Young illustrator's Vikings star in 'iconic' game

A Viking-themed card game featuring images of Norse gods and myths has been created by a young illustrator for the Jorvik Viking Centre in York.

University of Huddersfield art graduate Katie Smith designed the 30 Top Trumps cards, giant versions of which are to be hidden in locations across the city as part of a new trail ahead of the attraction's Viking Festival next month.

Ms Smith, 25, said she had wanted to create a set of cards reflecting Norse heritage, myths and legends.

"Top Trumps is an iconic game, 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," she said.

Ms Smith, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Illustration in 2020, had been working for York Archaeology, the charity behind the Jorvik centre, for the last 18 months when the attraction was approached to create its very own set of cards for the famous game.

York Archaeology's Viking lore expert Lucas Norton created a list of characters to feature on the cards, which he then sent to Ms Smith, who went on to create an array of illustrations.

Ms Smith said: "It was a lot of fun, but also hard work making sure 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.

"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 while 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."

Ms Smith will also host an illustration workshop, aimed at young people aged 15 and over, at York's Barley Hall on 20 February.

The Jorvik Viking Festival is due to take place between 17-23 February in York.

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