Oldmanalan: Baseball, Project 2020 & Project 70

Baseball cards have long been cherished by collectors, not just for their nostalgic value but also for their artistic and historical significance. Over the years, the hobby has evolved, with artists re-imagining classic designs and bringing fresh perspectives to the medium. Among the notable contributors to this transformation is Oldmanalan, a creative force who has left a lasting impact through his work with Topps. His involvement in Project 2020 and Project 70 has introduced collectors to a new way of appreciating baseball cards, blending tradition with modern aesthetics.

Oldmanalan’s artistic approach is deeply rooted in his background in streetwear, sneakers, and digital curation. His ability to merge these influences with the rich history of baseball has set his work apart, making his cards highly sought after by both traditional collectors and new fans alike. By reinterpreting legendary players and iconic card designs, he has successfully bridged the gap between classic baseball nostalgia and contemporary artistic expression.

All About Oldmanalan

Hailing from Sacramento, California, Oldmanalan has established himself as a “behind-the-scenes tastemaker and incognito arbiter of taste” in the realms of fashion and art. His journey began with a deep-rooted passion for sneakers and street wear, which he channeled into creating and curating various Instagram communities focused on these interests. Over the years, he has managed multiple influential pages, sharing captivating content that has resonated with a broad audience.

Little is known about the man behind the “Oldmanalan” moniker but in 2019 he told Fashion Moves Forward, that he has a wife and kids. Although deeply entrenched in the Internet for his business and artistic works, he commented that life away from the Internet is also “amazing.”

Oldmanalan’s Artistic Style

Oldmanalan’s artistic style is characterized by a seamless blend of nostalgia and modernity. He possesses a keen eye for aesthetics, often drawing inspiration from vintage designs and re-imagining them through a contemporary lens. His work reflects a deep appreciation for classic motifs, which he revitalizes with fresh perspectives and innovative techniques. For example, a line of caps on his website take the iconic New York Yankees and LA Dodgers logos. The designs place the logos in new and innovative ways, while also experimenting with texture and materials.

In his collaborations with Topps, this distinctive approach is also evident. Oldmanalan’s cards incorporate vintage photography where other artists chose mixed media or digital art. As a result, Oldmanalan’s cards stand out in the sets as being uniquely focused on photography. They often look very different from the other Project 2020 cards.

Project 2020 & Oldmanalan

Topps’ Project 2020 was an ambitious initiative that brought together 20 artists to reinterpret 20 iconic baseball cards. This resulted in 400 unique designs. Oldmanalan was among the selected artists, contributing his vision to several classic cards. Through these works, Oldmanalan has demonstrated a profound respect for baseball history. He coupled this with a desire to explore what it means to improve upon traditional card design.

One notable example is his rendition of the 1952 Jackie Robinson card. As part of the iconic 1952 Topps set, the card features a bold portrait of Robinson against a vibrant background. It exemplifies the aesthetic and quality that made the 1952 set legendary. In Project 2020, Oldmanalan takes this famous card and replaces the image of Robinson with a brighter photo. His choice makes the card come alive and look real in a way the 1952 version simply can’t.

Another significant contribution is his interpretation of the 1954 Ted Williams card. He brings new life to the Williams card too, showcasing his ability to blend classic imagery with modern aesthetics. This resulted in a fresh take on the legendary baseball figure. The card was incredibly well-received, with a print run of 41,407 copies.

Project 70 & Oldmanalan

In 2021, Topps hoped that lightning would strike twice when they released an extensive collection of cards known as Project 70. This time, 51 different artists redesigned cards of their own choosing, and Oldmanalan once again took part.

Oldmanalan’s designs effectively blend nostalgia with a fresh, modern perspective. The interpretations often feature dynamic compositions and eye-catching visual elements. These resonate with both traditional card collectors and contemporary art enthusiasts. The final result is a very unique and highly sought after set of cards within the Project 70 lineup.

Unlike the photo-centric cards in the Project 2020 set, Oldmanalan’s Project 70 cards were heavily-focused on graphic design and digital art. His interpretation of Tim Lincecum, for example, imagined a card that looked like a 70s music festival poster. Complete with a long-haired Lincecum in the center with a guitar. Other standouts from the set included his Shohei Ohtani card, and Cody Bellinger, which also has a poster-like design.

Other Baseball-Related Projects

Beyond his collaborations with Topps, Oldmanalan’s influence extends into various facets of baseball culture. His curated Instagram communities often feature content related to baseball aesthetics, bridging the gap between sports and street wear. Additionally, his engagement with the sneaker community intersects with baseball, as he highlights footwear that draws inspiration from the sport.

While specific projects outside of Topps are not extensively documented, Oldmanalan’s overarching impact on the visual culture surrounding baseball is evident. His ability to curate and create content that resonates with diverse audiences has contributed to a renewed appreciation for the artistry inherent in baseball memorabilia.

Conclusion

Oldmanalan stands at the intersection of art, fashion, and sports, bringing a fresh perspective to the world of baseball cards. His collaborations with Topps through Project 2020 and Project 70 have redefined how we perceive and collect these cherished items. They successfully blend nostalgia with contemporary artistry. As he continues to influence and inspire through his various endeavors, Oldmanalan remains a pivotal figure in the evolving narrative of baseball card artistry.