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Karagöz is traditional Turkish shadow theatre. I started to design a deck about it.

Here is king of hearts sketch.

This is definitely the most interesting one you have posted. It's different enough that I am interested to see more, even though the theme itself isn't one I would usually be interested in. I find the appeal in the cultural references and style that is different than my own. Of course the non English style indicators will limit the worldwide market, it's that country specific accuracy that adds to the charm for me. Since it's an early sketch I won't nitpick much, but I find the shadow coming from the shoulder distracting. Perhaps eliminate it or alter it to be more subtle if you feel it's needed.

Thanks for comment. I am going to change indicators. Those shadows are shadows of sticks attached to figures to move the real figures. I am going to try with more subtle ones even without shadows.

Ten of clubs.

I changed letter. Shadows are more subtle. White hearts on banner added.

The general consensus on banners is don't use them. I don't see that really adding anything in this case, other than perhaps making the transition between top/bottom figure easier on you. Also, the way it's used now makes it not a true 2-way or mirrored face card. That drives a few people nuts around here for some reason, although some like myself don't seem to mind.

I also quite like the alternate figures used instead of pips, but again some will not care for it. Personally I think that works and you are keeping traditional suit indicator in the margins so they are still mostly playable. The Russian Folk Dolls used standard pips and then included various designs around them, which also might be an option for you since it adds some 'clutter', but overall keeps the play-ability and expands the design. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/39 ... escription

I do like the revised K since it's more readable, but it lacks the flair it had before and compared to the 10. Perhaps you can find something in the middle?

Letters changed.

Three cards:

Seven of spades of Karagöz playing cards.

Sketches.

Sketches.

This one I may just back if it happens. Any concepts for card back or tuck yet?

Thank you for your comment.

I have been drawing card back. Tuck case later. These are sketches. I'll use permanent pens and water color for drawings to print.

Interesting concept! I was wondering what the straight shadow was about. Did some googling and these are some Turkish shadow puppets. And that's the shadow of the stick that holds them up.

Very nice.

Levent - I like this Joker, but it needs a red flower in the index.
I guess that is a black flower.
Let the black Joker have all the company Info & Logo. I really don't think you need the stick shadow in the Jokers unless you have a point of contact. I think you got your point wrong with the 7oH. The point looks to be on his neck. I can imagine him to be a traveling lumberjack.

Makes me think how many decks are out there that did the "12 Days of Christmas"

I would like to check out how they made the embellish Ace into a "A Partridge in a Pear Tree". The Jack and Queens are taken up and leaves only some interesting kings...

Sprouts, thanks for your very useful comment. You are right about the stick shadow on 7H. Red flower seems to be be good on joker card, I will try it. I will delete stick shadow on jokers.

Every forum need a member like sprouts1115.

These are really cool. I liked the second font most, without the dots. Are you still working on this?

blejanre wrote:These are really cool. I liked the second font most, without the dots. Are you still working on this?

Thank you for your comment. I' ll use second font, it seems right for this deck. I have been working on this deck. I work with traditional materials like ink, watercolor, so it takes a long time.

Good to know that this deck is still in the works as I will definitely be backing it! Love the artwork! Keep up the good work

What would be cool is if you could provide a description of the characters used in the deck...maybe on one (or both) of the ad cards

shermjack wrote:Good to know that this deck is still in the works as I will definitely be backing it! Love the artwork! Keep up the good work

What would be cool is if you could provide a description of the characters used in the deck...maybe on one (or both) of the ad cards

Thank you for your comment. Adding the names of characters on an ad card is a useful idea. I'll make it.