Geckilian Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 Hahah, nice. Y'know, I'd still make the red a bit darker to give it more definition. At any rate, now we just need to see the ace cards! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted September 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 Yep, I haven't addressed the red yet. Still intend to do so. I fear my Black Joker is extremely undetailed in comparison to my Red Joker. I might have to go back and touch up the Black Joker... Maybe I will design a J(14) and a J(0), just to see what I can come up with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geckilian Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 To be fair, a Grim Reaper does tend to be a black robe, with a scythe. If you can detail that up then it'd be nifty, but the current look isn't bad at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twizz666 Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 These are looking great. while i wouldn't mind seeing a darker red like others have mentioned... i do think the pale red gives it the sun-bleached and weathered look that the other details suggest. Just a thought anyway. Love both Jokers. can't wait for the rest! XD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted September 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2011 Thanks Twizz! I do definitely want a faded appearance. As for Grim, yes, I think I am going to make him black, or at least a dark grey. I am not liking the purple as much as I thought I would. Maybe a faded grey-purple... Yeah, I might add some more folds in the fabric of the robe and tone down the yellow. Hrm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty Posted September 7, 2011 Report Share Posted September 7, 2011 Yeah a faded purple-grey would work better and allow you to put in more detail... and they yellow needs toning down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piete Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Awesome thread, and fantastic idea! I had no idea you could get custom-printed cards and the mocks I've seen are sublime; my virtual hat off to you sir! You asked originally if anyone plays with a normal deck. I do! I play a cheap pack of playing cards that I've taken a permanent marker to. So I've marked the front of the cards with the numeric Malifaux-values (J, K, Q, Jokers) and found a little scribbled short hand for the symbol. Crows :crows - a simple cross Masks :masks - a kind of squat, deformed H shape Tomes :tomes - simple open book (offset square with a line down the middle) Rams :rams - a curly squiggle I've only played a few games, but the biggest draw of the "real" decks for me is the fact the symbols and numbers are the main focus of the cards, and therefore one less translation for my newbie mind to have to make. <del>If</del> When I <del>blatently rip off</del> borrow your idea and build my own deck, I'd definitely want the symbols to be made the primary focus so I wasn't having to go through the mental leaps of "does this symbol match that one, so can I activate that trigger?". Especially important when the miniature cards have tiny symbols on them and I've forgotten my glasses ... Just off the top of my head, putting one really large icon as a watermark on the background of a standard, mostly transparent playing card (so the symbols shines through as much as it can without being obscured or obscuring the existing numbering and suite symbols), would fix the major failing of the playing-cards-with-marker-pen approach I use now. I suppose another approach would be to drop the existing mali-suit over the top of the card suit, so you've got a duality of symbol in there (rather than remaking the mali-suit into a card, as you've done. Did I mention it was awesome? Because it is.) Of course, once you're familiar with your deck, your crew and the game, it doesn't actually matter what cards you're laying down so long as there's a consistency about them. I'm just speaking as a beginner here - Piete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted September 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 (edited) Awesome thread, and fantastic idea! I had no idea you could get custom-printed cards and the mocks I've seen are sublime; my virtual hat off to you sir! I wasn't aware that so many online retailers did this either. It's pretty sweet that you can get a deck of 54 custom cards printed for 8 bucks. You asked originally if anyone plays with a normal deck. I do! I play a cheap pack of playing cards that I've taken a permanent marker to. So I've marked the front of the cards with the numeric Malifaux-values (J, K, Q, Jokers) and found a little scribbled short hand for the symbol. I wonder if my new logos could be etched or painted into existing cards. They likely could be using some white paint. But what an endeavour that would be! Printing my own cards sounds easier! I've only played a few games, but the biggest draw of the "real" decks for me is the fact the symbols and numbers are the main focus of the cards, and therefore one less translation for my newbie mind to have to make. <del>If</del> When I <del>blatently rip off</del> borrow your idea and build my own deck, I'd definitely want the symbols to be made the primary focus so I wasn't having to go through the mental leaps of "does this symbol match that one, so can I activate that trigger?". Especially important when the miniature cards have tiny symbols on them and I've forgotten my glasses ... Real cards are also just way cooler! Just off the top of my head, putting one really large icon as a watermark on the background of a standard, mostly transparent playing card (so the symbols shines through as much as it can without being obscured or obscuring the existing numbering and suite symbols), would fix the major failing of the playing-cards-with-marker-pen approach I use now. Likely when I finish this deck, I will dabble with some other card designs, just for the heck of it. There are lots of cool ideas that could be used to make custom cards. I suppose another approach would be to drop the existing mali-suit over the top of the card suit, so you've got a duality of symbol in there (rather than remaking the mali-suit into a card, as you've done. Did I mention it was awesome? Because it is.) Thanks for the kudos. Of course, once you're familiar with your deck, your crew and the game, it doesn't actually matter what cards you're laying down so long as there's a consistency about them. I'm just speaking as a beginner here - Piete. Thanks for the long reply! Very helpful. I think one of the coolest parts about using cards rather than rolling dice is that anticipation when you are getting ready to pull a top-deck card. Just like when playing Magic:TG, a really good draw can be the difference between a roar of triumph or deflating blow. I am really happy with my how my Jokers turned out. Drawing this Death card is going to suck, but look awesome doing it! Conversely, the drawing the Angel card will be awesome! Here's the updated black joker with comparison to the original: Edited September 9, 2011 by Xander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geckilian Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Nice update on the black joker - it looks much more menacing and sombre. It also appears to be much sharper. Is it intentially a much darker black for the figure compared to the word Joker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted September 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 (edited) Oops, no it should be at 85% opacity, which it is not yet! *fixes* Thanks for the tip, and the kudos! EDIT: Here are some v2 cards with the darker red, blood droplets and some white fade over top (more subtle than the Jokers -- it doesn't collide with the paper texture as much, more with the paint). Also, an Ace of Ram. Edited September 9, 2011 by Xander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted September 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I decided to lay out an entire suit to see what it looks like. Here it is, at a glance: I need your help in deciding how to do a 7. The first one shown seems to be the typical placement of the pips, but I made two others as well. 7 is unique in a typical pack because it's not quite as symmetrical as the other cards from 2-10. Thoughts on the 7? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geckilian Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I'd opt for the middle one, since it's still similar to placement for 9 and 10, but isn't quite normal. You could say it's a bit wyrd. The darker red does appear quite subtle, but helps. I'd still go for darker, by maybe another increment again of what you've already done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratty Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I would go with the standard placement on the left. The look your going for is a malifaux deck made to look like a traditional deck. So I would go with traditional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twizz666 Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 wow... my mouth is watering... speechless. i know a few people i've shown this to that want it... they don't even play malifaux! haha you are king for the remainder of the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notmikehill Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I love these cards they remind me of the demo cards they used for when the game was first announced. You won the internet for the weekend my good man! Keep up the awesome work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twizz666 Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 as for your 7's... i like the third one you posted. i like the symmetry in the presentation. the other two just seem a bit cluttered to me. could just be me though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McKB Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hello, excellent job! Concerning the 7, the one on the left (traditional) has my vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalmPlains Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 Hello, excellent job! Concerning the 7, the one on the left (traditional) has my vote. +1 on the 7. Great work! Gimme gimme!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted September 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 Traditionalists, the lot of you! Haha! No room for some creative dealing? 7 is such a unique card in a playing card deck, it's so weird that it's really the only non-symmetrical card. Heh, well, it's not like every deck has to be the same anyway. Each person would be able to choose their own 7. Though, the runs the risk of everyone asking for their own tweaks to other cards! haha. Hrm... what to do?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darg Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 (edited) Amazing work all round. I'm seriously impressed. As for the sevens I'm going to go against the flow and throw up a vote for the non-traditional second one. I like the balance of it. I also think a slightly deeper tone on the red could work. It looks a little bright to me, personally I feel a slightly more purple red might look better. But that's just a personal taste thing and could be my monitor, colour balance on this thing is rubbish. Edited September 10, 2011 by Darg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mbbelius Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 +1 for the traditional 7 layout. Amazing work - been following this thread and seriously impressed with you skills mate - has this all been done in Photoshop?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeil999 Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 Hey! These are looking great! I like the style as it's progressed. The only thing that's been bugging me a bit is the "old cracked paint" look. It really isn't working for me as it's detracting from the artwork on the card itself and doesn't really seem to fit properly with the medium (i.e. ink printed cards). To my knowledge, I've never seen ink crack like that. Even on old vintage printings. It would seem that a "folded" wearing on it would work much better and span across past the art work and into the rest of the card too. Just my 2¢. ^.^ But like I said, I'm loving the direction in which they are going and I love how you solved the J, Q, K - 11, 12, 13 conversion and design where they can be read as either the letter or the number. Kudos on that part to no end. ^.^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crunchysock Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 I think I agree with the cracked paint thing, need a more folded or worn look. Other than that they are awesome cards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xander Posted September 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 Amazing work all round. I'm seriously impressed. As for the sevens I'm going to go against the flow and throw up a vote for the non-traditional second one. I like the balance of it. I also think a slightly deeper tone on the red could work. It looks a little bright to me, personally I feel a slightly more purple red might look better. But that's just a personal taste thing and could be my monitor, colour balance on this thing is rubbish. Thanks for the kudos! I liek the second one too. The arrangement of the pips makes a sort of 7 (and a reverse 7 the other way) which is neat. I find that the darker the red gets, the less worn it looks, but I will keep trying to fine tune it! +1 for the traditional 7 layout. Amazing work - been following this thread and seriously impressed with you skills mate - has this all been done in Photoshop?? Thanks! Photoshop and Illustrator. The suits and face cards are all vectors. The set of 12 face cards is a GPL licensed set of vectors available freely on the internet. I modified two of them to make the Jokers. I also placed them on my own card back. The suits were designed in illustrator as well. All the raw components are then assembled in Photoshop at a very high resolution, 600dpi. Hey! These are looking great! I like the style as it's progressed. The only thing that's been bugging me a bit is the "old cracked paint" look. It really isn't working for me as it's detracting from the artwork on the card itself and doesn't really seem to fit properly with the medium (i.e. ink printed cards). To my knowledge, I've never seen ink crack like that. Even on old vintage printings. It would seem that a "folded" wearing on it would work much better and span across past the art work and into the rest of the card too. Just my 2¢. ^.^ But like I said, I'm loving the direction in which they are going and I love how you solved the J, Q, K - 11, 12, 13 conversion and design where they can be read as either the letter or the number. Kudos on that part to no end. ^.^ Credit to Calmplains for helping me with the J/Q/k & 11/12/13 problem. I feel the hybrids are a bit enough reminder of their respective values while not seeming out of place. While I agree in principle that paint would crack whereas ink would not, who's to say how the cards are manufactured in Malifaux? Additionally, the cracked could belong to the stamps that are pressing the ink in the way typewriter stamps deteriorate. This would partly explain why the cracks are all in the same place, heh. The simple explanation is merely that I like the aesthetic. But, since I am using layer blending to achieve this effect, it's a simple matter of toggling whether the layer is used. I get the feeling that everyone is going to want their deck to be custom to their own sensibilities. As for folding wear, do you mean like harsh paper folds? I suppose it could be done, but I doubt I'll go that way. I think I agree with the cracked paint thing, need a more folded or worn look. Other than that they are awesome cards. I've had comments on both sides of this, so who knows, if I am feeling generous, I could compile and assemble multiple versions. Heck, I could even print off a set of blank cards of pure colours of white card stock! Then I could wear them down manually! Oh the choices! Thanks for all the comments everyone! They are greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tspot Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 Amazing, just amazing. I just read through this entire thread for the first time. What you have come up with is just beautiful. Cheers, T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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