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Playing Card Chat ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ => Playing Card Plethora => Topic started by: see_squared on May 18, 2013, 08:35:07 PM
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Hey Folks,
Just wanted to give you all the heads up about a new deck i've been working on since last year with Mark Stutzman called the "Whispering Imps™ Playing Cards". I drew my inspiration from Harry Kellar's original Imps poster from 1894. After researching and collecting hundreds of decks I noticed an "Imp" deck had never been created...until now. It's been a lot of hard work but my hope is that you will all enjoy how it's turned out.
My Kickstarter campaign will launch June 1st and I'll be sure to give you all a heads up with the link as soon as I can.
Cheers,
-Chris
(http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/d92662d0bf2e11e2a3e722000a9f09d0_7.jpg)
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The name Mark Stutzman brings very high expectation. I look forward to seeing this deck. Will we have to wait till June 1st to get a look?
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How were you able to get Mark Stutzman? I hear he's in demand...
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I'm already excited about this deck and can't wait until June 1st to see more of it. It's a great idea for a deck and I'm sure it will do beyond your estimations!
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Was Stutzman the guy who designed David Blaine's promotional stuff and the Ask Alexander decks?
But anyhoo, it would be awesome to get a look at the cards. Thus far, it looks remarkably similar to the Dan and Dave Tshirt.
(http://shop.dananddave.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/690x390/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/imp-tshirt-1.jpg)
Both inspired by Harry Kellar, I guess.
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Was Stutzman the guy who designed David Blaine's promotional stuff and the Ask Alexander decks?
Indeed that is Mark Stutzman's work. He's an incredible artist/illustrator. I can't wait to see your KS campaign, Chris!
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Was Stutzman the guy who designed David Blaine's promotional stuff and the Ask Alexander decks?
He also did the design for Lawrence Sullivan's Legend decks. The guy knows his stuff and has done some great work. Imagine - for some of those decks, he had to create a unique back for every single card (the White Lions and Legends had a variety of markings on them, making every card back different).
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Looks promising for a change... If the project comes to fruition and does indeed live up to the expectations, I may look to pick these up in the aftermarket... However, Kickstarter will no longer be a link that I will visit moving forward... Good luck with the project...
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Stutzman...that sure got my attention! Can't wait! I love his work. My office is adorned with many of his posters.
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Wow, thank you all for the overwhelming support! A nice thing to wake up to.
Yes, i'm very excited to be working again with Mark. Years ago he painted a poster for a show I co-created called The Adult Circus. He's wildly talented and I couldn't think of anyone better to design this deck.
We came up with a ton of different ideas however we focused on one because of the history of the poster and the history of the USPCC...everyone i've shared the design to has fully supported it. As we get closer to the launch date i'll post a couple photos.
Yes, Don is correct. Mark has done all of David Blaine's decks & posters and Lawrence Sullivan's recent "Legends" deck. He's a true illustrator which means he does not use the computer to design a deck, it's all pen and ink. The only time he uses the computer is at the very end when he vectorizes the artwork to send to the USPCC. His attention to detail is absolutely incredible and when all is said and done...the original artwork still exists on paper and not a hard drive. I flew to the east coast to see him late last year and discuss the project in detail.
I feel I've priced everything reasonably for what this deck has become. I'm using high quality intense black premium vellum paper for the tuck box w/ red foil stamping. The card back themselves will be a beautiful deep red. With domestic shipping included i'm practically pre-selling the decks at cost for $10. If you were to order 1 deck from any of the companies out there it would be more than $12.
I'm also keeping the various pledge packages simple. It's the cards, hand silk screened posters, uncut sheets, stickers and a very special Kellar inspired Thank You letter. There will also be a limited edition "Signature Package" with everything signed by Mark and myself.
This is such an incredible community and I'm grateful to be a part of it. I welcome any thoughts, concerns or ideas you think would make this project better.
Additionally, i'm doing most of my promoting through my instagram... http://instagram.com/thecardcatalog
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Was Stutzman the guy who designed David Blaine's promotional stuff and the Ask Alexander decks?
He also did the design for Lawrence Sullivan's Legend decks. The guy knows his stuff and has done some great work. Imagine - for some of those decks, he had to create a unique back for every single card (the White Lions and Legends had a variety of markings on them, making every card back different).
Super awesome rep. If that's the case, I LOVE Stutzman's work!
I can't wait for this deck.
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I flew to the east coast to see him late last year and discuss the project in detail.
Next time you're in my area (NYC), give me a shout - it would be great to meet and chat.
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@see-squared, maybe you don’t have pictures but I am sure you have a conception.
So my question: What parts of this deck will be custom (tuck case, back, Joker, The Ace of Spades, other aces, court cards, pips)? And, please, don’t promise recolored standard elements and court cards as “custom”.
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Those are great questions @collector. I hear you on the recolored standard elements, we're on the same page...I would never pass that off as 'custom court cards.' The artwork for the faces of the cards is based off of the old faces from many years ago, sometimes seen in the squeezer decks. I felt it would fit the theme of the deck a bit more. Additionally there will be few select court cards that will have various "Kellar like" card reveals. See below:
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/611/735/f37a61ef73344bb09684dc5a9a265632_large.jpg)
The Ace of Spades will be custom. The Jokers are custom, however they aren't called jokers in this deck...they'll be called "Imps".
I wanted to customize all the Aces, but that will depend on how the kickstarter funding goes...I planned on that as a possible stretch goal.
Lastly, the tuck box i've kept rather simple, beautiful and rather mysterious. Opening the box will 'unlock' the secrets of the Whispering Imps.
It's been a lot of fun playing with many ideas, thank you for your interest. More to come.
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Below is a screenshot from my Kickstarter video of a near complete back design for the Whispering Imps™ Playing Cards. Mark and I already have short list of things to tweak and modify but I would love your initial thoughts. A few notes, the smoke behind the center imps in the final design will be more delicate as well as the star pattern. What you see in this photograph is drawn with pen and sharpie by Mark. The final will be far more detailed.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/612/665/5b27ad20ed075f7851ac1c392ba0eb6b_large.jpg)
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Below is a screenshot from my Kickstarter video of a near complete back design for the Whispering Imps™ Playing Cards. Mark and I already have short list of things to tweak and modify but I would love your initial thoughts. A few notes, the smoke behind the center imps in the final design will be more delicate as well as the star pattern. What you see in this photograph is drawn with pen and sharpie by Mark. The final will be far more detailed.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/612/665/5b27ad20ed075f7851ac1c392ba0eb6b_large.jpg)
Hello
I really like the back design. Its very classy looking. I expected nothing less from Mark
HOWEVER, your decision to put imps whispering on the standard court cards is a terrible idea. I think your limiting the potential usage and function of the deck. I have no use for this deck if every court card is going to be that way. As a gaf card, go for it.
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You do have a very good point @Legacy. I hadn't intended on having Imps on every court card...just a couple, however I do see what you mean. There is already one very good gaff card in the deck, but you've made me think about keeping the courts in the deck 'impless'. Thank you for your thoughts.
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Below is a screenshot from my Kickstarter video of a near complete back design for the Whispering Imps™ Playing Cards. Mark and I already have short list of things to tweak and modify but I would love your initial thoughts. A few notes, the smoke behind the center imps in the final design will be more delicate as well as the star pattern. What you see in this photograph is drawn with pen and sharpie by Mark. The final will be far more detailed.
[photo]
Wow! Very cool!
I'd love to see some thin borders. I think that too many decks have bulky, thick ones. I think the idea of whispering imps on the back stays true to the deck's name, but I agree that the imps don't need to be on the courts (but you could keep one on one court card. There doesn't need to be more than that). The graphic of the King of Heart's imp looks like it was slapped on as an afterthought. Possibly style it so that the imp is peeking out from behind the king?
And if there was an individual, stylized imp on every ace, I think that would look amazing.
As for my back suggestions, I could only ask if you have a hidden one way back. You could work wonders with those little floral designs in the corners.
Looking awesome thus far! I can't wait to back it!
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I love the back. When I heard whispering imps I was unsure about this deck. When I saw that back my jaw dropped. I need to pledge. Like now.
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Thinner borders are absolutely something that will be included in the final design, thank you for that. Although the USPCC hasn't quite perfected thin borders yet, they are still able to provide that option and I will most likely go that route.
The Imp on the court card is just a sketch. Because there are so many little elements to this deck, that rendering may be one of the last things Mark designs. I wanted a simple concept of the idea to be shown so everyone has a better understanding of how it may look. I've redesigned the gaff card to have this reveal in addition to a reveal on the back of the card, making it a 2 card reveal on one gaffed card.
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I love the back. When I heard whispering imps I was unsure about this deck. When I saw that back my jaw dropped. I need to pledge. Like now.
I agree, the back reminds me of some of the old school designs from USPCC, very cool.
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Whispering Imps Court cards were (could be) only custom due to that imps. And it was an AMAZING idea in combination with the name (theme) of the deck. So many amazing things could be done, how heavy with meanin it could be....
Than magicians came and traditionally annihilated it.
Those court cards are standard. Yes the standard is older but that's all. And they were already used in 3 or 4 decks.
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But "Back, AoS, Joker standard deck" is your everything :(... oh, I forgot beautiful tuck cases, of course - they are such important for an audience and tricks.
This deck is dead for me now and I am sad. I don't even want to propose how to improve that King... hey, I forgot - Gaff King.
Emotionally? This time YES.
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Thank you @collector for taking the time to voice your thoughts and opinions about my first deck of playing cards. I can understand and appreciate your interest in playing cards that are 100% custom. I too share similar interests in some decks that have been fully customized...the thing with those decks, I never use them professionally. The few times i've tried, the spectators believe it to be a gimmicked deck.
Although it would very nice to design a deck of playing cards with a completely custom set of court cards, that reality is just not possible at this precise moment in time. You see, Mark is a very busy artist, not only working on this project but a ton of other projects with other clients. He works traditionally with pen, ink, paint and paper....not a computer. This means time, and lots of it. Something both Mark and I unfortunately just don't have much of.
Unfortunately I can't seem to make sense of your fourth paragraph, it's a bit disjointed so i'll just skip over it.
Regarding my choice for the courts cards used in the Whispering Imps™... this deck was designed for magicians, hobbyists, playing card & art enthusiasts. It was also designed to be used for working magicians, which means, at a glance, to a lay audience the court cards should look familiar enough to recognize without questioning its authenticity. Additionally, the courts that i'm use are actually NOT the standard anymore, you'll find the standard USPCC court cards in the current Bicycle decks and many others.
The full story, inspiration and history behind this deck of cards is on my Kickstarter page that I'll launch on June 1st....perhaps after reading the information provided in the campaign you'll be able to understand my creative decisions and choices for this deck.
I'm sorry to hear you've lost interest in this deck over the court cards. I just hope my vision with this deck can be appreciated by other like minded enthusiasts in the community.
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Thank you @collector for taking the time to voice your thoughts and opinions about my first deck of playing cards. I can understand and appreciate your interest in playing cards that are 100% custom. I too share similar interests in some decks that have been fully customized...the thing with those decks, I never use them professionally. The few times i've tried, the spectators believe it to be a gimmicked deck.
Although it would very nice to design a deck of playing cards with a completely custom set of court cards, that reality is just not possible at this precise moment in time. You see, Mark is a very busy artist, not only working on this project but a ton of other projects with other clients. He works traditionally with pen, ink, paint and paper....not a computer. This means time, and lots of it. Something both Mark and I unfortunately just don't have much of.
Unfortunately I can't seem to make sense of your fourth paragraph, it's a bit disjointed so i'll just skip over it.
Regarding my choice for the courts cards used in the Whispering Imps™... this deck was designed for magicians, hobbyists, playing card & art enthusiasts. It was also designed to be used for working magicians, which means, at a glance, to a lay audience the court cards should look familiar enough to recognize without questioning its authenticity. Additionally, the courts that i'm use are actually NOT the standard anymore, you'll find the standard USPCC court cards in the current Bicycle decks and many others.
The full story, inspiration and history behind this deck of cards is on my Kickstarter page that I'll launch on June 1st....perhaps after reading the information provided in the campaign you'll be able to understand my creative decisions and choices for this deck.
I'm sorry to hear you've lost interest in this deck over the court cards. I just hope my vision with this deck can be appreciated by other like minded enthusiasts in the community.
His fourth paragraph was more of a rant over how magician/collectors usually insist on buying custom decks, but in this case are asking for plainer courts. While your courts aren't 100% standard to modern audiences, they are a historical standard.
It is possible to use a non-standard deck for magic - I do on many occasions - as long as it conforms to the basic Anglo-Rouen design. But there's a reason many magician/designers opt for a deck with plainer courts - not necessarily 100% USPC standard, but plainer: people will be the most familiar with them. It's not a matter of them thinking the cards are gimmicked, but more of a recognition factor - "Hey, they look like the cards I play poker with, etc." Nearly all T11 decks: standard. Zen Kok/Coterie: standard. CARC, David Blaine: standard with minor modifications. The list goes on.
The one non-standard deck I got busted on was when I tried performing ordinary card tricks with a Bicycle Spectrum deck. Wow, that was a bad idea. It's close to impossible to pass one card off as another because the backs are as different as the fronts. I mean, sure, a double lift will work, but when you put the card in the spectator's hand and "switch" it for another, it becomes pretty obvious it's been switched already...
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yes, Don thank you. This deck was intended from the very beginning to use a historical set of standard court cards because of it's source of inspiration.
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Whispering Imps Court cards were (could be) only custom due to that imps. And it was an AMAZING idea in combination with the name (theme) of the deck. So many amazing things could be done, how heavy with meanin it could be....
Than magicians came and traditionally annihilated it.
Those court cards are standard. Yes the standard is older but that's all. And they were already used in 3 or 4 decks.
Sometimes I don't understand you guys. Instead of using something new which can bring so many stories into your tricks, make them more alive than technical - you go round in a circle. I am more than sure that any child these days knows that all your tricks are tricks and he doesn't care about that - he enjoys your show. Those children who don't understand that are so young that they are not able to understand that a marking system exists. Of course if all magicians by themselves din "o-o-only sta-a-a-ndard co-o-o-urt ca-a-a-rds sho-o-o-uld be-e used" into peoples ears - they will believe you. I am also more than sure that any great magician you admire so much will say in this case "Something new? GOOD! Give me it and I'll invent how to excite people so much that they will forget about everything (including non-standard court cards)".
But "Back, AoS, Joker standard deck" is your everything :(... oh, I forgot beautiful tuck cases, of course - they are such important for an audience and tricks.
This deck is dead for me now and I am sad. I don't even want to propose how to improve that King... hey, I forgot - Gaff King.
Emotionally? This time YES.
Let me just start by saying I'm not a magician. I don't have a care in the world what little Jimmy or little Mary thinks of a deck of playing cards.
This is not a Bicycle theme deck this is a Mark Stutzman illustration. Like other commercially successful artists, Marks work will most likely be in some museum in thirty-fifty years because of his work with playing cards and his direct association with David Blaine. It's like having a product advertised in a magazine by Norman Rockwell before Norman was considered legendary. Then Norman was just an artist making a name for himself, like Mark is today. That might seem farfetched to some here. However when you consider Marks work goes hand in hand with one of the most iconic magicians of our era, it's actually a very real possibility. At the very least, Mark is becoming a highly sought after playing card designer.
I can't stress this enough. Having an opportunity to produce a deck of cards illustrated by Mark is a great responsibility. I suggest being very careful with whatever it is Chris ends up doing with the court cards. He could be producing a piece of playing cards history.
Here is my suggestion. We have all seen standard court cards being recolored on other decks. Until a year ago, the first recoloring of the Arrco Court cards started being produced with decks like the Oriental Deck and the Luxury Crown Decks. However, I don't believe anyone has recolored the OLD style standard court cards yet? It might be a great way to keep that classic old look you want and still adapt the court cards to that innovative Whispering Imp Theme.
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@legacy bingo! I'm glad to hear you get it.
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Now here's what I don't see:
The historical courts WORK. They tie in with the vintage, old feel of the deck extremely well. Why do the cards need completely custom (or even recolored) faces? Had you used modern standard courts, I would have cried foul. But the darker colors and faces with more personality add SO much to the deck. Custom courts using imps could get repetitive. Imp gaffs, imp back, imp name, imp theme... Imp courts would lose their charm in a deck like this. Using the court cards as it is, in my mind, a fantastic idea.
But if you could add a customization or recoloration to the courts that adds to the deck and doesn't beat the Imp theme to death, I would be all for it.
Absolutely amazing work thus far!
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Here is my suggestion. We have all seen standard court cards being recolored on other decks. Until a year ago, the first recoloring of the Arrco Court cards started being produced with decks like the Oriental Deck and the Luxury Crown Decks. However, I don't believe anyone has recolored the OLD style standard court cards yet? It might be a great way to keep that classic old look you want and still adapt the court cards to that innovative Whispering Imp Theme.
I think the reason for that was that the "standard" actually took some time to establish. Back then it wasn't all USPC and no one else - there were SEVERAL standards, each company making their courts in their own unique way. Even today, if you compared USPC standard with Arrco standard, US Games standard, Hoyle standard, Gemaco standard, etc., you'll find a lot of differences. The only real "standard" there is that they generally conform to the Anglo-Rouen deck pattern.
It's actually a little interesting when you think of it - in the early days of mass-market deck printing, Rouen, France was the primary supplier to the United Kingdom for playing cards and had their own unique style from the cards made in Paris - which swept France by storm and became more popular there. When British companies started making their own, they cribbed from the Rouen style. As an English-speaking nation and former British colony, by the 19th century we in the US copied what the British were using. So did most of Canada, while the Quebecois probably leaned more in favor of the Parisian style deck.
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So... I had some free time and was watching YouTube video's. As many of you know, YouTube will suggest video's you might have interest in based on your viewing history. One of the video's suggested to me was a CBS Video of David Copperfield. Copperfield was showing his magic warehouse that's not open to the public (only those studying magic or media). At one part of the Video, Copperfield is standing in front of a Blackstone Poster that was using whispering imps on it. Knowing that Keller was Chris's inspiration for making this deck, I decided to do some research on the whole whispering Imp phenomena and its usage in magic. I was surprised to find how many magicians have used whispering imps in their posters. All very interesting when you also consider that Stutzman is now taking his place with a long line of magic poster artists using Whispering Imps for one of his own projects.
http://facweb.furman.edu/~rbryson/impimages.html (http://facweb.furman.edu/~rbryson/impimages.html)
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@mrmollusk you totally get where i'm coming from with the court cards, thank you!
@legacy, yes Imps have been used as a symbol of magic and paired with magicians for 100+ years....starting with Harry Kellar. Many magicians have actually copied his posters, but most have just imitated them by incorporating Imps into their artwork.
For much of my research I was very fortunate to speak with Mike Caveney and visit his enormous collection of original and very rare posters at his place in Pasadena.
Although I went to Mark initially with the idea because we were friends...I also asked him to be a part of the project because he is very familiar with illustrating Imps into various posters for David Blaine and Panic! At The Disco, etc....and he also knows the playing card industry very well.
(http://files.myopera.com/roxyuk/blog/david-blaine-magic-posters.png)
(http://www.eloqui.com/Mark%20IMAGES/MusicEnt/music1.jpg)
(http://www.newyorker.com/images/2008/03/17/p233/080317_r17180_p233.jpg)
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I removed the “4th paragraph” as it was based more on emotions than rules of the English language.
...I drew my inspiration from Harry Kellar's original Imps poster from 1894. After researching and collecting hundreds of decks I noticed an "Imp" deck had never been created...until now. It's been a lot of hard work but my hope is that you will all enjoy how it's turned out...
... Additionally there will be few select court cards that will have various "Kellar like" card reveals. See below...
...It's been a lot of fun playing with many ideas, thank you for your interest. More to come....
@see_squared, that misled me.
Also I guess someone didn’t understand my statement about the court design and standards. I guess it was my fault because of a bad explanation.
1. Ask Alexander, Bicycle 125th Anniversary, Squeezers (modern reprints) - all these decks have these vintage court cards. I mean THESE court cards not vintage court cards in general. That is why it isn’t interesting to have them again in this deck. How many times do you want to use these particular vintage court cards to consider them standard courts? I prefer something new even among vintage designs. I am not a fan of recoloring of vintage courts but it’s more a question of taste.
2. I didn’t mean imps as main figures on court cards. I just think that little imps playing pranks on one part of each vintage court card are cool for this deck. Of course a nice design and ideas for this purpose should be a must. This idea is illustrated on the (gaff) king (IMHO - it needs improvement).
So unfortunately for me this deck isn’t interesting too much. Luckily I am in the minority… at least on this forum… but not on Kickstarter (Uusi, Federal 52, Albino Dragons, Pedale, etc. - amount of pledges).
As always – tastes differ. I respect everyone's taste and expectations. To each his own.
Chris, good luck.
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@legacy, yes Imps have been used as a symbol of magic and paired with magicians for 100+ years....starting with Harry Kellar. Many magicians have actually copied his posters, but most have just imitated them by incorporating Imps into their artwork.
For much of my research I was very fortunate to speak with Mike Caveney and visit his enormous collection of original and very rare posters at his place in Pasadena.
Although I went to Mark initially with the idea because we were friends...I also asked him to be a part of the project because he is very familiar with illustrating Imps into various posters for David Blaine and Panic! At The Disco, etc....and he also knows the playing card industry very well.
There you go... I've seen that David Blaine poster before. I don't know why I did not think of it and Mark's previous work with Imps.
Strange, is it not? The human mind that see's these magic posters but unconsciously does not realize the Imps are in the photo or doesn't recall having seen them before. Almost like my mind is trained to accept them as normal. Yet they are so not normal, they are quite the opposite. I've seen hundreds of magic posters and its only this past week that I stopped to question, Why Imps? Wild stuff...
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@legacy, yes Imps have been used as a symbol of magic and paired with magicians for 100+ years....starting with Harry Kellar. Many magicians have actually copied his posters, but most have just imitated them by incorporating Imps into their artwork.
For much of my research I was very fortunate to speak with Mike Caveney and visit his enormous collection of original and very rare posters at his place in Pasadena.
Although I went to Mark initially with the idea because we were friends...I also asked him to be a part of the project because he is very familiar with illustrating Imps into various posters for David Blaine and Panic! At The Disco, etc....and he also knows the playing card industry very well.
There you go... I've seen that David Blaine poster before. I don't know why I did not think of it and Mark's previous work with Imps.
Strange, is it not? The human mind that see's these magic posters but unconsciously does not realize the Imps are in the photo or doesn't recall having seen them before. Almost like my mind is trained to accept them as normal. Yet they are so not normal, they are quite the opposite. I've seen hundreds of magic posters and its only this past week that I stopped to question, Why Imps? Wild stuff...
Imps have long been thought of as magical creatures - even agents of the devil. Some magicians played up those associations to make themselves appear to be more than they really were - which is how promotion works, really. So many people have imitated the Kellar posters that the imps practically blend into the background at this point.
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Deck is now live on KS
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seesquared/whispering-impstm-playing-cards?ref=recently_launched
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Just pledged. I just wish there was a 3 deck early bird special.
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I really like this deck. It has historical inspiration and is executed I a really nice level. Even thought court cards may be some what "traditional" to some viewers I find them refreshing. If you can pull off a traditional design but do it in a way that is fresh and new, more props to you. Connecting with people and their already established memories and associations is one of the hardest parts of engaging people. For me this deck did that. I'm a huge fan of the historical poster art that these are derived from so they made a connection with me. So many decks on kickstarter now only stand on there idea as a foundation. An idea is pretty meaningless unless it can be executed. If a person has a good idea and can also execute it at a high level, then you most likely have descent success. If you have a great Idea, execute at a high level and also connect with people then you have an idea that might last the test time and not just be a novelty. Probably the nicest deck on kickstarter right now along side Royal Optik. Can't wait to see more designs.
Great work guys! I really like this deck, pledge for two.
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This deck is nicely done in my opinion. Yes, I am among the few that would've liked to have seen the courts customized a little more but can appreciate the court design as they are now. The AoS is very entertaining to me for some odd reason and the "Imps" (jokers) are a fun twist. The backs are almost a given work of art seeing as they're a work of Stutzman. Altogether, the deck has a very nice "traditional" feel to it and I certainly like it a lot. The tuck surprisingly gives off a very modern and sleek feel to it not so different from the Ultimate deck (of course simpler). But looks good for those that collect and don't open the cards and those that use the cards as well.
All praises from me! Will head over to the Kickstarter page now to back but a little under two hours after launch and the early birds are already taken haha expecting nice results from this project.
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That box.
That ace.
That ad card.
That seal.
(http://i.imgur.com/8UuPv.gif)
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See_squared/Chris - you should check NOW with KS about that $450 "Wholesale Package". Deck projects are limited by them to offering no more than a brick at any tier, and non-deck projects are limited to only ten of whatever item the project was created to make. Better to check now than deal with hassles later.
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Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement. I can't believe how much interest it's generated in just one day, totally blown away.
Don, I had that same question/concern about the wholesale package. It was listed as a pledge option when I submitted for approval...and it got approved but you are correct, it wouldn't hurt to double check this early in the game.
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Definitely rooting for the best for you and the project! Would love to see it become one of the "big" Kickstarter deck projects that are backed many folds over the initial goal amount. Definitely worth it.
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I'm in for 4 decks! Can't to get my hands on them. Anyone knows whether the estimated delivery (July) is possible?
Projects I have pledge on usually takes two or three months to deliver the items.
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I highly doubt he could get them delivered by july. I thought it said december, which I believe.
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Oops I'm really sorry, saw the wrong reward. The estimated delivery date for the first reward with email updates is July :P
Well, I'll have to wait for another half a year. Seems a little bit longer than other projects.
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I thought it would usually take about four months if things go mildly well with USPCC and shipping and all that after the project has been funded, no? So I was estimating maybe mid-October to mid-November. I guess that's not too far from December now that I think of it haha :))
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Don, I had that same question/concern about the wholesale package. It was listed as a pledge option when I submitted for approval...and it got approved but you are correct, it wouldn't hurt to double check this early in the game.
Indeed - they've been known to "approve" things, only to later change their minds and get in people's grilles about it.
Oops I'm really sorry, saw the wrong reward. The estimated delivery date for the first reward with email updates is July :P
Well, I'll have to wait for another half a year. Seems a little bit longer than other projects.
I thought it would usually take about four months if things go mildly well with USPCC and shipping and all that after the project has been funded, no? So I was estimating maybe mid-October to mid-November. I guess that's not too far from December now that I think of it haha :))
Guys, take a look at the number of deck projects that are running around on Kickstarter. Add that to the number of projects that other big-name companies have in mind for their customers. Add that to the total production run USPC has planned for its own deck designs. It would shock me not in the least to learn that the lag time for getting a deck made would increase under the circumstances, especially when attempting to deliver the deck so close to Black Friday. Better that he over-estimate the delivery time and deliver early than under-estimate and deal with irate backers...
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Guys, take a look at the number of deck projects that are running around on Kickstarter. Add that to the number of projects that other big-name companies have in mind for their customers. Add that to the total production run USPC has planned for its own deck designs. It would shock me not in the least to learn that the lag time for getting a deck made would increase under the circumstances, especially when attempting to deliver the deck so close to Black Friday. Better that he over-estimate the delivery time and deliver early than under-estimate and deal with irate backers...
I guess it's also safe to assume, as you said, many of the bigger independent companies, if following their normal trend, want to produce decks to be released by or close to Black Friday, that'll load USPCC more than the other times of the year. I know there are a lot of projects on Kickstarter right now (what is it? Mid 20's? Crazy) but I find it hard to believe more than a third of those will be actually produced. But I totally forgot about all the other independent companies that like to release around Black Friday. I guess over-estimating is much much safer.
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I'm working with the USPCC on a couple of unique options, we'll see if this crazy idea gets approved. Also, stretch goals announced this week and the option to add individual decks to your order.
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Congratulations Chris. Funding reached with 19 days to go. Great first project.
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Thank you Rob and everyone who has helped make this thing happen. I'm hoping to have the decks printed and shipped well before December. I took into account the amount of KS decks currently being funded or just recently funded and past experiences of members who have posted on the forums. I'd rather be early than late on fulfilling rewards....I imagine, with my full time job, it will take me nearly a week or so to pack, print and ship all the rewards myself in the evenings.
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Thank you Rob and everyone who has helped make this thing happen. I'm hoping to have the decks printed and shipped well before December. I took into account the amount of KS decks currently being funded or just recently funded and past experiences of members who have posted on the forums. I'd rather be early than late on fulfilling rewards....I imagine, with my full time job, it will take me nearly a week or so to pack, print and ship all the rewards myself in the evenings.
I would suggest taking two days off work where you can spend 8 hours each day fulfilling. Printing, packing and prepping for postal pick up. It's strange how slow the process is and if you have to ramp up to a productive rate every night you will be less successfull than if you just dedicate a couple of days to just doing the task at hand. I have an assembly line workspace that I use (25' x 25') and I set up stations and then do ten fulfillments at each station until complete and start over. It's like an exercise circuit without all the benefits of muscular tone.
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thanks Alex. I have a feeling you're right...once the orders are all organized...fulfilling them shouldn't be too much trouble in a few days.
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Really like the new red tuck case design Chris! Great Work Can't Wait to get the red decks as well! The inside pattern is a really nice touch as well.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/672/423/d43ebf90eb94896c1017728703d7ff03_large.jpg?1371172912)
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Thinking this just might become one of my favored decks.
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Thank you Rob and everyone who has helped make this thing happen. I'm hoping to have the decks printed and shipped well before December. I took into account the amount of KS decks currently being funded or just recently funded and past experiences of members who have posted on the forums. I'd rather be early than late on fulfilling rewards....I imagine, with my full time job, it will take me nearly a week or so to pack, print and ship all the rewards myself in the evenings.
A tip: spend the time to get a TON of orders all together before you actually ship them out. That way, more people will get their decks at the same time and you'll minimize the constant barrage of "they got my decks where are mine!??" that will inevitably pop up. :)
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Thank you Jackson and Paul!! Great to have your support behind the Imps. I've had an incredible time working with Mark on this deck and it would be amazing to reach the "Special Edition" stretch goal. I think the red foil would really stand out on the red vellum paper, but a couple people have emailed asking if I would consider using either Gold or Black foil instead.
What does the Aether community think?
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Depending on the paper, I think a slightly darker shade of red could be very cool. Subtle, yet flashy. Alternately black foil would be the inverse of the plain box, which is also interesting.
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I had no idea there was such a thing as black foil... I guess it would look cool. I don't see gold as being necessary, though - lots of people use gold.
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Thank you Jackson and Paul!! Great to have your support behind the Imps. I've had an incredible time working with Mark on this deck and it would be amazing to reach the "Special Edition" stretch goal. I think the red foil would really stand out on the red vellum paper, but a couple people have emailed asking if I would consider using either Gold or Black foil instead.
What does the Aether community think?
Maybe a Gaff deck with Imps on all court cards? :)
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I agree, I don't think Gold would fit this deck so well. I still feel pretty good about the red foil sticking out on the Red Vellum paper. I also think the detail of the back embossing is going to look fantastic (if the stretch goal is met).
Of the 683 backers so far I've only been contacted (either messages or comments) by about 5 or so people asking to see more Imps on the face cards. I spent a lot of time early in the year trying to figure out if I should add them all over or keep the deck clean. I ultimately wanted to preserve the overall integrity of the concept...adding Imps all over would have "themed it up" too much and made it look cheesy (in my opinion). Additionally, this is not, and never was, intended to be an art deck. There are many other beautifully designed art decks available on KS to back. In the future I'd love to create an art deck around the Imps, but having a background in magic and being that the inspiration came from a magic poster it only seemed fitting to design the deck for functional and practical use...but remain aesthetically pleasing to the art community.
Oh yes @Collector, the Gaff ideas for this deck are endless...I could put one more in the deck if I remove a Joker (Imp) but I don't think that would please too many people.
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I agree, I don't think Gold would fit this deck so well. I still feel pretty good about the red foil sticking out on the Red Vellum paper. I also think the detail of the back embossing is going to look fantastic (if the stretch goal is met).
Of the 683 backers so far I've only been contacted (either messages or comments) by about 5 or so people asking to see more Imps on the face cards. I spent a lot of time early in the year trying to figure out if I should add them all over or keep the deck clean. I ultimately wanted to preserve the overall integrity of the concept...adding Imps all over would have "themed it up" too much and made it look cheesy (in my opinion). Additionally, this is not, and never was, intended to be an art deck. There are many other beautifully designed art decks available on KS to back. In the future I'd love to create an art deck around the Imps, but having a background in magic and being that the inspiration came from a magic poster it only seemed fitting to design the deck for functional and practical use...but remain aesthetically pleasing to the art community.
Oh yes @Collector, the Gaff ideas for this deck are endless...I could put one more in the deck if I remove a Joker (Imp) but I don't think that would please too many people.
One thought regarding a future deck with imps - create a deck where some of the imps promo posters of prominent magicians are the court cards and jokers... Some are probably public domain, though I imagine there's enough that aren't that it would be a tricky proposition.
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I had some really cool custom rubber stamps made to hand stamp on each package of Whispering Imps going out later this year after they are printed. Thought I'd share with all of you.
Also...just 3 days to go in the campaign: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seesquared/whispering-impstm-playing-cards (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seesquared/whispering-impstm-playing-cards)
(http://distilleryimage9.ak.instagram.com/672c13dcdec811e2ac5222000a1f8ea3_7.jpg)
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I had some really cool custom rubber stamps made to hand stamp on each package of Whispering Imps going out later this year after they are printed. Thought I'd share with all of you.
Also...just 3 days to go in the campaign: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seesquared/whispering-impstm-playing-cards (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/seesquared/whispering-impstm-playing-cards)
(http://distilleryimage9.ak.instagram.com/672c13dcdec811e2ac5222000a1f8ea3_7.jpg)
You are going to have a seriously tired arm... :)) (Looks great!)
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Awesome! That stamp is super cool!
You're right. The small things matter immensely. I can't tell you how much more happy I was with my Misc. Goods deck when I saw the custom stamps and tape on the packaging. Looking back, it probably influenced the fact I love the deck so much. Absolutely stellar work!
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Is it still available?
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The kickstarter is over, you would need to get them from a secondary source once they are printed and shipped. If you had read the kickstarter page, you would also see that they are planning a second edition some time in the future.
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Thanks Curt for answering. This was a rather short run for the Whispering Imps first edition, and they were primarily exclusive to those who backed the project. There will be a short supply of Black Tuck and Red Tuck decks remaining that will be sold on my website (coming soon) but they won't be available until all orders for backers have been fulfilled and shipped (end of October).
Second editions and additional products are in the works for the future.
Good news, all the artwork is complete and about to be proofed by the USPCC. Once I give the green light, it will take approx. 6-8 weeks for the cards to be printed and shipped to me for distribution. For my first deck of playing cards, i've very pleased with the incredible support from members of this forum, the magic community and on Kickstarter. Thank you.
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For my first deck of playing cards, i've very pleased with the incredible support from members of this forum, the magic community and on Kickstarter. Thank you.
I think I speak for the gang when I say that it was our pleasure. With the design you created, the deck practically sold itself! It didn't hurt having a prominent deck artist on hand, either, someone whose name we know.
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I bought 3, one to play with, one to keep and one to whomever wants to be my new best friend.
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Thanks Don. Mark was really the only person I knew who was right for the job. He was already familiar with designing playing cards and very familiar with what Imps were AND drawing them....a no brainer in my book...and he totally got the concept from the beginning. Couldn't be happier with the end result.
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happy to announce the artwork for the Whispering Imps is 100% complete. Just waiting for the proofs from the USPCC before going to print!
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happy to announce the artwork for the Whispering Imps is 100% complete. Just waiting for the proofs from the USPCC before going to print!
I'm glad to hear that. Incomplete artwork can be one of the bigger delays in getting a deck made - just ask Lance Miller about the Artist Edition Bicycle Actuators! He miscalculated how long it would take and his project was delayed by a number of weeks. The best of all possible worlds is to have it all 95-99% complete before launching - you're basically finished but you have room for tweaks should you find them necessary or desirable. (But since when do we live in the best of all possible worlds?) :))
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Update: I received word this morning from the USPC that the Whispering Imps™ are printed, boxed and scheduled to shipped out to me next week...way ahead of schedule!
I will start shipping decks to backers on October 14th.
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Awesome!
By the way, will you be selling any on the aftermarket? I could only get one due to a credit card snag.
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Here are a few photos from the final Whispering Imps™ decks. I should be receiving a truck load of them in a week or so...
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God these are beautiful!
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That matte vellum tuck box is gorgeous. It's slowly becoming a much preferred 'standard'; just like thin borders!
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Probably a bit early, but you can definitely put me down for 2 of each once the ones that need shipping out have gone. :D
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Jesus Christ, those are gorgeous.
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Thank you everybody...there won't be many left over once orders are shipped. I imagine once the dust settles, i'll be able to put the remaining decks for sale on my website later in the year. Stay tuned!
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That matte vellum tuck box is gorgeous. It's slowly becoming a much preferred 'standard'; just like thin borders!
The Majestic deck has the matte vellum to. really nice feel.
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Available on www.artofplay.com for $15 plus shipping if anyone missed out.
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just over half of the orders have been shipped out by now to the backers. Full disclosure....packing and shipping thousands of decks takes way longer than I ever expected. I hope some of you in this forum have received them, and they have arrived safely.
If you have photos to share on twitter or instagram...use the hashtag #whisperingimps. Would love to see your photos.
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just over half of the orders have been shipped out by now to the backers. Full disclosure....packing and shipping thousands of decks takes way longer than I ever expected. I hope some of you in this forum have received them, and they have arrived safely.
If you have photos to share on twitter or instagram...use the hashtag #whisperingimps. Would love to see your photos.
I got them - love 'em! Very good work and the box is outstanding. The stock feels great, too, soft and flexible like Aristocrat stock.
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I got mine as well - love them, that's all I can say
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This might be one of my new all-time favorites! Ultra-classy box, super snappy stock, a great gaff card, and a brilliant theme! I'm really kicking myself for not getting more.
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Just a quick update: all orders to backers have been shipped out. A small supply of each deck will be made available on www.whisperingimps.com (http://www.whisperingimps.com) this Friday, November 15, 2013 (along with Uncut Sheets). Hope those of you on the forum who backed the Imps are enjoying them.
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Awesome! Any particular launch time?
Thanks
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The store at www.whisperingimps.com is live if you didn't get any/enough through KS!
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Very cool, I missed out on the KS campaign, I just think the concept is great and I can't wait to have them in hand ;)
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I just got mine, I am waiting to open it since my decks keep warping when I do. The art poster is amazing though.
EDIT: Damn I decided to open these and the box had an amazing smell as you took the cellophane off. The cards were soft, able to spring almost instanaly, fans ok, need to break it in more though. and the gaff is amazing.
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Hey folks, thanks for all your kind comments and support! Friday was pretty epic. Except for the forums, I didn't advertise the site going live to anyone on Friday. I didn't even give a time really, but wow did it take off. I'm glad everyone who missed out previously has since gone to the site to pick up a few.
There is a little confusion (based on messages I've received). Both decks are limited editions, meaning this is the only print of these decks in these boxes. I couldn't call the red "Special Edition" an LE simply because they both were LE's. So once these are gone...they are really gone!
Have no fear, two more decks planned in the Whispering Imps series...more to come.
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Hey folks, thanks for all your kind comments and support! Friday was pretty epic. Except for the forums, I didn't advertise the site going live to anyone on Friday. I didn't even give a time really, but wow did it take off. I'm glad everyone who missed out previously has since gone to the site to pick up a few.
There is a little confusion (based on messages I've received). Both decks are limited editions, meaning this is the only print of these decks in these boxes. I couldn't call the red "Special Edition" an LE simply because they both were LE's. So once these are gone...they are really gone!
Have no fear, two more decks planned in the Whispering Imps series...more to come.
(this same info will be posted on UC)
Aww crap i never saw the general release! =( (Stupid exams..) Any chance i could still land a 2deck pack Chris? ;p
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(this same info will be posted on UC)
Your post might not get a warm reception there...
http://aethercards.com/discourse/the-talk-park/new-policy-at-uc/
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(this same info will be posted on UC)
Your post might not get a warm reception there...
http://aethercards.com/discourse/the-talk-park/new-policy-at-uc/
Chris is a valued member over at UC - he doesn't just come in to plug his work unlike other designers like, say, Johnny Whaam.
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(this same info will be posted on UC)
Your post might not get a warm reception there...
http://aethercards.com/discourse/the-talk-park/new-policy-at-uc/
Their loss!
I was an idiot and only backed for one black deck. My 2 pack just came, and they look amazing! Love the foil on the red.
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Got my 2 pack today also, the Tuck on the Special Edition is just amazing, love the foil back design on there!
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(this same info will be posted on UC)
Your post might not get a warm reception there...
http://aethercards.com/discourse/the-talk-park/new-policy-at-uc/
Chris is a valued member over at UC - he doesn't just come in to plug his work unlike other designers like, say, Johnny Whaam.
I'm glad to hear that. If you'd like to discuss the UC policy further, may I suggest that you post in that topic. Honestly, I would welcome someone with a different perspective on the subject.
And yes, that limited edition red-boxed deck is GORGEOUS.
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Thanks Don for bringing that to my attention. Frankly, I've been so busy with the cards, my full time job and two other outside project that I unfortunately haven't been able to catch up on everything in the forums. I'd like to think I contribute in many discussions outside of the Imps in the forums and hope that my previous post isn't seen as promotional but rather and update or statement. As always though, thank you for keeping me in the loop and of course for your support and kind words.
Great photo Sparks!
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It's always painful for me to watch something skyrocket on eBay, when you can purchase the items as brand new direct from the company… I don't mean to hurt anyone trying to make some $ on eBay, as I too sell from time to time, but the following listing can be purchased brand new from www.whisperingimps.com for $30…
on eBay, they're going for $76…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141116408985
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It's always painful for me to watch something skyrocket on eBay, when you can purchase the items as brand new direct from the company… I don't mean to hurt anyone trying to make some $ on eBay, as I too sell from time to time, but the following listing can be purchased brand new from www.whisperingimps.com for $30…
on eBay, they're going for $76…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141116408985
Something about fools and their money comes to mind...
If someone's too lazy to do the research before pulling the trigger on a purchase, I have a hard time feeling sorry for them. Is it terribly ethical on the part of the eBay seller? I'd be inclined to say no. But any expenditure, even a relatively small one in the grand scheme of things such as this, should be researched by the buyer. Many people are too lazy to do the legwork and have more money than intelligence when it comes to such matters.
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Friendly update: Original Black Tuck Whispering Imps™ are officially sold out on my website.
Expect the second deck (of three) to be officially announced in the Spring.
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I cannot wait :D
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The Shouting Imps?
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Expect the second deck (of three) to be officially announced in the Spring.
Now that's some exciting news!!
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Well, not to pull an AOL-er "Me, too," but...
Me, too! Very much looking forward to your next project!
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The Shouting Imps?
we can only hope
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The Shouting Imps?
Very funny!! Thanks for the support everyone...it keeps me going!
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The Shouting Imps?
Very funny!! Thanks for the support everyone...it keeps me going!
I'll start worrying when you get to the Tickling Imps and I'll run for the hills when you get to the Dominatrix Imps...