UnitedCardists.com - The forum for Cardistry, Magic, Custom Decks and All Things Playing Cards.

Hi all,

I'm an artist and I've been using software code to create artwork for a couple decades now. (This is hand-coded stuff, not AI.) I've released a number of art collections on Art Blocks and other digital art platforms.

A couple years ago I designed two decks of cards using these techniques. I'm finally preparing a Kickstarter project to get them published as premium decks. I want to publish two high-quality and unique decks that would be a nice addition to any collection.

It's my first Kickstarter project (though I have backed a bunch), so I could use some advice from all of you way-more-experienced collectors, designers, and vendors!

The card artwork is already done, but I still have questions about the best way to produce the decks.

For example, when you evaluate a Kickstarter project, how important is it to know in advance who the printer will be and what kind of card stock and finish will be used?

From my side, it theoretically depends on how many backers the project gets. If there are 200 backers or less, then the printer would have to be one of WJPC, MPC, or Shuffled Ink because of the lower minimum order quantities. If there are more backers then that we could afford to go with LPCC or USPCC/Cartamundi. In any case I want to go with something like a 290 or 300 gsm stock and a linen finish, so the cards look and handle well.

But I have a hunch most people want the project to fully commit to a specific printer, stock, and finish up front.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Rob

Since this is the Custom Decks channel I figure I should post some artwork too!

One unique feature of these decks is that every pip is different on every card. I really wanted to make the number cards as interesting as the courts.

In addition all the symbols and shapes, even the court characters, are built up from simple geometric shapes arranged in tight patterns. It makes the artwork pretty quirky, but distinctive.

Printing-wise I'm planning to use an off-white background and colors that mimic old style four-color prints. Feedback is welcome of course!

I kind of dig the art. As for your questions, I won't back a project without knowing who they're printing with and the printing details. Of the printer options you listed USPCC requires a 2,500 decks minimum order now so that's likely out. Cartamundi is t doing customer cards anymore. WJPC has progressed to the point that I think their better than Legends, but it depends on which stock options you use. They offer a lot, most are good, some are great. MPC has actually gotten much better too. Their top stock options are pretty darned good. Shuffled Ink I can't say too much about but I don't recall them producing decks that handle well. You didn't mention foiling so if your deck print # is on the lower side, WJPC and MPC would still be good choices. WJPC does foiling well is you decide to do that and can do nice tucks as well. You can buy a bunch of card stock samples from both to see their options. Kingstar would be another worth considering.

Thanks! Great info. That fits some of the research I've been doing too. It sounds like I'll want to commit to the printer, stock and finish up front based on an achievable minimum order quantity. I will probably try out MPC for some prototype decks, since they don't have a minimum, and maybe go for WJPC for the final project (their minimum is 300 decks). I like the Legends decks that I've used too, but their minimum is 1,000 and that might not be doable for a first time designer.

A quick question about the card back: here's an example of the current card back design for one of the decks.



I like it but it's a one-way design. Is that a deal-breaker for most collectors? I wonder if I should redesign this to be symmetrical and better optimized for fanning. Thanks!

I am thinking that you would easily come up with a symmetrical so why not do that
There is of course the subtle one way alternative too.
The Joker and Thief back pics I posted today are very one way and yet when you rotate one, somehow it is hardly noticeable
After lunch (I am starving) I will post another of my favourites in my Honeybees and other ... in the Show Us Your Cards thread
It is the most subtle of one ways - which I will not reveal but leave for people to spot (I have blabbed it before, mind you)

I’m really liking the design—I’m a fan of hard-coded art.

Agree that knowing the printer ahead of time is a must. Please make sure you do your research ahead of time and know exactly how much money you need to raise—including shipping—to avoid any problems down the line.

Personally the one-way design does not bother me.

How’s the deck coming along?

The decks are coming along nicely, thanks!

Upon the advice of some other deck designers, I had some prototype decks made with MPC. Definitely worth doing! The first deck (Eccentrics Dark) arrived and looks mostly great, but there are a few tweaks I'll make based on seeing them in person (like fixing the bleed on the the inner tuck flap).

Here are a few quick shots of the first prototype. The next thing I'll do is get some better photos!

I'm planning to launch the Kickstarter this coming week (Nov. 12th) since I'll be exhibiting at an art fair event starting the 14th.

They look great!

Thanks for the nice feedback so far, everyone. On to the next step...

The Eccentrics Playing Cards are now live on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ra ... ing-cards/

Wish me luck!