About The Sketch Index
Preserving Original Artwork.Celebrating the Artists.Building the Museum.
Every sketch has a story.
The Sketch Index exists to ensure those stories are never lost.
Our story
Why the museum exists
Original sketch cards are one-of-one works of art. Each carries the unmistakable mark of the person who made it.
Yet many disappear into private collections. Some change hands, cross borders, or are quietly treasured for decades. Many are never seen again.
For years, there has been no permanent archive connecting the artwork with its artist, collectors, history, and journey. The Sketch Index exists to preserve those connections.
The goal is not to replace artists or collectors. It is to preserve the hobby they have built together.
Our mission
A trusted home for original sketch card artwork
To document, preserve, and celebrate original sketch card artwork while building the most trusted museum archive for artists, collectors, and future generations.
Every Museum Record represents more than a collectible. It represents an original piece of artwork—and a moment in an artist's body of work.
What makes us different
More than a database. A living museum.
We preserve
A permanent place for every story
Museum Records, Artwork Passports, permanent Museum IDs, and careful Archive Verification keep an artwork's identity and history connected.
We celebrate artists
The hand behind the artwork
Artist Profiles, galleries, Artist Notes, and artist confirmation make creators a visible and meaningful part of the record.
We respect collectors
Custodianship without exposure
Privacy, ownership controls, Museum Identity, and optional Current Custodian details let collectors participate on their own terms.
We build trust
Evidence over assumption
Archive Verification, Museum Update Requests, and evidence-based review help preserve an honest historical record as knowledge grows.
Our philosophy
What guides every decision
The artwork comes first.
The artist comes first.
The history comes first.
Everything else exists to support those principles.
Great art deserves to be seen.
Museum Records
One enduring record for one original artwork
A Museum Record gathers the essential details and history of an artwork in one public place.
Its Museum ID never changes, giving the artwork a permanent identity even as its story continues.
- Artwork
- Museum ID
- Artist
- Character
- Set
- Franchise
- Artwork Passport
- Grading & Authentication
- Artist Notes
- Current Public Custodian, when shared
- Archive Verification
Archive Verification
Accuracy, carefully considered
Archive Verified means information has been reviewed using evidence available to the museum.
Verification is about historical accuracy. It is not a statement about popularity, monetary value, or ownership.
Museum Records may evolve when new information becomes available. Updates add knowledge while preserving the integrity of the artwork's history.
For artists
A lifetime of work, brought together
Artist Profiles and galleries celebrate the people behind the artwork. Artists may claim a profile, add Artist Notes, confirm information, suggest corrections, and help preserve their artistic legacy.
Artists are never required to participate for their artwork to be preserved. Participation is welcomed, never expected.
Explore artist profilesFor collectors
Custodians of living history
Collectors preserve artwork. By submitting a sketch, they help ensure its history remains visible even as the artwork continues its journey.
Privacy is respected. Ownership sharing is optional, and Museum Identity allows collectors to participate without exposing personal information.
Visit the artwork galleryThe future
An archive designed to outlive us
The museum will grow one careful contribution at a time: more Museum Records, more franchises, and a deeper historical archive. Over time, that foundation may support a Museum Atlas, curated exhibits, Artist Spotlights, and educational resources that help new generations understand this remarkable art form.
The vision is simple: a museum where the breadth of sketch card art can be explored, studied, and appreciated for generations.
Help build the museum
Every contribution strengthens the archive
Collectors help preserve artwork.
Artists help preserve legacy.
Museum Update Requests improve accuracy.
Feedback helps the museum itself.