Hi Dan - I only just went through your thread and was sorry to get to the end to see that you cancelled your campaign
Despite not being a die-hard alien fan, I like your artwork and it was a fascinating ride to see the design changes you made on route to launch. It's hard when life gets in the way - and sometimes impatience plays its part too I'm sure you will do well with this deck and wish you luck for the re-launch
*wave*

Thank you so much Cardfool - I can't tell you how much your positive and enthusiastic feedback means.

I'd love to release this with both the Fire Red and Underwater Blue back (with matching tuckboxes) - either both together - or if more practical, one could be a stretch goal. I'm starting on the box(es) now, with updates to follow soon

*wave*

Hi Frosty,
You have some interesting elements going on in your design, like Skinny I'm definitely seeing the arched ceiling, pillars and dome ... Line-weight variation can add interest and depth, using thick vs thin to emphasise different aspects of a design. At the moment there's a bit of competition and overlap happening with your line weights, which a bit of cleaning up should fix. You could opt for a single line weight to give the design the look of an architectural drawing or isometric sketch... or refine variation to line by considering which parts of the design are 'closest', 'most important' or 'largest' as a way of deciding line thickness.

Naturally, the design and idea has to work for you, so the above are just my 2 cents Looking forward to seeing more cards
*wave*

Skinny, they look absolutely gorgeous!! I am so so SO happy to see them in action 

I agree, the deck looks amazing and so much fun - with infinite possibilities

I too am curious about fulfilment solutions from Australia. To date, I have been shipping my decks directly - and while postage to the US isn't as expensive as to some European countries, anything that cuts down on shipping cost for backers is a good thing

Fabulous job on the whole deck.   It looks fantastic.  If i may make a wee critique of the jokers, here is my take.  I love that you have incorporated the black cards and red cards into the two jokers along with the angular aspect for the red and the curvy aspect for the black.  I like the pips at the end of the jester cap on the black but not on the red.  It seems haphazard.  Maybe using one as an earring and the other to top the jester cap perhaps.  Just my two cents and it may not even be worth that much as it is so minor.

This deck is great all the way. I'll agree with the basically insignificant critique from Helshawk. When seen side by side, the hearts and diamonds look a little off on the joker. I think that's partly because the red suits are "attached" to the jester's hat in a different spot than the black suits are. The hat (curling up vs. down) emphasizes it. Seen apart from each other, I don't notice it.

Thank you Helshawk and skinny So glad you pointed out the hearts and diamonds on the Joker hat - something was bugging me, but I was a little too lost in the detail to see. I'll definitely have a play around and post an update very soon. I like the earring/hat idea, thank you

This is going to sound ridiculous but I managed to break my finger last weekend (on a bushwalk - clambering up a rock, which wasn't a particularly clever thing to do...)! Luckily it's a clean break and will heal fine - I just have to be patient, which isn't the easiest    Drawing for the card back is underway and while I'm 'strapped' I will keep working on the ideas in my head.

I put some drawing images up on my art blog if you want to revisit the pre-painted stage of the artwork:
http://www.abolinaart.com.au/blog/looking-back-at-the-illustration-process/

Thanks for stopping by
Annette

Hi Annette,

Glad to see you back. The direction this deck has taken is simply awesome and looking forward to the jokers now


Regards,
Sunish

Thanks so much Sunish - glad to hear

Here's a look at the two Jokers... two-way designs with happy and colourful faces:


The 'red' Joker has its name in red - and incorporates colours from hearts and diamonds


The 'black' Joker incorporates colours from clubs and spades



Thanks for looking - *wave*
Annette

Hi variantventures - not sure if this helps: http://www.makeplayingcards.com/design/uncut-sheet-playing-cards.html ? It looks to be different from the deck builder specifically aimed at uncut sheets - it should be possible to define the position of each card ... I haven't used it, so don't quote me if I'm wrong

Firstly, I am so sorry for the long delay in replying and posting updates here

A few months ago my husband became ill unexpectedly - Despite the upheaval and worry; some events seem to shine a light on what matters in life; love, family, friendships – and we’re lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people. Being positive about him recovering – and taking things day by day really, truly helps …

I do feel terrible about not popping in for so long, but want you guys to know that your involvement and awesome feedback along the way has been so inspiring, so thank you - and (in advance) thank you for your patience

In between things I have found time to keep working on the cards and am definitely feeling that the deck is starting to take real shape, which is exciting.

The 4 Aces

First versions (especially clubs and hearts) have been reworked, scaling back some of the detail and refining the artwork, which continues the main theme of this deck; the Face:



The Number Cards

The original idea for the number cards was to repeat a smaller size pip identical to the one on the ace … However, the amount of detail made them quite busy, and following some great feedback I went back to the drawing board ... After playing around with different ideas I came up with the half-half pip … These ‘divided’ pips show a face in profile with a solid field of colour completing the symbol shape ... using colours to match the courts and aces in each suit.

Spades:


Diamonds:


Clubs:


Hearts:


And a look at Ace, court and number card together from each suit:









Next up will be the Jokers and the card back ...

Thanks so much for looking and I hope you've all had a great Christmas and that 2017 will be splendid!
Annette

Congratulations Sunish! So glad to see you funded on this one (and I can't wait to see the cards!)

*wave*
Annette

Actually, an interior of metallic foil might be nice - it lends the box a rather royal look, especially depending on the color chosen.  Red's a good option, though if purple's available, go for it!

Metallic inks have become less popular since foil stamping on the cards has become a revived art.  But it's VERY expensive.  Cheaper to get foil on the box - collectors like shiny things.  Ironic, considering that matte finishes on tucks are also very popular rather than glossy finishes.

If you're going for a limited edition of a specific size, a serially-numbered custom deck seal is another popular option.

Interesting - and definitely food for thought

Just tossing this out there, I love the synthetic paper tucks they've come up with. The stuff is fantastic. I usually carry my deck in a little case but it's pretty thick and can be annoying. The synthetic paper tucks slip in my pocket and I don't have to worry about the tuck being mangled like paper ones so no case, pack jacket or clip required. It's a beautiful thing.

We've diverted this topic enough - we should probably get back on track or take this to a new topic!

BTW: I'm in total agreement on the new synthetic tucks - they're fantastically durable and have a nice texture to them.  However, they don't take embossing well at all - Expert PCC won't offer embossing with synthetic tucks.  They'll give you foil stamping, they'll give you die cut windows in the box if you want them, they might even be able to use metallic inks, but no embossing.

Thanks Fess and Don - (and the diversions were interesting too) Synthetic paper tuckbox - I like the sound of this one!  I haven't come across these before, so curious if full colour printing is possible - or would the design need to be more sparse? While I'd need to look into it more, it sounds like the tuck is more than enough 'bells & whistles' to need any embossing on top

Moving along with the designs ...

After settling on the name, I dived into the lettering:



Ace of Spades



Two faces look in opposite direction within the Ace of Spades - one upright and one up-side-down - symbolising that clarity of mind comes with the ability to see things from more than one perspective...

Another look at the number cards ...

This idea for number cards is about bringing the classic pip (or suit symbol) together with a face in profile, to create a symmetrical flow – where the detail in the faces is balanced against the solid colour of the pip shape (in this case, the spade):



Still tweaking to do, though I'm always happy to hear your thoughts - and thanks for looking!
Annette

Quote from: Fess on November 07, 2016, 01:53:03 AM

I've been carrying a deck of cards on me for so long I feel naked without one. I've gone so far as to stash a mini deck in the watch pocket over keeping one of my pocket knives with me on occasions that a bulging pocket just wouldn't do. Just shuffling a deck can reduce my stress. Sorting to rank and suit for just a minute relaxes me and seems to refill my patience just a bit. For me they are never an investment and not for profit. Quite honestly I have never sold a deck of playing cards. I've been known to trade a bit now and a again. I gift some decks to people who show an interest as well with the hope to awaken something inside that says pick up another deck or two and enjoy. I have a fear that if I was to start selling decks I wouldn't enjoy them as much as I do. Like I would be chasing something different at that point. I'll stick with the smile and pleasure instead. This is just me, for those who wheel and deal and get pleasure from that I think it's great. I give them money, they give me beautiful decks in exchange. I appreciate those who sell their treasures so others can enjoy them as well.

Fess - I loved your response. It is straight from the heart. In this digital world, where devices take most of our time, playing cards are the one that can bridge the gap between families and enable them to bond with each other (same can be said about board games too). Though not scientifically proven but I believe cardistry improves concentration, hand-eye coordination and also act as a stress buster. Playing card collectors also have a deep appreciation of the art of varied kinds, and this is a good hobby to have.

I too love Fess' response - and agree with Sunish's reply
My collecting is on a very novice level, though each new deck is a treasure I enjoy, share and play with (too curious and excited to keep a deck in it's wrapping...).  I can't do any fancy tricks, though shuffling and sorting through a deck of cards is the visual feast that relaxes my mind - and gives hands that are always looking for something to do - something to do

Sorry for the delay folks, unexpected events have kept me preoccupied recently, which unfortunately has meant less time for creative work ... Though as things settle, I'm looking forward to be back on track with this truly exciting project. Just wanted to let you know, I'm still here

From other design/development posts I gather that there is little point in seeking quotes from printers, until both back and box design are complete? (my top favourites would be EPCC or Legends for this deck)...  The tricky part is that with the way I work, the back and box become the last to complete ... and I suppose I'm wondering if I actually need to wait until they're done before approaching printers; given that quotes can take some time ..?

Thanks for visiting *wave*
Annette