ORNATE Playing Cards: White Edition - KS funded $118k+

[RandyButterfield]

Hey Everyone,

We'll be launching the ORNATE Playing Cards: White Edition on Kickstarter at Noon EST (New York time) this Thursday!

Here's some of the project page copy with some details:

BACKSTORY OF THE ORNATES:
The original, Black Edition, of the ORNATE Playing Cards were released in August 2012 (Sapphire & Scarlet) and March 2013 (Amethyst & Emerald) at HOPC. After the first two decks sold out very quickly, we formed an overall plan that would culminate with a well-rounded and versatile series. The first part of the plan was to finish the Black Set with the Amethyst and Emerald Decks. The next steps were to release the two pairs separately in a re-imagined White version. With the help of Kickstarter, we have decided to go big and release all four White Edition Decks simultaneously!

The ORNATES are some of the most unique Decks in the world of modern Playing Cards. They are highlighted by beautiful fans, elaborate details throughout and detailed borders on the Back and Front of every Card. THIS PROJECT WILL BE THE FINALE FOR THE ORNATES.


UNBRANDED SET:
The Unbranded Set integrates the ORNATE Logos from the original Custom Brick Boxes to create a look that ties them to the originals, but gives them a unique vibe of their own. They each have a connective design that is colorful and tasteful.


THE FACE CARDS:
The White ORNATE Face Cards have had a facelift and a lot of subtle redesigns throughout. To keep them consistent with the originals, the Sapphire and Scarlet Decks share Face Card designs (Blue/Gold for the Clubs & Spades - Red/Silver for the Hearts & Diamonds). The Amethyst and Emerald Faces are Green/Gold for the Clubs & Spades and Purple/Silver for the Hearts & Diamonds. All of the Face Cards have new two-tone PIPS and utilize a new PIP layout in the Number Cards.

thanks, Randy Butterfield

[sms69x]

Those look realy good!
But I think that four decks of ornates should be more than enough! Don't know if we need another four!

[Mike Ratledge]

I guess if I had more than a pair of each I would agree but - I'm in! Noon Thursday I will be working, but I will be around before 5.

[RandyButterfield]

Here's an image of the faces for the Amethyst & Emerald's Spades suit. It gives a good look at the new look for the face cards, the new PIPS and new PIPS layout for the Number Cards.

Here's a higher res version of the Spades Suit:

http://www.midnightcardcompany.com/AESpadesSuitHR.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

thanks, Randy

[YoYoSpin]

Very attractive...I'm in.

[samurai007]

Here's an image of the faces for the Amethyst & Emerald's Spades suit. It gives a good look at the new look for the face cards, the new PIPS and new PIPS layout for the Number Cards.

Here's a higher res version of the Spades Suit:

http://www.midnightcardcompany.com/AESpadesSuitHR.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

thanks, Randy

On the face cards you have plenty of room in the corners, you should use a full-sized pip (same size as the number cards) instead of one that is only slightly larger than the index.

[MagikFingerz]

FINALLY!

Here's an image of the faces for the Amethyst & Emerald's Spades suit. It gives a good look at the new look for the face cards, the new PIPS and new PIPS layout for the Number Cards.

Here's a higher res version of the Spades Suit:

http://www.midnightcardcompany.com/AESpadesSuitHR.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;..

thanks, Randy

On the face cards you have plenty of room in the corners, you should use a full-sized pip (same size as the number cards) instead of one that is only slightly larger than the index.

I have to disagree. That will probably make the cards harder to read, especially from further away. Think about how a deuce would look like on a table when playing, with 4 full sized pips.

[sms69x]

Well... After seeing the cards I THINK WE STILL HAVE SPACE FOR ANOTHER SET OF ORNATES!

[samurai007]

FINALLY!

Here's an image of the faces for the Amethyst & Emerald's Spades suit. It gives a good look at the new look for the face cards, the new PIPS and new PIPS layout for the Number Cards.

Here's a higher res version of the Spades Suit:

http://www.midnightcardcompany.com/AESpadesSuitHR.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;....

thanks, Randy

On the face cards you have plenty of room in the corners, you should use a full-sized pip (same size as the number cards) instead of one that is only slightly larger than the index.

I have to disagree. That will probably make the cards harder to read, especially from further away. Think about how a deuce would look like on a table when playing, with 4 full sized pips.

You misunderstand, I'm talking about the face cards, J, Q, and K. They have a smaller than normal pip next to their head, along with a lot of open space. He should use a normal-sized pip there, not a small one.

[MagikFingerz]

FINALLY!

Here's an image of the faces for the Amethyst & Emerald's Spades suit. It gives a good look at the new look for the face cards, the new PIPS and new PIPS layout for the Number Cards.

Here's a higher res version of the Spades Suit:

http://www.midnightcardcompany.com/AESpadesSuitHR.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.....

thanks, Randy

On the face cards you have plenty of room in the corners, you should use a full-sized pip (same size as the number cards) instead of one that is only slightly larger than the index.

I have to disagree. That will probably make the cards harder to read, especially from further away. Think about how a deuce would look like on a table when playing, with 4 full sized pips.

You misunderstand, I'm talking about the face cards, J, Q, and K. They have a smaller than normal pip next to their head, along with a lot of open space. He should use a normal-sized pip there, not a small one.

Oh sorry, I see what you mean now. Yeah, I have to agree with that.

[RandyButterfield]

Hey Samurai,

The small inside PIPs on the Courts is a carry over from the original Ornates, when I was working on my first Deck design. I'll mess around with them and see if a larger inside PIP looks good in it's place.

Thanks!

Randy

[vixentorgames]

I love the backs, but I'm worried that the number/letter above the pips is going to make it tough to read them before my daughter can go, 'yep, this trick is mine,' and drag them all to herself before we get to say, 'you were not in suit.'

The face cards are all manner of bitchin', though.

[volantangel]

Nice randy ! I like how the brickbox is looking ! Excited to see you back in the field =)

[runit]

Those look realy good!
But I think that four decks of ornates should be more than enough! Don't know if we need another four!

I agree with sms69x. Don't get me wrong, I feel like the independent artists are pulling strategies from the big companies playbook.

Still nice though.

[montecarlojoe]

I must admit - when I first heard of these I thought the white was THE colour theme, rather than a move from BLACK+Colour to WHITE+Colour.

In my mind's eye there was an Ornate-Ivory as the 5th deck in the series.

I doub't I'll be able to resist getting these though

[Strag]

This being done for yourself or through HOPC?

[Paul Middleton]

This being done for yourself or through HOPC?

Still through HOPC I believe.

[Strag]

This being done for yourself or through HOPC?

Still through HOPC I believe.

If that's the case I am very disappointed. Established businesses should not be using Kickstarter, until and unless there is actually accountability for project creators to deliver. I no longer order from HOPC/Blue Crown due to their past treatment of me as a customer and they are basically doing an "end run" by placing something like this on KS.

I love Randy's work, I'm just disappointed in the company he's chosen to do business with.

[Paul Middleton]

This being done for yourself or through HOPC?

If that's the case I am very disappointed. Established businesses should not be using Kickstarter, until and unless there is actually accountability for project creators to deliver.

For what it's worth, I agree 100% with you on that. I've got a deck coming in the next few months and i'd prefer to stay away from Kickstarter, but may not have a choice as i'm just a small UK store! You can't really blame them for using the Kickdstarter platform though, It's a no-lose situation for HOPC or other established businesses.

[Strag]

This being done for yourself or through HOPC?

If that's the case I am very disappointed. Established businesses should not be using Kickstarter, until and unless there is actually accountability for project creators to deliver.

For what it's worth, I agree 100% with you on that. I've got a deck coming in the next few months and i'd prefer to stay away from Kickstarter, but may not have a choice as i'm just a small UK store! You can't really blame them for using the Kickdstarter platform though, It's a no-lose situation for HOPC or other established businesses.

I would say your position is different Paul. You are established as a storefront, but not as a manufacturer. I could easily see and support you doing 1-2 decks on KS to see how that side of the business goes and fits into your model. HOPC has an existing business doing this already and are basically using KS as a way to get more exposure, cash up front and with zero downside to them. Does NOT meet the definition of what KS is about and why KS can try to claim they have no obligations.

[Paul Middleton]

I would say your position is different Paul. You are established as a storefront, but not as a manufacturer. I could easily see and support you doing 1-2 decks on KS to see how that side of the business goes and fits into your model. HOPC has an existing business doing this already and are basically using KS as a way to get more exposure, cash up front and with zero downside to them. Does NOT meet the definition of what KS is about and why KS can try to claim they have no obligations.

Thanks! And yet again I do agree, but I think the fault lies mainly with Kickstarter. They have built a platform which is used by bigger companies because 'they can' - much like anything, I guess. If it's an available option, you would take advantage. Like if you're a company that can avoid higher levels of tax within the rules of the law - you're going to! Bad comparison maybe, but you see my point.

[volantangel]

The last ive heard from randy, which is quite a long time ago, seemed to indicate to me that he wasnt going to use HOPC after imperial. Unless things happened in between, this might be his first project on his work. But either way, i wouldnt be too surprised or concerned.

[sms69x]

The courst look better now!

[RandyButterfield]

Hey Guys,

I thought I should chime in before this gets out of hand. The White ORNATES Kickstarter will be through the HOPC account.

Last year I was upset with HOPC over a certain matter, that directly led to the Imperial's being on Kickstarter as opposed to a straight release. I won't elaborate further into that though. Kevin Reylek and I have become good friends over the past couple years of working together. I don't screw over friends. I feel that taking the Imperial and ORNATES through Kickstarter gives myself more control in the details of how everything is treated and take the project to a grander scale (Coins, Art Books...). For both Kickstarter projects I designed all of the project pages' graphics and wrote all of the project copy. HOPC's involvement comes into play once the project goes live (marketing) and during production (dealing with USPCC and fulfillment). I also send Kevin designs as they are finished up and he helped proof over the project page to make sure we didn't hurt ourselves with shipping or any "Kickstarter Exclusive" items, like we did with the Imperial project.

I know a lot of people have had problems with TBC/HOPC in the past. My goal is to make sure my designs aren't involved in anything that seem dishonest or misleading.

thanks, Randy

EDIT ADD: Yep, I added the larger inside PIPs to all of the Court Cards late last night. Thanks for the suggestion Samurai!!

[BiggerDee]

FANTSTIC!!! I'll be excited to get these decks in my hands in a few months. That will be a tough wait, but will be well worth it! Love this design!

[AceOfHearts]

FANTSTIC!!! I'll be excited to get these decks in my hands in a few months. That will be a tough wait, but will be well worth it! Love this design!

yes me too, probably will wait and get them from JPstore or Cartesmagie. I secretly wish for black set re-run (pleaaaseeee). Btw, what stops limited decks not to be avaivable again? Card collectors will be mad? Reputation of the author will be gone? ... why not? ppl love them, they would be sold for 1-2 days anyway and again will be rare...

[Strag]

Hey Guys,

I thought I should chime in before this gets out of hand. The White ORNATES Kickstarter will be through the HOPC account.

Last year I was upset with HOPC over a certain matter, that directly led to the Imperial's being on Kickstarter as opposed to a straight release. I won't elaborate further into that though. Kevin Reylek and I have become good friends over the past couple years of working together. I don't screw over friends. I feel that taking the Imperial and ORNATES through Kickstarter gives myself more control in the details of how everything is treated and take the project to a grander scale (Coins, Art Books...). For both Kickstarter projects I designed all of the project pages' graphics and wrote all of the project copy. HOPC's involvement comes into play once the project goes live (marketing) and during production (dealing with USPCC and fulfillment). I also send Kevin designs as they are finished up and he helped proof over the project page to make sure we didn't hurt ourselves with shipping or any "Kickstarter Exclusive" items, like we did with the Imperial project.

I know a lot of people have had problems with TBC/HOPC in the past. My goal is to make sure my designs aren't involved in anything that seem dishonest or misleading.

thanks, Randy

EDIT ADD: Yep, I added the larger inside PIPs to all of the Court Cards late last night. Thanks for the suggestion Samurai!!

Thanks for the info Randy. I'm really torn on this one. I do appreciate what you are doing and like I said, I think you are a brilliant designer. However HOPC and TBC have done what I consider to be some shoddy practices in the past... especially around the Altriusm/Snow Owls debacle and other communication issues they have had. I want the decks and I want to support you, but I really don't want to put another penny in their pockets. I hate when poor business practices are rewarded. I'm sure your KS will do well with or without my support but I did want make my feelings known.

[RandyButterfield]

Hey Everyone,

Some of you may remember (especially CBJ!) that the original Blue and Red ORNATE Decks were Bicycle branded (http://www.midnightcardcompany.com/ORNATEConcept.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). After I signed on with HOPC, we changed them to the Scarlet and Sapphire names. For the Kickstarter project, I wanted to do a nod to the original concept and do a really sweet Bicycle branded design that took full advantage of printing all 4 Decks at once, and integrates the shape and form of the Bicycle Logo into a strong design.

LIMITED BICYCLE SET:
Each Deck in the Limited Bicycle Set shares a connective design that follows the curve of the Bicycle logo and forms a sine when all four are placed side-by-side. We have 1,000 Sets of Bicycle White ORNATES available within 675 different Pledge spots. Once these spots are filled, they are sold out. The Bicycle Sets are NOT available as an Add-On item and are only available as a complete set of four. (THE CARDS INSIDE ARE THE SAME AS THE FOUR UNBRANDED DECKS).


During the Imperial campaign, we receive a good number of requests for alternate options on receiving the custom 6PK Boxes. We couldn't open up that project for mix 6-Packs, but we have PLENTY of options to get the custom Brick Box for the White ORNATE project!

I put together a Pledge Rewards Visual Guide for the project page and attached it here. We have 5 different Brick Box options. Brick Boxes A, B, C and D each have 10 Early Bird spots. Brick Box A is the only option that is available as an Add-On item. Brick Boxes B, C and D all have limited quantities (146, 125 and 100). And finally, there are 4 Rare Bricks available.

thanks, Randy

[th4mo]

Any chance for a pre-view of the KS page?

[Oswin]

Any chance for a pre-view of the KS page?

Yes thanks, I would like to not loose the moment please.