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davegk wrote:@RichK:
Thanks for the notes on the back design...we'll look into some custom modifications for each deck of the series.

I take this to mean that the back design is (or was at least planned to be) the same for all decks, just changing the color scheme. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, considering the other customization and variation between the decks. But if the back design lends itself to having small suitable changes done, then that should definitely be explored Maybe different types of shading could be utilized as well.

@JuFin:
My feedback for the pips was pretty similar to yours...I like the rings on the top row but I'm not crazy about how they modify the outer shapes of each symbol. We are looking at variations on the star pips. Also, you are correct, each deck would have the appropriate symbol...they currently all have the Mercury symbol since it was a quick mockup. Same for the symbols on the back design.

@MagikFingerz:
My original intention was to maintain essentially the same back design throughout the series and just change the planet image and the symbol that appears within the 2 circles. We may still stick to that plan unless there are some small changes that make sense, though I don't want to have variations just for the sake of variations—I'd prefer to keep style consistent.

Have you considered using the Caduceus anywhere on the deck, or would that be too much?

intlgrrl wrote:Have you considered using the Caduceus anywhere on the deck, or would that be too much?

Hi intlgrrl,

Thanks for the suggestion! We may use the Caduceus on one of the jokers but we'll also need appropriate symbols for each of the other planets as well. I would love to hear ideas for the other planets.

Symbols for the other planets should be fairly straight forward...

montecarlojoe wrote:Symbols for the other planets should be fairly straight forward...

Thanks montecarlojoe, but I was actually referring to symbolism imagery similar to the Caduceus that intlgrrl suggested for Mercury. I now have a list of of symbolism we can use for the other decks

Also, here are the designs so far for the jokers. Still in progress a bit—will likely remove the logos and add index icons of some sort.

Ah I see - yes certainly Roman gods would be inspiration there.

E.g. Venus - clamshell, Terra/Gaia - Tree (Yggdrasil), Mars - Weapon / Sword, etc

More images + feedback requested...

Below are 2 versions of the ace of spades. Curious what you guys think and if you have a preference between them.

Also, for the back design we're deciding between a black background or a white background. Obviously the white borders would match the card fronts, but the black would match the tuckbox. So, which do you prefer?

We've also played around with the UFO design and generally decided that a flat bottom with no legs works best. The back design would have the diamond touching the bottom of the UFO, as if laser beams were coming out of the UFO to surround the planet below.

I'm also happy to answer any questions...

Thanks,
David

Its the left side all the way through for me! Not a fan of black backs or fronts of cards, causes the edges to wear more quickly when used I find. The ace of spades on the left is more light/bright with less black in there, makes it pop more in my opinion. And the UFO legs separate from the beams looks awkward atleast as presented here with them being level with the beam, looks better connected.

davegk wrote:

montecarlojoe wrote:Symbols for the other planets should be fairly straight forward...

Thanks montecarlojoe, but I was actually referring to symbolism imagery similar to the Caduceus that intlgrrl suggested for Mercury. I now have a list of of symbolism we can use for the other decks

Also, here are the designs so far for the jokers. Still in progress a bit—will likely remove the logos and add index icons of some sort.

jokers.jpg

I'm really liking how this deck is coming along!

My two cents:

Left Ace
Right (dark) back
Left UFO(no legs)

I really like how you worked the symbol for mercury into the design. The project is really coming along.

flashcards wrote:My two cents:

Left Ace
Right (dark) back
Left UFO(no legs)

My choice as well.

Launch this quickly, please.

flashcards wrote:My two cents:

Left Ace
Right (dark) back
Left UFO(no legs)

Same here.

Lovely, but as something very simple. And the reverse side of the card does not represent anything special. But in general, not bad. Reminiscent of cartoon characters.

I think that's the idea - 50's / 60's space race era stylising . For me it's pitch perfect

I'm for...
Left Ace
Either back color
Left UFO...like how it "boxes" the planet.

Question, should the card back match the legs/no legs UFO? I hope it will. The white and "brown" left picture would be great back but I imagine printing would be impossible.

Thanks for the feedback, guys!

We'll probably be going with a modified version of the left ace, the black back design, and the UFO without legs. The tuckbox will be foil and white ink on a black paper stock, so it won't work to have a white background for the back of the tuck.

Will keep you updated with final art decisions and deck/tuck proofs once they're printed. Not sure of launch date yet but likely in April or May.

Would it be possible to add white I to the card back as you have for the tuck box image? I think it looks better than just gold on black.

JuFiN wrote:Would it be possible to add white I to the card back as you have for the tuck box image? I think it looks better than just gold on black.

I second this motion.

JuFiN wrote:Would it be possible to add white I to the card back as you have for the tuck box image? I think it looks better than just gold on black.

I approve of this request too if it's possible to do. I half-assed asked you this question above.

JuFiN wrote:Would it be possible to add white I to the card back as you have for the tuck box image? I think it looks better than just gold on black.

Thanks for the suggestion! I had actually been considering this already and I think we will probably do it since there seems to be unanimous interest so far.

This is such a cool idea! I'm completely hooked. Also a smart idea with a collection that makes a planet when it's complete. That'll definitely make people want them all

Hey guys,

Quick update...just wanted to post the new version of the ace of spades...

You probably don't want multiple AoS but it'd be cool if the sun got smaller the further away the planet is...

montecarlojoe wrote:You probably don't want multiple AoS but it'd be cool if the sun got smaller the further away the planet is...

Hmm...that's an interesting idea to consider—thanks!

Hey all,

We're getting close to finalizing the designs. Here's a quick poll for you...we've been working on the back design a bit to try to incorporate a black background but also have white borders. Below are 4 options Srdjan created. Please let me know which one you like best.

Also we have a couple additional surprises that will be revealed when the project launches.

Thanks!
-David

Of the 4 options I would have to vote for number 1.

HOWEVER, I feel like there's a missed opportunity here. What I would like to see is the gold swirls of the outer design to extend slightly over the white borders, like the already do a bit on the long edge, but all the way around. This would be complemented by either A: removing the outer frame of the back design altogether, or still having it in the background but white (like in option 2).

Let me know if that doesn't make sense, and I can try to illustrate.

I agree that 1 is the best of the 4, but would be interested in seeing Tom's suggestion if possible

I may be alone on this, but I actually like #4 the most, followed by #2.

#1 is the safest because every deck does it that way and it looks fine. But I like #4 because it creates two levels of border in a way we don't really see very often, and I thought it was cool and fitting. #2 I preferred because it did as MagikFingerz was describing, it kind of allows some more of the design to creep outside of the border (or at least it simulates it).

None of above. The hat on the inner diamond is exactly the same making the back one way. In addition, the planet in the middle makes it one way.