Baphomets and Gold Baphomets- Prototyping for fun

[Brightyquid]

After the failure of 2 Kickstarter campaigns I decided to throw myself into prototyping for fun; and not take myself too seriously.

My first 2 completed prototypes are ‘Baphomets’ and the self indulgent ‘Gold Baphomets’:-

Baphomets - https://www.instagram.com/p/B45fre4BUXn ... 1fy441kiwj

Gold Baphomets- https://www.instagram.com/p/B45gJ4zhkzM ... yn3a8it1yf

Thoughts? Comments? Hurtful jibes? Lol

Thanks

[STLBluesNut]

Going off only what is shown, the top tuck is getting closer to the mark for me. If it were this with standard courts though it would be a pass, but the design presented isn't bad even in just black on a paper bag colored tuck.

I am assuming the tuck is a little plain because of it being a prototype. The ace and the back design are not bad but need a little color. Even Theory11 with their gorgeous tucks get criticized for their monochrome cards.

I like foil on a tuck probably more than the next guy, but a full foil tuck is not for me.

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[Brightyquid]

Going off only what is shown, the top tuck is getting closer to the mark for me. If it were this with standard courts though it would be a pass, but the design presented isn't bad even in just black on a paper bag colored tuck.

I am assuming the tuck is a little plain because of it being a prototype. The ace and the back design are not bad but need a little color. Even Theory11 with their gorgeous tucks get criticized for their monochrome cards.

I like foil on a tuck probably more than the next guy, but a full foil tuck is not for me.

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The courts will be custom, based around the Knights Templar. But I am unsure what to do for the Queens? The Joker will be a full Baphomet illustration.

V2 Baphomets concepts below:-

I think the addition of gold foil on the reverse of the cards brings a bit more impact to the design. The amended design on the reverse of the card is based on the caduceus design from the Éliphas Lévi illustration.

[BaconWise]

I really like the craft tuck direction and that caduceus design is BADASS.

I think it might serve you better to eliminate the checkerboard background on the card backs. It is wreaking havoc on my eyes and I am losing the distinction of those awesome snakes. Perhaps just a crosshatch pattern? The checkerboard is just overwhelming at the moment. Final thing for me would be the font for Baphomet. I think it feels dated and not in a good way that might fit for the historical period. I would suggest playing around with a few fonts that might fit better.

These are just my observations, but I am really interested in this direction. Thanks for sharing this progress!

[Brightyquid]

I really like the craft tuck direction and that caduceus design is BADASS.

I think it might serve you better to eliminate the checkerboard background on the card backs. It is wreaking havoc on my eyes and I am losing the distinction of those awesome snakes. Perhaps just a crosshatch pattern? The checkerboard is just overwhelming at the moment. Final thing for me would be the font for Baphomet. I think it feels dated and not in a good way that might fit for the historical period. I would suggest playing around with a few fonts that might fit better.

These are just my observations, but I am really interested in this direction. Thanks for sharing this progress!

Thanks for the feedback man. The Kraft card is seemingly hitting the mark more which I’m happy about, and I’m really happy about the feedback RE: the caduceus... I literally drew it from scratch TODAY
I take onboard the check pattern and font criticism and have to say I agree. They are very quick amends that could lead to a great V3 prototype. I’ll keep the thread updated.

Thanks again

[Bradius]

This is looking good. As for queens in this theme, might I suggest Succubae?

[hsbc]

Agreed, the art looks good so far! But don't rush to get a deck together as soon as possible - take your time and really make it shine We're not going anywhere and honestly everyone's bank accounts would probably appreciate it too

[Harvonsgard]

everyone's bank accounts would probably appreciate it too

Speaking llike a true card maniac . My budget is occupied till Jan'20 .

Art looks great so far. I like that natural/realistic take on the symbolism. Very nice draft.

[Brightyquid]

This is looking good. As for queens in this theme, might I suggest Succubae?

I think that is definitely an option, I was also thinking a priestess?

[Brightyquid]

Agreed, the art looks good so far! But don't rush to get a deck together as soon as possible - take your time and really make it shine We're not going anywhere and honestly everyone's bank accounts would probably appreciate it too

Thanks. I am doing this all for fun at the moment. I am a professional illustrator but I have had a lot of boring/prosaic commissions recently so I am really doing this for the creative release.

My ideas for decks is now at 3.

1. Hipster Santa - Fully illustrated
2. Wonderland - Utilising new and existing Alice in Wonderland illustrations from my portfolio
3. Baphomet

[Brightyquid]

Based on the feedback so far I have arrived at V3, I'm prepared to go to V100 lol. Please see the 3 variations below. I like all of them, but I am wondering which one most excites the community. I would like to gold foil the reverse of the cards; and the Ace of spades, like Chris Ramsays '1st's', Gold Monarchs or the Knowledge deck by Legends.

I am currently working on the Joker illustration which will follow the clean hardline illustrations of the Caduceus and skull from the tuck.

[Harvonsgard]

You're truely attached to your logo, right ? I wouldn't put it on the back, just my 0.000002492 BTC.

Middle tuck would be my vote. The back could need some more details, imo. A nice pattern instead of the plain black with the white stripes.

[hsbc]

The bottom of the tuck is where logos belong

[Brightyquid]

You're truely attached to your logo, right ? I wouldn't put it on the back, just my 0.000002492 BTC.

Middle tuck would be my vote. The back could need some more details, imo. A nice pattern instead of the plain black with the white stripes.

The frequency of my logo on both the cards and the tuck is VASTLY reduced from previous versions, maybe one day it will only appear on the bottom but I doubt it.

Chris Ramsay has his monogram all over his deck! I need to become a successful YouTuber and hopefully that means people will let me have mine lol

[STLBluesNut]

I like the black and craft tucks. The design and card backs are ok with me so far. If you end up offering multiple versions, or tuck, I would only buy 1 if the cards are the same.

I don't mind multiple versions but there has to be more than just a tuck swap for me to buy more than 1.

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[Adonael]

I don't personally have a 1ST deck, but it seems to me his monogram appears only on the tuck flap and back design. Which actually works really well because it's a quite nice monogram to begin with and it's used like monogram patterns on luxury fashion labels. Not just randomly strewn about everywhere. The 1ST logo does appear a lot, but clearly with thought, being an integral aspect of the design as well as the name of the deck. Pointing all this out is almost convincing myself to buy a V2 lol because I'll admit I was impressed, I expected something much worse and lazier (hype-ier) when they were originally announced.

[Brightyquid]

I don't personally have a 1ST deck, but it seems to me his monogram appears only on the tuck flap and back design. Which actually works really well because it's a quite nice monogram to begin with and it's used like monogram patterns on luxury fashion labels. Not just randomly strewn about everywhere. The 1ST logo does appear a lot, but clearly with thought, being an integral aspect of the design as well as the name of the deck. Pointing all this out is almost convincing myself to buy a V2 lol because I'll admit I was impressed, I expected something much worse and lazier (hype-ier) when they were originally announced.

1st V2’s are my favourite deck I own. I carry my Makers Blacksmiths around with me, but if I was braver I’d carry my 1st’s instead lol

[Brightyquid]

Amazing response from the community on UC and Reddit, lots of great feedback that I have implemented in the V4 below. I’m feeling like the tuck design and the cards I have done so far ‘ready’ - Just the custom court cards to do now. (The Joker Illustration is NOT the final illustration, it’s a first sketch which will be redrawn and refined when the other court cards have been sketched out)

25728E73-C67C-4123-B28E-3906BF08E314.jpeg (129.39 KiB) Viewed 2690 times

I am really enjoying this project and appreciate everyone’s input.

[STLBluesNut]

These are pretty good and coming along nicely.

Suggestion: is there possibly another color scheme that would fit the theme besides black and gold? I actually don't know who or what a Baphomet is, but perhaps there is some kind of lore or reference that could suggest a different palette.

Personal opinion: I feel like black and gold, white and gold, anything and gold is getting really quickly over used, if not already. I realize I am probably in the minority here as gold is a classic symbol of luxury. There are so many foil colors out there that gold, and even silver to a point, are just easy, low effort colors to go with. Low effort as in color scheme, not in design, before I get blasted.

Copper>colored(red, blue, green, etc)>silver>gold. My opinion of course.

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[Adonael]

From what I've seen the only other colour associated with Baphomet is red, so not exactly spoiled for choice. I have to agree the black tuck is a bit boring and very over-used, but then again a lot of people are into that aesthetic and I don't mind all that much if the court artwork is good and it all comes together well. Maybe there could be a stretch goal for a limited edition or something, it looks great in really deep red and copper!

[BaconWise]

I mentioned this on Reddit, but thought I would pose the idea for UC as well.

How would you all feel about a soft-touch tuck like on Lorenzo's Gemini trio and on the standard Luminosity?

I really love how this deck has progressed and the deep red is a nice look as well, adonael!

[Adonael]

I just pulled out a Gemini, I have to admit the soft-touch stock feels extremely luxurious, I've had some packaging for other things use it and it's always impressive in the tactile sense.

[Brightyquid]

V5!

I have been working hard on this tuck; and card designs, to try and accommodate the suggestions I have been given regarding the design while retaining the initial idea I had. I have now split into two colour schemes and I really want the feedback of those that are interested. Which colour scheme has the most promise? Black and Gold OR Red, Black and Gold?

Additionally, please find below the final illustration of my Baphomet joker.

As always, all opinions are encouraged.

Thanks

[BaconWise]

I think both versions are fantastic, though I am getting more of an orange vibe from your new color option. I did a very quick-and-dirty color swap just to show a dark red vs. the orange. I think your entire design works well with almost any color. If you are going for red, I think the deeper/darker the better. Cheers!

[Brightyquid]

I think both versions are fantastic, though I am getting more of an orange vibe from your new color option. I did a very quick-and-dirty color swap just to show a dark red vs. the orange. I think your entire design works well with almost any color. If you are going for red, I think the deeper/darker the better. Cheers!

Baphomet Color Swap.jpg

I agree, the lighting rig in C4D has given more of an orange. The true colour would have been a darker. Which version do you prefer? Black or your revised Red?

[STLBluesNut]

They all look pretty good, but I have to vote for the orange! Even if it's not supposed to be orange. After that, the red.

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[BaconWise]

Which version do you prefer? Black or your revised Red?

I think a nice, rich burgundy would win-out for me. Very deep red would look classy AF. Not to say Black/Gold is not nice, I just don't have a lot of deep red color schemes in my collection. I don't think you can go wrong, though, either way you go.

[MagikFingerz]

Deep red, then black/gold. Orange last (my half-Dutch girlfriend would not be pleased with me).

[hsbc]

I know that orange wasn't an option but that orange looks really nice It's got a spooky vibe going on with the crescent moons and skull

[Adonael]

That's neon orange, no amount of lighting rig influence could have changed it from red to that lol. BaconWise's red is still far too bright. It certainly needs to be much darker as others have suggested, closer to what I've shown in my own quick photoshop, though perhaps not quite that dark because it only really works with copper foil, I tried it with gold as well and it would have to be a tad lighter. The orange is interesting on it's own though, very unique, of course I would prefer a dark red over it still. Many projects offer a black & gold limited edition stretch goal, which makes it easier to obtain the superior coloured version and also lets those who are into the black & gold get that too should the goal be reached. Trying to reach a goal for the interesting version often doesn't work because people have to back for the less interesting one for that to happen, but the other way around can.