Bicycle Golden Spike by Jody Eklund -- Now live

[Widdee]

The only thing I can say about the Bicycle logo is that it gives you variation in the decks. But is that good because you get Bike customers or bad because it sticks out like the proverbial terd in a punchbowl compared to the rest? Personally I'd rather see it without the logo because it makes the whole package more consistent.

[adanyeva2]

When is this project launching in KS?

[Cbkimble]

I like them so far but 4 decks at once right out the gate. I might pledge, i might not. I'll wait to see what the difference in the cards will be.

[jodyeklund]

Ok I think it might be best to go with just one deck of cards for the timetable I am shooting for. How do you guys feel about me doing the Golden Spike - Bicycle and Golden Spike - White. I would do different backs, tucks, Aces, and ad cards. How about making a Golden Spike - Black that will be a stretch goal (different cards still apply to this one as well)? I will post the Golden Spike - bicycle tomorrow. I have already made the design.

I want to launch by June 1st.

On another note, does anyone have an idea for queens? Because of the era, there weren't many promenant women.

[Widdee]

On another note, does anyone have an idea for queens? Because of the era, there weren't many promenant women.

Annie Oakley? Calamity Jane?

[wahl0108]

Ok I think it might be best to go with just one deck of cards for the timetable I am shooting for. How do you guys feel about me doing the Golden Spike - Bicycle and Golden Spike - White. I would do different backs, tucks, Aces, and ad cards. How about making a Golden Spike - Black that will be a stretch goal (different cards still apply to this one as well)? I will post the Golden Spike - bicycle tomorrow. I have already made the design.

I think you should just stick to one back design because you'd have to do at least two deck runs which would cost you more. You could do what Chris Ovdiyenko did for Oracle and have a limited number of Bicycle branded tucks available for each but the same everything else. The second black version could be your stretch goal and you could again have limited Bicycle tucks available for this one as well with also different aces, jokers, and courts (if you didn't want to draw more, you could just recolor them to match the black).

[Widdee]

Ok I think it might be best to go with just one deck of cards for the timetable I am shooting for. How do you guys feel about me doing the Golden Spike - Bicycle and Golden Spike - White. I would do different backs, tucks, Aces, and ad cards. How about making a Golden Spike - Black that will be a stretch goal (different cards still apply to this one as well)? I will post the Golden Spike - bicycle tomorrow. I have already made the design.

I want to launch by June 1st.

On another note, does anyone have an idea for queens? Because of the era, there weren't many promenant women.

Jody, I have one small beef artistically and that is to revisit the stack of steam coming off the Iron Horse locomotive. It looks a bit heavy-handed, overbearing the fine work you've put into the locomotive. Those solid black areas just seem to have too much weight. Just my two cents from one pen and ink guy to another.

Love the deck, I'll be in no matter which way you go.

[Bikefanatic]

Some of us don't care that much about Bicycle brands anymore. The Black Edition Iron Horses tuck looks amazing. I like the white LE Golden Spike tuck too. I guess I like solid color tucks.

[jodyeklund]

I made some changes to the line-up:

Instead of offering 4 decks, I am going to focus my time on doing one design - The Golden Spike. I realized that I need to have two completely different designs if I am going to offer that many decks. I am shooting for June first as my launch date, so I just don't have the time to do two deck designs. Golden Spike is my choice for this round. I might do Iron Horses at another time.

I want to keep my Funding goal low out of the gate. In order to do that, I will probably offer the Standard Deck first and then make the other two stretch goals when the project reaches higher levels.

If I offer 2 decks out of the gate, the Standard and the Black editions, it will all depend on whether I can do both decks for 2500. What do you guys think, $10,000 being the funding goal?

Ace of Spades change:

I changed the Smoke coming out of the engine so that it goes back into the Ace of Spades (Great suggestion Christian!) I also changed the dates in the circle to reflect the date the Golden Spike was driven into the last tile.

[wahl0108]

I think if you offer two completely different decks 10K won't be enough, unless it strictly a change in tuck.

[MagikFingerz]

I'd say with 2 decks you're looking at at least a $18k goal, and that's only if you have extra funds in case of unforeseen expenses (which aren't that uncommon in kickstarter projects). Most double deck projects go for $20k.

That white LE just doesn't fit in there IMO, at least the black one has the locomotive on it to tie in with the theme. If it was me I would make the black edition white, and then use a similar black edition in the Iron Horses set (and drop the above white edition completely, it looks nice but without the name it's just another pretty tuck box).

[rjtomlinson1977]

If all you want to do is a tuck change of the same deck and if you didn't get involved with add-ons... 10k would be about right to get the project done (but barely). If the two editions are different print runs than 10k is way too low. After KS and Amazon fees that would leave you 9k.. assumimng you use the bicycle logo there's another 1k just for that... plus the actually printing costs which would be around 5k to 6k per print run (assuming you have a no-thrills tuck case).

By the way, your work looks great. I would fix where the smoke covers the Bicycle logo... it looks good but USPCC won't allow that.

[rjtomlinson1977]

I forgot to mention, you'll need at least 2k for shipping (and that's with a small amount of backers like I typically see) for someone who is used to 1,000+ backers I would imagine the shipping could get up to 5k or more.

[jodyeklund]

That all sounds about how I figured things. Thanks for giving your valuable experience rj. Since I have not had a successful Kickstarter, I'm more inclined to start with something that will keep my funding low. I am thinking, in order to keep my funding goal low to start off with, I will do one design and then if it is successful do another completely new design but in the same theme.

[Cbkimble]

Personally, I'd say just do one bicycle deck. Of course a stretch goal for an LE tuck or second deck can be added. I'd try focusing on building a fan base, then expand and build on later decks. That's only my opinion.

[Bikefanatic]

One thing creators shouldn't do is reveal all of their plans/tucks. Reasoning is that it's too confusing for some backers to make a choice. To choose this or choose that. Should this be switched or that be switched? The images you used for the Black LE and Bicycle Iron Horses now you have as the Golden Spike.

[Sher]

Well, to me it looks like there are three options if you're aiming for a low goal:

1. Do one deck, no LE
2. Do one deck, stretch goal would be an LE with a different back.
3. Do one deck + LE, with a tuck swap for the LE, stretch goal would be a different back for the LE

I personally prefer the third option.

[Strag]

I think you really need to do your homework on that side. I like your designs but the logistics are what trip up a lot of kickstarters. You need to do the math and then you would realize why $10K is not enough. Be sure to count in manufacturing, packaging ,shipping and labour costs. You should also count in different costs for any addons you do. Wiithout having done your homework (there are some great articles out there, just Google) you run the risk of not having enough money to see your project to completion.

If you aren't good at the business side (and that wouldn't be unusual for more artistic-types) then get a partner who can handle them all for you. If, for example, you hire a fulfillment company such as Kings Wild you need to understand what their added costs would be and don't forget the 10% KS and Amazon take. Shipping costs, especially International, can be ridiculously expensive. I highly suggest you put off launching anything at all until you know exactly how the costs and business side is going to work. I hope you do because I like your designs and want to see them printed but given the current information I wouldn't see backing.

[jodyeklund]

I really appreciate the concern. I think anyone who does a Kickstarter needs to be looking at the numbers and doing the homework. It sucks that there have been creators out there that have made us all so cautious. There's no worries, I'm good with numbers, but not a wiz. I do have partners who are giving me professional advice and direction. I care about those who support me and back me. I wanted to make sure those who supported the Hipster deck would get there deck (including me of course) by selling the rights to someone who would print them. I also got a discount for just my backers. Every project I do, I do a lot of homework, and I make sure those who support me get better than what they expected.

[jodyeklund]

Hello everyone, I just wanted to give you all a sneak peak before I launch next week. My wife and I are still working on the video and when we finish that, we will be able to launch. If the video is not done before Monday, I will hold off until the 23rd. Please let me know what you guys think. I am very open to feedback from you guys before and during the Kickstarter. I am going to allow you guys to help shape the design of this deck.

[ecNate]

The unbranded tuck looks AWESOME! The Bicycle one just looks unfinished and lacks the majesty and powerful impact of the other. It also looks too busy and confusing, almost like a negative image or optical illusion where there are 2 images in 1. That unbranded though, buy!

The 'Chinaman' reference will get you angry letters. My take is it's historical and not meant to be offensive, but somebody will take offense. Then again, somebody will be offended no matter what you do. Just not sure you want to deal with the drama over it since the name will cause the issue, but not so much the image.

[MagikFingerz]

The unbranded tuck looks AWESOME! The Bicycle one just looks unfinished and lacks the majesty and powerful impact of the other. It also looks too busy and confusing, almost like a negative image or optical illusion where there are 2 images in 1. That unbranded though, buy!

Huh. I'm of the opinion that the branded one fits the actual cards much better, the unbranded looks unnecessarily blinged out to me. I mean, of course it's pretty, but taking the cards out of that one will be like unpacking a grey t-shirt from gold wrapping paper (not that I don't like t-shirts or this deck, I love both ).

[bamabenz]

I don't understand the embellishment around the Chinaman's head. Is it meant to mimic what's on the card backs? In any case it just looks weird.

/todd

[ryzellon]

The 'Chinaman' reference will get you angry letters. My take is it's historical and not meant to be offensive, but somebody will take offense. Then again, somebody will be offended no matter what you do. Just not sure you want to deal with the drama over it since the name will cause the issue, but not so much the image.

I understood it more as an analogue for "Irishman" or "Englishman" in that era, or as a placeholder like "John Doe," but it's definitely picked up negative connotations in the modern era. Conveniently, however, there's a historically accurate and less offensive term: "Celestial." "Chinese Laborer" is also historically accurate, though you'd probably want to stay away from "Coolie.

The arms also look unnatural--the elbow would probably be out a little so that the upper arm isn't just plastered to his side.

[ecNate]

I don't understand the embellishment around the Chinaman's head. Is it meant to mimic what's on the card backs? In any case it just looks weird.

/todd

I'm pretty sure it's just a straw hat, but only the underside of the brim is showing. Perhaps if more was shown this would be more obvious as now that I look at it again it does look a bit out of place

Huh. I'm of the opinion that the branded one fits the actual cards much better, the unbranded looks unnecessarily blinged out to me. I mean, of course it's pretty, but taking the cards out of that one will be like unpacking a grey t-shirt from gold wrapping paper (not that I don't like t-shirts or this deck, I love both ).

True the gold is just added bling and doesn't fit, but I do like it. My comment was more directed at the train engine images themselves though.

[jodyeklund]

Because I can't put more than 4 images at a time, here are some more images. I will be blinging out the cards as well for the "Gold Edition" deck. I will also be creating special art just for the Gold deck.

[TGunitedcardists]

Overall, these cards look great. I agree with the comments about the Ace Of Spades hat...something doesn't look right. I would also avoid, "Chinaman." I'm unfamiliar with the term Celestial, but what about something like, Railroad worker, The Blood of the Railroad or something like that.

The pip seems squished on the Queen of Spades...too close to her head. Also, I'm not a fan of the body joining like you have it. Give her a traditional dress and a little chubbier filling out the card more.

I hope hearts and diamonds are red. I like spades and clubs being black, but gold kind of works.

Good job on the bigger pips on the court cards. Poker player will be happier.

The fonts could be a little beefier too!

Hope this feedback helps.

[Widdee]

I like the mods you've made Jody. It's come a long way. I'll take no offense if you want to do a "Cracker" ace. I know it would add an ink but damn I'd love to see that spike on the standard deck in good.

[Yashi]

Looks great! Being Chinese (but not a Chinaman), I don't find it offensive at all. It's not like you're insulting them by drawing a Chinese holding dynamite. And I think the branded one looks fine the way it is.

[nECr0MaNCeD]

I am REALLY liking these. My father was a model train collector and I had an uncle that worked for the Pennsylvania RR for 45 years. I will leave the design advice to more experienced collectors. I am of German descent but have Asian and Chinese relatives and don't find the "Chinaman" reference offensive but in today's overly politically correct society there are bound to be some who are.

Launch these already!