator’s share based on the agreed terms.

The creator is paid according to the collaboration agreement.

The creator does not need to wait for the full production and shipping process to be completed before receiving their share.

09

Production

TCTC produces the collection based on the final pre-order quantity.

We handle card printing, special finishes, packaging, quality checks, and production coordination.

The artist does not need to manage manufacturing or communicate with suppliers.

10

Fulfillment

Once production is complete, TCTC packs the orders and ships them directly to customers.

We handle the fulfillment process, including packaging and order preparation.

The artist does not need to store inventory or ship individual orders.

11

Continue Collaboration

After the release, we review how the collection performed.

Successful collections may be restocked, expanded, or followed by a new release.

Artists can also work with TCTC again on future collections or different card concepts.