I just posted a campaign update which includes brand new add-ons - focussing on the artwork:

Artwork Prints
Available in courts and aces - these will be printed on archival quality photographic paper (12 x 18") and individually signed by me.





Add-on price includes world-wide shipping (with tracking) from Australia - 1 Art print = $99 AU (~75 US)  2 Art prints = $170 AU (~128 US)

Postcard Pack - 20 premium cards - 5 x 7"



Add-on price includes world-wide shipping from Australia - $46 AU (~35 US)

Annette

Good point Don,
I have seen quite a few projects offer similar rewards as add-ons, which may mean it falls within the KS frame, but then again - regulations cover such a wide scope and can sometimes be hard to apply to individual projects. You can't accept donations for a cause (without an end product), yet there are campaigns who can't offer the 'end-product' (because of it's complexity or format) and instead offer tiered certificates of appreciation... KS aren't a store, yet many projects do offer add-ons with earlier models, decks, releases.

This article (while not super current) says it's not technically against the rules and delves into the pros and cons (mainly cons) of including existing products in KS campaign: https://stonemaiergames.com/kickstarter-lesson-142-selling-existing-inventory/

I ended up making a small number of Nine Lives decks available as add-ons - These decks won't help with the overall printing cost, but it's nice to be able to include something when backers show interest. I'll keep my ears open though as I definitely don't want to be breaking rules in my first campaign

Onwards and upwards

I'm really excited to be more than half way and overwhelmed by the support which has been seriously amazing! Looking towards the goal, I don't want to throw the kitchen sink at backers (or complicate the campaign), though it would be awesome to see VIZAĜO reach funding and beyond

I have a few more ideas in the pipeline and I'd love to hear your thoughts:

- offering Art prints of courts and aces (only). These would be printed on archival photographic paper ~ A3 size - and each print would be signed
- postcard pack (20 cards) with the 12 courts, 4 aces, 2 jokers and... the two (both red and blue) backs

Thanks again
Annette

Thank you for your suggestion EndersGame. I'm curious what others think. You're right in that I'm hesitant to complicate things in this first campaign ...

On a side-note, I had a request to offer Nine Lives playing cards as an add-on - and even though these do need to be shipped from Australia, I can work my way around it. Does offering a completely different deck seem strange in a campaign?

Grateful for any thoughts or advice!
Annette

And we're Live

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1932537931/vizago-playing-cards

Annette

Looking forward to it. I'll be in for sure. 

Thanks so much Fess, delighted to hear

Hello Everyone!

I am excited to share my latest project; VIZAĜO - a fully custom deck of playing cards exploring faces in a truly colourful way.

VIZAĜO is now in the dressing room, waiting for the curtain call to officially launch on Kickstarter: Tuesday, 30th May at 21:00 Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT+10 hr).



I began working on this deck July last year and have enjoyed every minute of creating the artwork. From ink on paper to completed designs, the artwork is influenced by traditional lino/wood-cut and contour line-drawing techniques, initially drawing inspiration from my range of whimsical teapots & bowls. Radiant Kings, Queens and Jacks are waiting to greet you, with custom number cards and aces standing by to take a bow.
 
I especially want to thank you all for the amazing feedback and colourful discussions in the design & dev forum

VIZAĜO

• 54 custom illustrated cards with vibrant artwork
• Poker size (63 x 88 mm)
• Synthetic Tuck box (amazing and super durable)
• 2 colour versions (identical faces, different back & tuck):
  
  • VIZAĜO - Lumina (red card back)
  • VIZAĜO - Lumino (blue card back) - stretch goal
• Printed by Legends Playing Card Company on Classic finish
• Shipped by Gambler's Warehouse
• Limited early bird decks will be available
• Stretch goals (beyond Lumino the blue deck) include: Spot UV on tuck | and | Interior printing on tuck box

Thank you for looking and I hope you come along to the launch party and feel excited to back and share this project!

Annette

Thanks Sunish - I'll keep your suggestion in mind

Practically almost, nearly, just about ready to launch ...

However, because I want to get this absolutely right in terms of being able to deliver a stunning deck, the final details are taking a little longer to iron out. I have bombarded the printer with questions and, understandably, they need time to provide costing based on different options. I know that there are brave creators out there who launch while still tinkering with quotes and artwork, yet, being my first KS I tend to feel 'knowledge is my friend'.

Some of the finer details to iron out include:

• Spot UV on the tuckbox (on the name VIZAĜO) - likely a standard
• Synthetic tuck box - possibly a standard
• Interior tuck box 'enhancement' - Stretch goal
  
  • Option 1: Metallic foil (red on Lumina / blue on Lumino)... However, I have been advised that foil can rub off on the cards (ouch!) - and so, (especially if foil actually sticks to cards):
  • Option 2: Metallic PMS ink (red on Lumina / blue on Lumino) - or .... alternatively (if none of the above are suitable):
  • Option 3: Interior printing - a subtle design on inside of tuck box

Your expert thoughts and enthusiastic opinions are most welcome!

Annette

Hi Ashley, I'm just about to launch my first ever KS campaign and can relate to the many questions and the steep learning curve! It is exciting though and my advice would be to take your time and make sure that you have all your costs (in that fabulous spreadsheet) before you launch. Underestimating costs (be that shipping, final print costs, extras or KS fees) can have a pretty big impact (so I've read... )

You might also want to look into getting quotes from several printers - comparing TGC print-on-demand pricing with other options may help you set a realistic funding goal.
For me, opting to use a fulfilment company (Gambler's in the US) was a big but also 'no-brainer' decision. Shipping from Australia isn't cheap - I've been packaging and sending my Nine Lives decks around the world for the past 4 years (on a smaller scale), and while I really enjoy the personal interaction with buyers, I absolutely baulked at the thought of having to package and ship a large number of decks all at once.

Good luck with your game project and keep asking questions

Colours are looking good - I'd be biting my fingernails waiting to see the registration of the card backs, though if done well it would look great

It is a striking back design! Definitely looking forward to seeing more of this deck

I agree with Eddie that the corner fans (on the back) would look great in red - as would the outer line, especially how it angles its way around each corner. Might make the eye jump, but worth trying and could look great

Hi Annette.  First of all, congratulations on the work you've done in designing VIZAĜO.  I checked out the thread you reference, and was blown away by the gorgeous images!  I love your unique style, which is evident on everything, from the court cards, the Aces, the card backs, and even the number cards.  Outstanding work, and I wish you great success with your Kickstarter!  As part of that, choosing a good quality playing card that is going to do justice to your amazing artwork is well worth the careful consideration you're giving it, and I hope that you'll also be successful in marketing your campaign to help it stand out from the many inferior projects that are constantly emerging.

As you probably know, the Legends Playing Card Company and Expert Playing Playing Card Company use the same factory in Taiwan, so their decks are of the same quality, although they give the different finishes their own names.  But the quality is excellent.  You may be interested to read my detailed review of Legends Playing Card Company and their range of finishes here:
 Pictorial Review: Legends Playing Card Company - Legendary playing cards.

They offer three main finishes, which I'd summarize as follows:
1. LPCC's Diamond Finish = EPCC's Master Finish (examples being your Nine Lives deck, and the Legends Egyptian deck). This is the thinnest and least-embossed paper stock, which makes it feel somewhat oily/plastic-like, but it is also the stiffest and longest lasting finish, being very hardy/durable, and the cards have a real spring to them. The embossing is similar to Bicycle's "Air Cushion Finish".
2. LPCC's Classic Finish = EPCC's Classic Finish (examples being the Rome Anthony & Caesar decks, and the Knowledge deck): This is a thicker paper stock, which has more of a matte look, feels softer and more papery, and is not as stiff as the Diamond finish. The embossing is also similar to Bicycle's "Air Cushion Finish". Of all the finishes, this has an overall feel that is arguably closest to a Bicycle type deck.
3. LPCC's Elite Finish = EPCC's Damask Finish (examples being the LUXX Palme deck): This uses a similar paper stock to the Classic Finish, but uses a different and deeper embossing pattern on the cards, making them feel even softer yet. It's not as commonly used yet, but reviews I've seen about it have been fairly positive. 

In addition, LPCC (and not EPCC) offers the following finish:
4. LPCC's Emerald Finish (example being the Porcelain deck).  This is made from thin paper stock with minimal embossing and with a slick coating, giving it a similar feel to the Diamond Finish but with a stiffness falling somewhere between that and the softer Classic Finish. Unlike the other three finishes, this is produced in a factory in China rather than Taiwan, and normally has standard Casino-cut edges rather than the superior Diamond Cut used for the other three finishes. 

My thoughts would be as follows, taking them in reverse order:
- Emerald Finish: Are they quoting you a cheaper price for this as opposed to the Diamond finish?  I have compared the two, and it seems to me that they have a similar feel, but the Emerald deck is just a bit more cheaply made overall.  I'd be inclined to skip this one, and stick with the Diamond one as the superior of the two.
- Elite/Damask Finish: I haven't seen enough reports of the Elite/Damask Finish to be able to comment on that from personal experience, but are you saying that you personally had mixed reactions to it?  If so, that might already tell you enough.
- Classic Finish: This seems to be the choice of most magicians and experienced card handlers that I've talked to and corresponded with.  It's the finish that is most like a USPCC produced deck in terms of feel and handling, but the cards themselves are of a higher quality (e.g. the clean cut of the edges is definitely superior!).  They're not as stiff as the Diamond/Master finish, and yet the cards themselves are a little thicker, having a feel that more closely resembles a traditional deck. 
- Diamond/Master Finish: There's no doubt that these are super durable.  But they also feel very different from the kind of deck most people are used to.  The cards are thin, but durable and very stiff, many people even find them too stiff for doing riffle shuffles.  Plus they feel quite smooth, glossy, and almost plastic like - it takes some real getting used to, and not everyone likes it.  Most magicians and card handlers don't really care for them, because they feel too different, even though they are obviously good quality.

My advice would be make a choice between the Classic finish or the Diamond/Master Finish.  And I'd only go with the Diamond/Master finish if you're really convinced it's better and preferable to the Classic Finish.  While the Diamond/Master finish is a very good product and high quality, I find that there are some people who just don't care for it, but I've not come across people who don't care for the Classic finish, so perhaps that is the safer option, without sacrificing quality.

I'd love to see more reviews on the Elite/Damask Finish though, because I think the jury is still out on how it compares with the Classic finish.  Some do speak of it very highly.  Hopefully some more people will post in this thread about their experiences with it, and how it compares with the other finishes.

How do the four finishes that LPCC offers compare in terms of pricing, by the way?  All the best in finalizing your decisions, and preparing for your Kickstarter campaign - I'd love to hear what you end up deciding, and the reasons for your decision.

For further reading, you may also find the following article I wrote helpful: Analysing the quality/handling of a USPCC deck vs EPCC decks: four key elements.

Thank you so much EndersGame for your super kind and encouraging words!

And... for taking the time to include so much detailed information about the card stocks and finishes *huge* - I read your pictoral review of Legends (great article) and have to say you do a great service to curious minds and information seekers! When I started on my first deck (that would be around 7-8 years ago now) I knew very little about the world of finishes and card stocks (and printing companies) for playing cards... though coming from a traditional art background, I can absolutely understand the passion behind favouring one type of paper or finish over another.

Since joining here and finding people around the world who have a passion for cards - I have learnt so much - and I can't say how thankful I am to all of you who are happy to share your thoughts and amazing knowledge

Having narrowed it down to a choice between Elite/Damask and Classic, it's pretty reassuring to think that my only 'problem' is having to select from awesome card finishes

I've been talking to Expert and Legends for past month about printing and we're looking at LPCC to print the deck, which I'm really excited about. I absolutely love the work both these printers do (Nine Lives poker size playing cards were printed by EPCC and I couldn't be happier with the result!

VIZAĜO - KS Preview:
I'm currently setting up my campaign to launch VIZAĜO on KS and I'd really, really like some feedback from you awesome people!
Preview link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1932537931/1283753267?token=64ab81fa

Please note: a bunch of things aren't quite finished yet, I'm still waiting on final figures (which will help set the funding goal and final pricing) and there are more rewards to add. and...

My questions to you (apart from anything else you want to comment on or give me advice on) are:

• Shipping - I've looked at Gambler's Warehouse - and also LPCC fulfilling via Taiwan Post, any advice most welcome!
• Should I keep the second colour version as a stretch goal - or aim to print both in main funding goal?
• The hidden stretch goals (planned) - are: interior printing on tuck box, and:
• Synthetic tuck box (if reached, this will be on all decks)
• finish - see below

A few days ago I received sample decks from Legends (LUXX Palme, Knowledge, Legends Egyptian and Porcelain) to compare the different finishes they use.
My instant favourite was LUXX Palme (on elite finish) - with Knowledge (on classic) coming in second...

I really like the texture and feel of elite finish, but after testing the different decks out on friends and family last night (and getting mixed reviews), I would like to hear your thoughts on finish (and how much it impacts on whether you like a deck or not). I stumbled on this thread: http://www.playingcardforum.com/index.php?topic=9246.0 which talks about EPCC Damask (same as LPCC Elite)

Thanks for stopping by and hope you're looking forward to the next stage of this colourful journey!
Annette

I think you're making some fine design choices with this deck - I'm eagerly awaiting the release date!

Thank you so much Don truly glad to hear, coming from you.

I'm ever so excited to announce that the ball is now rolling - I have approached Legends and Expert for quotes and once I have figures, I will set up the campaign launch on KS. My plan is to share the page with you guys here, so if anything is amiss - you can hopefully point me in the right direction

Both of these look really, really nice. I personally prefer the lower of the 2 images. (Maybe it's the weight of the white circle that slightly disconnects me on the first box. Dunno. Still like both a bunch!)

Thank you skinny I agree with you, the full front tuck box is working better for me too, though I've reworked the designs slightly (see below) to be absolutely sure

These are so lovely, it brings tears to my eyes!  As for the tuck box, I prefer Draft #2.  (But even if they came in a blank tuck box, I'm still gonna find a way to get these in my hands!)

Oh Helshawk - you are ever so kind! thank you - again, if you have a preference on the second drafts, I'm all ears!

What a beautiful deck. I am working on my own custom deck, and you have inspired me deeply. Your talent is exceptional.

Thank you so much publius - glad to hear Designing a deck is an amazing journey of discovery, looking forward to see your deck taking shape

Just had a chance to look through this thread and its AMAZING.  Such great use of color.  Be sure to go with a quality printer so that your vision really does come through on the final product.  I would hope that this level of quality artwork and attention to detail would open this deck up to a wide audience.  Good luck with each step of the process.  Hope to hold the deck in my hands one day.

Thank you Great Lakes - glad to have you pop in, your kind words mean a lot I have had Legends or Expert (printing co.) in mind from the start of designing this deck and am hoping that all comes together with a successful campaign.

Tuck Box Designs

VIZAĜO - red deck (Lumina):




VIZAĜO - blue deck (Lumino):




... and the aces (mainly clubs and hearts) have received a little reworking to bring them in line with the rest of the deck:



Thanks again for all your amazing feedback and support!
Annette