Ravn Playing Cards

[Stockholm17]

SURPRISE!

Introducing Ravn Playing Cards, an almost standard deck designed with and for Caroline Ravn, a swedish female magician.
We teamed up and worked in secrecy for a couple of months and the prototypes made at MPC just arrived. The tuck is not ready, it will after Christmas probably.

It is a deck designed to perform magic without making the spectator suspicious, so the courts look standard, but I improved their faces and the hands.
I did this while I was running the kicksarter campaign for Le Chat Rouge and right after, while waiting for the funds.
She wants to print it at USPCC, we are investigating what´s the best paper stock an finish (any input is appreciated).

Caroline Ravn and me will run her kickstarter campaign in 2016.
There is work to do, tweaks, improvements, changes etc. But this is how it will look.

Ravn means Raven in danish (her last name), so there will be a few ravens here and there.
Let me know what you think
Cheers

[Lord Nikon]

Very nice!

[Eoghann]

You guys are just full of surprises. Fresh looking courts.

[vasta41]

When I first saw this thread I thought it was going to be a Poe themed deck. The backs aren't bad but nothing too "stand-out-ish." I REALLY love that AoS!

[Stockholm17]

When I first saw this thread I thought it was going to be a Poe themed deck. The backs aren't bad but nothing too "stand-out-ish." I REALLY love that AoS!

Thanx!
one of the decisions we made was about the back, and that it has to look like a standard deck. One of the issues with magic and custom decks are related to the perception of the deck as "rigged", if to fancy or to custom.
When printed with uspcc the color will be uniform, but I will do a few color tests as well

@all
thank you for the comments!

[volantangel]

Wait a minute, did you tweak the courts faces ?!

[PrincessTrouble]

Everything is great except for the USPCC part.

[Stockholm17]

Wait a minute, did you tweak the courts faces ?!

yes, I made the faces look decent Faces and hands
The standard queen of spades - as example - has the hand that looks like a paw XD

[sinjin7]

Everything is great except for the USPCC part.

I want to start by saying I respect everyone's opinions, even this one. But I honestly don't see the appeal for EPCC/LPCC decks anymore. The biggest draw was they were supposed to be a less expensive alternative to the USPCC, and we clearly see its not anymore since most designers now charge the same for the Asian manufactured custom decks as USPCC custom decks. EPCC/LPCC was supposed to be faster, but that isn't true since they've become so busy and you have to endure that one month boat trip for the decks to arrive on U.S. shores. EPCC/LPCC used to have "perfect" registration, and now we're seeing an increasing rate of errors in registration. Finally, we're seeing that they are still changing and tweaking the formulation of their finish in their attempt to catch up to the USPCC (and admittedly they have improved in this area with the slip and consistency of their finish). But their latest and greatest finish has calendering that leaves the dimples so shallow in the finish that it almost feels like a smooth finish instead of a linen/Air Cushion type finish and EPCC/LPCC decks feel even more plastic-y than ever. Again, I understand everyone has their unique tastes, but I'm at a loss to see any remaining preference for EPCC, especially if you're strictly a collector (ie, non-cardist/magician/card mechanic).

SURPRISE!

She wants to print it at USPCC, we are investigating what´s the best paper stock an finish (any input is appreciated).

Cheers

I'm very happy to see this. I always recommend casino-grade Bee stock with USPCC's Air Cushion/Magic finish. I like the changes you made to the courts, its very subtle but still makes an almost subconscious impact by making the courts more...attractive.

[Cbkimble]

First I do like the AiD as well. Its really nice. Hopefully all the aces will be custom. Being this will be a magic deck, do you intend on adding reveals or markings?

[52JokesandCounting]

Everything is great except for the USPCC part.

I want to start by saying I respect everyone's opinions, even this one. But I honestly don't see the appeal for EPCC/LPCC decks anymore. The biggest draw was they were supposed to be a less expensive alternative to the USPCC, and we clearly see its not anymore since most designers now charge the same for the Asian manufactured custom decks as USPCC custom decks. EPCC/LPCC was supposed to be faster, but that isn't true since they've become so busy and you have to endure that one month boat trip for the decks to arrive on U.S. shores. EPCC/LPCC used to have "perfect" registration, and now we're seeing an increasing rate of errors in registration. Finally, we're seeing that they are still changing and tweaking the formulation of their finish in their attempt to catch up to the USPCC (and admittedly they have improved in this area with the slip and consistency of their finish). But their latest and greatest finish has calendering that leaves the dimples so shallow in the finish that it almost feels like a smooth finish instead of a linen/Air Cushion type finish and EPCC/LPCC decks feel even more plastic-y than ever. Again, I understand everyone has their unique tastes, but I'm at a loss to see any remaining preference for EPCC, especially if you're strictly a collector (ie, non-cardist/magician/card mechanic).

Regarding the price of the deck, I am sure there are a few factors come in play which makes the price/deck to be higher than what it is used to be (I am referring to LPCC NOT EPCC). If I recall this correctly the cards tend to be cheaper (for us international backer anyway) when the deck is printed by LPCC and being fulfilled by LPCC as well in Hong Kong (recently moved to Taiwan ~ please correct me if I am wrong). EPCC on the other hand is different, I tend to find EPCC deck to be about the same price as USPCC deck due to the fact that it is being fulfilled in US, and as mentioned by Sinjin the trip from Taiwan to US is about 1 month by boat. Whereas shipping from Taiwan to Hong Kong takes about 1 week (2 weeks max) and even less if LPCC is fulfilling from Taiwan.

Regarding the Registration, I still believe LPCC and EPCC is better than USPCC, hands down no doubt about it. Especially if we are talking about thin borders on the back design.
Yes, I had read issues that you had with EPCC foiling alignments and yes I had read about the tuck boxes as well but even all that it was mostly EPCC decks. I personally have yet to see any issue with LPCC deck to date.

and lastly talking about the finish, yes it feels plastic-y but that doesn't apply to all the different finishes offered by LPCC and EPCC. Diamond or Master finish offered by LPCC and EPCC respectively, is the strongest and most durable finish (EPCC has another stock that is stronger than Master finish but it is not announced yet).
They do feels more like plastic and a lot stiffer compared to USPCC decks, but I am happy to have Diamond or Master finish because I don't have to worry about the cards absorbing moisture from my hands after being used for magic tricks or simply poker games. Even after being exposed to water these Diamond or Master finish didn't show any black edges. I did a comparison test Twice now, using Diamond finish and compared that to USPCC deck with Magic Finish. The test was to drop the card into a fish tank and let it sink all the way to the bottom before being removed (approximately 40 inches deep ~ 55G tank. The card was in the tank for approximately 7 seconds). I don't think I can say much for the Magic finish card, because as soon as I removed it from the tank I can see all the edges and the stock had absorbed a lot of water. As for the diamond finish card, it didn't show any black edges and no evidence of water being absorbed. I dry it the same way using dry cloth, and I did noticed some of the coating coming off but the card was still holding very well. the card is slightly warped and thats about all. I personally prefer the classic finish offered by LPCC (draconians, mirage, soundboard) and EPCC (Classic Twins, Classic Black) they don't feel as plastic-y and as durable but they still handle better in long terms.

Again that is just my own opinion, I too respect everyone else opinion and I was only sharing my own experience. *So sorry I think I am off the topic.


BUT if you choose to have it Printed by USPCC, yes I agree with Sinjin. Casino grade bee stock with Magic Finish will be the best.

[chach]

Dude, Sinjin, once again I have to say, "Get out of my head!" It's like you're my more eloquent twin. If we were a commercial, it'd go something like, "Hi I'm Sinjin and I have Dish Network. And I'm Chach and I have cable TV."

Needless to say I'm happy that the two of you are exploring USPCC for this endeavour and as I said in Instagram, great work, mate, you know I'll be waiting to pledge on launch date.

[Räpylätassu]

Looks good! I'll pick one up, in the Kickstarter campaign or after that.

Love the back design and that the courts are not completly standard. Also loving the Ace of Spades. Can you please make 4 custom Aces though? If not fully custom, at least make the three other bigger. That's my wish at least

Also I'm saying that not every deck has to be 100 % custom masterpiece, like for example Venexiana Dark is or Gemini is going to be. Although I like more decks that are like that, I'm happy to buy also decks like this and Red Monarchs and Vintage Plaid for example.

But anyways: Looks very good, looking foward to get one.

[Stockholm17]

@all Thank you for the feedback!

About USPCC vs EPCC, the prices are slightly different. USPCC is more expensive, but the EPCC decks get expensive when you load it with features (double foil, embossing, custom tuck, custom seal etc)
The best part of EPCC is that you can try new things and do innovative things. At USPCC it is hard to design and produce a custom box at affordable prices.
The number of produced decks is also an important factor for the unit price.
T11 and E prints - I guess - 30k+ units per run. They can put a lot of features and keep the price down.
About finishing and paper stock, you guys know best. I´m more into art and my needs of having a perfect registration.

The deck is still under development. Jokers and tuck must be done. Tweaks and changes will follow, as usual
The prototype is a great thing to see what is good and what is not.

Just mind that this deck is designed to look "standard", even if it is a bit customized Just stay tuned and thank you for the feedback!!!!

[volantangel]

Wait a minute, did you tweak the courts faces ?!

yes, I made the faces look decent Faces and hands
The standard queen of spades - as example - has the hand that looks like a paw XD

Phew I thought I was seeing things, looks much better imo, however I think you made the queen look a little like Voldemort with that nose

[phantom1412]

How to pronounce Ravn?

[PrincessTrouble]

My main complaint with USPCC is the horrible registration. EPCC/LPCC might not be perfect, but they are orders of magnitude better than USPCC.

Here's the latest USPCC deck I received. The registration on the faces just plain sucks. And don't even get me started about the registration on the backs.

If USPCC could fix their registration issue, I would be totally happy with their cards.

Sorry for the off-topic USPCC ranting. The Ravn deck is looking good. And now that you mentioned the queen's "paw," I can't unsee it. LOL. Never noticed that before.

[Stockholm17]

My main complaint with USPCC is the horrible registration. EPCC/LPCC might not be perfect, but they are orders of magnitude better than USPCC.

Here's the latest USPCC deck I received. The registration on the faces just plain sucks. And don't even get me started about the registration on the backs.

If USPCC could fix their registration issue, I would be totally happy with their cards.
Sorry for the off-topic USPCC ranting. The Ravn deck is looking good. And now that you mentioned the queen's "paw," I can't unsee it. LOL. Never noticed that before.

The registration at USPCC is an issue, in that case it is worse than MPC ... What deck is that? normal bicycle?
Anyway, I will make sure they do not screw up with Ravn, but it is out of my control.

Talking about tweaks and improvments, here the king and the queen of hearts compared with a standrd bycicle deck

[Bikefanatic]

To me, red backs look better than a green back.

[chach]

To me, red backs look better than a green back.

I vote for the standard Red & Blue backs. Especially blue.

[Bikefanatic]

To me, red backs look better than a green back.

I vote for the standard Red & Blue backs. Especially blue.

On the La Chat Rouge update, a green card back was shown. I like the red displayed because it looks like a crimson color. I guess they can play around with different colors and see what people like best or they'll go with what they want. Definitely keep the red.

[Stockholm17]

Yeah, colors are hard to choose.... Crimsom is great, with a petrol green probably? or Forest green (darker).
I like this one too

[shermjack]

I be really interested to see forest green!

[rousselle]

Either shade of green would be great. Gold, as you propose, if it's metallic. Om nom nom.

[soryunjin]

How would black look? They are "Ravns" after all

[Räpylätassu]

The color doesn't matter at all as long as it is crimson red.

[Bikefanatic]

How would black look? They are "Ravns" after all

Black was too obvious but I agree.

[Stockholm17]

aaaah colors
they are too many lol
thanx for the feedback

Red for sure, a good one. Crimsom is awesome, not too dark tho.
The tweak session will be after christmas. In this month I test the deck, I see what is wrong, what I want to tweak and add.
The testing phase is very important to get feedback and to look at the artwork with fresh eyes.

[BenMorrisRains]

I'm in for some of these in almost any of the colors. These are sick.

[Stockholm17]

Hello everybody

quick update about Ravn Playing Cards
here the jokers I hope you like them..
I am quite satisfied with the outcome, a bit alchemical-mystical
cheers