The Evolution of Odyssey Playing Cards, from First Edition to NOVA

It all started when Sergio Roca decided to design a deck just for his personal use. A deck that not only feels good but looks good as well! The first time he showed the card backs of Odyssey First Edition on YouTube, everybody loved it. Sergio told Kardify,

This was really unexpected and something incredible to me because I knew that this decks was really different to the other deck in the market, 5 years ago.

Encouraged by numerous messages and feedback, Sergio decided to design every card of this deck. He continued,

Not just for me, but also for my followers. I designed the royals, jokers, suits and aces. The card backs and tuck were redesigned to ensure consistency with the theme. 

The idea was to create a minimal, futuristic and elegant deck of cards. Everything followed the same essence and main idea... to feel the universe.

The limited edition Odyssey First Edition became a reality.

Thanks to 232 backers who supported me on Kickstarter, this was one of the best moments in my life!

 Fast forward to a year after that, Sergio decided to contribute to the cardistry community once again.

This time, it had to be special. I needed to make something different but keep the essence of the new brand. Why not create a deck inspired by the most beautiful phenomenon in this planet- The Aurora Borealis.

The result- Odyssey Boreal Edition! A new impressive card back, new tonalities... and a different way to feel the universe.

Aether Edition was the third. In this case Sergio wanted to contrast the second edition (Boreal) as much as possible. From the light to darkness.

I think we got it right. We evolved in some ways: the quality of the tuck box increased a lot! We used one of the best black matt paper stock, embossed and metallic foil. Also, the card paper stock was one of the thinnest ever made. In conclusion, a different feelings in all aspects.

Last year, Sergio decided to make something new, but not just a new edition. Sergio explained,

I wanted to reach all communities, especially the magic community, by making the most complete Odyssey deck.

In collaboration with the incredible Antno Creative who helped a lot with the design process, the Odyssey Nova playing cards were born.

We enhanced the card suits by giving them a more mature shape but keeping the essence of Feel The Universe from the previous editions. The new suits have been inspired by our logo and the new color palette is closer to red and black.

Also, Sergio and Antno designed a new back that is a reminiscence of the first edition but with more detail, depth and different color palette.

The courts have been updated with the magic community in mind, hence, they are standard and easily recognizable for magic routines. In addition, the Odyssey Nova comes with a blank card, new jokers and a great tuck box with the same quality as Aether Edition. Sergio concludes,

Some elements have changed, other evolved, but our essence will stay forever. Feel the universe in your hands.

Available NOW on Kickstarter. The project hit its funding goal within 24 hours of launch. Pledge starts at €9.

Originally published on CardistryBeast.com

[post_ad]

Kardify Top 12: Halloween 2019 Edition

It's that time of the year! We have painstakingly compiled the best playing cards for All Hallows' Eve just for you. Behold! The 2019's Kardify Top 12: Decks for Halloween! This year with enough monsters, bones, ghosts, skulls, quirky characters and pirates to keep your spine tingling through the night. If you have one that we haven't discovered. Do feel free to share.

Note that the selection expressed in this top 12 are solely those of the author and the list is in no particular order.

Little Deck of Horrors

From Ellusionist, the Little Deck of Horrors is a celebration of the nostalgically scary 'Ghost Train' with faces haunted by ghouls, goblins, and ghosts. This whimsical deck features evil characters from the yesteryears in bright neon colors with a retro graphic design. If you are looking for a cool monster themed-deck for your magic routine or a nostalgic deck for game nights, Little Deck of Horrors will definitely do the job.

Culminus

Culminus Playing Cards by Nicolai Aaroe are inspired by the eschatological literature of the postexilic period. Culminus is represented by two meticulously crafted deck, Infernum (evil) and Infiniti (good). Both decks feature matte tuck cases, embossed artwork, and exterior and interior gold foil. Infernum comes in a Black-brown stock and Ivory matte stock for Infiniti. The gold on white on the Infiniti is especially stunning. Inside, the cards are fully custom with distinctive pips, ornamentation on the indices and hand-drawn courts. 

October Second Edition

Fulton's October Playing Cards is a frightfully fun and whimsically deck featuring the illustrated artwork of Steven Noble. Packaged inside the box you will find one tricked out deck of playing cards. Everything from the back design, ace of spades, jokers, and court cards were customized. The deck features a superior dark-charcoal and black box, while also incorporating an asymmetric design that proudly features the back illustration of the cards within.

Black Widow

A fully custom deck created and designed by Justin Froyd and J Gonzo. Black Widow Playing Cards is a unique deck to showcase all the traits of a spider, from the spider web to the hourglass shape of the deadly black widow spiders. The courts are custom yet familiar with the spider web design incorporated into their garments. The darker tone of the deck gives it a terrifying feel!

Bicycle Monsters

A fully custom Bicycle-branded playing cards inspired by the classic monsters from stories and myths, created in a fun style that will appeal to all ages! Each set of courts represents a different type of monster, from the Water Dwellers to the Undead, Shape Shifters and creatures not of this world. The retro feel of the deck adds to the deck charm. Definitely a great deck to use for Halloween.

Play Dead

Play Dead Playing Cards mixes bold line and shape patterns with 3D forms to produce these stylized illustrations. Fully custom, the deck is designed by Steven Harrison with stylized courts, Ace of Spades and backs feature bold line work which compliments the color palette and the intriguing theme. The 3D skull faces and pips add depth to the minimal design.

House of the Rising Spades

From the mind of Lorenzo Gaggiotti of Stockholm17, the House of the Rising Spades is an exquisite deck inspired an esoteric realm full of mysteries built for cartomancers, cardists, magicians, collectors, dreamers, and card enthusiasts. The beautifully illustrated face cards have no standard index, particularly the spot number cards (2 to 10). Recently picked as 52 Plus Joker's 'Deck of the Year'.

Bags of Bones

Mad kings, assassins and a headless dinner guest are all denizens of this dark and droll universe. Bag of Bones offers an entertaining mix of eccentric character and macabre humor! Designed and hand-illustrated by John Littleboy, this transformation deck is filled with humor and personality, from the flies in the web, the garden, the rising naga, and blood splattered stairs! What makes this deck so unique is that each card of each suit tells their own engaging story, which unfolds from each ace through 10.

Haunted 8's

If you’re not already in the spirit of Halloween, then this spooky deck is certain to get you in the mood. Ghouls, Goblins, Headless horsemen, Zombies, Scarecrows, Pumpkins and more...! All packed into the October Kings Wild Shorts deck recently delivered to subscribers. A fun-filled deck brimming with artistry and ingenuity for All Hallows' Eve. The theme, colors, spooky characters and design elements that make up Haunted 8s came together perfectly!

Monolith

This fascinating deck series has more sci-fi feel to it and a sinister and darker look to it. The neon inks certainly bring up a Sci-Fi feel to it. First glance, the theme of this deck you might think that this deck has a Sci-Fi theme, but designer Giovani Meroni added a Mythology twist to it. The courts feature the Gods of Space, that left us after creating the Universe. Spades are the Gods of Void, Clubs the Gods of Materia, Diamonds the Gods of Energy and Hearts the Gods of Life.

Skelstrument

Designed by Abraham Sanchez, Skelstrument is an intriguing deck featuring the human skeleton and musical instrument. Every element from the pips, Courts and card backs have been artistically drawn marrying the human skeleton, music, and the visual representation of sound. The purple and black bar on the card faces creates an incredibly striking design when the cards are fanned, squared or flourished... tying every card together like notes on a sheet of music. Definitely a fun deck for the Halloween season.

Seafarers

Seafarers by Joker and the Thief is a nautical-themed deck designed by Gustavo Magalhães. The intricate artwork on the card back not only incorporates symbolically and thought-provoking imagery, but they also maintain a timeless air. The court cards are all completely custom and the themes from the back design carry over and give life to these oceanic royals. They are unrestricted by borders, taking full advantage of the space of the card. Each suit tells its own story, with each jack, queen, and king being thematically and symbolically linked.

The selection expressed in this top12 is solely those of the author. 



[post_ad]

Feel the Universe Has Just Dropped Odyssey Karma

Feel the Universe has just dropped Odyssey Karma playing cards on their online store. Going back to its roots, the new deck is inspired by nebula and designed with cardists in mind. 

The vibrant nebula color palette accentuates card flourishes and displays, fans, spins, and cascades look incredible! 

The Karma edition features custom modern suits, aces, sci-fi courts, and 2 custom Jokers. The vibrant color palette is consistent across the deck and the iconic diagonal white stripe is prominently featured on the card backs. 

 
The deck is packaged in an eye-catching nebula tuck case with a wraparound design and adorned with striking rare pearl foil. The Karma edition definitely maintains the futuristic and sci-fi look and feel from the previous editions. 

 
The Odyssey Karma Edition will be produced by Feel the Universe Card Co. Limited edition of 2000 units, one of the most exclusive and limited Odysseys. Available now on feeltheuniverse.com for €14.95.

This story first appeared on crdstry.com and is republished with permission.

[post_ad]

Cardistry: Odyssey (Boreal Edition) Playing Cards

[Updated] The Odyssey (Boreal Edition) Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter.

The first edition of Odyssey Playing Cards was recently nominated for the Best Cardistry Deck of the Year. The vibrant nebula color palette and the diagonal white stripe sets this deck apart from other cardistry decks,

Designer Sergio Roca has been teasing the Boreal Edition, the follow-up to First Edition. According to Sergio,

Boreals is the result of a lot of time trying to create something different to every deck of cards in this world but keeping the essence of Odyssey and Feel the Universe. Me as a Cardist and card designer, wanted to design what my followers deserve, not just a simple recolor but a second edition with a substantial change.

One of the most prominent feature of Odyssey is the diagonal stripe that crosses from the corners. The Boreals Edition has a turquoise blue nebula inside this stripe and edges instead of the white stripe of the First Edition.

Sergio continued,

This nebula colors references the Auroral Borealis which is an incredible light show caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. Something amazing right? 

This color tonalities and shapes has been carefully selected to make an elegant, classy and modern deck of cards for everyone who loves to feel the universe in their hands.

Boreals consists of 54 cards and features custom suits, aces, courts, 2 custom Jokers and a minimalistic tuck. The updated stripe will allow cardists to create and discover new shapes and enhancing displays for their card flourishes.

[Updated] The Odyssey (Boreal Edition) Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter.

Launching on Kickstarter on August 8, Odyssey (Boreal Edition) Playing Cards will be printed in Taiwan by the Hanson Chien Production Company (HCPC) on a new and exclusive paper stock called luxury stock. This is thinner than Classic Stock used in the first edition Odysseys.

Kickstarter: 7 Questions with Nick Nisco of Elemental Playing Cards

The Hydrogen Deck is the first in a series of Elemental playing cards inspired by the Periodic Table of Elements. The deck is an homage to the simple beauty of the periodic table — and a nod towards the many ways it mirrors a deck of playing cards. According to the Kickstarter campaign page,

Elements from the periodic table can be rearranged to form any substance in the known universe, each with their own unique properties; playing cards can be rearranged and placed in different orders and sequences to create different hands. Both feature symbols and numbers. And both live within order and structure.

Elemental Playing Cards exists to explore these similarities, starting with the first element from the periodic table: Hydrogen (H). The semi-custom deck showcase molecular hydrogen (H:H) on the card backs with two hydrogen atomic models bonded together covalently in the center.

The face cards are pretty much standard with semi-custom recolored court cards subtly embedded with hydrogen design elements within the garments and ornaments. The deck is packaged in tuck box featuring the element symbol for hydrogen as well as the hydrogen logo centered in a thick outlined circle representing the atom. When placed next to another hydrogen tuck case, it forms molecular hydrogen (H2).

Last week, we had a quick chat with Nick Nisco of Elemental Playing Cards about the design, inspiration and design process behind the Hydrogen deck.

For those of us who don’t know, tell us a little about Elemental Playing Cards?
Put simply, Elemental Playing Cards is an amalgamation of my love of design, science, and playing cards. I studied graphic design in college and it was while working as a designer at a firm post-graduation that I first became interested in magic and began collecting cards. After a few years, I decided to go back to school to pursue a career in science education. Today, I work as a middle school science teacher in NYC, teaching kids everything from forces of motion to chemistry and the periodic table of elements. My card collection has grown exponentially in recent years as I've acquired decks from the many talented designers out there and it inspired me to go back to my roots a bit and design a deck of my own. Elemental Playing Cards is my attempt to contribute to the playing card community with a deck that combines three of my passions.

Can you describe the Hydrogen deck and why you’re passionate about it?
The Hydrogen deck is meant to be the first deck in a series of playing cards that pays homage to the simple beauty of the periodic table of elements. Since I always envisioned the deck as the first in a series, I'm most excited about all the possibilities it opens up. The concept allows so much room for creativity which is what I am really drawn to, and what I think (hope!) other people will be drawn to as well. I'm also always passionate about the ability of design to elevate something seemingly ordinary (like the periodic table) into something beautiful.

Walk us through the process you took to design the deck. How did you come out with the idea and how did you get to this finished product?
I had been working on a deck previously but didn't love it because it was just a design that had no substance or story behind it — I didn't feel any attachment to it. When I started fiddling around with the idea of designing something around the periodic table, something just clicked. It checked off all the boxes of things I wanted in a deck of playing cards — something recognizable, something collectable, and something I hadn't seen before. I've been working on the Hydrogen deck (as well as a few of the other elements) for close to a year. It went through numerous iterations before I got it to point where I was satisfied with it.

What was your most brilliant breakthrough when designing the deck?
The whole purpose of an atom is to interact with other atoms to form the matter that makes up the whole universe. The breakthrough came when I realized the tuck case could be used as the interactive vehicle to mimic that purpose. Future element releases could visually "link" with one another to represent chemical bonds to form molecules. I thought this idea was extremely nerdy, which is what made me fall in love with it. It would add a collectable aspect to the deck. People could collect all the elements, or just their favorite. If people even have favorite elements. I might be the only card nerd who does —and it's carbon in case you were wondering.

With so many playing card projects competing for funding, why should potential backers choose your deck?
I am well aware that there are so many big players when it comes to the niche market of playing cards. And I'm also aware that adding a layer of science to my deck makes it even more niche-y. But, ultimately, I hope that my idea is different enough to stand out yet familiar enough to strike a chord with people. I feel like science has become more "mainstream" in the past few years with the help of people like Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Elon Musk, Michio Kaku. I love seeing people go crazy over cosmic events such as the recent solar eclipse or when the first photo of the black hole was developed, thanks to the work of Dr. Katie Bouman. Also, it's hard to ignore the parallels science and magic have with one another. The idea of using the periodic table of elements as an inspiration behind the series gives people a chance to follow along with something they're familiar with and, hopefully, something they look forward to collecting over the years. I've given so much thought to the series and I'm really excited for the chance to bring those ideas to life.

What’s next? Are you planning to release more playing card decks in the future? 
For sure. I recently announced that oxygen would be the second deck to be released in the series. I decided to follow up with oxygen to showcase the interactivity of the series. With hydrogen being the first release, and oxygen being the second, card collectors could combine the decks to make water (H2O), the most important molecule needed to sustain life. I envision each deck having its own aesthetic. Each element has its own unique property and characteristics and I'm striving to do the same for each element deck release.

Finally, what are your favorite playing cards?
This might be the most difficult question to answer — with so many amazing decks out there, it's hard to narrow it down to just a few. I'd have to say my all-time favorite deck is the V1 Smoke and Mirrors from Dan & Dave. When I first saw this deck, it made me realize the possibilities for playing card design. I consider them the pioneers for breaking the mold of what a deck of cards could be. From the ornate back design and ace of spades to the simplification of the court cards, it was the first time I considered playing cards to be a work of art.

I also love the whole Orbit series. The V4 most of all. The Orbit series, as well as the Planets series from Vanda (another brilliant series), are the only other series that I know of with a science theme behind it. Chris Brown did a great job making the whole Orbit series really fun. I mean, who doesn't love spaceships, space, and aliens? He's also been doing a great job of teasing the upcoming V7.

More recently I've been a huge fan of what Luke Wadey has been putting out as well. I'm a typography nut and as soon as you see his decks, you can tell that he must be too. His Grid series, while very untraditional, is a re-imagination of what a deck of cards can be, and is extremely attractive to anyone who loves type. He is doing things that are very different than what other people are putting out and it's all very clever. His Mono-X release and upcoming Xero release has me feeling just as excited as I was when I first stumbled upon the Smoke and Mirrors series.

Thank you for your time Nick and all the best! At the time of writing, the Hydrogen deck is only 80% funded with 19 days to go. If you like what you've read here and would like to support Nick, head on to the Kickstarter page here!

The Hydrogen will be printed by the USPCC. Pledge starts at $11.

[post_ad]

Collections: Omnia by Thirdway Industries

Omnia by Giovanni Meroni and Thirdway Industries offers an eye catching package with a modern vision of traditional playing cards.

Omnia was the second project by Giovanni, and was offered in 3 versions. The Illumina (White), Oscura (Black) and the limited Suprema, which features a print run of just over 500 decks. All 3 decks feature matte tucks on a heavier card stock, each feature a unique and beautifully ornate front design, while the backs represent the design used on the card backs. The Illumina and Oscura decks are foiled in gold with a nice subtle embossing. The Suprema also features the embossing, but has a bright bold red foil that just pops off the dark tuck.

The thing I like most about these decks is the detail, I know it seems to be a running theme, but presenting details in a well thought out fashion is no small task and, for the most part, takes time and effort to accomplish........in other words, the decks aren't just slapped together. Those details continue to show on the tucks by the foiled interior design as well as the nice design elements on the tuck flap, no area of the tuck was left untouched.

The deck itself continues to show great detail in it's design, Givanni's style is evident and there is a great transition in offering a "Classic" look with the courts, but with a modern lines and design elements. It's really well balanced and keeps the familiarity of a traditional deck intact. The deck itself also featured metallic inks that just adds that nice depth to the design.

The spot cards have a smaller pip design which carries to the indices and also feature a subtle watermark on each card. The courts keep with the classic look but with modern lines and faces. Each deck features its own unique court design, they are subtle variations, but different non the less. The custom Ace of Spades features a smaller Spade surrounded by a spherical design element that carries through the deck and it's universe. Part of the element featured on the Ace of Spade is what's carried over as the watermark throughout the deck. The two custom Jokers have a great design that pulls it's look from the classics, but again, presents itself in modern line work. Both the Illumina and Oscura deck include a Bonus "Regina", which means Queen. Unlike the ladies we know and love, these two are Suicide Queens, each with it's own color pallet as well as unique wardrobe design. The Suprema deck received a Bonus Joker featuring a King and Queen and I have to say, it's a very striking image.

Omnia works in so many ways, in the most basic sense its a traditional deck that's familiar and functional. Giovanni's vision and skill gives the decks strong modern design and in a sharp presentation. While each deck isn't completely different from the other, the subtle differences are there and make each one stand out on it's own. There are plenty of "Custom" decks that come to the community, Omnia delivers a nice set full of the bells and whistles we love and while they are abundant in this project, they come off really well balanced in it's look and feel. The Suprema may put a strain on your wallet, if you can find one, but I would recommend adding Omnia to your collection, it really is a beautiful offering. 

If you like the Omnia decks, you'll be happy to know that that next chapter in the series is currently Live on Kickstarter. The Golden Age brings 3 new decks to the series, Antica, Perduta and the Limited Magnifica. The project launched yesterday and has already reached its funding goal. So if you don't want to miss out on the next chapter, head on over and toss in your pledge for what's sure to be another beautiful offering from Giovanni Meroni and Thirdway Industries. 

You can follow Giovanni and Thirdway Industries on Facebook as well as visit the Thirdway Industries Shop for any of there past and future products. 

The Collection segment is produced by Anthony Ingrassia of Kardify. No part of this article, images or video can be reproduced without written permission from the author and Kardify.com. 

Genesys, The Most Ambitious Odyssey Deck Now on Kickstarter

Feel The Universe Card Co. in collaboration with TCC Playing Card Co. launched on Kickstarter, the most ambitious Odyssey Playing Cards ever! For this campaign, there are 3 different Odyssey editions- Black & Silver, White & Gold, and Holo Edition. 

 

Odyssey Genesys is inspired by high minimal shapes with futuristic design elements. The luxury is presented with impressive materials and tonalities like gold, silver, and holographic. According to the campaign page,

This is not just a foiled deck of cards... this is again a totally different way to Feel The Universe but keep the essence of our brand.

The fully custom decks feature the iconic diagonal stripe line on the tuck case and card backs. The new diagonal line looks bold and futuristic in tier respective foil colorway. The courts have been updated and they look impressive. 

Combining futuristic touches with the minimal design, metallic plates conforms to the armor and weapons of the royals. The classic ace design has also been updated with Genesys aesthetics. 

  

Genesys has maybe the most impressive case design ever created for an Odyssey deck. The elegant tuck case showcases a Gold and Silver foil combo on black and white matte paper, making the tuck a piece of art on its own. Simple but sophisticated. 

Printed by TCC PLAYING CARDS Company and available now on Kickstarter for $16. Add-ons such as the limited edition (of 500) gilded Prime500 collector set, uncut sheets, and trainers are available during the campaign. Don't miss out!

[post_ad]