Vända (Crimson Edition) deck is coming to kickstarter soon!

[davegk]

I'm hoping to release/launch on kickstarter in the next two weeks, but it will depend on the video production timeline (availability of the people helping me).

Evan: I'm curious why you think the indices should not have the value contained within the symbol.

As for the ace of spades design, the concept is that it creates a powerful color change effect when changed to any back design or one of the double back cards.

Also, I had considered using the Bicycle logo on the tuck box design but given the unique from-the-ground-up design of the deck, I thought the Vända branding would be more appropriate.

More detailed images to come...

-David

[Cardist888]

Wow they look awesome! The court cards are do custom too

[Cardist888]

They look awesome especially the court cards! I want it 

[Emmanuel]

I really like your deck David! Very clean and classy, and the deck definitely doesn't need the Bicycle branding.

Are the other Aces also arranged in the same circular format as the Ace of Spades?

[davegk]

Thanks, Ncyclopedia!

yes, all aces share that same design structure (and rotational symmetry)...

-David

[NathanCanadas]

I actually really like all the other aces. I just don't know why, but I find the AoS too repetitive. Maybe having a normal, big Spade pip with the Vanda design in its center in white would also be cool?

[davegk]

I realize that it's traditional to do something different with the ace of spades and maybe that's why you're stuck on the fact that my AoS doesn't stand out. However, since my deck design breaks most other traditions (which is the entire point - to create a completely innovative design), it makes perfect sense to me that I should not follow this general tendency.

The AoS is the highest ranking card in the deck in most games and therefore deserves to be special in some way. I feel that I've achieved this 'specialness' by the mere use of repetition - the symbol is given extra importance by being showcased as the icon with which the deck becomes identifiable.

-David

[NathanCanadas]

I realize that it's traditional to do something different with the ace of spades and maybe that's why you're stuck on the fact that my AoS doesn't stand out. However, since my deck design breaks most other traditions (which is the entire point - to create a completely innovative design), it makes perfect sense to me that I should not follow this general tendency.

The AoS is the highest ranking card in the deck in most games and therefore deserves to be special in some way. I feel that I've achieved this 'specialness' by the mere use of repetition - the symbol is given extra importance by being showcased as the icon with which the deck becomes identifiable.

-David

Yes, I guess you are right. Anyways, who am I to criticize? I don't know why this little detail was bothering me. Maybe it's because compared to the red/black contrast on the back of the cards and on the box, I thought it wasn't as impressive.

[davegk]

Well, I am very much open to input and I will seriously consider any suggestions that are made. I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks,
David

I realize that it's traditional to do something different with the ace of spades and maybe that's why you're stuck on the fact that my AoS doesn't stand out. However, since my deck design breaks most other traditions (which is the entire point - to create a completely innovative design), it makes perfect sense to me that I should not follow this general tendency.

The AoS is the highest ranking card in the deck in most games and therefore deserves to be special in some way. I feel that I've achieved this 'specialness' by the mere use of repetition - the symbol is given extra importance by being showcased as the icon with which the deck becomes identifiable.

-David

Yes, I guess you are right. Anyways, who am I to criticize? I don't know why this little detail was bothering me. Maybe it's because compared to the red/black contrast on the back of the cards and on the box, I thought it wasn't as impressive.

[davegk]

I've been working on the website and making some progress.

Be sure to check it out:

www.vandacards.com

I've added a mailing list signup form - currently located on the 'order' page. If you'd like to be added to the mailing list to receive updates on the kickstarter launch and future deck designs, please sign up there.

Thanks!
-David

[davegk]

Just gotta put together the video and add details on some of the rewards, but otherwise the kickstarter page is close to launching...

temporary page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/goldklangdesign/10882206?token=005db9f7

-David

[davegk]

and facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/V%C3%A4nda-playing-cards/139114036231643

please like and share with friends

Thanks!
-David

[Russell CircleCityCards]

Good luck with selling more than 10/12 at a time.  Kickstarter approved mine with packages up to 144 then they dropped the hammer and said I had to get rid of them.


I'd update your KS page before you go live.

[davegk]

Good luck with selling more than 10/12 at a time.  Kickstarter approved mine with packages up to 144 then they dropped the hammer and said I had to get rid of them.


I'd update your KS page before you go live.

Weird...many of the deck projects I've seen have been selling larger quantities without problems...when was your project launched?
Did they just ask you to remove the larger quantity rewards or did they stop the project entirely?

Thanks,
David

[davegk]

nevermind about the when question...just looked at your link in your signature...
was it for the quicksilver deck they hammered you for large quantities, or for the earlier decks as well?

-David

[Russell CircleCityCards]

It is a new rule they started enforcing on Aug 2^nd, I believe.  The rules states no more than 10 of an item, they let me do 12 because of the 'brick' box it was packaged in.  And no, you can't sell 1 gross as 1 item.  Even if they 'approved' your reward levels right now, they will come after you in the middle of your project.  This is bad because it removes you from the 'search' and 'discover' parts of the site, only direct links to your page work.  If you don't comply, they can cancel your whole project.


Just a heads, up.  I'd make the changes before launch.

[davegk]

It is a new rule they started enforcing on Aug 2^nd, I believe.  The rules states no more than 10 of an item, they let me do 12 because of the 'brick' box it was packaged in.  And no, you can't sell 1 gross as 1 item.  Even if they 'approved' your reward levels right now, they will come after you in the middle of your project.  This is bad because it removes you from the 'search' and 'discover' parts of the site, only direct links to your page work.  If you don't comply, they can cancel your whole project.


Just a heads, up.  I'd make the changes before launch.

Ok, thanks for the heads up!
I had asked about that restriction earlier in this thread but nobody knew if it was a new rule or an old one that just hadn't been enforced...I will restructure the bulk quantity rewards.

-David

[Don Boyer]

...plus you need to work out more details about that magic party reward.  As well as the Vegas reward.


And what's the magician's reward all about?

[davegk]

Yup, working out details for those rewards right now...I can give you a little insight as to what I have in mind though...

The magician's special is specifically for performing magicians who are interested in using the Vända deck in their performances. It includes 24 decks that will be available for pickup only in san francisco or los angeles (I will consider offering these shipped at cost of shipping to whatever the specific location is). Also included will be a stack of promotional cards to hand out to anyone interested in finding out more about the cards.

The magic party will be hosted in Los Angeles and will feature a collection (probably 5-10) of world-class magicians (members of the world famous magic castle - http://www.magiccastle.org) who will be performing amazing closeup magic. The party will be sponsored by Magixology (http://www.magixology.com) - drinks will be included in the price (although I have to figure out how to say that without violating kickstarter terms). There will also be an opportunity to get decks (or uncut sheets) signed by these magicians.

As for Vegas, I'm working out the details, but the basic idea is it will be a weekend in vegas - all-expenses included (except gambling) and backers will get VIP tickets to 2-3 top vegas magic shows and the opportunity to meet the performing magicians backstage and get decks or other items autographed. There may also be a night of hanging out (drinking, magic, and possibly poker...) with some of the most famous magicians in the world.

-David

...plus you need to work out more details about that magic party reward.  As well as the Vegas reward.


And what's the magician's reward all about?

[davegk]

Something else I've been wondering about is whether I should list the cards under the category of
'Games > Board & Card Games'
or
'Design > Graphic Design'
or
'Design > Product Design'

thoughts?

-David

[davegk]

rewards list updated...

-David

[Paul Carpenter]

Something else I've been wondering about is whether I should list the cards under the category of
'Games > Board & Card Games'
or
'Design > Graphic Design'
or
'Design > Product Design'

thoughts?

-David

I did mine as a top level Design project. That ended up lumping me in with lots of iPhone accessories and home goods, but it was fun to kick all their butts.

I don't think it's terribly critical because your first big batches of traffic will come from these forums. If you can get massive traffic over the first days, it will increase your chance of being "popular" or a staff pick, which is where you really want to be. Being in those categories will get you a lot more casual viewers.

[xela]

Product design is a good choice, so is art, which is where I submitted mine. Toys & Games is another great place to submit. Remember that your goal is to be the top position in your category. Product design can get more hits than art, but being #1 in art is far superior to being #35 in product design.

Start hyping up your deck everywhere. Find the line between good marketing and spamming, pretty much. Never cross, but tread alongside it, and I see no reason you can't hit at least $20-30k or more.

If I have some extra funds lying around I'll be backing this for sure. It's a wonderful design and minimalism is where it's at.

[davegk]

Rough prototype for the wooden storage box. It snugly holds 2 decks of cards. The final version will have smooth edges/corners and a different lid opening mechanism (it will probably slide in place from the side). Considering different materials and finish options as well...

Availability will be limited to 100.

Also I made these wooden promotional tokens. I may include one as a bonus reward for each backer. Also might get these made out of metal.

-David

[Evan]

Those look incredible! I hope I can get my hands on the box and token!