Kevin Espina is a lifelong sports card collector and a unique self-taught sports card artist who reimagines sports cards by transforming and handcrafting them into one-of-a-kind and three-dimensional pieces of art. His creative journey began in the summer of 2020 and has caught the attention of many sports cards collectors garnering dozens of commissions along the way. With a passion for craftsmanship and a childhood hobby in collecting sports cards, it was a no-brainer for him to combine the two realms in the form of art. Kevin was born in 1986 in Baguio City, Philippines and moved to California in 1995 with his family. He studied Structural Engineering at UC San Diego and now resides in east San Diego, where he balances his artistic pursuits with daily responsibilities at the Hobby Homies Card Shop in the heart of Encinitas, CA. Kevin’s work continues to evolve, and he is eager to collaborate with more athletes and fellow artists in the future. His innovative approach to sports card art has garnered recognition within the sports card world, and he remains dedicated to creating card art in its highest quality and expanding the boundaries of his craft.

My artwork explores the intersection of craft and art, using different elements of mass produced and manufactured sports cards into three-dimensional, one-of-a-kind pieces. It is a fusion of nostalgia and modernity, blending the iconic imagery of vintage sports cards with the athletes of today. My process begins by meticulously hand-picking specific components from various sets of sports cards including iconic images of legendary players, vibrant background pieces, and intricate frames, to create something entirely unique. Each card is a piece of storytelling, where I combine vintage and iconic designs with modern and contemporary athletes, forging connections between eras. I also enjoy designing and handcrafting bold, colorful, and geometric patterns that stand out and engage the collector. My process is driven by my passion in collecting sports cards and the endless possibilities of reimagining them, making my works both a celebration of the past and a creative exploration of the present. Every component of every card art piece is a tribute to the athletes and the stories they tell.