# I Graded my Illustrator with TAG Grading **URL:** \ **Category:** Articles\ **Tags:** article, illustrator, tag\ **Created:** [May 4, 2024, 4:20pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002 "2024-05-04T16:20:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![neverforget50in07](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/neverforget50in07/32/1164_2.png) [@neverforget50in07](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/neverforget50in07)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 5:26pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/101 "2024-06-17T17:26:32Z")
If I collected sets, I would not use BGS (I don’t even have a BGS card) However it’s undeniable that they have carved out a market segment for themselves within Pokémon, being the black labels. ---
**Author:** ![wisewailmer](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/wisewailmer/32/179572_2.png) [@wisewailmer](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/wisewailmer)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 5:28pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/102 "2024-06-17T17:28:14Z")
Definitely agree. Not a fan of black labels but can’t deny the staying power they have. Though I never see any of the biggest names in pokemon mention or care about BLs. Seems like a hype game for the new guys and modern collectors to make them feel special ---
**Author:** ![smpratte](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/smpratte/32/79511_2.png) [@smpratte](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/smpratte)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/103 "2024-06-17T17:46:59Z")
This is a good point! There needs to be a balance for enjoyment. Third party grading was born from the need of a standard, not to be more critical. Tag’s level of critical analysis loses the plot. Their grade analysis feels like the zoidberg meme, your card got x grade and here are the reasons why you should feel bad for why it earned that grade. ---
**Author:** ![tidaldreams](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/tidaldreams/32/26292_2.png) [@tidaldreams](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/tidaldreams)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 7:48pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/104 "2024-06-17T19:48:23Z")
problem with these start up type grading companies is anyone buying their slabs is always gonna ask “whats the psa equivalent” at least cgc/bgs have other use cases that you can make an argument for grading with (e.g., black labels/pristine/9.5 grades if you want to try and upgrade from psa 10s/9s, cheaper/faster turnarounds in the case of cgc) and are well-respected in other collecting categories ---
**Author:** ![odds](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/odds/32/1909_2.png) [@odds](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/odds)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 8:02pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/105 "2024-06-17T20:02:48Z")
My takeaway is that TAG graded a 955/1000 a 10. With all the details why wouldnt we call that a 9.5? Seems goofy. & if this company didnt grade and just gave me reports of my cards id probably send a binder because it is interesting 🙃 ---
**Author:** ![nikhil](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/nikhil/32/222563_2.png) [@nikhil](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/nikhil)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 10:12pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/106 "2024-06-17T22:12:25Z")
Are you the Coop that gives the free cards to kids on YouTube shorts? ---
**Author:** ![Coop13](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/coop13/32/1290_2.png) [@Coop13](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/Coop13)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 10:32pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/107 "2024-06-17T22:32:50Z")
Click the youtube button next to my name and find out :pikasunglasses: ---
**Author:** ![nikhil](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/nikhil/32/222563_2.png) [@nikhil](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/nikhil)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 10:47pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/108 "2024-06-17T22:47:50Z")
Daaaang Hahaha, I’ve seen your videos pop up recently and thought you looked familiar and knew this e4 account existed but didn’t know if it was the same person. Nice stuff homie glad to see things have been going well! ---
**Author:** ![lyleberr](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/lyleberr/32/156919_2.png) [@lyleberr](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/lyleberr)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2024, 11:13pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/109 "2024-06-17T23:13:04Z")
👑 ---
**Author:** ![odds](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/odds/32/1909_2.png) [@odds](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/odds)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 10:52am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/110 "2024-06-18T10:52:13Z")
In my head i was like E4 coop a troll, this guy on the videos so nice cant be him 🤣🤣 ---
**Author:** ![codytcas](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/codytcas/32/32333_2.png) [@codytcas](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/codytcas)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 11:45am UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/111 "2024-06-18T11:45:07Z")
Every time there’s a new thread or discussion about a new grading company, or even CGC or Beckett for that matter, there’s always a lot of mental gymnastics happening to justify it. Actually, the fact that people feel the need to justify their decisions at all just tells me in some cases deep down they’re questioning or doubting their choice. As fast as PSA’s turnaround times are now I just don’t see the point of going with another company. ---
**Author:** ![swibby](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/swibby/32/94097_2.png) [@swibby](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/swibby)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 12:10pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/112 "2024-06-18T12:10:52Z")
I’m firmly in the PSA camp for consistency and value reasons. That said, it’s perfectly reasonable for people to explain their logic for using a new service as well as to have their own doubts about it. You don’t have to be a die hard supporter of a company to use them. I have plenty of doubts about PSA, and I still use them - does that make me a fool or does your logic only apply to other grading companies? TAG is marketing aggressively so it can be unclear whether a person is genuine or just shilling the product. That’s what I find annoying tbh. ---
**Author:** ![pokemonargentina](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/pokemonargentina/32/70617_2.png) [@pokemonargentina](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/pokemonargentina)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 12:39pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/113 "2024-06-18T12:39:07Z")
hard fact ---
**Author:** ![Coop13](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/coop13/32/1290_2.png) [@Coop13](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/Coop13)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 12:54pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/114 "2024-06-18T12:54:33Z")
> [@cpbog1](#): > > Q: How much is TAG paying you? > A: haha, unfortunately, nothing at all. I am just a big supporter of innovation and disruption in a stagnant industry. I’ve actively lived my life thematically breaking the status quo, and if I can support an entity that has been innovating and providing meaningful solutions to existing problems, I will support in the areas that make sense. Honestly probably a huge miss if true. The amount of free marketing you’ve given them by reviewing them AND grading one of, if not THE, rarest pokemon cards to exist is worth so much to TAG it’s kinda insane ---
**Author:** ![thundermoo](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/thundermoo/32/26253_2.png) [@thundermoo](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/thundermoo)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 1:27pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/115 "2024-06-18T13:27:06Z")
You’re the only _influencer_ I haven’t seen holding this card on Instagram yet, time to step up your game ---
**Author:** ![wisewailmer](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/wisewailmer/32/179572_2.png) [@wisewailmer](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/wisewailmer)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 1:34pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/116 "2024-06-18T13:34:34Z")
They can’t afford a coop sponsorship ---
**Author:** ![Coop13](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/coop13/32/1290_2.png) [@Coop13](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/Coop13)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 2:09pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/117 "2024-06-18T14:09:40Z")
![Litten subheading](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/9/5/95bd7adb7663580821d8d2d5f3b4ddfc82ee4901.jpeg) ![parks-and-rec-monalisa](https://efour.b-cdn.net/uploads/default/original/3X/8/2/82268e7ce7a8b84827b580abf770c23dcf407a81.gif) ---
**Author:** ![Dyl](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/dyl/32/234623_2.png) [@Dyl](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/Dyl)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 3:18pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/118 "2024-06-18T15:18:42Z")
We get the _real_ coop 😉 ---
**Author:** ![mightymax](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/mightymax/32/244_2.png) [@mightymax](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/mightymax)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 3:48pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/119 "2024-06-18T15:48:25Z")
would this huge write up have been made if the card got a 9 from tag or a 10 from psa? ---
**Author:** ![thurco](https://efour.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/www.elitefourum.com/thurco/32/40589_2.png) [@thurco](https://www.elitefourum.com/u/thurco)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2024, 4:43pm UTC](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002/120 "2024-06-24T16:43:01Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/05Mh9E4BiEM/maxresdefault.jpg "PSA & CGC ➜ TAG Cross Grading Experiment!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Mh9E4BiEM) Great video from JavaAkuma. Somehow I have even less faith in them than before. Missed dents, missed whitening, giving very generous grades to obvious bad damage. Considering their whole thing is ‘accuracy and consistency’ its a pretty eye opening video. [Previous page](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002.md?page=5) [Next page](https://www.elitefourum.com/t/i-graded-my-illustrator-with-tag-grading/48002.md?page=7)