King Saladeen's smallest canvas? Project 2020 baseball cards

Think a lot of Project 2020 baseball cards are made digitally? Think again. (Via @kingsaladeen | Instagram)

One thing you might assume about Topps Project 2020 is that many artists do their work digitally but that's not often the case and as you can see above that's definitely not the deal here.

That's the work of King Saladeen as he bought his Willie Mays card to life for the series and he teased it via his Instagram page.

"I wanted to show some of the process behind creating my latest card," he wrote with this behind-the-scenes image. "My goal is to add to each card, add some of my swag and vision from this present time. ... This Project was unreal to bring the new-school creators to another amazing arena. Art and sports both saved my life. Blessed to show the world my vision on so many different canvas."

If you're wondering , his canvas has included plenty of things -- vinyl bears, clothing, airport murals, traditional pieces and even millions of dollars in exotic sports cars.

We touched base with this West Philadelphia-born artist for a Hobby Q&A to learn a little more about his experience in Project 2020.

Saladeen's take on the 1952 Topps Willie Mays card sold 5,459 copies.

Do you collect any sports stuff or anything else? Are you a fan of any players or teams?
"Never collected anything -- just recently started collecting designer art toys. Huge LeBron and Kobe fan. MJ, of course. Allen Iverson as well."

The first Topps Project 2020 card for new Hall of Famer Derek Jeter came from Saladeen and sold 9,873 copies -- a new record that more than doubled the previous high.

For those who might not know your background … you’ve done a lot from your JP Money Bear vinyls to painting exotic cars. Were there any hesitations about doing baseball cards?
"No hesitations. I was very excited to be a part of Topps Project 2020 -- excited to show my art style on a new canvas."

Saladeen's take on Don Mattingly's 1984 Topps Rookie Card sold 2,763 copies.

Of your cards out so far, which is your favorite? And which one to come will be your big card?
"Ken Griffey Jr. was my first card and I remember him growing up as the Jordan of baseball. And I’m really looking forward to doing Jackie Robinson's card because that is one of my grandpop's favorite players."

Saladeen's take on the 2001 Topps Ichiro Suzuki Rookie Card sold 11,425 copies.

How would you describe your style?
"My style is energetic and vibrant and also coming from an athletic/artistic point of view. I am trying new methods for this project since it's the smallest canvas I have ever released."

Saladeen's debut card in the series was his take on the 1989 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. It sold 2,504 copies.

How does a card come to life for you? Can you take us through the steps for your Griffey?
"First we research to add to all my childhood memories and from there try to artistically bring what he brought to the game. His colorful energy changed the entire Major League's perspective on a young black man."

JP Money Bear also came to cardboard with so much interest in his Project 2020 cards -- but this one wasn't via Topps.

Have there been any surprises working on Project 2020? Or anything you’d like to add?
"So many things have surprised me from this project from all the artists involved, to how big of an investment opportunity this has become. It has given me the opportunity to learn so much about players of the past and the things I could pass on to my son. This project has been very powerful and positive."

Look for King Saladeen's newest Topps Project 2020 card dropping on Monday (June 8).

--

>> See more Topps Project 2020 Q&A here

>> Tyson Beck Project 2020 Q&A here

>> Check out the entire Topps Project 2020 series here

--

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com.