Guys, I hate to burst the party bubble, but I do want to point out that you can't just "transfer" something to a computer and have it be card-i-fied.
1. This project needs a devoted leader to succeed, and I hate to say it, but the leader has to be versed in design. Not necessarily card design, but design in general. This allows the leader to take random drawings and sketches people give him or her and transform them into something that can be used. This allows people with little artistic aptitude to participate as well.
2. I don't think insane marketing is needed for the deck. USPCC has a company they outsource small print runs to, and you can always add extra for custom tuck cases. I think a print run of 500 decks is far more than enough. This deck is obviously here to be a work of art, and not to be a mainstream practical product. Use your advantages here, you have access to over 700 members and possibly more with good marketing.
3. This is a community deck, so make the theme community related. The back design could be random abstract artwork, sure, or it could be something really awesome like all the artist's signatures meshed together into a crazy design and mirrored on itself for a two-way look.
4. I would prefer that either no ad card for AetherCards is included, or that our standard one is used. All things related to promoting a brand need to be handled by me personally, although I don't mind any of you using things like the Omnes pip or any other AC stuff in your designs. I would just prefer that the actual "promotion" card be left to me or excluded entirely.
5. The best way to fund the deck is via Kickstarter. You'll want to have a goal of about $10,000 to cover all costs. For anyone interested in marketing the product, your best route is probably "look at what the card community can create." That said, you guys really want to show what the card community CAN create, since you're representing all collectors everywhere with this project.
6. All funding has to be managed by someone over 18 years of age in the United States. Your income will be taxed, and you should know basic financial information.
7. Remember to have fun doing this. It's a community project, and that means find a role for everyone if they want in. However, whoever takes up the role of leader (maybe have a poll for it?) should do well to assign roles properly. For example, have the amazing designer make the AoS, and leave the two of diamonds to someone with less aptitude. Someone with no artistic skill can submit hand made drawings and sketches that are collaborated upon by someone who can do digital art, bringing the sketch to life.
8. Be ready for a time commitment, don't expect this to be done in a few weeks, and you guys really have to push hard for results. Not only yourselves, but other people involved as well.
This is all constructive criticism so take it as you will. Run with it, or don't run with it at all (except the AetherCards ad card bit, that's my only actual request).