when colors work

there have been several recent posts about color combinations on cards and what works and what does not work. I am learning how to look at cards differently because of some insight I have taken from numerous experienced bloggers and I thank you all for that.

For me, I am still an "old-timer", a traditionalist, preferring the simplicity of the "vintage" cards photography and as a numbers guy (former high school math teacher coming out in me) I tend to notice things on the back of the cards more readily. Check out my irregular special feature termed "Clemente-ism" for some of my discoveries. When it comes to the modern and action photography and use of colors on the front, I am still rather raw.

Since I started this blog in late December 2008, my collection has taken a drastic turn . . . I now have over 1000 Chicago Cubs cards from 1990 thru 2009 (now that may not seem like alot but prior to December I had only 28 post 1990 cards). So I am learning to expand my horizons, appreciate "modern" cards in a different light and starting to look at cards from a new angle.

In getting back to what this post is about "when colors work", I found this Donruss Studio 2002 Moises Alou. There is just something about the Cubs colors and the American Flag that work. I also like the film strip with sights from the Chicago skyline as a black and white contrast. The posed photo of Alou has a rather corny smile but the chest logo is completely visible and the old cubby bear logo on the sleeve is also half way showing.

Red, white and blue . . . the Cubs logo . . . the American Flag . . . colors that work !

Cards from Ryan

I received a great assortment of Cubs cards from a new blogger named Ryan (check out his blog: ryans memorabilia blog.wordpress). He being an Orioles fan should see his package of "vintage" O's arrive shortly.

Included in this group is my first jersey card: Fred McGriff - Stars of 89 from the 2002 Upper Deck.

While I have heard about these cards (and the even newer"pants" cards) this is indeed my first official jersey in my collection. It is somewhat interesting to me to note what other bloggers have also noticed; that being that McGriff is shown as a Cub, the Cubs logo is on the back but the "Congratulations!" clearly states this: "authentic piece of jersey worn by Fred McGriff in an official Blue Jays MLB game". That's right a Blue Jay jersey is what I have.

Nonetheless, I like having my first jersey card - I will just have to keep it front side up and ignore the back.

Also included in this package was another first for me; a 1997 Pinnacle Mint Bronze card of Sammy Sosa 17 / 30. I do like this card, the contract between the color photo and black and white (or in this case bronze and white) really has a nice look. The look on Sosa's face reminds me of his courtroom look.

Ryan also sent me a few of my "new" favorite cards; 2008 UD Masterpieces. I am now on a mission to collect the entire Cubs set of these cards. I like the large picture, the heavy cardstock and the gold thin line border.

Thanks Ryan for sending me two firsts and two favorites. More of what Ryan sent will be featured in a future post.