But Don, your posts are spread out. I could probably match your total word count in just one post if I got going good! :-)
Ok Derp, you asked for it!!
Aurum: I really love the stark contrast between the open space on the tuck and the complexity of the main design. Not too busy, not too simplistic. I also love the fact that the White and laser editions (I have many of both, plus the standard edition) have the same design elements, but massive changes from the standard, or previous edition, deck. It's not like "The exotic edition is exactly the same as the standard edition, but with embossing!!" Paul made a huge effort to add worthy value to each higher edition. As a collector, I love that, and proudly display his art in my home.
Ornates: Firstly, I am a gem collector, so the colors/names strike a chord with me. That said, the design elements are very unique and different from other decks. I love the fact that they are on a darker background as well. The design itself flows very well, and is very pleasing to my eye. The series just has that special something that creates appeal. I see that in a lot of Randy's decks, and that's why I have a large quantity of everything that he has released.
Federal 52: I collect currency, so there's that aspect to design with. I ahve always been fascinated with art from engravings, and his work in this series replicates that with amazing realism. Jackson doesn't skimp on design. It's very obvious that he puts in a ton of time and effort, not to mention heart, into his work. With his decks, he gives backers a part of himself, and buyers respond in droves. Give people more than their money's worth, and they will respond in droves. When people see my collection of Federal series uncuts on display, the love them. They are absolutely SHOCKED when I tell them that he drew them by hand!
Monarchs: I love gold on dark! The white (silver/golds) are ok, but I think that the lack of deep contrast takes away from the design. I love line art decks, especially when the design is meaningful and clean. Did I mention that I love gold on dark?! ;-)
Medallions: Another gold on dark deck with a clean and meaningful design. Satin tuck paper with the gold color (as with the Artisans) really pops for me. It looks very, very luxurious. The back design is intricate without being too busy. It strikes a good balance between too little and too much.
Artisan: Wow, I really, really like Artisans. This is one of the few decks that I use regularly, in addition to collecting them. That Ace design on the tuck just blows me away. The effort to not just make lines, but to incorporate elements that give it a 3D effect, love that. Did I also mention that I love gold on dark?! :-) I love analyzing the detail on the card backs. I wish that a company could printt gold foil on black vellum card backs, and then coat them so that the gold foil wouldn't wear off, without maning them too funky or thick to handle. Even though Artisans aren't limited, they are one standard deck that I admit that I am hoarding. I'm not as much a fan of the whites for the same reason as stated abouve...the design elements tend to wash out when the foil/ink and paper color contrast wanes.
Luxury: Understated elegance. This is one of only a few decks where I love the white edition. Another great effort by Randy, and I have been lucky enough to be able to puck up the standard and metal plate/handmade editions. They are luxurious (funny how that works out, huh?!) cards and people always really like them when I display them.
Stranger: One of the few "Art on cards" decks that I like. Most of this type of deck have one or two cards that I like, but the remainder are too far out there for me. The Stranger deck has managed to maintain a high level of quality in the art on the cards. I love the vellum/satin paper tuck. The Stranger Deck's tuck box, in my humble opinion, is the most beautiful tuck ever made. Outstanding! Aurum's laser cut tuck gets the award for the most technologically advanced tuck, as well as the one with the biggest "WOW" factor, due to the laser cutting.
Split Spades/Whispering Imps: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the work and style of Mark Stutzman! I of course have all of the Blaine posters that he has done, not to mention some of his other work. I love the retro/nostalgic/deco/hard to explain look of his work!
Imperial: This one has a lot of elements taht I really like. Foil lined tucks, gold on dark, exquisite and incredible art, not just on the box, but on the cards as well. Eveidence of a great artist keeping a theme cohesive and relecting the opulence and luxuriousness of the subject (Faberge) at hand, without losing focus, getting to a level of gaudiness, or "phoning it in". Very unique and different art/theme, executed well, and worthy of a place in any collection, or in daily use. They will definitely start a conversation at any card game. Another example of getting more than your money's worth in a design. Beautiful!
By the way, I reigned it in to keep this post short, believe it or not!
If you've made it this far, thanks for your time and consideration of my opinions, and I hope that this information has helped you!
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