Magic: The Gathering artist proofs have become a rare collectible

Maximum The Gathering: Magic and the Gathering events, you will see guest artists with binders of cards — the prices of which are very different than you’d expect. These are likely artist proofs, also known as “whitebacks,” or “APs.” So, what are artist proofs and why should you care?

To start with, you don’t have to care. You can have whitebacks in any country. MagicThey are similar to Secret Lair drops in a certain way. They represent an additional level of interest that goes beyond what is usual. For illustrators like myself who work with Wizards of the Coast, it has always been typical to receive complimentary copies of products bearing our art so we have printed examples for our portfolios, for instance copies of Dungeons & Dragons books we’ve illustrated. It’s customary across industries. When I’ve worked on other clients’ books or magazines, I usually receive complimentary copies, too.

However MagicEach pack is unique and comes in a random package. Different cards have different rarities. Just giving each artist a box of booster packs wouldn’t guarantee that we get examples of our own art on finished cards. But, the value of actual cards would differ greatly on the secondary marketplace if they were. I’d have multiple free copies of Tempest’s For instance, you can use Earthcraft to play as a card instead of banging it!

Image: Wizards of the Coast

That’s why early on in the history of MagicWizards was the first to come up with an idea for artist proofs. The company decided to print actual cards in fixed quantities, but with the card back left blank — hence the name “whitebacks”. These then get distributed to artists, solving both troublesome issues: Artists were guaranteed copies of their art as printed, and issues of rarity and card value were taken off the table, since these weren’t “real” cards. They proved to be extremely useful early in my career. They were even included in my physical portfolios which I sent out to clients.

The Revised VersionThe 1994 release of ‘, could have been the first ever set of artist proofs to be regularly released. BetaProofs exist also, which were printed retroactively several months later. There was no AlphaOder Arabian NightsAll proofs.

However, soon after their creation, the players started to be curious. They are official printed Wizards products, so they are very rare. They are extremely rare. These cards are typically printed at 50 copies each. In fact, it was stated in contract with artists from a long time ago. This is why you will see an Magic whiteback in the wild, it’s one of only 50 or so in the whole world.

Randy Gallegos

However, exceptions do exist. Wizards first tried to print proofs for artists in language locales. On, I began to illustrate. Ice AgeThis was my last attempt at this, so I was grateful for the opportunity to receive a LotsThis is Ice Age proofs. The English translations are all gone but there is still a few versions available in another language. Fourth EditionIt is possible to also obtain foreign proofs. In 2015, foil proofs were introduced to artists. They usually come in boxes of 30.

Some artist eventually had the great idea of numbering proofs. Mark Poole may be the one who did number some of his early proofs, but found it tedious and quit for several years. The true edition status of the cards was highlighted by numbering, which has been adopted by most artists. I began numbering mine starting with 2013’s Gatecrash expansion.

On rare occasions, artists have gotten more than 50 proofs — also, sometimes less. Once, I was given a pile of proofs by another artist. Then, I had to pass them on. You can find more information here. Shadow over InnistradTo prove it, my Dead Weight is numbered at 100 and I also have 30 foils. You can find more information here Ravnica AllegianceI then got my proofs and numbered them. Later, another 50 copies were delivered by Vindictive Vampire! I’d already signed mine, so I dumped the extras. It was not an oversight. Limited means limited!

These unusual collectibles are almost a constant in the world of collecting. These collectibles are worth your time. They’re not even tournament legal. While some players keep them in their sleeves and only use them occasionally, others try to sneak them into tournaments. At least one other person tried to create an entire cube with artist proofs.

They’re also very rare. Magic Cards go. That’s also why their prices are often higher than their counterparts.

Randy Gallegos

The white backsides are often used by artists to create art. These canvases are considered natural and artists have been drawing on them since their inception. You can easily apply oil or acrylic to these cards with a little preparation. Some cards may already have custom artwork, but you might also find them in the marketplace. You could even commission an artist to make something for you. Collectors can also trade, buy and sell their artwork in a secondary market. The problem is that artist proofs can change as quickly as the stock of paper, making it difficult to draw on. (Amonkhet, I’m looking at you!)

Randy Gallegos

The best keepsakes are artist proofs from favorite artists. Although it might not be important today, some of our favorite artists have left behind artist proofs that can become very special treasures later. More so than even a signed card, these are items straight from the artist’s studio and, outside of the secondary market, they would have come straight from the hands of that artist. These items can be purchased directly from artists, which is an excellent way to support them.

These are also bonuses, and players can get them as physical goods. The Gathering Arena – Magic have no digital counterpart. One can imagine a future where NFT signatures are introduced that somehow overlay your in-game cards, but I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting.