Sunday 5 April 2020

Card Printer list


Good printers confirmed/review list;) 
Update 19 jan 2024 to add Disclaimer & Note to check https://www.trustpilot.com/ for more recent reviews of any web page you plan using as this post is written few years back & not fully up to Date!(; I'm still looking for Best printer especially in Europe!;)
: All printer prices & shipping rates are Up & production time is longer!
Concerning fact linen cardstock is near impossible to find & pod linen cardstock quality is declining compared to linen cardstock quality few years back so im trying to figure linen cardstock production in my own country Bosnia Europe but Not EU~0% progress so far!xc

POD(Print on Demand) List;

US based;
https://www.thegamecrafter.com/(aka TGC) best price for best cardstock quality linen 12pt 320gsm black core with UV finish custom made box and option for shop page & best shipping rates worldwide! print books! +big selection of game parts including Transparent & Holographic Cards & all sorts of box, bags & blank cards & sleeves, & discount for creators & larger quantities these are great for DIY & ks projects!:)  Production time is now around 5 to 15 days, Note; their prints may have stronger yellow hue &  drift can be a bit much, so make sure that your important parts are inside the safe zone but otherwise replace defective decks at no cost to the artist.
 
http://www.drivethrucards.com/ (aka DTC aka OneBookShelf) - their Embossed (aka linen) card stock is 320gsm 11pt with good colors and silk UV finish & shipping rates in US, it say Printed in US & offer best costumer support + discount price for  larger quantities+ option for larger prints and poster+ books! and shop page!:)) + best statistic sale/earnings overview & payment options for seller!:) full review here; http://creativenlight.blogspot.ba/2017/01/drivethrucardsonebookshelf-review
downside; outdated web interface, complicated print file preparation & expensive shipping outside US (+20$!x,x) also starting August 2021 discontinued Bridge card size & linen cardstock option for all but Tarot card size!x//

http://superiorpod.com/category/custom-card-decks#.WvWXf4VOKDs offer best options & price for different cardstock box books & more as well as shop option for publisher via Adventure Game Source and Wackadu. This family owned company is taking Big Steps at Top of this list with it's modern automated printing process, plenty different cardstock options including waterproof/tear-proof & holo stock in different sizes, can print round cards, books & stickers & plenty other game & merch, expanding box options to include: regular tuckbox and tuck box that open on the long side for tarot cards as well as envelope style box & rigid two piece box (wrapped & plastic), tins & custom box options for customers!:D web page is handmade & will continue to improve & you can watch regular updates on official fb page: https://www.facebook.com/superiorpod Will Share my full review when I receive my test prints!:) Looking forward to Selfpublishing my decks with these great people in future as both Jeff & Anthony are great to work with & answered all my questions so feel free to contact them if you have any question regarding your print ideas!:)Downside according to their fb it seems their production time is around +20days!?
 
https://www.primoprint.com/ products big selection of printed products including cards, stickers & bookmarks including UV &  foil option!:)

 
 
http://store.vervante.com/c/affil/index.html seems to offer best deal for 100decks(not sure about price but they let you sell on amazon & other big bookstore?:)
"offer cards printed on demand, printing in short runs and offset printed on 12 pt C2S stock equivalent to 260 gsm.  Any size with square corners or round.
Short run cards, 100+ decks, are printed on 350 gsm stock and can also be printed any size with square corners or round, with matte or gloss UV.
Can add foil stamp, spot UV, and a variety of other specialty touches for cards that are offset printed  These are usually for 500+ decks.
Offer custom printed tuck boxes for most of decks.  You are also welcome to send us packaging for decks such as tin boxes, drawstring bags, etc.  We can add printed booklets or instruction cards that can be accordion folded depending on the number of panels.  For decks that are packaged in a drawstring bag, we can add printed bag tags or tie charms to the ribbons, etc. "
 
China based;
http://www.makeplayingcards.com/promotional/personalized-tarot-cards.html aka MPC This company is getting great reviews by most people for quality and service & easy upload interface.  Also MPC is only POD offering gilded edge print option as well as different box options including Tarot size tins!:) so if you plan printing 50+ decks it's worth checking as they also offer affordable fulfillment service if you need to ship your decks worldwide to your costumers/backers for around 10-12$ per deck!:) Shipping may be an issue as it's not always traceable but as long as you are paying with paypal you are ok!:)
ETA; my 1st printed deck & mpc tin arrived & I like Big card size & good quality & shipping my only remarks is colors on 300gsm card stock are bit light so better use linen/other option?;) you can read my full review here!:) 
 
https://www.boardgamesmaker.com/ similar design & price as mpc only difference they offer more *game piece options!;)

http://www.printerstudio.com/ - aka PS affordable, easy upload and fast. Similar to MPC above but less cardstock & box options & more other items options. Card Colors may be less bright than original digital files. UPDATE by Lucky Card; just to add link for my review for their linen and plastic stock!:)) http://creativenlight.blogspot.ba/search?updated-min=2015-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2016-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=6 Note this was before their stock price rise significantly 2016 same as MPC that may be sister company?:) compared to US PODs so you may wish to consider TGC and DTC to be better option for US and worldwide?:) 
 
 
Canada: just find out about these!:) Order Your free Sample Book & Start your Art project here:
https://www.catprint.com Great Selection of different stock & finish options including my favorite Holographic prism effect!:) This is only printer I know offering this Holo & Magnet option!?:) Printers take notice This is How you present yourself! Artist You Need This!=D mini Sample Book is Best I’ve seen with over 40 different cardstock & finish options including Awesome selection of heavy card stock linen & Shimmer & Pearl paper as well as Stickers & Magnetic stock Definitely Perfect Choice for All Your Art Projects!:D I’m printing my Tarot deck limited edt with holo next choice between plastic (*untearable!:) Shimmering & Perl?:) will probably do test print of each moment I have my Art Completed!;D let me know if you would be interested in any of these *Super Sparkly limited edt?!;) also hope to see actual playing cardstock (aka black core) included as well as box & fulfillment option son so I can write full review & recommend this printer as Best (eco & animal friendly!;) to my 

https://www.newprint.ca/trading-cards-printing big selection of various promo items!:)


Australia: 
https://shop.eprintonline.com.au/game-decks/products/ big selection of printed items including cards & booklets With Effect also offering assistance with printer file preparation & demo deck prior to production a huge plus for self publishers full confidence before rolling forward into a full scale production order. Everything is print in house helping support eco awareness fair wages and local economy.
 
 
 

Europe; Note imo EU printers are great way to offer better price & faster shipping for EU orders!:)+save your costumers of extra import charges/VAT tax or whatever post is charging for international orders & everyone complains about!:D 
 
  
 
Germany; Note I noticed plenty PoD in Germany have variety of box options including my favorite tins!:)
https://www.spielematerial.de/en/ this company have awesome selection of game parts & best tins I find in Europe!:) also their wikipage mention 320gsm 350gsm & 390gsm cardstock worth checking out!:) will update moment I know more!:)
http://spieleerfinden.de/wiki_en/index.php?title=Cards
 

https://www.piksieben.de/de/spielkarten/100-individuelle-spielkarten this have good poker & bridge size tin box & few larger sizes!:)
 
https://www.printerstudio.de/fotogeschenke/personalisierte-spielkarten.html printerstudio pod in Germany!:) recommended!^^ 
 
 
.
 
Italy; http://www.ludocards.com/ Update 19 jan 2024 Disclaimer last time I used this printer was 2021 & according to my personal expirience they were & still are Best Card Printer in Europe in spite of complicated file upload requirements & potential issues some people expirienced Please Keep in mind We Don't Have Much Options in Europe & Link me if you find better also check  https://www.trustpilot.com/ for more recent reviews & here is my from 2021!;)
Best printing price & Quality standards for good cardstock Cards (330gsm black core recommended!:)
Sturdy 2piece Box Full Print inside & Out with Metalic foil option & Gilded Edges!:D
Full Color Book Options!:D 
+drop ship service & ship worldwide!:) + you used to get free shipping if you ship All your decks at once to your home address you registered your acc!;)
it's my exclusive EU printer(: I was using drop shipping service from Germany at that time!;)
check out pic of Tarot decks LC printed for me here; https://photos.app.goo.gl/qZ6dZc6J49nUdTVf6
check their faq here; https://www.ludocards.com/faq
same page can also generate your required standard or customized card size & box & book preset/pdf template (Note:most printers use 3mm cut/bleed line & for standard Tarot size card preset for 7x12cm printed card +3mm bleed on each side would be around 76x126mm, but LC generator seems to work with 2mm & 74x124mm so you may wish to contact their costumer service to confirm exact card img size in pixel before printing!:) you can download templates I've used here; http://fav.me/dd30ioa but print drift is still possible (like with all printers here!) so avoid borders etc & I'll be not held responsible for any possible misprint resulting from these issues!;) also standard gamecrafter tarot template guidelines are fit & easy to convert to this ludocard Tarot size!:)
 

UK:
https://cardcreator.personalisedplayingcards.com/prices PoD based in UK & offer printing deck & free shipping for UK!:) worth checking out for UK orders 
 
https://generationpress.co.uk/ eco friendly company that printed Oak Ash & Thorn Tarot
 
https://aura-print.com/uk/custom-playing-card-printing  playing cards bookmarks & other prints!:)
 
https://thefoilprintingco.com/uk/metallic-foil-playing-card-printing only one in Europe offer foil options for single deck & slim aka bring card size cost is best for +100 decks will test it out for my next deck & provide detail review!:) also big selection of other promo prints such as booklets!:) 
 

& if you plan printing larger quantities here are some recommendations; 
Europe (the prices mentioned are rough guidelines and where received on inquiry)
  • https://www.fabryka-kart.eu/en/ Happy to add this great Poland printer factory with long tradition certificates & awards in card industry they also offer all fancy add ons including: UV Gloss, Metallic Hot & Cold Stamping & Glitter & Gilded edges!:D & sturdy 2 piece slider & clam shell & wooden box options!:D & plenty of cardboard elements such as puzzle & other plastic & wood elements!;D minimum quote is 500 decks read my review here p.s it seems they printed larger gilded Shadowscapes Tarot as well!:D will add more info upon confirmation!;D Downside: only accept Bank Transfer payment option, hopefully will manage to talk them into paypal eventually!;)
  •  http://www.cartamundi.com/de / Good quality & price but only if you only print cards there and the box and/or booklet print elsewhere. 1000 decks around 3,70 Euro per deck
  • http://www.piatnik.com/ Perfect austrian quality, but also the most expensive one. 1000 decks plus box 6,13 Euro (additional costs not included), only decks without box 5,57 Euro.
     
  • https://www.groels.nl/ Netherland
  •    Hungary https://keskenynyomda.hu/en/printing/boardgame/ Thank You my deck creator friend for link & info provided here!;) Great web design with Enghlish & Germany language & plenty print option including luxury books & boxes as well as cards that are mentioned as board games not much info available without further inquery aside from minimum quote order is 500 decks & regarding printing techniques, they offer almost everything. Their portfolio includes matte and glossy UV varnish, cold foils in a wide color spectrum, metallic colors from the Pantone chart, embossed printing in any simple or metallic color, etc. However, they do not offer gilt edges. They can do any kind of custom packaging and will also assemble your product.
  •  https://omegadruk.pl/kontakt.html Poland
  
World
http://expertplayingcard.com/#custom Playing Card Company, New York City, New York 10001 professional playing cards with foil & Embossing option 
 
http://www.gamblerswarehouse.com/ printer & fulfillment center in USA
  
www.guruplayingcards.com “GPCC printing company in partnership with one of the top most leading printer. Based out of Australia. The printing and shipping happens from China while the 100% handcrafted and lacquered decks are done in India. Produced 2 (poker) decks till now, both of which received rave reviews. Bharata Major Arcana tarot will be first tarot deck by this company. Given current customers are playing card collectors, quality of printing, card stock etc. is paramount, and rest assured, I take care of each production print personally. Don't offer print on demand and minimum print run is 600 decks. Offer any type of card size as well. Any other question, please feel free to ask. Regards, Sunish”
 
www.imageppm.com/ Recommended by Jay DeForest: Image Printing & Packaging is a company where you will deal directly with an English speaking print manager in China. print card decks, books, boxes and other items. minimum printing quote of 500, but the pricing is much better at 1000 units or more.  
 
https://www.jimiagency.net/ this dynamic duo is based in Korea & offering playing cards with holo effect!:)minimal order per 1design is 200 cards, they also offer bookmarks, postcards & much more so be sure to check out their web page!:)
 
http://jsmccarthy.com/ Personable and professional. 100% of all our electricity purchases are derived from wind power. 

  
https://plaincards.com/ waiting for review! 


http://www.printninja.com/printing-products/card-game-printing based in US & print in China, printing options include metallic n foil print!;)
 
https://shuffledink.com/ Formerly known as Quality Playing Cards, this company is a professional card printer. They do any size and number of cards, have a top notch art department, and the quality is exceptional. They do work internationally.
 
 
  
 & if you decide to Print your books/box & other add ons separately here are some printers I find online!;)

books simple interface good quotes: https://ridero.eu/en

good quote for color books:  https://bookprinting.eu/?Sheet=Stitched%20brochures

best luxury book options: https://www.graspo.com/en/hardcover/

Books & Everything; https://www.pixartprinting.com/try-us-for-free/

Boxes: https://www.pack.ly/create/en/dieline-box/rollover-hinged-lid-box-standard


& if you are looking for easy alternative for Adobe illustrator to prepare your printer files check:

https://www.canva.com/ platform for designing custom decks, you can switch on bleed if you go to: File > Show print bleed. Then, when downloading the file, Select "PDF Print" file type (switch on crop marks and bleed) - this will give you a print ready file and avoid any artwork fix charges that may be incurred with respective print houses. 

 

 
also be sure to post us here what worked best for you?:)
 
All Best!
reall/Irena

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Resources free programs links & Best Tarot books & decks to Learn Tarot

Free programs; paint programs; my fav Gimp & Medibang paint pro for lineart!:) Artweaver is also good & super simple interface easy to use!:) & TwIstedBrush have best effects & textures!:) & White Rabbit is free Photoshop for more advanced users!:) also Scribus is best for cmyk & pdf conversion!:) 
here is my process for creating Tarot pdf file for card printer such as drivethrucards!;) 
https://creativenlight.blogspot.com/2023/ 

you can make free web page with google & levelupenterprises offer best solution for pro web page you need to present your deck!;)

Tutorials & public domain libraries;

Apollo magazine Open access image libraries – a handy list; Apollo supports open access to images of artworks that are out of copyright with a list of museums and other archives that provide unrestricted downloads of high-resolution images.

You can also find plenty of Awesome free & public domain material by google!^^ & youtube have plenty of How to videos here are some;
How To Create Your Tarot Deck Tutorial!! by Luna Solare ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdGnq_MFov8

How to Make Cards (3 Ways) by James Ernest ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0t6PBypahI

My Fav Selfpublished Deck Creators Artists & Author:)
Roxi Sim https://roxiartwork.ca/ Be Sure to Order some of her Amazing Empowering prints to see How Pro Artist Design their art into my fav printables & Best Gifts Ever!💖💖💖

also Tarot blog posts by other deck creators are Awesome resource for All Tarot Tips you'll ever need start here; https://benebellwen.com/
this is pro selfpublished author of Spirit Keeper's Tarot so Be sure to check her Awesome Blog for All info about Costs of Selfpublishing with big printer;

& this is awesome Kickstarter guide!:D



& Arnell Ando provide More priceless resource for independent card creators: http://www.arnellart.com/makenpub.html

also wikipedia have resource on each tarot card; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magician_(Tarot_card)

& this web provide description & side by side card img from different decks; https://www.tarot.com/tarot/cards/the-fool/universal-waite
& this have even more decks!; http://www.albideuter.de/html/narr.html

& if you wish to Learn more about Tarot;
Brilliant free Simple & Short Lessons to Learn & Understand Tarot; http://learntarotinaday.com/

& my fav forums with growing libraries of selfpublisher decks & creator sections; https://www.thetarotforum.com/ & 
Note: forums are also best place to sign up for Collective Tarot decks as Best Way to Learn by 1st hand experience!:) providing you a chance to participate in Tarot deck creation with just 1 card (or more if you like!:) + purchasing one give you Best idea how different art styles looks printed as Tarot card & it works perfect as sample deck you can check print quality card stock specifications, box & booklet options & design etc to ask same printer for same specification for your deck if you like!:)

Best Tarot book & deck to learn Tarot is; any you can find in your local bookstore as long as you read it & practice with your Tarot deck!;) & you can also check my fav bookdepository (free shipping worldwide!;) for Books & decks!;) it will depend on your personal preferences about author & topics you like to read starting with Basic Beginners to Deep in Tarot topics as well as your understanding of it's primary use; fortunetelling (traditional) or *self development tool (modern new age approach;)

some of my fav & recommended for start are; Rider Waite Smith (including my Pam's Original & Vintage!;), Golden Universal Tarot,
Mucha Tarot, Shadowscapes Tarot (note this one is available as android app on google store great way to get deck & guidebook for only few$!:)

 
 
& plenty more!;)

Anthony Louis; Tarot Beyond the Basics Gain a Deeper Understanding of the Meanings Behind the Cards (luv astro & other references here!)
& Tarot Plain & Simple by same author if you prefer it that way!;)

Brigit Esselmont; The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings (luv quotes provided for each card!;)

Barbara Moore; Tarot Made Easy, Llewellyn's Little Book of Tarot & Tarot for Beginners: A Practical Guide to Reading the Card
(also Steampunk Tarot & book set!:)

Kim Huggins Tarot 101: Mastering the Art of Reading the Cards (also Tarot Illuminati deck & book set!:)

Mary K. Greer; Understanding the Tarot Court (with Tom Little) &  
The Complete Book of Tarot reversals (luv explanatory titles!;)
& 21 Ways to read a Tarot Card (luv all activity here!;)

Rachel Pollack (also Shining Tribe Tarot & the Haindl Tarot!:)
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Tarot (title say it all!:)
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness
The New Tarot Handbook: Master the Meanings of the Cards
The Big Little Book of Tarot: The Only Book You'll Ever Need

Sarah Bartlet the Tarot Bible gift from my friend & my fav book design & colorful illustrations & examples also it's modern self development approach great if you prefer it!


feel free to add your fav in comments!;)

All Best!
MyLuckyCard
reall/Irena
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Complete Guide for Artist How to Create Print & Publish Your own Tarot or Oracle Deck

Wonder How to Create your own Tarot or Oracle Deck?

All you need is download your preferred Tarot card size template from thegamecrafter; https://help.thegamecrafter.com/article/39-templates

& My Art guide Tarot cards cheat sheet info for;
& Start Now!;D
tip; Start with easiest/ most simple looking cads first and more complicated later for better flow & progress!;D
Start with Major Arcana or Court cards or whatever you feel like easier to work with?;)

Continue reading this blog for more info & tips about Creation Print & Publishing what I learned in process starting from idea to realization of Deck Creation & 
Card Printer list 

Order this Guide Printed form & my selfpublished decks here;
p.s  Update blog only not pdf & printed version!;)

Copyright;
Complete Guide for Artist How to Create Print & Publish Your own Tarot or Oracle Deck is ©2020 MyLuckyCard.
All rights reserved.
Available via my blog & web page as free download & in printed format.
You can download share & print it for personal use as long as you don't charge for it!;)
Only thing I ask is credit & link me so I can see what you do?^^
Please note me first if you would like any other use or commission!^^
((;^^THANK YOU!^^ ))
&
GOOD LUCK!;D
***

About me; reall/Irena Pro Selfpublisher Artist, illustrator, designer & author with experience in Tarot, astrology & alternative!^^:D
Happy to help your deck creation & Selpublishing by answering any questions, consulting advice, tips & critic, & open for commissions & collaboration, if you need hand with design layout, coloring, size & files conversion etc anything in field of any topic mentioned!;)
portfolio & all info official web page; https://sites.google.com/view/myluckycard/home
Order my Selfpublished Tarot
& Oracle decks & books here;
https://www.thegamecrafter.com/designers/reall-s-games 
& watch my ig for news;  @myluckycards 
& if you like my art consider visiting links above and help me promote! share and fav appreciated!^^

  ((;^^THANK YOU!^^ ))




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How to publish your deck & Why Selfpublishing with US based Pod is Best!^u^:D

Selfpublishing tips & why print on demand is Best!:)

When you finally have completed all card art & book are ready to print your option to publish are:

Petitioning popular card publishers to publish your deck & do all work (print, promo, distribution & selling) for you! (in which case you are advised to check their respective web pages for submitting guides & required files format!:)

tip; be sure to consult legal adviser before signing up any legally binding contract & make sure you understand copyright status of your art & expected profit from each deck sale as well as other obligations you may have?;) as far as i know your royalties are paid every few months or 2x a year & it may seem big check but ask yourself does it pay rent & for how long you can live with that money & consider does it cover All work & time you invested in creation?;) or

You can Selfpublish by investing your time & $$$ into finding good pro printer that will print your deck (usually minimum quotes are +300 & around 500 decks!) then figure how to sell promote & ship to your costumers worldwide?

Note: You are also advised to check & prepare logistic part in advance that will include:

1) collecting $$$ for printer & shipping & shop & payment options you are offering to your costumers (this also include selling platform & expected: money processing conversion & transaction fees & other limitations your payment acc bank or card may have, as you need to be able to pay big bills to printer & shipping providers & other associated services & fees you may have regardless of your funding sources (i.e kickstarter indiegogo & others you may use etc) as well as to receive big number of payments & if you are in US you should have plenty options but all this may be more complicated if you are outside US)

2) storage & shipping (most challenging topic at the moment with restrictions delays & limited options 1st you need to know most printer will send you all your printed decks in 1 big pallet that will be delivered to port of destination country or your local post office where you will need to pick it up & not to your front door unless you specifically ask & agree otherwise i.e more smaller boxes instead of 1big pallet that will make your decks easier to transport & handle esp if you are using 3rd party storage shipping provider or store manager that all have weight limitation usually 30kg or less & don’t accept or charge extra for oversized parcels!:) Tip: be sure to ask your printer if they can offer fulfillment service aka ship directly (with tracking & insurance!:) from your printer to your costumers worldwide & save you extra import shipping costs & time!;) or look for fulfillment center /store manager (i.e in Europe US China Australia etc) that will receive your decks from printer & keep in storage & ship to your costumers worldwide when you have order!:) & if you plan packing n shipping your orders by yourself you will need to ensure appropriate storage & package space as well as needed supply such as working table storage shelves packaging material bubble envelopes shipping boxes extra bubble wrap labels regular transportation to post office & associated cost etc

here is Pic of 500 shipping box you'll need in case you wonder how much space it'll take!:) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ-K2lEncZV/

3) all mentioned above will include you filling LOT of forms (esp if you are importing & exporting aka sending decks overboard!;) & explaining everyone included what you are doing & how you are doing it as well as reporting your income to tax office & it is advised you deal with these formalities in advance by checking your local regulation for registration of appropriate enterprise & get all needed licenses codes & tax numbers etc in advance!:)

4) Time & Work needed for all mentioned + Costumer Service & Sale Management!:) Before print & starting your enterprise be sure to have good estimate of expected time line it will take for your deck to: print (usually within 2/3 months from payment + at least 1/2month shipping to you & your costumers) tip: kickstarter & indiegogo are good way to reach your audience & test demand & collect needed $$$ in advance but imo it also includes extra risk fees nerves & reputation as anything can go wrong from printing to Shipping so imo Pre Orders & reaching out to resellers is Best!(: adding my fav in Printer List!:) as selling & processing orders & costumer service are also time consuming you need to form price that will take all mentioned in consideration including popular demand for similar decks on market as well as your goals i.e price will be larger if you are not in hurry to get your investment back sooner & have good storage option aka in next 2 to 3 year or less if you prefer to finish your project sooner & move to next!;)

5) Web presentation social network including instagram & official web Shop that should include: Contact form, Newsletter, Terms & Conditions & Return Policy in case of misprint missing cards etc (as imo big printers include 4-12% error in their contract!:) & parcels damage or loss be sure to list these on your web page as well as include any other info & links to your reviewers resellers & other relevant content you wish to share!:) 

Also regardless of printer keep in mind printing & other errors are always possible as cards are usually assembled by hand sometimes card can be missing & you should have some extras to send as replacement!:) here is good post on Card Printer Process; https://printninja.com/printing-resource-center/printing-academy/post-press/card-game-production/


I hope this list gives you some idea about investment risk time work & nerves this option require!:) personally I find whole *web Shop job super demanding & prefer to work with resellers!:) so it may be good idea to contact resellers in advance & agree on quantities you can ship to them directly from printer?:)

tip: before jumping into it be sure you & your household members are all familiar & OK with all mentioned esp if you require their help & assistance & you definitely will need All help!=D lol

& don't invest more than you can spare to lose as there is no guarantees you'll sell ALL your decks within a year or in few years unless you run successful crowdfunding or preorders i recommend!;)

& even if you do in our crazy time monetary & finances flows are tricky & best not relayed upon!:)


& if you prefer less risk & work here is; 

Why Selfpubishing with US & EU based Pod is best!^^if you plan printing just 1 deck for personal use or Selfpublish for everyone to order!

Because With PoD (Print on Demand) You Can Selfpublish your Tarot/whatever with as little as 0$ investment required &

keep full control over your deck art copyright, design, print quality, number of deck you plan to offer, production & shipping costs & you determine your own sale price per deck & potential profit as you wish!:D

& Selfpublishing your deck directly from US based Print on demand companies is best because with option to make your shop page you can sell your decks/books directly to your costumers worldwide!^^ All you need to do is sign up to set up your acc shop page & upload your artwork, pick options to order test print & approve it then set up your item price & enable sales for your title (aka publish!;) & wait for your royalties payday!:D & people worldwide can browse search & order your published title directly from PoD who do all job starting with Costumer service to taking & charging orders, processing printing & shipping & send you sale notification every time someone order your title & provide great statistic page!^^

My favorite Recommended & most popular PoD are US based; thegamecrafter & drivethrucards (Full review here!) but Superiorpod may be worth looking into with good price for card box books & more!(; will share my review soon!:)

Here is why I luv US Pod;

1.you can order minimum of 10 cards with your own unique front & back design making awesome bookmarks or mini portfolio cards!;) imo this is fantastic because it’s best way to see how different options colors and design styles look in RL & to check card stock and print quality & if you like it you can order more if not you can correct it quick and easy anytime even after publishing & you can decide to unpublished your deck anytime with few clicks!^^

2. Pod ship worldwide & thegamecrafter offer best shipping rates & options & drivethrucards have best shipping for US & your home address!;) 

3. Simple and clear user interface easy to understand & use & good statistic page as well as search tool & traffic provide good visibility on net! 

4. Awesome costumer service is big help when you need it & Brian from drivethrucards is my fav tech help Ever!:) Thank You Brian!^^ lol 

5. Options!:) minimal investment mean it's easy to print different card sizes & offer your deck as Standard Tarot size & smaller Poker & Bridge as well as Larger cards & enable further personalization with different cardstock, booklet & box options (my fav is 1$ transparent plastic box that fit 90 card poker & bridge size deck from drivethrucards & mpc Tarot size tin!^^;) + extra options such as different back or border & borderless design!;)  Also it's Easy to fix printer error/change card design/print extra cards any time!:)

6. Publisher discount & fulfillment for larger orders!:) 

7. Improvements!:) both drivethrucards & theGamecrafter & Superiorpod are constantly improving their services by upgrading their cardstock & tgc have best worldvide shipping rates & game price calculator & selection of all possible game pieces for game creators so go test it asap & be sure to share what worked best for you?!;)

Note; printing in China may seem like a good idea for all fancy options & extras it offers but it's not & here is why;
1) Shipping cost & time!(most of your orders will be in US so it's faster & more affordable to ship from US printers with tracking that actually works!:)
2) Tax! (if you *import something from outside your country tax is expected as well as import formality!:)
3) Better card stock quality & price (mpc & ps now charge double for same embossed/linen card stock you have on dtc & tgc & Superiorpod!x,x facepalm)
4) Search engine (mpc & ps are missing these! so only way for people to find your game is by direct link you post somewhere or random luck!)
5) Exposure & sale statistic (not only your deck won't sell that well on mpc & pc but can you trust their statistic if they have any is correct?)
6) Copyright! (fact is China have different regulation for this than US & EU & if you send your img to their printer it may end up pirated!)
7) Buyer protection & Costumer service (my 1st order from mpc was lost & never found even I pay *extra for *tracking number & insurance & contacted costumer service more than once never got any reply & had to ask paypal intervention lucky they decided in my refund! point is;
8 ) paypal is your best insurance! if your printing company don't have paypal better look for one who does!:D
Note: while I advise against printing your deck in China it's worth mentioning alibaba actually grow it's reputation to platform where you can find good legit manufacturer for any extras you may need such as boxes, Tarot cloth, bags etc & if they accept paypal you should have buyer protection.

& when it come to promotion & sale I still need to figure it out! however net is infinite market! And you only need to figure how to use it! Note: good news ebay now accept direct card payment!:)

tip; pick a good name for your deck that will make it stand out on net and in google search in case you decide to make a free web page with google! Add that name/link on every promo preview image you post on line for people to know if they see it somewhere and wish to buy it? ! Note all text should be available in English; cards, book, app, web etc as most people know it!

Nothing more to add but KEEP UP with your creation process Remember key to crating your Tarot deck (or accomplishing anything!;) is to not give up before last of 78 cards is completed it's totally worth it!;D

I conclude this tutorial with Resources & Card Printer List with Hope you find it useful & learn something interesting & if it help you decide to create & publish your deck please be sure to credit; reall/Irena & link to source; http://creativenlight.blogspot.com/2020/03/complete-guide-for-artist-how-to-create.html

GOOD LUCK!;D

MyLuckyCard

reall/Irena
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How Card Printer Works, Correct Paper size to paint Tarot card & other tech questions

Cards images are printed onto larger cardstock then cut to preferred card size with round corners, this process is not perfect & drift is possible in any direction so most Print On Demand have 3mm (0.125in) accepted off center drift/shift.

Meaning img you need to submit is usually around 6mm (0.25in) larger dimension than your expected printed card size. 

That's why card printers use Card Templates with marked Printing guidelines for creating your tarot card art & design layout, with marked image size, cut line & so called safe area (usually within around 3mm on each side of expected cut line) to ensure you place all important img part inside this inner doted line space & extra space around edges (usually around 3mm on each side of expected cut line) is so called bleed area expected to be cut in printing process & not present on printed cards unless there is drift in which case it serves to make drift less noticeable & prevent white lines showing around card edge. (here are some pictures to give you idea!;) download full size on pic here!;)

1st pic is card size you need to upload, 2 is printed card size & 3rd is drift sample!;)

also top picture line is borderless & modern gold borders & text design & 
bottom pic classic white border & text box design

last pic is modern style borderless card img & white bottom text line:
                   Note: card img is from my Elemental Tarot 
 

Correct Paper size for painting Tarot card depend on your card size preferences & printer card Template you'll use. 

Start by downloading correct card size Template from thegamecrafter that you can print and use for reference; https://www.thegamecrafter.com/help/templates as imo most cards sizes are standardized & I recommend these but if you intend to print with specific printer ask for their card templates & print requirements (including preferred image quality standard for print is 300dpi & usually png or other format!!;) & be sure to check that card template size in pixel for proportions if you are working larger format or traditional media!;)

Here are some standard card sizes info in inches cm & pixel size with 300dpi resolution with img proportions you need to upload for better understanding how printing cards works; 

Standard Printed Tarot card size (after print & cut) is 2.75x4.75in or 7x12cm

But image you need to upload to printer is bit larger (usually adding 6mm or 0.25in to card img dimensions )

=3x5in (or 76x126mm) & given in pixels; 900x1500 & printed with 300dpi (note meaning 1inch covers 300pixels!;)

so here for Standard Tarot size your img/paper size proportion should be 3:5 

Bridge card size after cut; 2.25x3.5in (57 x 89mm), img size you need to upload 2.5x3.75in or 750x1125pixels, proportion 2:3 

Poker card size after cut; 2.5x3.5in (64x89mm), img size you need to upload; 2.75x3.75in or 825x1125 pixels, proportion 11:15 

mini card size 1.75 x 2.5in/4,44x 6,35cm, img size you need to upload 2x2.75in or 600x825pixels, proportion 8:11

tip; I don’t recommend painting in mini size & it’s good to know Tarot size can be easy resized to poker and mini! And poker/bridge size cards have best printing price + people luv smaller size so be sure to consider this eventually!;) 

Note these numbers are minimum requirements if you make your art digitally! You can make it larger or non digital/ traditional way but keep the aspect ratio! & even if you don’t stick to this as there is always resize or other option to fill free space!;) will share my *method in some of my next post!; ) 

Printer tips;

*playing cards stock including Tarot are actually made from 2 layers of cardboard glued in the middle with carbon based glue aka black core to give it snap & durability & enable long use!:)  
 
*graphic designer on fb explained curved card stock is printer issue with paper printed on the wrong side of the paper grain as you should always print against the grain, not with it, otherwise, it leads to bending.
 
*there is also synthetic Art paper options that works well!:)

* Printed colors are called cmyk & usually much darker and less vivid than you PC screen rgb colors that use screen light!;) so best to keep your colors bit lighter also printer may blend similar color shades/gradients and flatten you color!? & type of cardstock & lamination also affect printed color so test print is must & will give you best idea about how your printed cards will look I recommend http://www.drivethrucards.com/ (my fav! as they print any number of cards & have best shipping for publisher home address!;) btw be sure to pick Embossed Card stock as those are best!;) you can also order your test print from thegamecrafter, printerstudio or makeplayingcards (best selection of cardstock & extra options!;) just be sure you are using *linen cardstock or specification you intend to publish for best idea how your finished art will look like!;)

* CARD STOCK Quality is determined by card core & finish! SIZE SHAPE & PROPORTIONS are also important & determine your print cost as well! 
 

So do your homework first and check POD templates & printed card specifications!

Ask for; black/carbon core as best & linen (Embossed canvas like!;) texture card surface is my fav & recommended!

Avoid; anything less than 300gsm, art paper, gloss finish & square corners!

also be sure to check box options quality & booklets & any other extras options & price as well as shipping/fulfillment option!;)

Read my next post for info about:




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Tips about Coloring & Tarot Art in general

1) finish all lineart first & color later, it’ll save you time & recoloring troubles & give your deck more uniformed look using same I advise strongly limited color pallet for each suit? maybe something like Dragon age Tarot? or just combine your lineart with old map texture to give it that medieval look? maybe something like I did here will work best https://sites.google.com/view/myluckycard/ancient-lenormand or Take a look at these wonderful Spirit Keeper Tarot by Benebell Wen color samples for idea what coloring style would suit your deck best?;)

 
2) Card design & colors determine card meaning & light Clear and Simple is seen more positive/optimistic and darker more negative!;)

3) avoid main basic colors/hue Red, especially light Blue & Green as printed colors will look much darker/aka flat dark green!x,x unless you are born awesome talent to fill wonderful coloring book pages!:) lolz srsly, I’m thinking creating my next tarot as lineart & publish it as *limited mono edition & bnw coloring book & ask people (who know how to do it!!:) to color it so I can pick best & publish colored edition!XD lolz imo some coloring book pages are best color style EVER!XD

4) Older decks usually (successfully!) ignore some basic art rules like; 3x3 grid/aka do not center your art! & thou shalt not mix more than 1primary color in your art!:) as traditional (Marseilles) Tarot color palette is RedGreenBlueYellow+ black lineart!:) but if you look popular modern decks like; RWS (&Thoth) it’s usually 1 dominant color & few accompanying I.e HP, Emperor, Tower etc all showing how PCS & lady FH were great artists of their time with good theory basis!^^ lol so moral of the story When creating your Tarot art; check how it’s done traditionally, check card meaning & how other great artist did it before you & try not to be much worse?!:) lolz

5) don't be afraid to be you be fresh and bold don’t be afraid to break some rules!;D

There are many *rules & guidelines how to/ or not make your Lenormand or any other deck and fad art trends, but all that don’t guarantee you popularity! And there are many who successfully broken those rules and get favored by public opinion! So be bold and ready to make something you’ll like! And who knows? You may end up creating something new and fresh everyone will talk about!

6) Experiment with different layer modes & effects (imo gradient works best!^^) but Whatever you do remember to 

7) Have Lots of fun! You Are Creating Something You Like & Learning Lot in process!^^ if more people recognize it's just extra kick either way you get exp & Art of a lifetime to enjoy!;D

Note; regardless of media you are working eventually you’ll need to provide digital files for print by taking hi resolution scan or photos so here are some
Digital files tips;

+ Back up of your work on extra usb or cloud & take pic of your lineart before coloring!:) 

+Keep your digital art in progress in your original working format with separate layers (In gimp that is xcf & psd in photoshop or some high res like bmg or tiff and save/export as what you plan to print in png etc (make sure layers are flattened/merged! and there is no transparent areas!) Only when you consider it completed & ready to print! As any changes you do to jpeg and save it again will result in quality loss!

+Text and borders should always be in separate layers! that leaves more options for later! as modern trend is borderless that makes art look bigger & better & saves you of uneven border issue in case of printer drift!;) 

+Remember to remove top/guideline template layer before saving & uploading your img for print & check for errors including text, card size and alignment of layers!:)


All best! 
MyLuckyCard
Reall/Irena

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