In the age of playing card luxury, where captivating designs grace the market regularly, enthusiasts and collectors find themselves spoiled for choice. Thanks to crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, we now have the opportunity to support and collaborate with talented designers, bringing their creative visions to life. This flourishing marketplace offers a plethora of options for playing card aficionados, making it a dream come true for buyers.
But what if you’re not just a collector, but a creator yourself? What if you aspire to design your own unique deck of playing cards? In today’s tech-savvy world, the resources and tools needed to bring your custom deck to fruition are easily accessible. The process of publishing your own deck is not as daunting as it may seem; in fact, it’s much simpler than you might imagine. Gone are the days when only a select few artists could collaborate with a handful of playing card manufacturers worldwide. The era of technology and the Kickstarter revolution has ushered in an unprecedented variety of designs, giving birth to a new world of possibilities.
The Technological Revolution
Today, aspiring playing card designers can transform their creative visions into tangible, printed products. Thanks to technology and the internet, you don’t need to be a highly trained graphic designer to create something beautiful. Armed with the right software and artistic skills, you can craft impressive cards from the comfort of your own home. The barriers to entry have significantly lowered, allowing young designers to harness the power of graphic programs without breaking the bank. There’s even a chance that your design could become the next big sensation in the world of playing cards.
But even if your ambitions are more modest, you can still find a way to bridge the gap between the digital canvas and a tangible, published set of custom decks. With today’s technology, finding suitable printers to produce your playing cards is relatively straightforward. Furthermore, you can tap into the power of crowdfunding to secure the financial backing needed for a larger print run, thereby sharing your deck with fellow playing card enthusiasts.
Creating Your Playing Cards: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re wondering how to embark on the journey of creating your own deck of playing cards, what key elements are involved, and what you need to know, this comprehensive guide will provide an overview and offer essential considerations. There are five main steps to consider, and we’ll address each one in detail:
1. Concept
Before diving headfirst into the process of bringing your deck to life, take a step back and carefully consider your goals. It’s vital to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve because you’ll need to make numerous decisions throughout the production process. Here are some key considerations:
Theme: Define the theme and central idea of your deck. Research existing designs to ensure your concept is unique. Check if your chosen name is already in use by another project to avoid potential conflicts.
Purpose: Determine how you intend to use your deck. Will it primarily be for card games, magic tricks, or collecting? Your deck’s intended purpose will greatly influence your design decisions.
Legality: Be cautious when using themes related to popular music, films, or books, as they are often protected by copyright laws. Acquiring licenses for such themes can be expensive and complex.
Audience: Consider whether your theme appeals to a broad audience or is of personal interest. Ensure that there is sufficient interest in your theme to justify your creative efforts.
Quantity: Decide how many decks you plan to print. Larger volumes (e.g., 1000 decks or more) may require collaboration with major card manufacturing companies like USPCC, LPCC, or Cartamundi.
2. Artwork
The visual appeal of your deck is of paramount importance, so invest time and effort in crafting a captivating design. Your design choices should align with your deck’s intended purpose and target audience. Here are some critical aspects to consider:
Direction: Your deck’s purpose will guide your design choices. Consider factors like card stock, border colors, and the arrangement of pips for both functionality and aesthetics.
Artist: Decide whether you’ll create the artwork yourself, hire a freelance artist, collaborate with a design agency, or work with a publisher. Each option has its advantages and considerations.
Prototypes: Before finalizing your design, print a few prototype decks to evaluate how the artwork looks when translated onto physical cards. This step allows you to correct any mistakes and use the prototypes for promotional purposes.
3. Production
Choosing the right playing card manufacturer is essential, as it significantly impacts your design and production process. Factors such as volume, quality, and services should all be considered when selecting a manufacturer. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Manufacturer Selection: Research and select a suitable manufacturer based on your production needs and quality expectations. Ensure they provide clear guidelines for image files, dimensions, and color specifications.
4. Funding
Determining how to finance your deck is a crucial step in the process. Will you seek help from a crowdfunding platform, or will you fund the project yourself? It’s essential to manage your expectations regarding profitability, especially for your first deck. There are three primary funding options to consider:
Self-funding: If you have the financial means, you can consider financing the project entirely on your own. However, self-funding typically involves substantial upfront costs and carries the risk of unsold decks piling up. Additionally, marketing becomes your responsibility, as crowdfunding campaigns serve as both a pre-order system and an advertising tool. Self-funding is riskier, and you must be prepared for potential setbacks.
Publisher-funding: In some cases, you might find a publisher willing to purchase your design and finance your deck. This option is suitable for those with strong graphic design skills who prefer to avoid marketing, production, and fulfillment responsibilities. Publishers like Ellusionist and Murphy’s Magic have published decks created by other designers. Securing a deal with a publisher requires a high-quality design that guarantees a return on their investment.
Crowdfunding: Creators of custom playing cards favor crowdfunding websites, particularly Kickstarter. Crowdfunding provides upfront funding and the chance to go viral, though it comes with its share of challenges. Standing out in the saturated playing card market requires extensive marketing efforts. A realistic funding goal is crucial, and successful projects require thorough marketing. Building a strong online presence, connecting with influencers and reviewers, and active engagement on social media platforms are essential. While crowdfunding can lead to successful projects, it’s vital to recognize that it may not yield substantial profits due to hidden costs and Kickstarter’s fees. It primarily serves as a means of advertising and connecting with potential buyers, rather than a reliable income source.
5. Fulfillment
Once your decks are printed and ready to go, consider how they will reach your buyers. Will you handle shipping yourself, or will you partner with a fulfillment company? Each option has its pros and cons:
Self-shipping: Managing shipping personally allows you to provide excellent customer service, but it demands significant time and effort. You’ll need to handle logistics, address issues like lost or damaged packages, and ensure accurate delivery. Consider the value of your time and be prepared for potential challenges and headaches. Shipping mistakes can lead to unhappy customers, and resolving issues will be your responsibility.
Fulfillment company: Opting for a fulfillment company relieves you of shipping responsibilities but requires careful selection. Choose a reliable, reputable company with a track record of success. Problems with fulfillment can reflect poorly on you, so thorough
