The Gladiators Trading Cards project was created as a conceptual series, reimagining the iconic TV show through a collectible format.

Drawing from the structure and style of traditional trading cards, the aim was to capture the personalities, strengths, and visual identity of each Gladiator in a way that felt both nostalgic and contemporary. Rather than simply recreating existing assets, the project focused on building a cohesive system that could translate the energy of the show into a physical, collectible format.

Each card acts as part of a wider set, designed to be viewed both individually and as a complete collection.

The starting point was the format itself. Trading cards have a clear structure, front-facing visuals, stats, identifiers, and the challenge was to use that framework in a way that felt considered rather than repetitive.

Each card was built around the character it represented, balancing bold visual elements with a consistent layout system. Colour, typography, and composition were all used to give each Gladiator a distinct presence, while still maintaining a unified look across the full set.

At the same time, there was a focus on restraint. With strong source material and recognisable personalities, the aim wasn’t to over-design, but to let the core idea carry through clearly. This allowed the series to feel clean, intentional, and easy to engage with as a collection.

The final set brings together a series of cards that feel both familiar and newly interpreted.

As a collection, the cards create a cohesive system that captures the spirit of the original format while giving it a more contemporary edge. Individually, each card holds its own, but together they build a sense of completeness — something that feels designed to be collected, shared, and revisited.

More than anything, the project shows how a strong concept, when applied consistently, can carry across an entire body of work.