Leonardo | Art Playing Cards now live on KS

[TGunitedcardists]

As I’ve stated, I am confident (and optimistic!) that we will be printing Leonardo at USPCC. I have spent countless hours designing Leonardo to the highest quality, and Leonardo will be expertly printed at USPCC, which is Plan A.

But, in the unlikely event we need to go with Plan B… I spent much time last week researching the other high quality printers of custom decks. If we need to go with Plan B - Leonardo will be printed by Legends.

So to be absolutely 100% clear and banish all uncertainty:

Plan A = $50K or greater = USPCC
Plan B = Less than $50K = Legends

I value all of your suggestions! Your interest and support is really helpful! Please continue to spread the word, tweet, like, pin and help Leonardo on it’s way! Thanks!

Dent-de-Lion

And with that, any fears of sub par printing just went away. Hint! Hint! I hope you look at the Legends Emerald Finish. F*cking fantastic feel for any deck of playing cards!

Great news.

[Collector]

First of all, I would sincerely like to thank all of your for your kind comments and thoughtful responses to

Was this deck drawn or composed of pictures?

Both actually! Leonardo of course drew the images that form the basis of the card designs, which I composed, distorted, distressed, adjusted, interpreted, etc! In some cases I had to paint new areas in Leonardo’s style, which took much time. I will add some images in an update soon demonstrating this. Thank you for your question!

Thanks for your honest answer.

IMHO. Each artwork is nice. But they aren’t nice as a pack of playing cards. There is no consistency in art of this deck. Some artworks are graphics (the best in this deck), some are paintings. Paintings and “graphic” backgrounds also don’t suit each other. The same with the tuck case. I think two different decks could be better. One with graphics. One with paintings. Or it can be divided between Red and Black suits.

The back design looks like something is missed on it. Unfortunately, I can’t name specific things. This is just my perception.

Anyway, good luck. I suspect it will be funded.

[volantangel]

First of all, I would sincerely like to thank all of your for your kind comments and thoughtful responses to

Was this deck drawn or composed of pictures?

Both actually! Leonardo of course drew the images that form the basis of the card designs, which I composed, distorted, distressed, adjusted, interpreted, etc! In some cases I had to paint new areas in Leonardo’s style, which took much time. I will add some images in an update soon demonstrating this. Thank you for your question!

Thanks for your honest answer.

IMHO. Each artwork is nice. But they aren’t nice as a pack of playing cards. There is no consistency in art of this deck. Some artworks are graphics (the best in this deck), some are paintings. Paintings and “graphic” backgrounds also don’t suit each other. The same with the tuck case. I think two different decks could be better. One with graphics. One with paintings. Or it can be divided between Red and Black suits.

The back design looks like something is missed on it. Unfortunately, I can’t name specific things. This is just my perception.

Anyway, good luck. I suspect it will be funded.

I fully agree with this, theres just too much inconsistency everywhere. They are nice as individual cards, but they dont make one deck of cards.

[Dent-de-Lion]

And with that, any fears of sub par printing just went away. Hint! Hint! I hope you look at the Legends Emerald Finish. F*cking fantastic feel for any deck of playing cards!

Great news.

I am looking into the different Legends finishes, there are quite a few! The Emerald Finish sounds very promising indeed. I have ordered some sample cards to feel them in my own hands. Thanks as always for your help and support!

Thanks for your honest answer.

IMHO. Each artwork is nice. But they aren’t nice as a pack of playing cards. There is no consistency in art of this deck. Some artworks are graphics (the best in this deck), some are paintings. Paintings and “graphic” backgrounds also don’t suit each other. The same with the tuck case. I think two different decks could be better. One with graphics. One with paintings. Or it can be divided between Red and Black suits.

The back design looks like something is missed on it. Unfortunately, I can’t name specific things. This is just my perception.

Anyway, good luck. I suspect it will be funded.

Thank you for your honest opinion. I’m glad you find the artwork nice. The work of Leonardo is diverse and I made the conscious decision to fashion each card as best I could, rather than try to homogenize them into a deck. Of course everyone sees Leonardo differently, I received a mail that “...all these paintings and etchings, I am surprised how nice they look together.”

I considered the paintings vs graphics question…. but unfortunately Leonardo didn’t consider that 500 years later someone would use his work for playing cards, and provide more paintings just for me! There are so few Leonardo paintings extant.

Thanks for your suspicions that we will get funded, I suspect so too

I fully agree with this, theres just too much inconsistency everywhere. They are nice as individual cards, but they dont make one deck of cards.

I’m glad you like the individual cards, and appreciate your honest opinion. I believe that once printed, and in the hands, Leonardo will feel like one deck of cards.

best regards, Dent-de-Lion

[Strag]

After doing a significant amount of research I have decided to de-pledge. Looking back ,aside from the LEGO job (of which there are a couple public mentions) everything else I see is a lot of started projects but without completion. The previous Kickstarter failed, none of the movies have actually been produced that I can find, the IMDB listing is actually a paid placement.

Sorry, far too many question marks for me. I do hope the project is a success and I can purchase in the after market but for now I have to wait and see.

[Dent-de-Lion]

After doing a significant amount of research I have decided to de-pledge. Looking back ,aside from the LEGO job (of which there are a couple public mentions) everything else I see is a lot of started projects but without completion. The previous Kickstarter failed, none of the movies have actually been produced that I can find, the IMDB listing is actually a paid placement.

Sorry, far too many question marks for me. I do hope the project is a success and I can purchase in the after market but for now I have to wait and see.

Hello! Please allow me to address your concerns, one by one.

My work at LEGO was far more than a ‘job’. It was a career position. I was Global Director of Research. I co-managed a group of 100+ people. I am very proud of my work there, which, as a research project was mostly outside the public eye. We pioneered Virtual Reality!

The IMDB listing is not a ‘paid placement’ but the best way for an independent filmmaker to get his work listed on this important site. Portrait² is a film I worked on for 5 years, it is complete, and is viewed around the world over the net. I encourage you to watch it. It was a major accomplishment. I tried to fund some of the distribution on Kickstarter which did not succeed, I did my best. Those of you who have run campaigns know that not all succeed!

My other film project “The Nature of the Game” was not backed by the film studios. We raised about ⅕ the money we needed and I filmed what I could, until production halted. It’s a hard world for independent filmmakers.

My first book IKONMAN was published in Switzerland by Orell Füessli AG of the largest and most respected publishers in the country. They also print the Swiss money

I was the inventor of SNIFE. This was a highly successful project sold to WENGER, who are now a part of VICTORINOX both companies famously produce the Swiss Army Knife.

I recently completed “A Song Cycle of Love and Death” which is an orchestral work consisting of 12 poems set to original music I composed. It’s on the internet at duomusae.com

Pledging on kickstarter is a way to back the dreams of creators, who share their lives, aspirations and dreams with the world. Artist and creators depend on their projects to feed their families, and misinformation can harm a fine reputation and affect the fundraising process.

I’m still glad you hope the project is a success! I hope the information above answers your questions and helps you in re-considering to back Leonardo.

thank you,

Dent-de-Lion du Midi

[arrowhead]

Long term lurker here. I just wanted to say that I feel Mr. du Midi has been incredibly forthright both here and on Kickstarter. He has engaged with the community and has addressed the issues brought up by us swiftly and sincerely. I find Stag's public comment rather unbecoming.

I wish the Leonardo project the best of luck and I can't wait to see it succeed. Backed for both decks and uncut sheets.

[MagikFingerz]

I find Stag's public comment rather unbecoming.

Unbecoming in what way? I really don't see why it's "unbecoming" to simply not trust someone you've never met enough to give them money and expect something in return. Many of us here have been burned by doing so before. We've learned to look for what we call "red flags", which when highlighted (in a "public comment") does not mean to imply that the creator has any bad intentions or is unlikely to succeed. But the possibility is always there, and is only disproved when a project is completed and fulfilled. Alas, such is the nature of Kickstarter.

[ecNate]

Long term lurker here. I just wanted to say that I feel Mr. du Midi has been incredibly forthright both here and on Kickstarter. He has engaged with the community and has addressed the issues brought up by us swiftly and sincerely. I find Stag's public comment rather unbecoming.

I wish the Leonardo project the best of luck and I can't wait to see it succeed. Backed for both decks and uncut sheets.

In general, agree. Although it's possible Strag was in a high end tier and would prefer to see project creators have a proven track record and in hindsight Strag just felt that wasn't there after all. If that was the case it should have been presented as such because as written it feels more like a warning regarding deception, which is just ridiculous. There is NOTHING to suggest this is a scam or has any greater risk than any other 1st time project creator, if anything it's the opposite. Considering his daughter ran the Glitch project should also help lend credibility. I have ZERO concerns about this project and glad to see it's well on the way to happening.

[Strag]

Long term lurker here. I just wanted to say that I feel Mr. du Midi has been incredibly forthright both here and on Kickstarter. He has engaged with the community and has addressed the issues brought up by us swiftly and sincerely. I find Stag's public comment rather unbecoming.

I wish the Leonardo project the best of luck and I can't wait to see it succeed. Backed for both decks and uncut sheets.

In general, agree. Although it's possible Strag was in a high end tier and would prefer to see project creators have a proven track record and in hindsight Strag just felt that wasn't there after all. If that was the case it should have been presented as such because as written it feels more like a warning regarding deception, which is just ridiculous. There is NOTHING to suggest this is a scam or has any greater risk than any other 1st time project creator, if anything it's the opposite. Considering his daughter ran the Glitch project should also help lend credibility. I have ZERO concerns about this project and glad to see it's well on the way to happening.

Bang on the head. I was in for $165. For that kind of money, I want to feel confident in what I'm backing. I've been burned (so far) 3 times with a couple semi-burns. If I hadn't been careful that number would be in the double didgets. I keep good records and know what I am and am not comfortable with. I don't mind saying publically how I feel because hopefully my experiences and thinking can help people.

If you (arrowhead) feel that only positive comments and opinions should be stated, well sorry I disagree with you. If Mike and/or the moderators feels differently I'm sure they'll let me know. That hasn't been the case so far. But one thing I do feel is that you have 100% the right to state your opinon.

[EvanEssence]

The creator's project is a little nebulous. It kind of came out of left field, and I don't know if Dent-de-lion du midi is a real name, or a pseudonym...website links are nebulous as well and I don't understand some of them.

Having said that, I look at the cards themselves and can't help but notice the painstaking detail that has been put into the cards that are there. If you compare them to the original art, you can tell he's not just copying and pasting something into photoshop and throwing them together with no rhyme or reason. Take some time for yourself and do some comparing It's pretty cool!

[soleil]

Hey guys, I just thought to quickly come in tell you a bit about my dad. His name has caused quite the stir a couple of times in my life. Like for my birth certificate or when I first started school. Or anytime I tell someone about him Well all I wanna say is that he has done so much in his life and lived a very unique life. If you do have some more specific questions I would also be happy to answer.

Oh I do remember my dad working at LEGO, that was fun, we had so much lego in the house, there was a room that was a ginormous LEGO city with, what I can only guess, most sets out there. Plus all the parts one can only get in Billund at the headquarters brickroom. I also remember playing with VR googles when I was 8, with a LEGO world inside. That was fun - though no one at school believed me

Anywho, hit me up if you have some questions

[arrowhead]

just saw it passed the goal! congrats to your dad!

[badpete69]

I think that’s the first time I have heard my name (not a pseudonym) referred to as “badass”! I will have to tell my children, very impressed they will be!

Being a little off topic here..So I am curious. Being french when i saw your name I immediately said to myself interesting name lion's tooth. But I think it was meant as a play for dandelion right? Of course that wouldn't make the name so bad ass hahahaha. Dandelion in french is pissenlit or sometimes Dent-de Lion Interesting choice

[Dent-de-Lion]

Thank you United Cardists for all your support and help! We are funded and our first stretch goal is already achieved!

So without further ado here she is, the Leonardo Editions | Handcrafted Hardwood Collector's Case! Beautifully handcrafted and snuggly fitting two Leonardo decks. Simple and clean, a timeless design.

Thank you very much for your support! And especially to those quiet Cardists who have private messaged me their kind thoughts and encouragements.

[Dent-de-Lion]

Hello Cardists, thank you for your continued support!

Through popular demand from collectors, poker players, and game enthusiasts I would like to show you guys two superlative Leonardo Commemorative Coins!

Leonardo Editions | Commemorative Gold and Silver Coins

The Gold and Silver 2” Engraved Commemorative Coins can be used as dealer buttons, beautiful display pieces, or as card guards / decision makers. Expertly minted and finished, they are the perfect complement to your Leonardo Edition Gold or Edition Silver decks!

The front side features the Leonardo iconic Jack of Spades in full relief. The back displays the Ace of Spades symbol and the name of my studio - Meisterwerke Altstadt.

Sincerely

Dent-de-Lion

PS: Thank you for your messages on kickstarter, your suggestions are very valuable!

[montecarlojoe]

2 quick questions;

Is MEISTERWERKE ALTSTADT the (your) studio / production co? The German on such an archetypal Italian deck seems out of context...

Also is this you? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4790431/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm

[Dent-de-Lion]

2 quick answers

1) yes, Meisterwerke Altstadt is my studio. It's a german name yes, but Art transcends borders, and da Vinci belongs to the world. But thank you for your keen observationI - I had until now never thought of the deck as "italian" !

2) yes, that link leads to my bio on IMDB for my film Portrait² - Please let me know if you have the chance to view it, and your impressions, thank you!

kind regards, Dent-de-Lion

[Dent-de-Lion]

I’m thrilled that we passed the $30,000 stretch goal and will now be able to publish The Leonardo Book! It’s going to be a beautiful book in 3 formats (hardcover, iBook and epub). Thanks to some very special United Cardists who have been promoting Leonardo, and the book, on their networks.



Leonardo is moving swiftly onwards towards our $35K stretch goal - Inside the Tuck Printing! This is a free upgrade for both editions, a lovely detail that really enhances the tuck designs. This joyful suit texture will show up in other neat places in the project! Keep an eye open, if you’re as detail obsessive as I.



Once again, thank you all for your continued support!

Dent-de-Lion du Midi

[arrowhead]

I do like that inside the tuck print... wish more decks did that.

[soleil]

Dent-de-Lion, AKA my father just added this image to the Leonardo story. I really like to see images of the fan - gives such a lovely expression! What do you think?

[Bruno]

..... these decks are great, and a suitably cardist tribute to Leonardo .... who when you consider his prolific and varied works, at some point must have made his own cards .... lost like much of his ephemera. What a find those pieces would be.
Near enough to fifty thou to quiet a few unbelievers Soleil .... Don't let the hollow response here phase you, most of these jokers are bicycle freaks.
Admirable restraint by Mns. du Midi in using the codex word once.
Wish I could afford the book but I have an extremely pathetic status these days.

[volantangel]

..... these decks are great, and a suitably cardist tribute to Leonardo .... who when you consider his prolific and varied works, at some point must have made his own cards .... lost like much of his ephemera. What a find those pieces would be.
Near enough to fifty thou to quiet a few unbelievers Soleil .... Don't let the hollow response here phase you, most of these jokers are bicycle freaks.
Admirable restraint by Mns. Midi in not once using the codex word.
Wish I could afford the book but I have an extremely pathetic status these days.

Maybe i should read more carefully before approving posts, can someone tell me what this ACE here is talking about ?

[EvanEssence]

I think some parts of it are in some modified form of haiku

[PrincessTrouble]

I think some parts of it are in some modified form of haiku

Ha ha ha. I was thinking, "And the human head weighs 8 pounds."

[Eoghann]

Don't let the hollow response here phase you, most of these jokers are bicycle freaks.

, this guy. Why I oughta..*shakes fist*

[Dent-de-Lion]

A deck made by da Vinci would be a real find!

I’ve had so many supportive messages on Kickstarter from UC collectors, many just waiting for the USPCC printing goal to be achieved. We’re nearing in on the $50K USPCC goal!

The Leonardo book is going to be beautiful, I’m really enjoying the process of creating it! I’m announcing the availability of the ebooks (iBooks and ePubs) today in an update, which will have the same content and be much more affordable!

best regards, Dent-de-Lion

[bamabenz]

A deck made by da Vinci would be a real find!

Dent,

When you put it that way, it does bring-out the question of what deck would da Vinci have made if he actually designed a deck?

I'm a backer for this campaign, so obviously I think its good -- but its a tribute/art deck, not an extrapolation of da Vinci to the world of playing cards.

I think the closest I've seen to the later goal is Lorenzo's Heretic, although I am not saying that was his goal.

I would love to see what you could create in the spirit of da Vinci.

/bama

[Dent-de-Lion]

I am glad you like Leonardo! Thank you for pledging!

I like Heretic too, Lorenzo does good work!

- Dent-de-Lion

[Yashi]

Just a thought but maybe you could make the print inside the tuck scribbles/notes from Leonardo's notebook. While the design you have in mind does blend well with the tuck box, I find diamonds, spades, clubs, and hearts rather simple for a Leonardo deck.