The Coven - Second Edition

[52Ravens]

Hey!

I've been getting some good feedback for the faded version so I think this will go ahead this way. The next big question is the look of the paper. I've been playing with 3 levels of paper, faded to a dirty look. I'm leaning towards one of the three in the image below but it will be interesting to hear your thoughts

The only critique I have would be to look at the proportion of her fingers to her hands.

Totally see what you are saying, I'll take a look, thanks

[Kage X]

I prefer the middle one. Nice balance between the left and right

[Adonael]

Whichever one you've been using up until now, the right I think, the subtlety really helps sell the effect. Anything heavier than that when it comes to fake ageing/dirt just never works imo because it's too obviously fake.

[rousselle]

I'm leaning toward the middle one.

[robcan0630]

I prefer the middle one. Nice balance between the left and right

Completely agree. The middle one is a great combination of 1 and 3.

[STLBluesNut]

I am surprised to see not much mention of the stark mirror line in the center. I definitely prefer court halves that blend together. I like this mirror line even less than decks that use some sort of ribbon or banner to separate the halves.

Unless the tuck and back were great, this would probably be a no for me even with the fairly nice art.

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[52Ravens]

SOOOO . . . . . I found some inspiration today and the below is the result. Personally I like this a lot more as a theme style compared to my standard look with weathered paper. I'm not saying that it is all new, but its definitely different to what I've done in the past and what I've seen out there in new card designs. (though I'm sure you guys will tell me if I'm stepping on the toes of another artist)

I think this works with the witchcraft theme with a hint of grunge. Red cards will have solid pips. I can see the back will look awesome with the watermark star in full and bleeding all the way to the edges . The eyes might be a little too far, but they do pull you in.

As always I'd really love to know what do you guys think.

it's too obviously fake.

I agree. I could have gone dirtier with the one on the left but this version was already too far gone to feel believable.

I definitely prefer court halves that blend together.

Totally understand, and with my other decks this is the case, but for this one I wanted to try something new. The problem with no borders is that characters that blend together end up looking like they are floating in the middle of the card. With the sharp line it divides the card into different sections. I know this is going to be a difficult sell to some collectors

[BaconWise]

I like the update. I think the white eyes add a certain allure and fit in with the theme nicely. The grunge looks great. Very cool and I especially like that her hands are perfectly proportioned

[Harvonsgard]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I'm out.

I'm not a fan of black (printed) cards at all, but that is just me personally. I have to admit though, that they really do pop visually and like Bacon wrote the white eyes are perfectly fitting the vibe.

[flashcards]

LOVE IT. So much stronger. The figure really pops out and so do the background lines. The white eyes bring her to life, in a good yet creepy way. I feel like she is looking back at me. I think the mirror image works well with the new look. The ripples in the corset suggest ripples in a pond. Honestly, I wasn't crazy about the old design. It seemed too much like the previous decks. However, this new design really stands out. If you continue in this direction, I would definitely be in. Can't wait to see more.

[JuFiN]

Also not a fan of black cards.

[MagikFingerz]

I like them more. Much more of a contrast to earlier decks, which is a big plus in my book

[52Ravens]

Hey all

Thanks for all the feedback, its greatly appreciated.

In regards to the response to the new style, I wish I'd started with the second version so that no one knew about the first

UC Forum - 3 to 2 for the new version, with the main objection being they are black printed cards (though they are navy).
Instagram - All for the new design
Facebook - 3 to 1 prefer the first version but those 3 think I should do both!

Failing on Kickstarter isn't a great feeling, and I don't think I have the following to warrant a two deck project. So to push the new version a little further I've added slight shades of the red to the card. I think this works to give it a bit more detail. What do you think?

I like the update

Thanks for the comparison image

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I'm out.

Also not a fan of black cards.

NOOOOO! I like posting here as you guys are mostly collectors, but it's funny how we all have our own little rules to contain our collecting.

Much more of a contrast to earlier decks

I wasn't crazy about the old design. It seemed too much like the previous decks.

Exactly my thoughts. It does step away from my standard weathered paper style, which I think will only help to make this deck stand out from the others.

[robcan0630]

The first deck came before I was collecting. Any chance to have it as an add-on?

[hsbc]

The indices and pips really blend in, but I'm not sure they should be white like the eyes either....

[MagikFingerz]

The indices and pips really blend in, but I'm not sure they should be white like the eyes either....

I agree, they need to be more visible.

[Harvonsgard]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand I'm out.

Also not a fan of black cards.

NOOOOO! I like posting here as you guys are mostly collectors, but it's funny how we all have our own little rules to contain our collecting.

Haha, no worries. You can't please everyone. You will always lose some on the way . If the majority of people is for the black (navy) cards then everthing will be good. I'm going to pick up some old Coven decks then .

[flashcards]

I think the more subdued red on the right card helps the figure stand out more; "pop" if you will. On the left card, your eyes are immediately drawn to the red area at the upper left corner. I agree the pips need to be more visible but I wouldn't want anything that takes away from the white eyes. They really hold your attention.

I'm also thinking that whatever tuck design you decide on could probably benefit from some embossing and some red foil. I don't collect tuck boxes but I can see this design really benefiting from a slightly blinged out tuck.

I really like this direction so as always I want to plead that you use a good printer and try to keep the price close to something we mere mortals can afford. Best of luck.

[52Ravens]

The first deck came before I was collecting. Any chance to have it as an add-on?

There is a small amount remaining so I will add it as a special pledge when the time comes

The indices and pips really blend in

I agree, they need to be more visible.

Maybe I'll try half filled or half shaded for the black cards, it does need looking at, cheers.

I really like this direction so as always I want to plead that you use a good printer and try to keep the price close to something we mere mortals can afford.

Keeping the cost as low as possible is always a battle. Production cost have gone up, but the price of purchasing a deck has remained the same (in my opinion). I'll be looking at USPCC this time round to keep costs low on delivery to my fulliment company. EPCC are getting too expensive, and really messed up on the last deck causing a big delay. Made and shipped in the same country might be the answer. (Though I'm sure people will say they are out at the very mention of USPCC )

[52Ravens]

Hey!

Today I have the Queen of Clubs for you to look over. It also features the new pip, so hopefully, this is a little clearer to read and stands out more.

I appreciate any input you may have , thanks

[hsbc]

Have you tried completely filling in both clubs and the Q with the diagonal linework? It still needs to stand out more IMO

And would the woman look better if her right arm didn't blend so seamlessly at the middle with her left wrist? It makes a weird half-arm I miss the white eyes too

[BaconWise]

The card looks good, thanks for the update. From an anatomical standpoint, the bandolier of lace (the strap thing) on the right should be exposing her nipple. I would suggest moving the strap over or make the deck NSFW because it's odd at the moment. The left strap could be moved over just a smidge to the left as well. Center those babies

Also, those white eyes are my favorite part of the Jack of Clubs you posted previously. Can you add those to all of the courts? I think it's a unique feature that would really help make the deck stand out.

[Adonael]

Hey, not all nipples are in the same place! Also unless you work at Instagram etc (those goddamn moronic hypocrites), there's no difference between male/female nipples or the sexual nature thereof so they shouldn't be considered NSFW unless shirtless males are also NSFW. I'm also missing the white eyes.

[Harvonsgard]

Definetly white eyes. Dunno why you didn‘t add them on the Q. I thought this feature goes through all courts.
I don’t see what Bacon wrote. The right seam would look a bit more natural if moved to the right, I agree on that, not sure about the exposed nipples though. I don’t really see them exposed.

[flashcards]

I would tone down the red edges just a bit- darker, thinner, whatever. They are not bad but it would help center focus a little more.

All courts MUST HAVE WHITE EYES! This is the key motif for this deck. Honestly, white eyes = buy. Dark eyes = meh.

Agree with the boobs and arms suggestions above.

Also, do we get to name these?

[BaconWise]

Also, do we get to name these?

Name the boobs and arms?

[Harvonsgard]

Also, do we get to name these?

Name the boobs and arms?

[BaconWise]

Not sure why I am spending time making nipples on Photoshop, but this is kinda how it would seem to me, if they were placed anatomically. You could even make them white, lol

[MagikFingerz]

But are they not covered by her top? Unless you're calling for them to be visibly poking out

[BaconWise]

The only "top" I see are the two straps, so I am just curious if @52Ravens is leaving them off the Queen intentionally or if they are using weird anatomy to imply they are hiding beneath the two straps. *shrug*