Huddersfield alumna Katie's Viking Top Trumps launched by JORVIK Centre
Viking gods and myths are at the heart of a new addition to the iconic Top Trumps game as designed by University of Huddersfield illustrations graduate Katie Smith for the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre in York.
Katie, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Illustration in 2020, works for York Archaeology and leapt at the chance of designing a set of illustrations for the 30-strong pack when the charity behind JORVIK was asked to create its own set of Top Trumps.
“Top Trumps is an iconic game, and we wanted to create a set of cards that reflected Norse heritage, myths and legends, but unlike versions featuring cars or athletes, we couldn’t really photograph mythical creatures or Norse Gods, so this was an amazing opportunity to use my illustration skills,” explains Katie.
One of York Archaeology’s Viking lore experts, Lucas Norton, created a list of characters to feature, and then Katie set to work creating the amazing array of illustrations that would be used on the cards.
“It was a lot of fun, but also hard work making sure that the illustrations captured not only the look, but also the spirit of the character – and with their core strengths highlighted in the statistics below each image, that had to be right.” Katie adds.
The new Top Trump cards have been released just ahead of JORVIK’s Viking Festival, and are available to buy from JORVIK online. Giant Top Trump cards will be hidden in locations across the city, creating a brand new Viking-themed trail, and Katie will also host an illustration workshop, aimed primarily at young people aged 15 and over.
“There are so few opportunities for young people to explore opportunities in illustration, and I would have found it incredibly useful to have someone to talk to before I made my college and university choices about how you can turn a passion for art into a career,” explains Katie.
“Breaking into the industry when you don’t know anyone within it can be tough, and it took me a couple of years of building a portfolio whilst working full-time in a very different role before I found my feet. Designing a set of Top Trumps and actually holding the completed game in my hand feels amazing.”
Katie’s The Art of Illustration Workshop takes place at Barley Hall on Thursday 20 February, and features an introductory talk followed by a drawing workshop, where participants will be supported by Katie. Each participant will also receive a limited edition Top Trumps card that Katie will sign. The workshop is £10 per person, with discounted tickets available for anyone on a low income. To book, visit jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk.
Architecture students from Huddersfield visited Barley Hall in 2024 for a two-day workshop around innovative applications of digital technology at the medieval-era townhouse off Stonegate.