LUXX By Randy Butterfield

[Paul Middleton]

Hi folks, as some of you probably know already we've ventured into the very first deck of our own (I say 'we' my better half does 1% of the work ) and we're thrilled that Randy has agreed to design it for us! Being just a small UK business in comparison to some of the big guys in the States, but still being able to work with him is great for us.

I've always personally admired the intricate, ornate and elegant decks - with Mana Oracle, Ornates, Aurum & Seasons being amongst my personal and my families favourites - so it's an absolute privilege to work with Randy.

The intention from the beginning (pretty much) was to create a deck that is playable in terms of home card games, along with being beautiful and collectible. So when Randy said due to his heavy workload that he only really had time to commit to a 'semi-custom' deck, it was the perfect fit. I'd prefer a semi-custom deck with Randy over a full-custom deck by almost any other designer out there. Add to that, the fact that we have a really varied customer-base across Europe (mainly) - a mix of collectors, amateur poker players, card game lovers and of course magicians and cardists - a semi-custom deck is probably the best bet for us right now.

Initially I was determined to stay away from Kickstarter and get this printed with our own funds, but i've since come to the conclusion that if the deck is as popular as we hope it to be, we probably won't be able to meet the demand. So it will be funded using Kickstarter - no dates just yet though.

The other part of this we're very excited about is that it's going to be one of the first decks printed by the Legends Playing Card Co. The decks that Lawrence has put together are some of the most popular decks we've ever sold and all feedback from our own customers suggests that is a great combination for us!

Lastly Randy has been one of the most generous designers I know with his time and knowledge (along with Paul Carpenter and Rick Davidson) and it's great to see him get the backing he deserves for his current Ornate campaign. Hopefully when we've got some images pretty soon Randy will add some thoughts too!

[chach]

Gotta love anything Randy is associated with, and your company is a top notch distributor that even though I'm in California, I've ordered from before and couldn't be happier with the service you all provided.

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the deck.

[MagikFingerz]

A great designer, a great distributor and a great printer - pretty sure this is gonna be good.

Wait, that could be a good joke if they all walk into a bar...

[Paul Middleton]

Thanks for the kind words guys. It's been a nice response from everyone so far, and I'll be sharing some more details over the next week or so.

[Sharpie]

I'm in Cali too, and if I didn't have a cheaper and easier way to get my decks, http://jpplayingcards.co.uk/ would be it.
Not sure if he was an officer, but he's definitely a gentleman. A good man. Buy with confidence.

Mr. Middleton, put your site in your signature already.

S

[MagikFingerz]

Mr. Middleton, put your site in your signature already.

The link he has is the same site, except it goes straight to the delivery info (which is probably a good idea since there's so many 'Muricans here )

[Sharpie]

Mr. Middleton, put your site in your signature already.

The link he has is the same site, except it goes straight to the delivery info (which is probably a good idea since there's so many 'Muricans here )

I swear that wasn't there a minute ago.

[Paul Middleton]

Thanks Steff and yeah, Tom's right - it's been in my signature for about a year! I do point it to the delivery page as some folks that clicked through from here missed it was a UK site in GBP.

[BiggerDee]

Randy and JP releasing a deck??

[Paul Middleton]

Here's a first look at the back design folks. Had a comment on Facebook that they're too similar to the ORNATEs - what do YOU think?

[MagikFingerz]

I think it's mostly the gold/green color scheme that makes one think of the Ornates. Not really an issue for me since I think it works well, but if you want to move away from the "Ornate feel" I think a different color combo would do the trick.

[Paul Middleton]

I think it's mostly the gold/green color scheme that makes one think of the Ornates. Not really an issue for me since I think it works well, but if you want to move away from the "Ornate feel" I think a different color combo would do the trick.

Food for thought, thanks Tom! I'd initially told Randy I was looking for a gold and silver which is where the colours came from, appreciate the feedback.

[chach]

I'd have to kinda agree, has a slight resemblance to Ornates but my guess is that's because Randy probably has nothing but Ornates on the mind right now w/ his current White Edition kickstarter project going. There's bound to be some residual influence in the design.

[Mike Ratledge]

I was waiting for a few people to comment, but I like them, Paul! Maybe the alternate colors (i.e. the green and brown) could be tweaked as opposed to the silver & gold part? Just a thought - to me they're not even close to the Ornates, but the color scheme does have a resemblance that takes you in that direction.

[Paul Middleton]

That's not a bad idea Mike, though the reaction to the silver/brown means it's unlikely to be changed, but it's worth look to see if the green/gold could be tweaked. Thanks!

Honestly after speaking with Randy when I pull the two up against each other - the only similarities I can see are the green/gold and the fact they're both pretty intricate. But I guess comparisons perhaps were always going to be hard to avoid.

[Mike Ratledge]

That's all I can see to compare too, Paul. Maybe gold & red? Don't know. I love them the way they are. Somebody is always going to make comparisons. I agree.

[volantangel]

I dont think the similarities are that striking, and its only expected that its from the hand of the same artist. Well you wouldnt expect brothers from the same mother to look too different would you. And i personally like the white/brown version more due to the larger contrast.

[th4mo]

Ornate.jpg (402.34 KiB) Viewed 3747 times

Luxx.jpg (222.31 KiB) Viewed 3747 times

Do I see the similarities? ABSOLUTELY!

Does it bother me? NOT ONE BIT!

But seriously, how can anyone NOT see the similarities???

"similar" is not the same as "identical"...

"similar" does not have to be taken as an criticism...

In this case: Are they "TOO similar"? Not at all IMHO.

[Paul Middleton]

Thanks guys. I see your point th4mo- and I'm open to constructive criticism of any sort but I guess I don't want to lose any individuality.

By the same token, I'm not sure if any one else could have pulled off that bank design based on the overall theme I was looking for.

Red is interesting Mike, thanks - will take a look. Though it may be that green/gold is a colour that looks great "in the flesh" perhaps.

[Widdee]

I like the silver back much better. It pops. The gold/green falls flat next to it. Perhaps a gold and red would stand out better.

[MagikFingerz]

I like the silver back much better. It pops. The gold/green falls flat next to it.

I agree. Maybe just inverting the silver back would work as well.

[BiggerDee]

I agree, very reminiscent of the Ornates, but then again, the Ornates are a beautifully designed deck and worthy of celebration.

[Paul Middleton]

I like the silver back much better. It pops. The gold/green falls flat next to it.

We're definitely look at options and ways to work on that one, thanks for your feedback.

Maybe just inverting the silver back would work as well.

That's one we'll look at too, hadn't thought of that. It probably would be the least creative of the ideas, but it's worth looking into.

[vasta41]

I agree with the overall majority of feedback here- different colors would make these a must-buy for me!

[RandyButterfield]

Hey Everyone,

I'll probably just post on the LUXX thread this one time while the White ORNATES project is running.
I'm glad the majority like the design! We knew the Gold/Green color combo wasn't as contrasting as the Silver/Brown combo, but the goal of these Decks were to be a Poker Set. Whenever you're playing Poker with a set the 2 Decks need to have different enough of a color combo to not accidentally get the Decks mixed up during the craziness of a Poker game.

Taking that into account, I'm cool with making them both have a high contrast level. I went ahead and did a Silver/Brown combo and a new Silver/Blue color combo. Brown and Blue go together very nicely and are different enough to keep the Decks from getting mixed up during gameplay.

I also toned down the irregular border edges.

thanks, Randy

[MagikFingerz]

I love it, Randy. Silver on both as that was what most people seemed to like, while making the gold into the "limited" color. And the blue is just amazing, fits really well with the silver. The borders are a positive change as well. These just went from "will most likely get them at some point" to "instabuy" for me

[vasta41]

Perfect. Can't wait to see the rest now! (courts, tuck, etc.)

[Paul Middleton]

Thanks for posting that Randy, I know you're busy!

Thanks for the comments about he new backs folks, I've got to say the subtle border tweaks have really improved the design and I'm in love with the silver/blue back!

Vasta- perfect is a nice compliment, thank you!

[Paul Middleton]

Just to add- It's looking likely that it will be an April Kickstarter as it stands.

[Widdee]

Yowza! New backs look great Randy and JP. Both pop and work together splendidly.