Divine Art Playing Cards - Inspired by traditional Indian art & crafts

[leangyan]

Let me know how these compare to the previous one...

[Don Boyer]

I like the rich purple color for the backs, but you might want a somewhat lighter shade for the pips - it will make them easier to distinguish visually from the black pips.  The dark purple shade you have now is really dark - if you go with a lower-budget printer that doesn't do good color reproduction, the tendency in many cases I've seen is for the colors to end up darker than they were intended by the artist.  It's rare that the colors you see on your computer screen are the exact same shades that end up on the printed cards and some companies are better at getting it closer to accurate than others.  At the very least, look at the proofs with a fine-toothed comb and be sure that the purple doesn't reproduce so dark as to appear too close to black.

The artwork/color choices for the courts is nice - how would they look if you gave them thin black linework around the outer edge?  I think it would make the figures look sharper and more attractive while giving the lighter skin-tone areas more definition.

[NineLives]

Let me know how these compare to the previous one...

Definitely going in the right direction I like the background and it would be great to see defining linework (it doesn't have to be thick) around the centre artwork.
*wave*

[leangyan]

Let me know how these compare to the previous one...

Definitely going in the right direction I like the background and it would be great to see defining linework (it doesn't have to be thick) around the centre artwork.
*wave*

Yeah..did try the black linework with a variation in thickness. It always looked better without it. I've just placed an order with MPC for a prototype deck, let's see how it looks in print.

[leangyan]

Further updates....Court cards without the wavy lines in the background look better after further introspection.

[Don Boyer]

Further updates....Court cards without the wavy lines in the background look better after further introspection.

They do look better without it.  I'd recommend two possible options from here:

1) Since you have the space, enlarge the artwork a bit.  Alternately...
2) If you liked the background idea but felt it was too cluttered, perhaps some simpler, less-detailed light background art to act like "framing" around your characters would look good?  It could even be as simple as a few small lotus blossoms or a similarly simple design here and there, just a little something to fill some of the white space.

Either way, insure that you push the indices DEEP into their corners.  The closer they are to the edge of the card, the less wide a player needs to spread a hand of cards to read them, helping to prevent accidentally flashing one's hand to an opposing player.  It's hard to tell what the precise index placement will be without showing the die lines on the artwork.

[leangyan]

Hi Don,

Thanks.

Please do note that the latest images have got a bleed as required by MPC for their online card builder. Regarding the indices, I prepared the files as per the guidelines given by EPCC.

MPC expects the files in image format and that too, with a certain bleed required for their online card builder, and that's the reason those images in the last post are looking as if there is a lots of space between the indices and the edge of the card.

Here is how it looks on their card builder.


Regards,
Sunish

[Don Boyer]

Hi Don,

Thanks.

Please do note that the latest images have got a bleed as required by MPC for their online card builder. Regarding the indices, I prepared the files as per the guidelines given by EPCC.

MPC expects the files in image format and that too, with a certain bleed required for their online card builder, and that's the reason those images in the last post are looking as if there is a lots of space between the indices and the edge of the card.

Here is how it looks on their card builder.


Regards,
Sunish

Now that looks fine.  There's no way to know how close to the real edge the indices and art will be without either showing the images as finished cards or including the die lines.  Without one of those, you're just guessing.

[leangyan]

Thanks Don. I'll get this sorted soon.

That said, here is the latest attempt on court cards. Still not satisfied but thought of sharing.

[Don Boyer]

Thanks Don. I'll get this sorted soon.

That said, here is the latest attempt on court cards. Still not satisfied but thought of sharing.

Try taking the scroll-like frames around the court cards and making them a more pale shade of the same color, more of a background element than a foreground element.  It might look better.

Another possible fix - try replacing that linework with a window-like shape to act as your frame, as if you were seeing the character through a window or a doorway.  Window-like as in what you might see in an ancient temple, not a modern building - unique shapes similar to those of your frame.

[leangyan]

Thanks Don. I'll get this sorted soon.

That said, here is the latest attempt on court cards. Still not satisfied but thought of sharing.

Try taking the scroll-like frames around the court cards and making them a more pale shade of the same color, more of a background element than a foreground element.  It might look better.

Another possible fix - try replacing that linework with a window-like shape to act as your frame, as if you were seeing the character through a window or a doorway.  Window-like as in what you might see in an ancient temple, not a modern building - unique shapes similar to those of your frame.

Tried a similar one to that of the first original pass...Somehow it is shrinking the size of the character and I feel it won't look good on a Poker sized card. Still trying though....

The one post where there is no background or frame, the characters are already enlarged and come within the safe area though it is possible to enlarge the artwork  a bit.

[Don Boyer]

Thanks Don. I'll get this sorted soon.

That said, here is the latest attempt on court cards. Still not satisfied but thought of sharing.

Try taking the scroll-like frames around the court cards and making them a more pale shade of the same color, more of a background element than a foreground element.  It might look better.

Another possible fix - try replacing that linework with a window-like shape to act as your frame, as if you were seeing the character through a window or a doorway.  Window-like as in what you might see in an ancient temple, not a modern building - unique shapes similar to those of your frame.

Tried a similar one to that of the first original pass...Somehow it is shrinking the size of the character and I feel it won't look good on a Poker sized card. Still trying though....

The one post where there is no background or frame, the characters are already enlarged and come within the safe area though it is possible to enlarge the artwork  a bit.

This looks nice if you keep the index area clear of the background elements.  I like it.

[leangyan]

Thanks Don. I'll get this sorted soon.

That said, here is the latest attempt on court cards. Still not satisfied but thought of sharing.

Try taking the scroll-like frames around the court cards and making them a more pale shade of the same color, more of a background element than a foreground element.  It might look better.

Another possible fix - try replacing that linework with a window-like shape to act as your frame, as if you were seeing the character through a window or a doorway.  Window-like as in what you might see in an ancient temple, not a modern building - unique shapes similar to those of your frame.

Tried a similar one to that of the first original pass...Somehow it is shrinking the size of the character and I feel it won't look good on a Poker sized card. Still trying though....

The one post where there is no background or frame, the characters are already enlarged and come within the safe area though it is possible to enlarge the artwork  a bit.

This looks nice if you keep the index area clear of the background elements.  I like it.

Yeah...it looks good on screen but I took a print and observed that the shrinkage in character size ruins the details in the artwork.

Still trying a few other variations.

[Don Boyer]

Yeah...it looks good on screen but I took a print and observed that the shrinkage in character size ruins the details in the artwork.

Still trying a few other variations.

OK, then try the frame concept but with a simpler, more narrow frame and a larger character.  You can even make it appear as if one is peering through a window or a doorway - perhaps a few simple furnishings or something, or if one is peering into a garden, maybe some grass, a tree or a shrub.

I'm just tossing out ideas here - you have to see which ones stick!

[leangyan]

Tuckbox rendering....

[leangyan]

Glad to share prototype pics with you all....

[leangyan]

Hi All,

Glad to share with you all the preview page on Kickstarter. Please note that  it is still a work in progress and I await details from both vendors (printing & fulfilment partner).

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sunishchabba/1310551774?token=c925f142

TMCards will be the manufacturer for this deck, and I've already placed an order to get a sample deck. I've seen another deck by them with similar specs, and it looks great. I do understand that manufacturer can make or break the game, so in case the quality lags or there is some issue then I'd be evaluating my decision. Considering that the deck is heavily influenced by Indian Mythology, so I was advised by a few to see if this deck can be printed in India itself. I've got a few prototypes done by MPC on 310 gsm linen and they look great as well. But, I do have more expectations from the improved card stock on which TMCards will be printing the sample. I did talk to 2 project creators, who did their projects with TMC. There were some concerns shared by one and I've been advised by them that those issues are resolved after the upgrade to the machinery.

Please do note that funding goal can vary as I'm still doing calculations and awaiting a few details from both vendors. It also depends on how the sample looks like. I'm yet to hear from the fulfilment partner @ Hong Kong on a few queries, and it looks likely that uncut sheet's reward tier will go down. Similarly, content is being worked upon and will change.

So, please keep your comments coming. Much appreciated.

Regards,
Sunish

[leangyan]

A little birdie tells me that the samples are done by TMCards and they look and feel great. I'm waiting to get the deck here with me now.

[leangyan]

Hi All,

Plan is to go live today evening (AEST). I've updated quite a bit on the page, provided some clarity on direction towards stretch goals, all reward tiers updated with inclusion of digital copy of the booklet etc.

If you guys can verify the reward tiers or any other things that need attention, I'll really appreciate it.

URL here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sunishchabba/1310551774?token=c925f142

I believe I'll need to remove the uncut sheet combo for now, as there has been some confusion going around on shipping rates provided by the fulfillment partner. I'll be following up with them after an hour or two, but in case I do not get a satisfactory reply on good rates, I'll be removing the reward tier for the time being. I feel it is better to go with clarity and confirmation on good rates rather than creating confusion and create different reward tier afterwards.

TMCards have shipped the prototype deck, and I hope to receive it within the next couple of days. Fingers crossed for the quality ....


Regards,
Sunish

[Don Boyer]

Hi All,

Plan is to go live today evening (AEST). I've updated quite a bit on the page, provided some clarity on direction towards stretch goals, all reward tiers updated with inclusion of digital copy of the booklet etc.

If you guys can verify the reward tiers or any other things that need attention, I'll really appreciate it.

URL here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sunishchabba/1310551774?token=c925f142

I believe I'll need to remove the uncut sheet combo for now, as there has been some confusion going around on shipping rates provided by the fulfillment partner. I'll be following up with them after an hour or two, but in case I do not get a satisfactory reply on good rates, I'll be removing the reward tier for the time being. I feel it is better to go with clarity and confirmation on good rates rather than creating confusion and create different reward tier afterwards.

TMCards have shipped the prototype deck, and I hope to receive it within the next couple of days. Fingers crossed for the quality ....


Regards,
Sunish

Regarding uncut sheets - they can always be added after launch in a new tier or as an add-on.  A new tier would probably be better, since you're probably only offering a limited number and that would allow you to closely track the number requested by backers as well as limiting the number of requests to only what's available.  For them, you make one or two decks included in the tier and allow add-ons for more.

[leangyan]

Hi All,

Plan is to go live today evening (AEST). I've updated quite a bit on the page, provided some clarity on direction towards stretch goals, all reward tiers updated with inclusion of digital copy of the booklet etc.

If you guys can verify the reward tiers or any other things that need attention, I'll really appreciate it.

URL here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sunishchabba/1310551774?token=c925f142

I believe I'll need to remove the uncut sheet combo for now, as there has been some confusion going around on shipping rates provided by the fulfillment partner. I'll be following up with them after an hour or two, but in case I do not get a satisfactory reply on good rates, I'll be removing the reward tier for the time being. I feel it is better to go with clarity and confirmation on good rates rather than creating confusion and create different reward tier afterwards.

TMCards have shipped the prototype deck, and I hope to receive it within the next couple of days. Fingers crossed for the quality ....


Regards,
Sunish

Regarding uncut sheets - they can always be added after launch in a new tier or as an add-on.  A new tier would probably be better, since you're probably only offering a limited number and that would allow you to closely track the number requested by backers as well as limiting the number of requests to only what's available.  For them, you make one or two decks included in the tier and allow add-ons for more.

Hi Don,

Yes, I agree. I've removed the uncut combo tier for now as the fulfilment company hasn't got required packing material for shipping them. I'll be checking with MPC for uncut sheet fulfillment in the next few days.


Regards,
Sunish

[Don Boyer]

Hi All,

Plan is to go live today evening (AEST). I've updated quite a bit on the page, provided some clarity on direction towards stretch goals, all reward tiers updated with inclusion of digital copy of the booklet etc.

If you guys can verify the reward tiers or any other things that need attention, I'll really appreciate it.

URL here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sunishchabba/1310551774?token=c925f142

I believe I'll need to remove the uncut sheet combo for now, as there has been some confusion going around on shipping rates provided by the fulfillment partner. I'll be following up with them after an hour or two, but in case I do not get a satisfactory reply on good rates, I'll be removing the reward tier for the time being. I feel it is better to go with clarity and confirmation on good rates rather than creating confusion and create different reward tier afterwards.

TMCards have shipped the prototype deck, and I hope to receive it within the next couple of days. Fingers crossed for the quality ....


Regards,
Sunish

Regarding uncut sheets - they can always be added after launch in a new tier or as an add-on.  A new tier would probably be better, since you're probably only offering a limited number and that would allow you to closely track the number requested by backers as well as limiting the number of requests to only what's available.  For them, you make one or two decks included in the tier and allow add-ons for more.

Hi Don,

Yes, I agree. I've removed the uncut combo tier for now as the fulfilment company hasn't got required packing material for shipping them. I'll be checking with MPC for uncut sheet fulfillment in the next few days.


Regards,
Sunish

Gambler's Warehouse and CollectablePlayingCards.com also do order fulfillment for playing cards - both are worth a look if you have trouble finding someone to handle the uncuts for you.  Alternately, you could fulfill uncuts separately yourself, since you're likely not making terribly many of them in the first place - the number ordered would be small enough that you could manage it personally from home!  Distributing hundreds or thousands of decks is a headache and a backache, but distributing tens or dozens of uncuts sheets should be a breeze by comparison.