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Playing Card Chat ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ => Playing Card Plethora => Topic started by: Don Boyer on February 22, 2014, 03:45:22 AM
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My question is directed specifically at people whose collections are now either exclusively or nearly-so made up of modern decks of cards not more than 20 years old.
Let's pretend that you were planning to meet up for lunch with a person who's a vintage deck collector. This man or woman has heard a little about the new modern custom decks like the ones you collect, but hasn't seen many examples of them and certainly hasn't seen the "creme de la creme".
You've been tasked with bringing a small sampling of decks with you - the mission being to show this collector the best that modern custom deck design has to offer. They need not be full-custom down to the last drop of ink, but we're talking about decks you won't find on the shelf at a chain pharmacy or the dollar store. The emphasis is more on design, though if you can point out custom decks that have noteworthy handling, that's fine as well. Remember, many vintage collectors don't buy based on handling, as modern card coatings and stocks are more likely to be a world apart from a deck that's probably older than you are if not twice as old - it's among the criteria your lunch guest will find less important. (And Jerry's Nuggets are VINTAGE already, so no, J-Nuggs fanboys, you can't include them!) Cool boxes would be something that might catch your collector-friend's eye - the more beautiful, the better.
What are some of the decks you would bring to this meeting? Please - include IMAGES! Your images can be scans of your deck, photographs of your deck or, as a last resort, good-quality pictures of it found on the web. Remember, you really want to impress this person, perhaps even "turn him or her to the Dark Side" and get him interested in collecting modern custom decks!
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It's funny how questions like these feel like your asking the same top 10 question but its actually a different answer.
I would probably show them decks that I can easily obtain (replaceable) and that are interesting enough to grab ones attention.
Artisans - theory11
Virtuoso S/S 14 - TheVirts
Black JAQKs - theory11
Royal Optik - Uusi
Madison Dealers - Ellusionist
No images needed.
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1. Gargoyles Expo (http://playingcards.wikidot.com/local--resized-images/miller:gargoyles-expo/Gargoyles%20Expo.JPG/medium.jpg) because i like it 8)
2. Signature Gold Exquisite of Handlordz for the style (http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server1400/c9si/products/266/images/492/exquisitebox2CropforFB__22301.1384473651.1280.1280.jpg)
3. Seasons Playing Cards set for Best tuck boxes (http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/7315/asdfsadf.jpg)
4. Bicycle Platinum for cool custom pips (http://www.maxplayingcards.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BicyclePlatinumBanner.jpg)
5. Dealers for nice court cards (http://cards808.info/published/publicdata/PO2234NEW808/attachments/SC/products_pictures/d211-760x427_enl.jpg)
6. Ogma for hypnotize him/her ??? (http://www.murphysmagicsupplies.com/images/ogmadeck-full.png)
7. Virtuoso for best quality
8. Phoenix's Apocalypse 2012 deck - welcome to internet, one QRcode for 13 difference cards revealed (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WN21zm-HpXU/T8A_iJo0VQI/AAAAAAAAANg/h12xwv_khps/s1600/phoenix-apocalypse-deck-01.jpg)
maybe Blades Blood Metal too, but i dont think it could impressed much
edited for img
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Don't want to speak for Don, but I'm guessing he asked for pictures as members from the 52+J club and modern collectors as well may have likely never seen the decks. Heck, I collect modern decks and have not seen the Ogma deck mentioned. It'd just stick to the topic better I think if pictures were included.
I'm still mulling this question over, and trying to create my list. With 2 small kids at home, getting the pics is not as quick as it once was, but I'm hoping to sooner rather than later. I'm also not typically a favorites kind of guy, let alone a favorites list kind of guy, so that will definitely make for a longer thinking time. I am aiming to get the list with pics complied sooner rather than later.
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Sorry for no pics.
I would show a prospective modern collector the following three decks:
Split Spades, Jaqk decks, and the Virtuoso deck.
All three have great, unique designed Card Boxes if you wanted to display them. They'd stand out even amongst the flashiest boxes. Also, all three have more than one color so you can collect your favorite color or collect them all and place them side to side. The split spade back is my favorite back design of all time. The Jaqks have my favorite court designs (although they do repeat). The virtuoso deck just oozes style, in its back design and its box and I love the court redesigns. All three decks handle amazingly.
If i could say one thing about these decks as a whole, I'd say they are not gimmicky, rather, their designs, though modern, are timeless.
(Despite such a strong statement I will admit I don't like the Jaqk back design or some of the ugly faces on Split Spade courts. Hey, no deck is perfect!)
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I'll show them the following decks because of the time spent on the detail put into the decks.
Also show them the artifice deck as it was the first custom deck that drew me into the world of playing cards, to this day it's still my go to deck (with the exception of bikes and the aristocrats 727 reprints)
DON'S EDIT: Nurul neglected to name them! The decks are shown below, in order. All are out of print. Some are expensive in the aftermarket, but some are still quite affordable on most budgets.
Artifice, cobalt (version 1 [borderless]) by Ellusionist
Currently available in cobalt v.2/emerald (bordered), purple (borderless), "Tundra" (inverse black with all-black pips excluding indices).
Bohemia, available in red and blue by Uusi
Federal 52 (the first in the series) by Jackson Robinson
Empire by Lee McKenzie
Aurum (all three tuck box editions) by Paul Carpenter/Encarded
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This is a great topic [thanks Don]. Six months ago I didn't own more than three or four modern decks [gifts]. Just counted my little hoard - 26 different decks, many of which I paid cash for! I may have to reply later with the ones I'd advise my fellow 52+J members to get!
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I think the purpose is to start a conversation between us newbies and the old school collectors.
The modern gimmicks of " Limited edition" "not intended for sale" "the [insert color here] are only sold to our elite superstore vip gold plutonium members" must boggle the mind of most vintage collectors and perhaps push them away from this relatively new "cardistry" trend. Collectables are generally of high value because they were not put out as collectables. They are rare cause noone took care of them or collected them not because a company decided to make it so.
With that said.. Something drew us, both old and new to card collecting. Playing cards due to the form and function are a awesome playground for Graphic artists. Color, shape, position etc.. All add together to create a sum greater than the parts . In other words Graphic art is about Feng shu.
I think a discussion centered around the "what" and "why" we like with examples is an awesome idea. I shall return with my favs.
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Great thread Don, I went with decks I have in my collection........I hope I didn't go overboard, lol
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It's funny how questions like these feel like your asking the same top 10 question but its actually a different answer.
I would probably show them decks that I can easily obtain (replaceable) and that are interesting enough to grab ones attention.
Artisans - theory11
Virtuoso S/S 14 - TheVirts
Black JAQKs - theory11
Royal Optik - Uusi
Madison Dealers - Ellusionist
No images needed.
Perhaps to you no image is needed - but what about the guy who's never seen or even heard of those decks?
Crazyfandecks seems to have the right idea - show off the features that make these decks so beautiful. Don't assume your audience has seen them before. Feel free to space out the postings - because you want to add more gorgeous photos!
If someone else has named a deck you wanted to show, show it from a new angle, a new perspective - and remember to show the CARDS, not just the boxes! And faces, not just backs! Don't want to speak for Don, but I'm guessing he asked for pictures as members from the 52+J club and modern collectors as well may have likely never seen the decks. Heck, I collect modern decks and have not seen the Ogma deck mentioned. It'd just stick to the topic better I think if pictures were included.
I'm still mulling this question over, and trying to create my list. With 2 small kids at home, getting the pics is not as quick as it once was, but I'm hoping to sooner rather than later. I'm also not typically a favorites kind of guy, let alone a favorites list kind of guy, so that will definitely make for a longer thinking time. I am aiming to get the list with pics complied sooner rather than later.
You did hit the nail on the head in terms of what I'm looking for.
It doesn't need to be a massive list and it doesn't need to be just one posting. Pick one deck you think might impress the heck out of a vintage collector who's never seen it before. Take a photo or two - or if ttime doesn't permit, find a photo or two on the web that look good - and add them to the post. Voila. You find another deck, toss that one on as well. Lather, rinse, repeat!
This is a great topic [thanks Don]. Six months ago I didn't own more than three or four modern decks [gifts]. Just counted my little hoard - 26 different decks, many of which I paid cash for! I may have to reply later with the ones I'd advise my fellow 52+J members to get!
By all means, please do! I thought this might kickstart those members of 52+J who've only so far seen the decks you've presented in Clear the Decks and are unaware of the rich tapestry of decks that are available.
I think the purpose is to start a conversation between us newbies and the old school collectors.
The modern gimmicks of " Limited edition" "not intended for sale" "the [insert color here] are only sold to our elite superstore vip gold plutonium members" must boggle the mind of most vintage collectors and perhaps push them away from this relatively new "cardistry" trend. Collectables are generally of high value because they were not put out as collectables. They are rare cause noone took care of them or collected them not because a company decided to make it so.
With that said.. Something drew us, both old and new to card collecting. Playing cards due to the form and function are a awesome playground for Graphic artists. Color, shape, position etc.. All add together to create a sum greater than the parts . In other words Graphic art is about Feng shu.
I think a discussion centered around the "what" and "why" we like with examples is an awesome idea. I shall return with my favs.
I'm certain they have similar, bewildering issues to deal with in terms of what makes the hobby more challenging than it needs to be and how some retailers try to trump up the value of their wares. We've had many a discussion on these boards about the nature of collecting ephemera and the ways in which artificially-created rarity affects the hobby.
Looking forward to those photos, bro!
Great thread Don, I went with decks I have in my collection........I hope I didn't go overboard, lol
Not hardly - but try focusing on a few decks. Show lovingly-taken, detailed close-ups, show the actual cards in the box. Remember, often it's often only the lucky vintage collector that finds the cards in the box, so they're used to making evaluations based on the cards themselves (not to mention that card boxes were a lot simpler the older a deck is).
This is the equivalent of a "Fashion Week" for playing cards! Make the people unaware of these decks envious and interested! Have FUN with it - it's less about the lists, more about the CARDS. Ever see a report on a fashion shoot that didn't include a single photo? There's a reason for that... :))
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My 5 is a true sampling of the custom market right now.
I was faced with a decision earlier tonight. I was going to meet a magician I really respect, but I didn't know his card preferences. Just in case he might have asked me to show him what I was working on, I had to pick a deck to bring. If they were open I probably would have gone with the Black Reserve Notes. I was going to bring my Exquisites, but I knew he would catch their sneaky sneaky tricks.
I ended up bringing the White Ghosts. Classic and elegant backs, sweet color scheme for the pips, modern but not too overwhelming.
So if I'm bringing 5 decks, I say the White Ghosts, Exquisites, Black Reserve Note Feds, Brown Wynns, S&M v5
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My 5 is a true sampling of the custom market right now.
I was faced with a decision earlier tonight. I was going to meet a magician I really respect, but I didn't know his card preferences. Just in case he might have asked me to show him what I was working on, I had to pick a deck to bring. If they were open I probably would have gone with the Black Reserve Notes. I was going to bring my Exquisites, but I knew he would catch their sneaky sneaky tricks.
I ended up bringing the White Ghosts. Classic and elegant backs, sweet color scheme for the pips, modern but not too overwhelming.
So if I'm bringing 5 decks, I say the White Ghosts, Exquisites, Black Reserve Note Feds, Brown Wynns, S&M v5
Did you know that all of the early Ellusionist Bicycle decks have subtle one-way markings? :)) Much more subtle than the Exquisites!
Show us pictures! I can see you having lunch with that fictional collector I mentioned when I started this topic, naming and describing the cards rather than actually showing them! You'd bore the poor person to tears... :))
Let me be more blunt - I'd like any vintage collector who just joined the forum to be able to look at this topic and be VISUALLY WOWED at the options presented to him or her. A few paragraphs of info is nice, but has zero visual impact - you might as well be reading them the patient warnings from an ad for a prescription drug...
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Ok, I got ya, let's try this then.............
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Continued...
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I'll give this a start tonight, and add to it when I have some more time.
One of my personal favorite decks, Bohemia, has already been mentioned and shown, so instead I'll show off the JAQKs that nobody's posted pictures of yet. JAQKs first appeared with blue backs, then red, and most recently black.
The face cards repeat through the suits, but they have a very whimsical quality to them.
Each one holds some sort of wine, presumably from the JAQK Cellars that the cards advertise.
The picture below shows the original first edition one-way blue back, the only one in that style.
Theory11 later reprinted the three different deck colors in two-way back versions.
Borrowed from graphic-exchange.com:
http://www.graphic-exchange.com/images/02identity/jaqk2/JAQK_PLAYINGCARDS_CARDS.jpg
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Does no one else have a BEST OF THE BEST to show off?
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My best is this one. Only five of these exist.
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My best is this one. Only five of these exist.
You know what that is. I know what that is. But what about the new guy who DOESN'T know what that is? :))
OK, I'll tell 'em. It's a deck of Monarch playing cards made by Theory11, in the original color - but it's autographed by the cast of the magic-oriented movie "Now You See Me". Would you list the autographs on it, please?
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The signatures belongs to,
Jesse Eisenberg
Mark Ruffalo
Woody Harrelson
Isla Fisher
Dave Franco
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The signatures belongs to,
Jesse Eisenberg
Mark Ruffalo
Woody Harrelson
Isla Fisher
Dave Franco
You lucky beggar. I had no idea the signature decks existed until they were already gone...
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My best is this one. Only five of these exist.
Oooooh, quite the score, very jealous :-[
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Hey, gang - I posted about this topic in A Cellar of Fine Vintages. I'm trying to get some of the old-school vintage crowd interested in decks that are less than a generation old. I want to see luscious, stunningly-beautiful photos! Show me your goods! The coolest decks imaginable, and if you're showing something already shown, please pick a different perspective or show elements not already shown.
I want posts that will make people drool with desire! :))
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Love this topic because I am a favorites-kind-of person. However I don't know any of these decks as my love is antiques but if I did my favorite would need to include
1. Colorful and clever redesigned standard court cards
2. A fantastic Ace of Spades
3. A specially designed tuckcase - I love packaging and I have seen several great ones on the few new decks I have seen.
4. And lastly, top quality stock
If any of these meet my criteria please let me know and I'll be there to write it up in the club newsletter "Clear the Decks" www.52plusjoker.org
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Love this topic because I am a favorites-kind-of person. However I don't know any of these decks as my love is antiques but if I did my favorite would need to include
1. Colorful and clever redesigned standard court cards
2. A fantastic Ace of Spades
3. A specially designed tuckcase - I love packaging and I have seen several great ones on the few new decks I have seen.
4. And lastly, top quality stock
If any of these meet my criteria please let me know and I'll be there to write it up in the club newsletter "Clear the Decks" www.52plusjoker.org
Try this on for size: http://www.playingcardforum.com/playing-card-plethora/ornate-playing-cards-white-edition-(ks)/msg93793/#msg93793
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Very nice but too much going on - love a pure white background. Keep posting!
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Judy, check out Uusi's Pagan decks (available in light backs and dark backs).
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1244376122/pagan-custom-playing-cards
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/334/060/2584d7a18202f6bac25c2034112d64df_large.jpg)
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/346/670/4bf61ac8c9825ce3ce30e0ffe8ab877b_large.jpg)
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/328/807/60342992e653197a501b81d8b1fefc89_large.jpg)
I also like Eric Duan's Puppet and Kite decks and Half Moon's Venexiana decks.
(http://www.collectableplayingcards.com/images/p7261.jpg)
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/750/832/edb2b8c20b9c448e911d3edcb5c48b19_large.JPG)
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Hi pt
This is definitely a goodie and theme-wise right up my alley. However to be perfect requires standard syle courts.
But, can I still get this one and will I meet you in Charleston along with the notables from Discourse?
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Hi pt
This is definitely a goodie and theme-wise right up my alley. However to be perfect requires standard syle courts.
But, can I still get this one and will I meet you in Charleston along with the notables from Discourse?
The Pagan Kickstarter campaign is closed, but after they fulfill everything, hopefully the cards will be available for purchase from them.
Can't swing Charleston this year, but hoping to go next year.
Also for more traditional looking but still custom courts, go for the Whispering Imps deck.
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/95/fb/23/95fb23a0b1ec3a12afb151d83f18c339.jpg)
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/613/364/3ceede63426f10d76620190175a53340_large.jpg)
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Maybe this should be a contest for a CTD write up!
I also like the others you posted but the first is the winner to date.
We do have WI - very unique packaging. Still the courts are not as clever as I would like. The following is a little more like what I am thinking of.
http://www.graphic-exchange.com/images/02identity/jaqk2/JAQK_PLAYINGCARDS_CARDS.jpg
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Ah, then you might consider Erik Mana's Oracle deck.
(http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/76/0d/03/760d03659d61483960d5a563ea257da3.jpg)
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/367/441/1f218de50f570a81061a916ec93315a1_large.jpg)
Also, I love the University of Chicago deck artwork:
(http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/93/63/dc/9363dcd2ba908620f70019f936b93596.jpg)
BTW, I love the JAQKs too. :)
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You are good and on the right track! The court cards on both are great standard style designs but for me personally I like more traditional colors. The Oracle deck doesn't meet my expectations for the back or Spade Ace but of course this is completely subjective.
Thanks so much for sharing these cards with me as I definitely can't scroll through all the new decks on the net. Hopefully one will meet all my criteria.
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Glad to help.
Also, Erik Mana has a new deck coming out with courts similar to the Oracle deck. The backs come in two colors: Zinfandel and Indigo.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/422/071/e970a311d8c570da63597f54dc4bdf8d_large.jpg)
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/399/803/9664bff441ca22dcfcd1743ff50acc51_large.jpg)
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Princess - beautiful examples!
We now have "Show Me Your BEST OF THE BEST - Vintage Edition" (http://www.playingcardforum.com/working-title-a-cellar-of-fine-vintages/it's-a-little-off-subject-for-this-board-but/). Go check it out, if the lure of gorgeous vintage decks is calling... The first vintage example is the original vintage pack on which the Triplicates currently on Kickstarter are based.
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned the curator deck by Emmanuel Jose which I think is one of the best fully custom decks out there. Also the original virtuoso/virts deck for its cardistry uses and the wonderful fans would perhaps be new to those vintage collectors out there.
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned the curator deck by Emmanuel Jose which I think is one of the best fully custom decks out there. Also the original virtuoso/virts deck for its cardistry uses and the wonderful fans would perhaps be new to those vintage collectors out there.
Awesome catch there, Afrank8! Thanks. So, I need MOAR - FEEEEEEEED MEE! :)) More pictures, more decks!
Allow me to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has contributed to this thread so far.
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Classic look, great feel and beautiful back design
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Another one of my favorites with a "Classic" feel
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Again if you're new to the modern card collecting a couple of decks I can think of have been used in aid of charity while still being quite custom and in the case of the animal kingdom deck pretty unique.
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Since I only seriously started collecting in the past few months I really could post my entire collection here! However, instead I'll just list my top 3 that I'm most excited about.
Ultimate Deck (http://shop.dananddave.com/playing-cards/ultimate-deck.html) - Umm, variety and amazing artwork. Nice!!! So glad I also got the uncut sheet for this one.
(http://shop.dananddave.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/690x390/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/u/l/ultimate-deck-1_1.jpg)
Branded Black Reserve Note (http://kings-wild-project.myshopify.com/products/bicycle-branded-reserve-note-black-edition-playing-card-deck) - Simply gorgeous, I love the history element and the reserve note / money style is just wow. I also got the uncut sheet for good reason!
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0218/5956/products/rn_1024x1024.jpg?v=1386909304)
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0218/5956/products/D_BRN_B2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1386878720)
Dark Suits by Mr Mead (http://shop.antlersgallery.com/product/dark-suits-playing-cards) - I love this weird creepy style, I just wish it was available uncut. Instead I'll have to somebody figure out a custom mounting solution for the entire deck (I actually already have an idea in my head...will post results in a few months if it works out).
(http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/35966736/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/antlers_shop.jpg)
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I'm not sure the "Ultimate" deck quite lived up to the name but that's just personal preference. A deck that's kinda similar which has somewhat flown under the radar is the playing arts deck(more here: http://playingarts.com/) which features completely unique art throughout.
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I'm not sure the "Ultimate" deck quite lived up to the name but that's just personal preference. A deck that's kinda similar which has somewhat flown under the radar is the playing arts deck(more here: http://playingarts.com/) which features completely unique art throughout.
We've had topics for these decks, I'm certain. I remember people saying how they liked the art but felt the price tag was too high. Aren't they around $25 a pack?
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I got mine which should be arriving soon for $20 which I felt wasn't too high a price too pay for the variety included and some of the fantastic artwork (ace of clubs has to be one of the best I've seen). Some people might not like the inconsistency but that's for them to decide, I do think they let people down a bit with the back design which was a bit poor in my opinion(see photo).
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I got mine which should be arriving soon for $20 which I felt wasn't too high a price too pay for the variety included and some of the fantastic artwork (ace of clubs has to be one of the best I've seen). Some people might not like the inconsistency but that's for them to decide, I do think they let people down a bit with the back design which was a bit poor in my opinion(see photo).
Most people think fine gold lines on a black background will look so cool, because they think of shiny gold bars and coins. Gold ink, on the other hand, is really a color more on par with deli mustard - kinda on the dark side, making for a dark-on-dark pattern that's not easily distinguished. It's one of many cases where what the designer sees on the computer monitor doesn't match up with what comes off the printing press.
More goodies, anyone? :))
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This thread is such fun and particular thanks to Princess Trouble for showing me so many interesting and unusual decks. This is definitely an education for me and it is quite fantastic how many creative people there are designing these wonderful cards - so much talent!
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That Playing Arts deck is pretty neat, thanks for sharing. Only problem is it's on pre-order and has been forever, no mention of when it may ship. Making matters worse the website was obviously designed by an artist and it shows because it's just pretty and no actual content or logical flow/structure. I'll have to see if I can do some digging and asking questions to find out more. Why do they have to make it so hard to buy from them? lol
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I backed the kickstarter in November and there's been some issues with printing etc. but I believe for the backers they're packed and shipping currently.
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I backed the kickstarter in November and there's been some issues with printing etc. but I believe for the backers they're packed and shipping currently.
The Leaning Tower of Pasteboard... Nice... :))
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I got mine which should be arriving soon for $20 which I felt wasn't too high a price too pay for the variety included and some of the fantastic artwork (ace of clubs has to be one of the best I've seen). Some people might not like the inconsistency but that's for them to decide, I do think they let people down a bit with the back design which was a bit poor in my opinion(see photo).
I also pledge for these. I too felt the art work here were some of the better 1s that have been released among all the fully customed "artsy" decks.
In fact, i would prefer getting an uncut sheet for these. I remember msg-ing them about uncuts, but i think they felt the market wasn't there.
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This thread is such fun and particular thanks to Princess Trouble for showing me so many interesting and unusual decks. This is definitely an education for me and it is quite fantastic how many creative people there are designing these wonderful cards - so much talent!
My pleasure, Judy, When you have a chance, click the Pinterest board in my signature. Those are all the decks in my collection (minus the Founders).