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
01
Start a Conversation
TCTC reaches out to artists we like and invites them to collaborate.
02
Collaboration Setup
The artist fills out a short form about the collection, such as artwork choices, quantity, and pricing.
03
Confirm the Plan
TCTC and the artist discuss the details and agree on the final plan.
04
Sign the Agreement
Once everything is confirmed, both sides sign the collaboration agreement.
05
Sample & Content
TCTC creates physical samples, card mockups, and launch content.
06
Pre-Order Launch
TCTC and the artist launch the collection together. Pre-orders usually stay open for about one week.
07
Customer Payment
Orders and payments are collected through TCTC’s Big Cartel store.
08
Creator Payment
After the payment is collected, TCTC pays the artist based on the agreement.
09
Production
TCTC produces the cards based on the final pre-order quantity.
10
Fulfillment
TCTC packs and ships the finished cards to customers.
11
Continue Collaboration
Successful releases may lead to restocks or new collections.
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.
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 SetupConfirm 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
