Kickstarter: 7 Questions with Jody Eklund on Inception Playing Cards

Jody Eklund and Black Ink Playing cards have certainly come into their own over the last year or so. Jody's style and attention to detail make his work appreciated by card handlers as well as collectors.

Today, April 12th at 10:00 MST, Black Ink Playing Cards brings Inception to Kickstarter with some truly beautiful art work and design elements. Jody was kind enough to take a few minutes to share some insight into his latest project for our readers.

After 3 very successful campaigns in a row (Golden Spike, Innovations & Devastation), does the process ever become easier?
This is a great question. I find it’s a question that I struggle with in many ways. I always find myself asking, “is it ever going to get easier?” My frustration comes when a process, that is supposed to make it easier… turns out, really is not that much easier. There is always complications and obstacles that make the process challenging. The good news is, many of the things I struggled with before are no longer a problem. So, yes, the things that were once hard have become easier, but overall, it’s just as challenging, if not more difficult than it was when I first started designing playing cards. It’s difficult to come up with a great idea. It’s easier to know where to find people to back my project. It’s still really hard to come up with something I love and have the mass appeal that makes a KS campaign successful.

Your style has become very recognizable; does Inception take your work in a new direction in style or concept?

I think one of my greatest challenges as an artist or as creator is to continue to find new ways to stretch myself. I am never satisfied with what I have done.  I’m always striving to make my skills better. For Inception my inspiration came from Leonardo DaVinci’s sketches and his obsession with knots. I wanted to create something that looked like it was created 500 years ago and use the knots as a design element that is woven throughout the project.

Well thought out projects don't happen overnight, how much research and time went into developing Inception?

The idea for Inception came when I started the Inventors series with Innovation. I had always planned to make it a 3 deck project. With the Innovation Deck, I focused on the most popular inventors and innovators. The ones that you think of when you have to come up with some off the top of your head. Innovation was the positive/ good side of change that impacted the world in which we live. The second deck, Devastation, focused on the inventions that changed our world in a way that we may have never intended, for destruction. To complete the whole series is the Inception Deck. The title Inception, is just that, the start of an idea. Of course, it’s really hard to trace the origins of an invention totally, but I chose great thinkers and innovators that were way before their time.

Will Inception have any unique features or design elements?

The two most notable features of this project is a change from the black ink look to Leonardo DaVinci’s sketch style and his obsession with knots. Leonardo seemed to have included Celtic-type knots in many of his works. I wanted to do the same with Inception.

This project will have 3 variation, all 3 very unique each on its own, could you tell us a little about them?

Each deck will come with unique tuck designs, back, Ace of Spades and the King of Spades. There are so many great thinkers and innovators that have helped shape the world that we live in today, that I wanted to make sure they were in this project. During the process of illustrating some unique knots, I think I too became obsessed with knots like Leonardo. I love the intricacy in which Celtic knots are created, and so, I wanted to make the Ace of Spades for each deck unique.

Can backers expect any unique bonus items or add-ons as the campaign moves forward?

One of the many things I have learned doing 3 successful KickStarter campaigns is that I try to offer all that I have to offer from the very beginning. This makes it easier for me to control the project and it makes it less problematic and confusing for my backers. I think I have taken on the philosophy that what a backer originally decided to pledge for from the beginning should be rewarded as the project becomes more successful. So, I look to add value to the reward tiers as the project moves forward and give backers a bigger reward than they originally pledged for. I also want to reward those who decide to pledge the high rewards. I became a big believer in this when I  received a reward from a project that I backed that I did not expect. It told me that the creator showed some thought and was thanking me for helping him reach his goal.

What excites you most about this project?

I believe this is a great project! It is filled with many intricate details that I am really proud of. I think what really excites me as always are the characters on the courts. I really enjoy getting a sort of history lesson with all of the decks that I have created in the past until now. I learned about things that I never knew, or reminded of the things I once knew, but seemed to have forgotten.

Kardify would like to thank Jody Eklund for his time and the opportunity to bring a little of Inceptions back story to our readers. If your interested in keeping up to date with everything that's going on at Black Ink Playing Cards, you can follow them on Facebook as well as visiting their main web site. 

Kickstarter: TITANS Robber Baron Edition Playing Cards by Jody Eklund - Now Live!

Now Live on Kickstarter Titans Robber Baron Edition Playing Cards by Jody Eklund. 

Titans are defined as "one that is gigantic in size or power: one that stands out for greatness of achievement." The men in this deck of cards were referred to as "Titans of Industry".  For over three decades, the rise of new industries and technologies revolutionized the entire world. This made many men very wealthy and with their great achievements, came ruthless behavior an abuse of power. The capitalists of the late 19th century became know as "Robber Barons" 

Titans continues Jody's unique look at history and continues to showcase his remarkable artistic talent. With beautiful attention to detail, amazing line work and stellar court cards that can only be described as mini works of art, Jody's projects never disappoint when it comes to quality and creativity.

 Titans will be available in three versions, the Standard in Black and White and the Limited Kickstarter Exclusive Signature Series deck. Printed by the Legends Playing Card Co. on their amazing Classic Finish, Titans offers uniquely designed Ace of Spades, Jokers and Court cards capturing the look and feel of the era.

The soft tuck cases will feature blue and copper foiling and beautiful design elements capturing the period perfectly. Titans is also available in a Signature Series which includes 3 decks in the series and comes in a beautiful 3 deck box with copper foil accents on 5 sides and is limited to only 600 numbered and sealed sets. Each Signature Series will include one Signature Card only available in the set. 

If you enjoy showcasing quality artwork in your playing card collection you should definitely give Titans a look, the project offers some great add-on's and reward tiers start at $14.00 for a single deck, if you hurry you still have 19 Hours to take advantage of the Early Bird price of $11.00 for a single deck while EB supplies last.

Overall, Titans is another solid project from a very talented artist and designer, Jody has built a great fan base with his work and continues to meet the expectations of all his supporters.

Kardify would like to wish him the best of luck on his new project.........Now go help the cause and become a backer!

First Look: Iron Horse Playing Cards by Jody Eklund

Designed by Jody Eklund, the Iron Horse Playing Cards pays homage to one of Jody's most successful decks, the Golden Spike Black Ink Edition. The Iron Horse will feature fully custom illustration, including the card backs, courts, Aces and Jokers. According to Jody,

The Iron Horse premium playing cards has some of the most intricate details I've ever designed. This is a fully custom Illustrated deck of playing cards that has been painstakingly scrutinized on every level.

One of the most notable features of this project is that this deck is inspired by a short story,"Attack on the Iron Horse" written by Jody's good friend Ricky Cassford.

The Iron Horse will be available in two editions: Standard and the Signature Edition. Each tuck box will be hot stamp foiling in stunning silver and black. The Signature Edition will be embossed and sealed with an individually numbered sticker. Pledge starts from $13 and the deck will be printed by Legends Playing Card Co. on their classic finish card stock.

The Iron Horse will be launching on Kickstarter on May 6 May 8 and will be looking to raise a goal of $20k. This project will come with a $5 pdf download that you can add-on that will have all of the character backstories and the short story of the "Attack on the Iron Horse".

Kickstarter: TOP ACES of WWII Playing Cards by Jody Eklund

Designed by Jody Eklund, the TOP ACES of WWII playing cards is a custom deck intricately illustrated as a dedication to the many daredevils of WWII. The deck was funded in 2 days on Kickstarter and is a follow-up to the last year's successful Top Aces of WWI where Jody paid homage to the many daredevils of WWI.

On the inspiration of the deck, Jody told Kardify,

Ever since my grandfather first made a drawing of his crop-duster plane and I was in the military, I have loved two things, The History of Aviation and using illustration to help communicate a really cool story. Top Aces of World War II combines those two things and allows me to pay homage to some really brave people and use illustration to bring those stories to life.

Top Aces of WWII is all about the heroes that flew in WWII. Jody chose all of the Top Aces from each country that were represented in World War II. Fully custom, each court, ace, and joker will have original illustrations.

The deck is packaged in a linen- textured tuck box featuring embossing and elegant hot foil. Printed by United States Playing Card Co. on Air Cushion Embossed Card Finish with Premium Casino Grade Paper Stock. Pledge starts at $14 on Kickstarter.

Also available exclusively during the campaign is the Limited Edition TOP ACES of WWI. This deck will be printed by the Legends Playing Card Co. on their popular classic finish.

First Look: The Innovation Blue (Special Edition) Playing Cards by Jody Eklund

In 2015, Jody Eklund launched and successfully funded "Innovation Playing Cards". The beautifully crafted deck is defined by a combination of beautiful elegant design, intricate details, hand-illustrated artwork featuring innovators who pioneered and shaped the world on a global scale.

On the Innovation Blue (Special Edition) Playing Cards, Jody explained,

One of the most sought after decks in the Innovation series was the Signature deck. Unfortunately, there are no more decks for people to buy, so I came up with the Special Edition Innovation Blue. 

Like the original series, the Special Edition will be represented by the royalty of Innovation, categorized into four suits: Illumination (Clubs), Transportation (Spades), Communication (Hearts), and Aviation (Diamonds).

This deck is filled with great characters like Henry Ford, The Wright brothers, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and more...

Only 1000 will be printed and of that, only 500 decks are being funded through this Kickstarter. These will be numbered and packaged inside a customized Collector's case.

The Tuck Case will be made with Premium Card Stock Box, fully embossed and foiled. Innovation Blue (Special Edition) Playing Cards will be printed by Legends Playing Card Company on the popular Classic Finish.

Campaign launches Tuesday, 21 March 2017.

Kickstarter: 7 Questions with Jody Eklund of the Golden Spike Playing Cards

Golden Spike Playing Cards are inspired by the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad on May 10th, 1869. It was the first rail line that connected the east to the west and revolutionized transportation and commerce in a post Civil War United States. A Golden Spike was created as a commemorative piece to celebrate the completion of the railroad and was driven into the ground where the Union Pacific met the Central Pacific Railroad at Promontory Point, Utah.

Created by Jody Eklund, the Golden Spike deck has been illustrated using a cross hatch technique to mimic the style of engraving and lithographs that were common to the time period. Each card has been carefully researched and each illustration meticulously refined.

Between his busy schedule, we were able to catch-up with Jody for a quick Q&A on his design background, the design evolution of the Golden Spike deck, the playing card community and his thoughts Kickstarter.

Can you tell us about yourself and what is your design background? 
I guess you can say I’ve been a designer/ illustrator since my grandfather taught me how to draw cartoons and bi-wing airplanes as a kid. I animation briefly at Columbia College in Chicago, then after a stint in the military, I finished my bachelors of fine arts degree from Southern Illinois University.

After college, I worked for a signage company designing signs, marketing pieces, retail products and webpages, but didn’t really get the chance to dive into what I love- illustration- until I ran point on a series of children’s books. After working for other people for 14 years I decided to start my own design business last October. I moved my wife and kids to Colorado and Fluent Inc. became my opportunity to be more selective in the type of art I work on.

Can you describe the Golden Spike Card deck and why you’re passionate about it?
First a little history about the theme of the deck. The Golden Spike Playing Cards commemorate the completion of the transcontinental railroad which happened on May 10th, 1869. The name “Golden Spike” comes from the last ceremonial spike which was driven into the rail at Promontory Point, Utah where the railway from the east (the Union Pacific line), met the tracks from the west (Central Pacific line). The illustrations in the deck are in the style of the era and mimic the line and cross hatch drawings that were used in print at the time. Each court card is the face of a key player in the event and can be a mini history lesson in who’s who in the building Transcontinental Railroad.

I’m so passionate about this deck because it depicts a time in our country's history where men with vision, leadership and true grit changed the face of history. Stories of triumph, determination and the entrepreneurial spirit were a real inspiration to me. I’m also passionate about this deck because of the sheer time it took to practice and perfect the style of illustration. I was really stretched and saw my artistic abilities grow as I sketched, inked- and sometimes several times over- each image that will be in the completed deck. I really feel like The Golden Spike deck has true artistic and historical value. Hopefully my contribution through the Golden Spike will help keep the era and the accomplishment of the Transcontinental Railroad alive in the minds of those that will collect and use this deck.

How much time did you spend working on the deck and can you briefly go through the design evolution of one of your unique card design?
For the the past four months I have been working on the designs and illustrations for the Golden Spike. For the first month, I spent a lot of time researching the 1st Transcontinental Railroad and the Golden Spike. I then came up with concept sketches and got feedback from many of my closest colleagues. For the last couple months I have been refining the artwork to present on Kickstarter. After much of the research and art direction has been made, I am looking for my backers input to finish the deck off nicely.

We’ve been following the Golden Spike deck for awhile in the forums. What do you think of the playing card community in terms of the feedback and support that you’ve been getting so far?
To parody a commercial... “Absolutely priceless!” The playing card communities have been a great place to connect with my target audience and get a handle on what they want in a deck of cards before I launch on Kickstarter. This is where many collectors are and I want to know what they think. I’ve been given great feedback and encouragement that helped fine tune my ideas as they’ve told me what they want and what works. Their honest and real responses (sometimes hard to swallow) have made The Golden Spike Deck look awesome and I can’t wait to show all the full project when I launch on June 23rd.

You have previously launched a playing cards projects on Kickstarter. Are there any takeaway lessons from your previous project you would like to share? 
Big Yes. My First project was called “The Hipster Deck” and people either really loved it or really hated it because of the theme. So, my first lesson was to pick a theme that wouldn’t be so polarizing. I needed to find out what the collectors actually wanted, not just thematically, but what makes a deck desirable and work for the cardists and magicians. I was completely new to the world of playing cards so the learning curve was steep. I also learned that just because I could design a deck and put a page on Kickstarter didn’t make the project successful. I needed to do my homework and really figure out the business end of my plan. My ongoing plan isn’t just to keep getting people to fund individual decks, but I really want to raise revenue to start my own venture that can produce ongoing income for me and my family and be self sustaining- not based on raising funds.

What are your thoughts about the continuous strong growth of playing card projects on Kickstarter?
Well, I guess that is good, right? Actually, my belief is that playing cards on Kickstarter are being refined. No longer can I artist come in and just launch a deck of playing cards and see it funded easily. These days backers are getting pickier about who they will back, frankly because, they have more to chose from. So, I am happy, because I rather be in an arena where the best come to the top, and I hope that I am one that the backers deem worthy of backing.

Finally, what are your favourite playing card decks? 
Well, because I am an illustrator, I love good illustration skills and when I see that in a deck of cards, I want it. Of course, right now I am low on funds, so I have to be pretty picky about who I back on Kickstarter. Here’s the deal though, I think anyone who puts their heart and soul out there for everyone to see is worthy of my respect. That being said, I think Federal 52 and anything Jackson Robinson has done is amazing. Of course, my work if very similar to his, so I know what goes into the creation of such a deck. Also that extra card that Shane Tyree did in the Sherlock Homes series was beautiful work. I would love to have seen a whole deck like that.

Thank you for your time, Jody and all the best! If you like what you’ve read here and want to support the Golden Spike Playing Cards, you can find it on Kickstarter here.

The Golden Spike Playing Cards will be available in two editions- the Bicycle branded deck, printed by the USPCC and the Gold Edition deck, printed by Legends Playing Card Company. The Gold Edition features gold foil embossing and gold metallic ink tuck. The cards will also have gold metallic ink for the Pips and Index symbols. Pledge starts from $12.

Coming Soon: The Innovation Playing Cards

[Update] Innovation Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter. Pledge starts from $11. Don't miss out!

Designed by Jody Eklund, the Innovation are a beautifully crafted deck of playing cards featuring innovators who pioneered and shaped the world on a global scale. Launching on Kickstarter on 3rd March, the Innovation deck will be Jody's third campaign after the very successful Golden Spike playing cards and will be the first part of the Inventors series.

Defined by a combination of beautiful hand-illustrated artwork, elegant design and intricate details, the Innovation was initially revealed on Instagram and this has generated an interest amongst the playing cards community.

Represented in the Innovation deck are the royalty of Innovation, categorized into four suits: Illumination, Transportation, Communication, and Aviation. This deck is filled with great characters like Henry Ford, who changed the world by making the automobile affordable to everyone. The Wright brothers, who revolutionized transportation, and others that have their own unique impact and story to be told.

Here's what Jody has to say about the inspiration behind the deck,

A few months ago I watched a documentary on the History channel called, "The Men Who Built America". In that documentary the stories of John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and J.P. Morgan were told. I was glued to the TV... I was hooked. Their stories were inspiring and I was struck by the spirit and ingenuity they showed. I decided that I should do a series of playing cards that celebrated the spirit that these kind of men demonstrated. The Inventors series was born.

Innovation Playing Cards will be printed by Legends Playing Card Company (LPCC) will be available in three editions- Innovation Standard, Innovation Black (which will have foiling, metallic Ink and embossing) and Innovation Signature edition.

The Signature edition will be numbered and limited to only 1000 decks. It will feature a completely new design from the other two decks for the tuck and back, and have gold foil and embossing on the tuck.

Pledge starts from $11 for the Standard edition, $13 for Innovation Black and the Signature edition will only be sold as a set in an eye-catching 3 Deck Collectors Box.

To keep up to date with the Innovation Playing Cards, follow Black Ink Playing Cards on Facebook or Instagram.

Kickstarster: Luminosity Playing Cards by Blackink Playing Cards

From Blackink Playing Cards, Luminosity Playing Cards are inspired by Norse Mythology depicting the age-old conflict between good and evil. Luminosity is a fully custom deck with a story, with incredible artwork by Jody Eklund and story written by Ricky Cassford. From the Kickstarter campaign page,

Visually inspired by Norse Mythology, we have created a rich narrative representative of a deeper spiritual meaning that is brought to life through this set of unique and custom illustrated playing cards.

The Luminosity Playing Cards is more than just another deck. Not only is it functional, but the deck has unique characters with their own story. As the Kickstarter project progresses, Jody will be revealing more characters with their back story and unraveling the mystery of The Luminosity.

Two editions are on offer during the campaign- the Standard Edition (SE), and the Kickstarter Exclusive Edtion (KSE). Both come with completely custom artwork, from the courts, aces to joker and card backs. The SE card backs sports a blue ink metallic colorway and the KSE in stunning copper ink.

The face cards of the SE include Silver Metallic ink accents which give it a touch of elegance. Copper Metallic Ink is used for the background design elements of the face cards, pips, and indices on the KSE deck.

The Tuck Case designs for both editions are unique and will be printed on matte grey card stock adorned with elegant copper hot foil stamping and embossed. The background pattern of the KSE tuck box will have a metallic coating applied. Both tuck boxes will be produced by Gambler's Warehouse.

Printed by the USPCC, the Luminosity Playing Cards are available NOW on Kickstarter for $15 for the SE and $18 for the KSE.

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Sovereign Playing Cards on Kickstarter

A sovereign is a person who has supreme power or authority... and Jody Eklund is attempting to represent Sovereign with a new set of playing cards on Kickstarter. The unique deck reimagines the courts of a standard deck of playing cards with illustrations that are gorgeous and intricate.

Sovereign is a homage to some of the most well-known Kings and Queens of the greatest European empires of all time. Each one of the historical kings and queens depicted in Sovergin is a  shadow of what true sovereignty is meant to be.

The artwork of the courts feature English Aristocrat (King Henry The VIII, Queen Elizabeth I), Scottish Aristocrat (James I, Mary Queen), Spanish Aristocrat (Phillip II, Isabella I) and French Aristocrat (Louis XIV, Marie-Antoinette).

The eye-catching card backs showcase Jody's intricate artwork with 2 metallic gold inks. Each court, ace and joker cards will have original illustrations

Three editions are offered through the campaign- Red, Blue and Exquisite. The Red and Blue Editions will us a Blue and Red soft touch card stock, respectively. The tuck will be adorned with an Elegant gold foil and detailed embossed scrolls.

The Exquisite Edition sports a white tuck, gold foil and embossed. The backs of the Exquisite edition, however, are printed with MetalLuxe Foil instead of metallic inks.

Sovereign will be printed by the United States Playing Card Co. and pledge starts at $14 on Kickstarter. Also, add ons such as the Luxury case, custom brick box and for the collectors, the Exquisite Set. The set contains all 3 decks- gilded and numbered, and the Sovereign emblem on the cover laser engraved.

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First Look: Inception Playing Cards by Black Ink Playing Cards

In the first part of our First look at the upcoming Inception Playing Cards, we will look at the three different decks on offer. 

From Black Ink Playing Cards (Black Ink), Inception Playing Cards are a meticulously crafted deck about the people who were vanguards in their fields. Their ideas laid the bedrock for growing fields of knowledge, discovery and invention. They dared to ask why, and unleashed knowledge that touches every part of our modern day existence.

According to Jody Eklund, founder of Black Ink;

My inspiration is Leonardo Da Vinci's Lunday Knots and I want to showcase that as well as a new style for me. I will be doing the Leonardo Da Vinci Sketch look instead of the black line work that I have done in the past.

Inception Playing cards will be made up of 3 decks, Intellectus, Illustratum and Inception Signature Edition. Each deck will have custom illustrated courts, aces and jokers. Much of the design elements were inspired by Da Vinci’s obsession with celtic knots. The result is a timeless blend of grandeur and elegance.

The tuck for Intellectus will be a beautiful dark blue box, while llustratum will be a beautiful dark red box. Both comes with intricate copper foiling. The Signature edition will be limited to the Kickstarter campaign and will features embossing and intricate copper foiling on a beautiful dark brown box. All three decks will a different Ace of Spades, King of Spades and backs.

Inception Playing Cards will be printed by Legends Playing Card Co on their popular Classic Finish stock and will be available on Kickstarter from April 12th. Join us next week when we talk to Jody and find out more about Inception Playing Cards.

To keep up to date with the Inception Playing Cards, follow Black Ink Playing Cards on Facebook or Instagram.