Versus playing cards

Versus is a UK-based illustration collective and the purpose behind these two packs of highly original and innovative cards is to promote and facilitate self-promotion of the work of British artists and illustrators. See the boxes►

In November 2010 Versus launched their first pack at Start the Bus’s exhibition space in Bristol and everyone had a chance to see all the artists’ work and buy both the pack and the prints. In September 2011 Versus launched their second edition playing cards at The Parlour exhibition space in Bristol. Volume 1 was sub-titled “South West Collective” and curated by project coordinator Dave Ashby (Freelance Digital Designer and 3D Artist based in Bristol UK) from his personal illustration contacts; volume 2 (subtitled “Illustration Collective”) was run as a competition. Both packs were sponsored and printed by Ripe Digital.

Volume 1 - “South West Collective”

Above: Versus collaborative art playing cards vol.1, 2010.

Volume 2 - “Illustration Collective”

Above: Versus collaborative art playing cards vol.2, 2011.

Both packs of these self-promotional playing cards show 52 illustrations from 13 different artists, who have each illustrated a set of four cards: aces, twos, threes and so on. There are no jokers, but each pack has two extra cards listing the names and contact details of the artists.