I have already commented extensively on my distaste for this year’s cop out attempt at Elite Football, especially the hideous on card auto set that was previewed at the premiere. We also got a pretty awful look at the mock ups for these cards back a few months ago, which is basically the sign that this is not going to be pretty when it hits shelves.
Today, Panini released the first photo gallery of the rookie cards that will be the main focus of this set, seemingly in NON-mockup form. Bascially, what you see here is what you are going to get. That is where the problem is based. Let me preface my feedback with this:
I didnt hate the look of the Elite rookies last year. Even with all the foil, the cards still had a nice look to them. The autos were okay, and the on card set was a pleasant surprise.
When you look at what is going on here compared to cards like this from last year, it makes you wonder what the hell Panini was thinking when they designed the rookie cards this year.
First, why are they horizontally oriented? On cards like this it makes no sense because it limits the picture placement, and it also looks weird when the rest of the cards are vertically oriented.
In fact, someone posted what the cards COULD HAVE BEEN, if they were vertical. Its still not a “great” design, or even “good” design, but its SOOOOOO much better than what is in the product currently.
Secondly, There is ZERO REASON to slap the word “ROOKIE” in 175 point text crawling up the side like that. We know its a rookie with a smaller, or washed out version that doesnt immediately draw your eye like a car accident. Hell, we know Panini loves washed out text, because they ruined Prestige’s rookies with it.
Speaking of text crawling up the side, it looks like someone didnt care about text orientation or design composition, because they obviously didnt switch the player name and team on the right side of the card. It looks ridiculous, and its only going to be made worse by my last point.
When we got the previews, it looks like Panini was PLANNING on adding a HUGE WHITE BOX to house the autos. I sincerely hope this doesnt happen.
Here is the preview:
They should have just completed the look and turned the Elite logo sideways as well… Hey Gellman, you think this is their response to your bitching about the tiny little player pictures on their cards? 🙂
I read this site often and many times I think you are way too critical about cards.
But I gotta say that I actually laughed at how badly these cards were designed. I think you actually weren’t harsh enough on your review.
One of many reasons why I stop collecting football cards: Panini
OK, so what would you change? Take the pics above and tell us how you would move it around to create a “better” card. Let’s hear it.
Is it just me or does the Ingram card look like his face was photoshopped in? WTH? It looks wonky!!