UC2018 Decks "DeNovo" by Rick Davidson

[Mike Ratledge]

As we have seen and will be seen in the Shadows of History project and Rick's custom LUXX decks for JP (Palme, Greille), Rick is a fabulous deck artist and his original Origins & Grail of decks were in the winners circle of our previous Deck of the Year contest.

I truly look forward to the reveal of this project!!

(now launched, and over 50% funded in under 7 hours)

[ecNate]

<anything> by Rick Davidson

I've heard enough, awesome! My only hope is it will be fully custom courts and not just modified or in the traditional style. Has an overall theme been determined yet? If it's even close to being on par with any of the Origins it will be a HUGE winner.

[vasta41]

I personally hope for USPCC printing but most importantly I hope for something that has been promised but undelivered the past few years and that is *SOME* kind of UC member perk. Hell, $0.50 off would be a plus at this point. Not that I need that but it would be nice incentive to join and participate. Com'on, Mike- make it happen this time!

[RickDavidson]

Thanks Mike, guys I am bouncing a few ideas around but would be more than happy to hear yours. There was a thread on decks you'd like to see which was great to read. Should be fun! Right now yes I'm working up to the Shadows campaign which begins in less than a day! Love to see you there!

[Räpylätassu]

I would love to see an Arabic or an Ottoman Empire themed deck!

[Azid]

Found this on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rickdavidsonz/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"Waiting for everyone to finally receive their Shadows packs! Until then, here’s a sneak peak at my next looming project, De Novo - the United Cardists 2018 Annual Deck. Play the future. Honoured to be creating for the group and looking forward to producing something completely different "

[vasta41]

Just when I think modern playing cards designs have reached their pinnacle, I see this!

[sinjin7]

Holy schnikes!

[sms69x]

Despite the fact that it looks fantastic and being by Rick I know it will be something special, I don't see the link with this forum... Well but now I think of it, except the fantastic first edition by Randy, none of the successors had a big connection with UC..
I'll be there just for the simple fact that it is designed by one of the most talented artists in the field!

[vasta41]

Despite the fact that it looks fantastic and being by Rick I know it will be something special, I don't see the link with this forum... Well but now I think of it, except the fantastic first edition by Randy, none of the successors had a big connection with UC..
I'll be there just for the simple fact that it is designed by one of the most talented artists in the field!

After the 2nd Edition I too wanted to see more UC branding elements. But I later came to accept the fact that there's only so much that can be done to annual decks to "resemble" UC. So as long as there's an evident and obvious mention of UC on the deck, I'm okay with it nowadays. Because at the end of the day I'd rather see the series continue than stop due to lack of options.

[Bradius]

What is it that is going on with tucks these days? They are getting blinged out to the moon lately. Not that I am complaining. I am just waiting for somebody to have them equipped with a small solar panel so they can light up the case. I am glad I am not the person coming up with these ideas.

Anyway, so far it looks amazing. De Novo "Starting from the beginning".

[Oscar53955]

Very nice design! I noticed that it doesn’t have a seal, similar to Lotreks decks. I’m glad this deck is also going with no seal. Although custom seals are a nice touch, it looks bad after breaking the seal, at least how I do it

Looking forward to seeing the cards

[sinjin7]

Despite the fact that it looks fantastic and being by Rick I know it will be something special, I don't see the link with this forum... Well but now I think of it, except the fantastic first edition by Randy, none of the successors had a big connection with UC..
I'll be there just for the simple fact that it is designed by one of the most talented artists in the field!

Randy's original Annual UC Deck was very obviously associated with UC. The second Annual deck, Grotesque, was almost devoid of much mention that it was supposed to be a UC Annual deck and many of us brought that out to Mike's attention. All the following Annual UC decks after that had sufficient references both on the tucks and AoS to be clearly labelled as Annual UC decks. Would I like to see even more UC branding on our Annual Decks? Yes! But I would always defer to each individual artist's prerogatives when it comes to the design of the Annual UC decks. I'm sure Rick is very aware this is an Annual UC deck and I'm confident he will tastefully incorporate that fact into the design.

[RickDavidson]

Hi team, great comments thank you. It helps to have a clear theme coming through. I'd really like to hear your feedback during the design process and will post updates.

I do want to give this a distinctive UC feel and have plans to pump up the UC branding. The above is a an early concept for one of two decks, this being toned down / metallics, the other having UC colours which will likely change it's look quite substantially. Hoping to find a balance that will appeal to the masses.

The concept behind De Novo ('anew' or 'from the beginning') is to start fresh and imagine a deck from our future and how playing cards may have evolved further - a flip on my previous historic decks. Each suit is inspired by factions in a world of contrasting beliefs and advancing technology. I'll push ahead and aim to post a few concepts soon, feedback is always welcome.

[shaitani]

Wow, I've been away from UC for a few and I just saw this. Incredible looking concept.
+Follow rickdavidsonz

[Lotrek]

Yes. absolutely fabulous tuck. It almost doesn't need to have cards inside!

[Azid]

A "new" pic (uploaded almost 2 weeks ago....) from Rick Davidson via Instagram ---->> https://www.instagram.com/rickdavidsonz/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I'm just wondering why he doesn't share this direct to the forums as it is the UC2018 deck


Ready for some more Card P*rn ?

[Bradius]

I am not wild with this back. The main green seems overly bright. I would have gone with a much more muted green shades. I am not wild about the art either. It just isn't working much for me. I guess it is the faces looking down at the crystal. It seems oddly cherub-like. I think more of an art deco look would really nail it.

The tuck however, is just wild, and I am drooling over it.

[vasta41]

In Rick Davidson I trust.

[sinjin7]

I am not wild with this back. The main green seems overly bright. I would have gone with a much more muted green shades.

Its UC Green. I think it's an appropriate nod to our site, but I'm sure it can also be toned down a bit. Plus, this is just a render. If I'm not mistaken, there may be multiple color options as well. The tuck is breathtaking and I'm looking forward to see whether the courts will be custom or not. As vasta already stated, we're in good hands with Rick.

[sms69x]

Here a couple more renderings:





This is coming together rather nice! Love the QoH! But I also think that the green can be mutted slightly.

[shermjack]

I agree that this deck is coming together quite nicely... as a Paul said, we are in good hands with Rick!

Also, no need to mute the green backs...just make them FOIL!

[vedus]

Oh my.

[Oscar53955]

Very nice deck so far. I agree with the others about the green.

[PrincessTrouble]

Also, no need to mute the green backs...just make them FOIL!

This!

[rousselle]

Also, no need to mute the green backs...just make them FOIL!

This!

+99

[MagikFingerz]

Personally, I think the green on the tuck render is a good shade, just needs some dark/black elements to give it some more depth.

[Bradius]

I am in. But, I am more IN with foil backs of any shade you want. The art so far for Queen of hearts, number cards and Ace of Spades is great.

Yeah, we are in good hands with Rick. The tuck rocks.

[RichK]

The QoH reminds me so much of Mr. Zorg without cigarette. Are my hopes for a Fifth Element movie deck coming true Rick?

[RickDavidson]

Hi guys, Merry Christmas!

Thanks for the great feedback, appreciated and taken on. Have been buried in this project the last few weeks. Love the Fifth Element reference Rich haha I think that might actually have been some subliminal inspiration. I tried more than once to get the rights to a Bladerunner deck. No luck.

Have been working hard to get quotes for De Novo but I don’t think it’s the best time of year, clearly be waiting until after Christmas but will keep working on the art. I’ve completed concepts for all the face cards but not happy just yet. I’ll post something soon. But here are latest concepts for the two tucks and backs. I’d also love foil backs..