If every deck was traditional, card collecting would be rather boring... 

Point.   I whole-heartedly agree.

Personally I love the dramatic pips!  I agree with Don about limiting the colors for each suit (I would say more than two though), and I'm not crazy about the back design.  The star looks a bit out of place when compared to the unique pips and busy lines.  I would recommend making the heart larger to match the diamond and spade sizes, as well.  Just my opinion, though; I really like this concept so far.  The aces are very appealing.  I hope you do pursue it.

It's right there on the screen and they still got it wrong!

Right!  It takes one second to double check spelling! XD

Edit: Thanks for fixing that, Don. ^^

Funny how people put things together in their heads.

They're already calling me "Tara." XP

Hey intlgrrl, I'm a newbie here, too.  Nice to meet you!

About two years ago.  I just picked up some Ellusionist decks since I used to be into magic.  Back then, Black Tigers were like already blowing my mind so I figured I'd see what they had in store recently.  Then one thing led to another and I discovered the world of Kickstarter.  That's when the bottom of my wallet fell out.... 

Haha!  Kickstarter has been the bane of my paycheck ever since I found it, too.  You have a nice collection!  Which deck would you personally say is best to for an amateur cardist?

Lovely deck, but the price is a little out of my reach!  I rarely spend that much for a deck anymore.  It's where trading fodder comes in handy, or learning that a deck can be admired from afar if it's just too much money to own one.

Very understandable.  The price is pretty off-putting, but it's so nice in person I have no regrets (plus the serial # is by birthday ).  Just for my own curiosity, what are some examples of decks you'd offer in trade for a $50 deck like that?

This deck has stolen my heart.  Plus the serial # is my friggin' birthday and makes me love it all the more.

Thanks for the welcome, Don!  I'm definitely being picky about which decks to add to my collection.  I've learned to beat down the completionist impulse as it certainly tends to be a fun (and bank account) killer!

And the Regals are beautiful!  I really try to be frugal but there was no stopping myself once I saw there were still gilded decks available lol.  And I hear you about the custom pips, but I can't say I'm sad about them.   I'm all about unique, yo.

I like this trading fodder idea. I didn't get any extra Chancellors, but a certain message board admin is still in luck cause there are some available at Rare Playing Cards!

Heya, my name's Taya and my card collecting came as a bit of a surprise to me.  I grew up playing poker, rummy, black jack, etc. at every family montage and camping trip, so cards have always been a fun and important part of my life.  But we've only ever had the standard rider back Bicycle cards typically found at Walmart.  Nothing pretty or special.  Me being very individualistic, I finally decided I needed some properly unique playing cards to show off at these gatherings.  I'm a fantasy/sci-fi/gamer chick and was honestly just looking for something cool and geeky, but what I found was so much more...  I had no clue what I was getting myself into.

And now I'm a total addict, guys.  I love unusual color combos and intricate designs, and anything with foil has an instant spot on my wish list.  I'm essentially building two collections at the moment; one of all the pretty cards/tuck boxes to display and admire, and another to create flashy flourishes and lurid poker games. ^^,

What's been so surprising about collecting cards is how perfectly it's kept my interest.  I've started collections of lots of different things, only to have my enjoyment fizzle out after a short period for one reason or another.  Cards have definitely entrapped me and are the only hobby to even compare with my Zoids collecting.  As my fiance will tell you, that's saying something!

Here's my Portfolio 52.  My collection is still modest as it's been only a few months, but I'm happy to say I've been able to pick up some of my absolute favorites (gilded Regals, Chancellor, and Suprema ).  My wish list is huge, though!

Anyways, there seems to be a ton of great information on these forums and I'm excited to meet fellow card-bug victims, though I am a bit shy at first.   I like to respect those already in the hobby by learning as much as I can about it before getting too involved, so if you have any good tips or things newbies should know, like lingo or unwritten rules, I'd be grateful if you'd share.