Handpainted watercolor deck

[MTdesigns]

Hi everyone,
I am new to the forum but have been in love with cards and art for as long as I can remember.

Over the past year I have been creating original artwork and applying watercolors to each piece to create a deck of my own. My goal was to keep the traditional elements of each cards while giving them a fresh modern feel. So they still remain the cards I have grown up with and love but maybe a bit more full of life and vibrant luminous colors (which watercolors are so great at). I've chosen specific color combinations for each suits as well, so they all feel part of their own family. Each card is designed, drawed, inked and painted by hand.

I've so far only unveiled these through Instagram and have gotten a very positive and encouraging reception. But as the deck is getting closer and closer to being complete, I feel it would be good to get thoughts and opinions of fans & experts. I have many many questions to come and genuinely hope this forum can help me achieve my goal of getting this dream project to become a reality!

So here is a first look at some of the cards from this project...





Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions, questions... all are most welcome!

[Adonael]

Generally I dislike standard-type courts, but these do impress me! I think the hard part will be making a great stand-out tuck and back to go with the cards.

[MagikFingerz]

These look wonderful! I agree with Adonael; the box and (most importantly IMO) the back design will make or break this deck.

Also - will you be adding indices at a later stage in the process? Not having indices drastically reduce their playability, and might be a dealbreaker for some.

Looking forward to seeing more

[PipChick]

First off, WOW! very nicely done so far I love the watercolor medium and the choice of colors; needless to say, I'm already a huge fan <3




I did wanna ask; the the aces from your IG look, to me, as though they are slightly outlined in a yellow-gold color - are you planning to maybe use metallic inks?? or have considered to?

IMHO, I think that would really compliment the design quite well and might give a subtle hint of refined elegance with thin, yet crisp-edged golden lines in contrast to the beauty of the bleeding & pooling of the watercolor medium. Since watercolors are so delicate, I think metallic inks would suit better than say a super shiney foil as I can imagine that it might be a bit too strong/overbearing and would instead distract from the delicate nature of the design by making the line work much too bold.

If I recall, the Artist Playing Cards by Carne Griffiths was intended to have some gold-leaf detailing included on the back design of the gilded decks, but I'm not sure if that was actually included. From what I've seen of that deck online though, the gold gilding looks to have come out pretty great and fits really well with the cards. Maybe also something to consider if you still want to add in some gold (or silver), but perhaps not to the faces of the cards themselves.

just some thoughts I'm throwin' out there - take 'em or leave 'em

EDIT: the pics above were screenshotted from IG and, for whatever reason, still came out a bit blurry - sorry 'bout that But if anyone hasn't already checked out her IG, y'all most definitely should

[tmbdp2001]

These are really beautiful. I can't wait to see more.

[theCapraAegagrus]

I'm definitely interested in these. As has been said; a great back design, and tuck, will go a long way with this being more-or-less a different take on standard faces.

The aces are exceptional. I would definitely keep these index-free.

[synedrionmg]

Courts look great. I like these so far

[portcullis]

Yes please!

[MTdesigns]

It's so great to hear the comments and feedback. Thank you everyone! I've already gotten several things to think about just from this small intro post!

I had always intended to put indexes on the cards, mainly because the thought had never occured not to.. I do however like the card as they are and I know that if I put an index, it would have to flow with the style and not feel out of place or obstrussive. It's a tricky thing.

This entire project is tricky ahaha! I made an attempt at the back a few months back which I absolutely hated. Not that this has discouraged me. I know I have to make sure it's right in every way as the ambassador for the project. Hopefully I can come here for thought and suggestions on any concepts I have for this.

And well spotted PipChick! There is an intent to have some gold highlights on the Aces! I think the face cards as well. When I tested the look, to me they were improved by having some gold in the center of the card design, where the belts and clothing ornamentations are. Still deciding on all these details so opicions and comments are very helpful.

Thanks again!

[theCapraAegagrus]

A couple of suggestions:

I would add some sort of "trademark" to the Ace of Spades to further separate it from the Ace of Clubs. Casual players may not be sure which is which.

I would make sure that the back design has a white "border". If cardists and/or magicians are interested in these, that will certainly play a part in their overall usability.

[MagikFingerz]

I would make sure that the back design has a white "border".

[theCapraAegagrus]

I would make sure that the back design has a white "border".

WUT

[th4mo]

I would make sure that the back design has a white "border".

WUT

MF is upset because you left out a very important word: "make sure that the back design has a LARGE white "border"."

[Merlebird]

I would make sure that the back design has a white "border".

WUT

[MagikFingerz]

MF is upset because you left out a very important word: "make sure that the back design has a LARGE white "border"."

[theCapraAegagrus]

I would make sure that the back design has a white "border".

WUT

MF is upset because you left out a very important word: "make sure that the back design has a LARGE white "border"."

[wingedpotato]

I'd just like to say that I love these designs so far! I'll be following closely...

[portcullis]

They are great. Sign me up for a couple!!

[Räpylätassu]

Any new news about this one?

[portcullis]

Dammit Räpylätassu! I thought the above post was new news.

[LanceTMiller]

I'm a fan, it's hard to imagine watercolors being something that conveyed into card design, but this is already looking well executed.

Keep it up!

[chicken_ql]

WOW, these look fantastic! Lemme know when the drop!

[PipChick]

WOW, these look fantastic! Lemme know when the drop!

Yea, I too am excited for this deck.

From the looks of the artist's IG, it seems like she has nearly all the artwork finished on these, but still no word yet of when they'll be ready for the KS campaign. Regardless, I'm still very much looking forward to this deck

[portcullis]

I forgot how much I like these. Can't wait to score a couple.

[GabeCord]

these look great! hope to see these drop soon

[Albendon]

I join the host of excited backers!

As a side... are you considering offering some of the original art up for collectors? I can see them being swept up if so, though I appreciate they may be hard to part with. If not, some as art prints?

Also waiting eagerly on the back and tuck. I can see how it could be difficult to create a perfect 2 way back in watercolours, I don't envy you this - are you thinking to keep the back and tuck in line with the courts or perhaps something more subtle?

Watching with antici pation

Ben

[Cardileigh]

Me too!!! These look, a-maze-ing! Offer art prints too- the 2 of clubs is lovely!

[Dolape]

Absolutely in love with the idea! Following IG and everything, will definitely be adding those to the collection! Also curious to see how they will look when printed