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Looking for advice.....

1. Planning to include 2 addl. cards for the first deck - One doublebacker and another a blank card. Is it a good idea to include these? I might not declare this on Kickstarter even, will be a surprise for most backers except the folks here on UC.

2. I want to do non-gilded decks (very less qty like 50-100). Looking to start the production next week so I need to be clear on what I need the printer to do. If I use same tuck, then it will cause confusion and even can make backers furious. Could even lead to shipping errors in case people opt for gilded & non-gilded decks. One option I see is to use a seal/stamp to differentiate. It can still lead to shipping errors when fulfillment partner receives the decks because the difference is subtle (seal vs non-sealed decks). Other option for me is to use a different tuck. A simple option is to have embossed tuck for gilded and non-embossed tuck for non-gilded decks. It still requires 2 different moulds because my default option is an embossed tuck. Other option is a completely new tuckbox design but then it affects my plan for production schedule plus adds to the cost too.

3. It is evident that tarot edition deck is not likely to fund. First option is to launch it again with a lower funding goal immediately after this existing KS ends. Second option is to fulfill the existing deck first which should be done between Sept-Nov. And then, launch the tarot deck afterwards. THe first option can help me save a bit on shipping in case I ship both decks together to backers who pledged for both.Given I offer shipping included, it should help me save on pledges for common backers.

What do you prefer? Thoughts??


I welcome any and all suggestions on the above.

1. Double backer and blank card makes no sense to me on this particularly deck. I guess noone (including me) will use it for magic!! I would go for an info card and an extra joker (a complete drawing of the elephant you have on the back would look nice)!

2. I vote in a new tuck box, if that can lead to delays or rise the production cost too much, then an embossed vs non-embossed tuck seems a good option.

3. The way I see it, the tarot deck won't happen because it isn't a full tarot deck, it reminds me of Arcana deck by Cris Ovdiyenko, when he started there was only 4 Major arcana cards in the deck, he then was "forced" to produce a full tarot deck. In your case I like the tarot cards, but they are just four. If you intend to lauch the tarot deck as a separate campaign then do a full tarot deck, I sure you'll get it funded as the artwork for the four cards you show in the KS is great.

sms69x wrote:1. Double backer and blank card makes no sense to me on this particularly deck. I guess noone (including me) will use it for magic!! I would go for an info card and an extra joker (a complete drawing of the elephant you have on the back would look nice)!

2. I vote in a new tuck box, if that can lead to delays or rise the production cost too much, then an embossed vs non-embossed tuck seems a good option.

3. The way I see it, the tarot deck won't happen because it isn't a full tarot deck, it reminds me of Arcana deck by Cris Ovdiyenko, when he started there was only 4 Major arcana cards in the deck, he then was "forced" to produce a full tarot deck. In your case I like the tarot cards, but they are just four. If you intend to lauch the tarot deck as a separate campaign then do a full tarot deck, I sure you'll get it funded as the artwork for the four cards you show in the KS is great.

1. Agree with sms69x on extra cards.

2. Can you use the same tuck design but don't emboss or foil it for non gilded decks? Use a different color ink where foil would have been.

3. Agree on full tarot. Your artist is that good! Maybe give small discount to Bharata backers. I know Noir Arts did for backers of their Memento Mori (think it was this deck) if they had backed earlier one. I'm sure Roman can tell you how he knew who backed first deck to get discount on new project.

I like double backer cards, lots of utility there. I would suggest a tribute card(s) which lists all your backers, or at least your biggest backers - this would make your deck more personal and special for your supporters.

I like the full tarot option too - though there you have another choice to make, as a FULL tarot deck is 78 cards If you chose to do just the minor arcana (56) you introduce the pages (extra courts) without any major arcana cards. I've been thinking about doing a playing card sized tarot deck for some time - and I like the idea of splitting the cards between two boxes, though I know that adds a level of complexity (and sorting for those who want to keep their deck in order). I'm sure you'll solve it in a good way though

sms69x wrote:1. Double backer and blank card makes no sense to me on this particularly deck. I guess noone (including me) will use it for magic!! I would go for an info card and an extra joker (a complete drawing of the elephant you have on the back would look nice)!

sinjin7 wrote: I like double backer cards, lots of utility there.

For the current deck, I am thinking to go with an extra joker and a double backer. Because of the tarot inspired deck, my production quote included 56 cards for both decks, and the original version has only 54 cards. Option is either to go with 54 as what is there now , or go for 56 cards by including two addl. cards.

I wanted to start production next week and need to take the decision in a day or two.

ninelives wrote: I like the full tarot option too

Annette - Thanks for reading my mind

I do have both minor arcana version & a full tarot deck on the radar but before that would like to do a transformation deck.

sinjin7 wrote: I would suggest a tribute card(s) which lists all your backers, or at least your biggest backers - this would make your deck more personal and special for your supporters.

Thanks John for the suggestion.

Tribute card has always been in my mind since the first Ganjifa project. The idea does look good, but I don't want to categorise backers by just including the biggest ones in there. From the start, I have always included same shipping for everyone, never offered any add-on or reward that ties to a higher pledged reward or can be pledged only when someone opts for 6-12 or more decks. So, any categorisation goes against what I've done till today.

Putting every name on the card is a more viable option but then space constraints on card, getting the names of all backers has its own challenges. I would need to send the survey immediately, and then even follow up with some who love filling the surveys at the very end when shipping is about to start.

I think there are other ways to send a tribute or thanks to backers and I hope to incorporate it in a future project

Thoughts?

RichK wrote: Maybe give small discount to Bharata backers. I know Noir Arts did for backers of their Memento Mori (think it was this deck) if they had backed earlier one. I'm sure Roman can tell you how he knew who backed first deck to get discount on new project.

Hmm.thx Rich. I'll check out this project. I didn't know that Noir Arts did Memento Mori. Have been seeing messages lately about the Version 2 being done without taking Chris Ramsay on board. Anyways, I do have a mechanism to distinguish old vs new backers. It is easily doable in Microsoft Excel by getting the export of names & address.

Rather than a discount, I would like to provide better specs n features like in the current project, the inclusion of holographic foil, embossing or the inclusion of a numbered stamp on Divine Art deck. These all were included without stretch goals.....And, I don't think you would see any such instance when you compare deck specs vs funding raised on Kickstarter.

I'm trying to figure out the best and most economical way to get the non-gilded deck done without causing any confusion to backers or even during shipment. Let's see.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions btw....I do hope to show the extra card/s before the campaign ends on Wednesday, 12th July.

Hmm.thx Rich. I'll check out this project. I didn't know that Noir Arts did Memento Mori. Have been seeing messages lately about the Version 2 being done without taking Chris Ramsay on board. Anyways, I do have a mechanism to distinguish old vs new backers. It is easily doable in Microsoft Excel by getting the export of names & address.

They did one, it's all about death. I don't know if they or Chris Ramsey picked the name first but it does cause confusion. I looked and if you backed it you got a discount on their Bone and Ebon decks. Yes a spreadsheet would be very easy to tell.

Good luck!

Thanks Rich.

Just posted an update on Kickstarter about the addl. 2 cards.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ts/1933166" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3rd Joker is here:

I love that 3rd joker, the way it incorporates the various suits of cards without giving up anything in terms of flow or style is super dope.

Just saw a pledge cancellation for 4 decks EB. Anyone who has got a 3 deck Standard tier gains much better if he/she moves to the 4 deck EB tier....

@All- We're funded. Thanks for the support.

I've launched the tarot deck and it runs for a short duration too. See you there.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ying-cards" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Really wish this was a full tarot deck with all cards illustrated like the tower, death. It seems lile one of the few times you've comprimised on the actual goal

Enviado desde mi Aquaris_M4.5 mediante Tapatalk

Conversely, I backed the new deck and wouldn't have if it was a full tarot.

Did you find it yet pablo?
The bit where Sunish pulls a swifty on us and compromises his integrity by going back on his stated intention of producing a full tarot ? (deep breath)
No ?
Couldn't find that exact bit ?
Probly a reason fer that pabs.
His tarot never was going to be a full on tarot type tarot ....
Simply a nice blue poker type tarot.
So ....

Bruno wrote:Did you find it yet pablo?
The bit where Sunish pulls a swifty on us and compromises his integrity by going back on his stated intention of producing a full tarot ? (deep breath)
No ?
Couldn't find that exact bit ?
Probly a reason fer that pabs.
His tarot never was going to be a full on tarot type tarot ....
Simply a nice blue poker type tarot.
So.
I think maybe the compromised integrity belongs wholly to your good self ?

You have had time to explore your error, it should not have taken this amount of time to retract the above, hey.

This message will self destruct in ....

Sorry Bruno, sorry Sunish. I retract my statement and hope my integrity is restored. [emoji14]

In all fairness, maybe i did phrase it wrong (though your approach, Bruno, isn't any better). My view is that a poker deck with 4 tarot cards is not a full tarot and having already put in production a poker deck Im not sure about why the "tarot" deck that IS a compromise between a poker and a tarot deck is happening in the first place. Sunish never compromises on a product and always tries to get the most for his backers, so why not go with a full tarot? I really like the art on the tarot cards and would love to see more of it.

Sunish, he's a great one for exploring the avenues towards getting the better result ....
In a game where sleight gets out of hand, I reckon that the only thing Sunish Chabra ever compromises would be his own finances.
Thanks for coming back pablo.
I just could not leave your post unanswered ....

Thanks guys for the feedback & suggestions.

I'd seriously like to get the tarot inspired deck funded. Even if there are people who are not tarot collectors or enthusiasts, it does provide 4 extra cards apart from the usual 52, and comes with a new back and tuck as compared to the other version.

I'm aware that there will be an expectation towards getting a full tarot deck or an expansion having Major Arcana, before I move to that, I'd like to see the uptake of the current deck by backers. I also understand that GPCC being a new entity, there is going to be a general lack of confidence by a no. of folks on KIckstarter but I'm looking for people who take a leap of faith or can give a chance to new creators. For the former, the work will speak itself.

That said, an expansion is already there in my backlog of work, so it will happen in future. Now, I'd like to see how this deck fares even though it is an usual departure from a regular poker deck by having different pips on other diagonal & 4 cards but no jokers. Let's see.

Good luck with the campaign Sunish

Shared an update for Bharata tarot deck. There is a plan for a stretch goal of interior foil on tuckbox.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ts/1937305" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just posted a Production update. It is going well folks...Fingers crossed for the next steps.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ts/1942147" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tuckbox foil picture and a video in the latest update on KS.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ts/1946937" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looking pretty slick. Can't wait to get mine.

vedus wrote:Looking pretty slick. Can't wait to get mine.

Just wait for embossing and gilding to finish.....Fingers crossed.

Embossing and inner foil on tuck is complete. Cards are in gilding workshop while tucks go for cutting at printer's.

Latest update here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ts/1947929" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Beautiful gold holographic gilding is done. Videos and pics await you all backers.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ts/1955101" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Feedback on handling is not what I expected.....please check the update and reach out to me for any question.

Just to be more clear here on UC. I do understand the importance of post processing on cards and the role different varnishes play to get that handling.

Per my latest status update, cards are almost done as you would have seen but due to the special gilding, one of the key varnishes could not be applied to the sheet or else it would have resulted into some kind of reaction paving the way to discarding the whole production run. Given the deck is in Production, the guys informed me about it after it was completed because production can't stop for such a reason as it can impact timelines for gilding orders waiting downstream. This will result into the handling being not on par, and though this is a new finish called ORNATE but I'm afraid it won't live up to the high standards I envisioned it to be.

If given a choice between finish or gilding, I would have still gone with the gilding and it is my personal choice.

I understand folks here are pretty passionate about card handling so in case someone hasn't gone through the latest update, please do so and message me for any question. If handling is what you were after from this project, then I have already offered to provide full refund to anyone. Till now only @Flashcards came to me with refund request and it was processed within a minute of him sending the message to me. I understand his point of view and also understand this deck may not have lived upto his expectations from handling front. Any other backer feels about the same, just ask now before fulfillment starts.

All said, I've not received the deck yet but I'm here to manage expectations. This is still a deck that I personally believe you all will be proud to have in your collection.

Let me know for any question.

Best Regards,
Sunish

More pics, manual cello wrap issue and call out for extra add-ons or pre-order....check the latest update here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ts/1961464" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fulfillment has started....As promised,decks will be sent through one of the best and recommended shipping channels which means most of you can expect to get the decks delivered through your local postal service. On Kickstarter, most know it as <country name> friendly shipping.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/su ... ts/1969979" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Please share your reviews, critique and any feedback here once you've the decks/s in your hands.

Looks like backers have started receiving their rewards starting with Singapore & Hong Kong. Initial feedback has been encouraging on both the decks as well as packaging + shipping.

Fingers crossed for receiving feedback from rest of the backers community.

Thanks everyone.

Deck received in Sydney Australia today.

First impressions, the gold holographic detailing on the tuck is strikingly beautiful. The embossing on the tuck is perfectly accentuating of the detailing on the tuck, not excessive in any way. The cello is very tight and will appease those who detest a loose fitting cello. Once this was carefully removed, I encountered the two of only three possible downsides to this deck. First, the deck was exceedingly difficult to open, although this is not a reasonable criticism. The second is, in my opinion, however; this being the glue that adheres the side of the box together came away very easily of its own accord when the tuck was first opened. I attribute this to a combination of weak glue (sparingly applied) and the fact that the embossing on the inner edge of the gold/white tuck meant there was no fully flat surface to form a strong bond. Onto the cards, the gold holographic gilding is awesome and ties the cards in with the tuck seamlessly. The colouration and detailing of the court cards, jokers and extra card are vivid and quite striking. The cards feel solid without being too thick. Although I am not qualified to comment intelligently on handling, I feel that these will endure quite well. This is easily the best quality playing cards I have seen come out of the PRC factory by a long shot. The third and final possible minute observation is that some of the pips on the indices aren't aligned perpendicularly to the left and right side edges of the card. I stress that this is not apparent on all the indices, but specific cards like the 9 are quite obvious in their lack of symmetry. I'm unconvinced whether this was intended as a design feature but they arguably remove the balance when viewing the card from opposing angles.
Sunish and Guru Playing Cards should be incredibly proud of what has been delivered here, congratulated on an impeccably communicated and well planned Kickstarter project. The project was turned around swiftly, significantly more so than other more experienced (and 'reveered') creators.

The "bang for your buck" on this deck is outstanding. The $14USD delivered worldwide price point (less for early birds and multiple backers) is a complete steal.

Very well done and can't wait to see (and back) your future offerings Sunish!