Sensu

[Harvonsgard]

As explained in the FAQ's the 1,000 is the minimum. If he doesn't sell all 1,000 sets he'll have them available later in his shop and then yes, they'll be limited to 1,000. But if he sells 100,000 during the campaign (unlikely but for the sake of explanation) than he'll print 100,000 sets and it'll turn into a KS only deck.
An approach that I find more than appropriate since we shouldn't forget this campaign is besides art for animal welfare, too !

[Bradius]

I stand corrected. Thanks Harvonsgard.

[brownsl]

Dang it, that did not last long, I backed it.

[alric]

I like the deck, but for me, the price is not worth it: $27 shipped for the Spring deck, and $36 for the Winter deck. Maybe if the decks were foiled I could see paying these prices. I also didn't like the $9 mini byobu you have to pay for for each Winter deck. I'm sure some will like it, but it does nothing for me, I just want a deck of cards I can play with, and to have to pay an additional $9 for a fancy folded piece of cardboard I have no use for make me feel like this should've been an optional add on instead. The final dagger for me is that the courts and pips aren't too conducive for use in card games like poker or black jack. At the end of the day this is a pretty art deck priced too high and thus for collectors only, imo. I wish this project well, but it's not for me.

[Harvonsgard]

I totally get when the art is not to ones liking and if playability is too low. At the end of the day I'm a card player, too but this:

Maybe if the decks were foiled I could see paying these prices.

Everyone has of course their way of looking at things but you would pay the price if the deck had a $0.50-1.00 feature? But a completely new designed custom die tuck box with a sleeve isn't worth it?
That's is kind of the reason why almost everyone does gilded decks - collectors think it's expensive so they buy gilded decks for $45+ ...

[alric]

Personally, I'm not much of a tuck guy, I usually spend all of 45 seconds paying any close attention to the tuck when I first get a deck, then I'm focused on tearing off the cellophane and getting through the deck seal (if there's one that's annoyingly there) to get to the cards, which is what I'm really paying money for. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a well designed tuck, and if it's really nice, its a nice little bonus, but the amount of time I spend on any given tuck compared to the amount of time I spend on the cards themselves is negligible. If I'm not mistaken, the tuck itself isn't die-cut, only the sleeve. I'm sure many will love the die-cut sleeve, but I would rather pay a premium on the cards themselves (high grade stock and finish, foiling, novel design, etc) than on an arts and crafts project on the tuck. I almost never buy gilded decks, however, that would be the exception on premiums on the cards themselves. I had tons of Ramblers and Aladdins back in the day that were gilded but still cost almost the same as regular Bicycle Rider Back. The amount charged for gilding isn't worth it for me these days. Since I'm not loaded like Bezos or Musk, I have to be more judicious on what I can spend money on. I'm a deck user first, then a deck collector secondarily, so I get that I'm not the target demographic for decks like these. Having said that, even the collector in me makes me feel this deck is too expensive for what it is.

[Harvonsgard]

If I'm not mistaken, the tuck itself isn't die-cut, only the sleeve.

You are. Every tuck is die-cut. But I get that you mean that only the sleeve is custom and the tuck is the standard die-cut template from EPCC. Which is correct for the spring deck (besides it having all the bells and whistles you have nowadays) but not for the winter:

8378A1A1-FFCE-476A-9171-A1F4DDE1BCEA.jpeg (93.97 KiB) Viewed 9497 times

You don't have to justify your reasoning btw. as mentioned, everyone looks for different things. I just believe it is worth mentioning that collectors tend to overestimate production costs for foiling and gilding and kind of underestimate the production costs of indeed original custom things.

The amount charged for gilding isn't worth it for me these days.

That is kinda exactly the point I made. I'd just include foil .

[Strag]

Pretty amazing project, I managed to get the wood box and have added on a bunch of stuff. Very creative!

[JackBrutusPenny]

These look good but at over $27 per deck including shipping, I may end up passing on them. Plus, very long fulfillment, not until Feb 2022.

I completely understand and of course respect any feelings, but if you don't mind me explaining a moment.

The fulfilment date is set beyond what I expect due to the coronavirus and so providing a buffer. Please do look at the FAQ section I set up (ready pre-launch) as I knew it may concern people. Kickstarter staff in fact directly advised me to add 6 months to my expected times to account for any possibility. As for the pricing, of course it is up to each backer if you think a project is worth the costs, unfortunately shipping costs from me in Japan can't be helped and have been raised due to coronavirus again. As for the rest, all I can say is that I am quite certain my mark-up is less than most decks out there, and that does not even include the portion of money used for charitable causes.

Again, you are perfectly welcome to your feelings. I just wanted to provide a little context regarding the concerns you picked out. Feel free to get in touch anytime if you do have questions.

[JackBrutusPenny]

Personally, I'm not much of a tuck guy, I usually spend all of 45 seconds paying any close attention to the tuck when I first get a deck, then I'm focused on tearing off the cellophane and getting through the deck seal (if there's one that's annoyingly there) to get to the cards, which is what I'm really paying money for. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a well designed tuck, and if it's really nice, its a nice little bonus, but the amount of time I spend on any given tuck compared to the amount of time I spend on the cards themselves is negligible. If I'm not mistaken, the tuck itself isn't die-cut, only the sleeve. I'm sure many will love the die-cut sleeve, but I would rather pay a premium on the cards themselves (high grade stock and finish, foiling, novel design, etc) than on an arts and crafts project on the tuck. I almost never buy gilded decks, however, that would be the exception on premiums on the cards themselves. I had tons of Ramblers and Aladdins back in the day that were gilded but still cost almost the same as regular Bicycle Rider Back. The amount charged for gilding isn't worth it for me these days. Since I'm not loaded like Bezos or Musk, I have to be more judicious on what I can spend money on. I'm a deck user first, then a deck collector secondarily, so I get that I'm not the target demographic for decks like these. Having said that, even the collector in me makes me feel this deck is too expensive for what it is.

Thank you for the feedback, and I completely respect that and of course do not begrudge you it! Please do read my reply just above this. It basically covers any feedback or feelings I can give my side on pricing. As for the art itself and byobu folding screen, I knew it would not be for everyone, as is the case with any art. Though I personally would remark two things to your comment. Firstly, it may not be entirely clear but all deck tucks here are die-cut, separately, as are the sleeves. So in fact there are at least 4 plates to make. And I, again personally, would say that if your criteria for judgement is not on fancy tuck features but on the cards themselves, the stock is EPCC's durable classic stock with linen finish, their best stock recommended by William Kalush to suit fanning (the main design concept of the deck), the cards have metallic ink front and back (not foil, again a purposeful choice) and as for the 'novel design'...well...

[JackBrutusPenny]

Dear everyone, Thank you for your feedback and positive reaction to this art card project. For anyone already backing, or not, as I've said in many places, I intend to make the whole experience, not only the cards themselves but also the campaign process, the video and all aspects, a journey into my creative world and an experience to remember. Please do check in, say hello and get involved not only to hear about our work behind the scenes but also to help develop the story with us, when we host the Instagram live streams this week:

5th Wednesday 10pm (Japan Standard Time)
Join me, your creator Jack, as well as Mairco, the Japanese singer-songwriter behind the original soundtrack of the stop-motion video for an Instagram live stream. Hear us chatting in English and Japanese about the video, music, and atmosphere of this project. We will answer your questions and tell you about our processes.

6th Thursday 9:30am (Japan Standard Time)
Join me, still Jack, as well as Tara, the woodworker and laser carver that is bringing the luxury cherry and mahogany wood boxes into form for an Instagram live stream. We will discuss the design and process, and most importantly, talk with and listen to you about what else you might like to see us collaboratively bring forth in this campaign. I received a lot of comments about missing the stunning boxes, so here is your chance to tell us how else we can bring the world of Sensu to you!

My instagram: www.instagram.com/jack_brutus_penny

I'm also pleased to announce we hit the last stretch goal and will be helping monitor and support critically endangered Amur Leopard's by symbolically adopting one through the World Wildlife Fund. Amur Leopard's have been poached to near extinction (approximately 84 individuals remain) for their spotted fur and this will also help enforce laws to try to stop the poaching before it's too late.

In the next stretch goal I will also add bonus cards to the Fuyu-no-Sensu deck: the Kitsune (fox) and the Koi (carp). I will involve the community in creating their designs. I selected these animals and symbols of Japan following multiple questions about the fox and koi appearing in the hand-drawn stop-motion illustrated campaign video.

Thank you all again! I hope the project continues to grow and I hope you dressed appropriately, because we have only just stepped through the Wardrobe.

[Harvonsgard]

Great news to read. I'll try to stop by at the lives.

[Bradius]

I just happened to stroll to the website and .... .... someone dropped their Ougi pledge (one with the 30 limited wooden boxes). That unwanted reward seemed lonely, so I decided to take it home with me.

Sometimes...sometimes I get lucky. I am fine with lucky. At least today.

[Strag]

I just happened to stroll to the website and .... .... someone dropped their Ougi pledge (one with the 30 limited wooden boxes). That unwanted reward seemed lonely, so I decided to take it home with me.

Sometimes...sometimes I get lucky. I am fine with lucky. At least today.

Nice grab, always fun when that happens. I’m in that tier as well and really looking forward to the box

[daddobrendt]

I just happened to stroll to the website and .... .... someone dropped their Ougi pledge (one with the 30 limited wooden boxes). That unwanted reward seemed lonely, so I decided to take it home with me.

Sometimes...sometimes I get lucky. I am fine with lucky. At least today.

Nice snag. As of now there’s another available.

[JackBrutusPenny]

I just happened to stroll to the website and .... .... someone dropped their Ougi pledge (one with the 30 limited wooden boxes). That unwanted reward seemed lonely, so I decided to take it home with me.

Sometimes...sometimes I get lucky. I am fine with lucky. At least today.

Glad you could scoop one up! It has only happened three times in the last nearly three weeks, but each time one is dropped it goes again within a few hours. Certainly lucky timing, often I don't have a chance to notice before they have changed hands!

[JackBrutusPenny]

A update for you all. Tuck box mock-ups are in. Please do check out the campaign update for the pictures and video, or my Instagram/Facebook for the same in higher resolution. I can't post them here due to file sizes. So, a small reminder of what is coming.

[STLBluesNut]

is that what the courts looked like? oofta! a really nice art style but if those were the courts. what a fumble.

[GandalfPC]

is that what the courts looked like? oofta! a really nice art style but if those were the courts. what a fumble.

They are hanafuda style - one deck has the markings in center, the other has a reference screen to refer to - and they are the reason I love the cards. One mans fumble is another mans treasure

[STLBluesNut]

i like the full background and i like the art style but those big red and white sticker looking things in the middle of the card are just plain awful and bad design, imo of course.

[JackBrutusPenny]

is that what the courts looked like? oofta! a really nice art style but if those were the courts. what a fumble.

Thank you for the feedback! I absolutely respect your opinion and you are welcome to it. I know my nonsense writing and whimsical artwork isn't for everyone and I push the narrative and art further than people would be comfortable in regards to functionality. I try to walk the tight-rope between the two. But rest assured, it is not a fumble. I only mean to say, the steps I take may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you will find it hard to find another creator that puts as much thought and intentional decision making into every aspect of the design and every mark on the cards. Feel free to explore the campaign page and delve deeper if you would like to see just a bit of the process behind it all.

They are hanafuda style - one deck has the markings in center, the other has a reference screen to refer to - and they are the reason I love the cards. One mans fumble is another mans treasure

I appreciate the kind comment. I am fully aware that all my work will suit some more than others, and I'm honoured that my approach to melding the story-driven art on the canvas of a playing card is appealing to you! For me, personally, I want to surround myself with things that are unique, have depth and are meaningful. I want to lose myself in a world, and hopefully those that experience my work will have that feeling also.

i like the full background and i like the art style but those big red and white sticker looking things in the middle of the card are just plain awful and bad design, imo of course.

I couldn't agree more. I do like how they came out and invite you to explore the campaign page to see all the artwork, or my website page to see it in its proper resolution grandeur. Here, it looks a little less-than-appealing. But, my original concept was to have no indices, no markings on the courts at all. It is all inspired by Japanese hanafuda, which also have no markings. The courts here are the Spring deck (the second version), which was made as a slight/partial compromise for those that couldn't handle the complete shift. The Winter deck (the original vision) doesn't have those 'sticker looking things'. If you do decide to delve deeper down the rabbit hole, then I hope you enjoy the journey.

[Bradius]

Jack:

I do like the artwork shown in the new deck you are working on. I might suggest you go with your original path and go with no markings on the courts at all. Let's be honest, this is really an art deck, or a strong fusion of hanafuda style onto a standard playing card pallet. Another option is to make any markings on the courts much less obvious. You could even go so far as to mark them in ink that would only show up under a black light. However you go, I like it.

[JackBrutusPenny]

Jack:

I do like the artwork shown in the new deck you are working on. I might suggest you go with your original path and go with no markings on the courts at all. Let's be honest, this is really an art deck, or a strong fusion of hanafuda style onto a standard playing card pallet. Another option is to make any markings on the courts much less obvious. You could even go so far as to mark them in ink that would only show up under a black light. However you go, I like it.

Thank you for the kind and helpful comments. This campaign is complete and production is underway. The main deck (the Winter deck that was my original vision, without any indices) was indeed the central deck. The Spring was a second variant for those that couldn't take the leap to having no indices at all. So, it's all there. Hopefully it won't be too long until people can see how they look in the hands and really how the art comes together. Another challenge with my art(sy) approaches is that they are a little harder to imagine.

[GandalfPC]

They have arrived at Jacks door and will be on the way to all shortly

[GandalfPC]

[Strag]

One of my few remaining Kickstarter pledges... so looking forward to this one! I have definitely cut way back on KS campagins but this one I would back again today!

[GandalfPC]

If anyone grabbed a spare gold deck I would be more the a bit interested in trading for it or buying it when they arrive - or I could be your butler for a month


This is the deck of which I speak:

[kevork]

Sensu, Culturae Animalis...I want them all!

What a beautiful deck by Jack.

[hsbc]

Haru-no-Sensu / Spring's Fan (春の扇子)




























Fuyu-no-Sensu / Winter's Fan (冬の扇子)

[Harvonsgard]

Beatiful. But what about the fan displays?