FOUNDERS EDITION • SERIES ONE

Working Class
Weirdos

Every card has a story.
Every collector has one too.

A community-created collector card project built to celebrate the real people, unforgettable personalities, and original artists who keep the hobby alive.

Become a Featured CollectorJoin as a Founding Artist

REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. ONE UNFORGETTABLE CHASE.

OUR STORY

Built by collectors and artists,
for collectors and artists.

Blue Collar Collectors began as a dream between lifelong friends and collectors who wanted to create something unlike anything else in the hobby—something centered on the people whose friendships, personalities, occupations, stories, and passion make collecting special.

Series One: Working Class Weirdos turns real collectors and their stories into original characters they can chase, trade, collect, and proudly share with family and friends.

Because while cards may bring us together, people are what keep us together.
Blue Collar Collectors founders Danny Kindley and Dale Small

HOW IT WORKS

From a real story to a collectible character.

Every character begins with a person. Every finished card becomes part of a bigger community story.
01

Collectors share their story

Collectors complete a guided profile about who they are, what they collect, and what makes their story memorable.

02

Artists create the character

Selected artists use the collector packet as inspiration while bringing their own recognizable style and imagination to the final artwork.

03

The community comes together

The finished cards help collectors discover one another, share stories, trade with purpose, and celebrate the people behind the hobby.

Working Class Weirdos collector profile card-back example

MORE THAN A CHARACTER

The story continues on the back.

Collector-profile card backs are designed to help the community learn more about one another—what they collect, what they chase, what they are known for, and what makes them one of a kind.

The result is a card that can spark a trade, start a friendship, preserve a memory, and become part of a family’s collecting history.

SUPPORTING THE ARTISTS

Original voices deserve real recognition.

This project only becomes real through the hands and imagination of talented artists. We are committed to respecting their creative voice, recognizing their contribution, and working toward fair compensation for the art that gives every character life.

  • Creative freedom guided by each collector’s story
  • Visible recognition for Founders Edition contributions
  • A growing platform designed to introduce collectors to the artists behind the cards
Review the Founding Artist Agreement →
FOUNDERS
EDITION2026

THE PEOPLE WHO STARTED IT ALL

A place in the story from the very beginning.

The original artists, collectors, and contributors who take a chance on this first set will always be connected to the beginning of Blue Collar Collectors.

As the complete website grows, the founding group will be recognized in the future Blue Collar Collectors Founders Edition Hall of Fame. Each founding participant will also receive a special recognition piece selected for the project—a frameable certificate or an exclusive Founders Edition card.

Read the Founding Collector Welcome Letter →

BE PART OF SERIES ONE

Choose your place in the story.

Both forms are designed to be completed easily from a phone, tablet, or computer.
01FOR COLLECTORS

Become a Character

Share your story, collecting journey, personality, and reference photos for the artist packet.

Open Collector Application →02FOR ARTISTS

Help Create the First Set

Review the project brief, participation agreement, creative expectations, and electronic signature form.

Open Founding Artist Agreement →

COMMON QUESTIONS

What to know before applying.

What is Blue Collar Collectors?

It is a community-created collector card project featuring real collectors as original illustrated characters, with personal profile information on the card backs.

Do I need to be a professional collector?

No. The project is about real personalities and real stories. What matters most is your connection to the hobby and what makes your story memorable.

What happens after a collector applies?

Your completed application and reference photos are securely submitted to Blue Collar Collectors for review and preparation of a potential artist packet.

Can artists apply to participate?

Yes. Artists can review the complete Founding Artist Agreement and submit it electronically from the artist page.

Who founded the project?

Blue Collar Collectors was founded by lifelong friends and collectors Danny Kindley and Dale Small.