Sunday, 5 April 2020

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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Deck Creation and What you need to know if you plan creating your own deck

Every Cartomancer or Artist at one point will get idea to create its own Tarot or other deck by whim or inspiration according to your unique idea how *perfect deck should look like & even you may have plenty ideas how that *perfect deck should look turning it into reality as accomplishing anything else you set your mind!;) require time & effort so start with good plan!;)

Creating your deck require;

1) Theory where you plan & prepare for task at hand by addressing all decisions including but not limited to;

Concept idea for Tarot or Oracle deck you have in mind;

What type of deck you are creating? Tarot or Oracle or Playing Cards or Other;

Number of Cards you need to paint;78 Tarot or 36 Lenormand Oracle+any extra card title card etc

Card Size; Standard Tarot, or smaller; Poker/ Bridge or Larger?;D

Note; tech side of this *Correct size & cardstock topic will be covered in my next post!;)

 

Guidebook?;)

tip; you'll save yourself if you start taking notes & writing your ideas & sketches asap!;D

It will help you track your progress and ideas development & it's easy to turn that working notebook into proper guidebook once you have completed your deck as people like to have basic info on deck they plan to use & read accompanying document for artist insight & process behind each card art & deck creation!;D

 

Card Layout Design;

Deck Theme Topic & symbols you wish to include in each card & design layout;

Color or Black & White or Other

Border; Yes or No

Text; Yes or No (if yes font type & size & will you include it in your artwork or add later digitally =recommended!:)

Numbers; same as above

Card back design; Reversible or Not, Any pattern and colors you wish to include?


Art medium you will be working;

Digital (Tablet & paint program my fav free Gimp & Medibang paint pro for lineart & Scribus for converting png rgb to cmyk pdf!:) there is also free version of photoshop called White Rabbit!;D

or Traditional; aka Pen & paper etc


Your Art Style; tip; Work with style/media you’re good with!;)

tip; *Unique Style & layout help create original style & uniformed look as common thread that will glue your deck!;)


Resources Your Own Art or Public Domain/ Other

tip; never forget to credit original artist and keep link of your source images!;)


Role models & references (if you have any list it with note what you like about each particular deck or card you are addressing & specific elements you would like to include in your card design?!;)

tip; Rider Waite Tarot deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith is most popular & what most people recognize as Tarot but if you are into specific topic i.e animals cats flowers etc I recommend checking google for references & ideas how different people approach to specific card theme design colors & inspiration etc?;)

bookmark webs that shows specific card from different decks side by side, for general idea how specific card concept is represented traditionally vs modern art decks? btw same link should have basic meaning as well so it’s good to read it or download free pdf book Pictorial key to tarot, just to give you quick reference about what meaning your art should represent?  

http://www.albideuter.de/html/narr.html
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/dragon.shtml
Note don't forget my guide for; How To Major Arcana Court & Minor Arcana table with basic meaning & symbolic reference for eachcard!;)


2) Time it'll take you to create full deck & time you need to spend on each card?;)
imo it may seem overwhelming task at first contributing to procrastination but that's why it's important to keep your goal in mind; Completing Your Full Deck!;) & therefore plan to work on each card at least few minutes/hours/days every week?;) of course even better if your muse is calling & inspiring you to create even faster but imo as long you have at least 1 card to show after week (or two!;) your deck is on good track to be completed & ready to print soon!:)

3) Space for work/free of environment noise and disturbance; this depend on your preferences and art media; so I’ll let you think that for yourself!

4) Actual work!;D After you have it all planed Start Creating Your 1st Card asap!:)
Grab that pen & paper/digital/whatever your choice is here & Start sketching!:D
or even better if you have it all noted like i told you open that notebook & look what you have in mind for 1st card?!;) then just Do it!;D
tip; or commission someone to do *art part for you? imo comic artist are best! Good art Fast and affordable!;D

p.s Another interesting note; while working on this project I often dream of different cards and designs! So don’t be surprised if that happen to you! It just shows how your brain work on it even while you’re sleep!;D

5) Costs; sadly you need money to do anything! (or that’s how it usually goes!) And depending on your media this can go both ways when creating your deck as well as publishing, 
for my 1st deck I had my old lap top and mouse and free paint program Gimp & did all painting myself! however professional programs and tablets are expensive same as good material for traditional painting! for next project I plan *modernization! that’s why if you like this guide consider purchasing its printed form as well as myselfpublished decks here!;) 
tip; work with what you have and what you are most comfortable with regardless of costs! 
it will pay of eventually along with time you invested here as you'll obtain valuable experience & learn a lot about printing & yourself as there is certain ancient magic alchemy involved in process as well as satisfaction you'll receive when your printed deck finally arrive AND MY FAV PART; BE READY YOU ARE ABOUT TO GET TON OF MAIL FROM HAPPY PEOPLE ALL AROUND THE WORLD PRAISING YOUR ART & SAYING HOW MUCH THEY LOVE & ENJOY YOUR DECK!;D How Cool is THAT for Legacy?;D lol

tip; you can always consider patreon or fund raising platforms like kickstarter and indiegogo but those are of more use when you have your art ready to print! And will require promotion
and social network & web page (you can create free web page on google like I did here; https://sites.google.com/view/myluckycard/home & levelupenterprises offer best solution for pro web page you need to present your deck!;)
& newsletter you'll need to figure yourself!(I've started it by google Bcc should work & mailchimp is what most people use!;)
As 1st requirement for people to buy your deck is to know it exist & how to order?;D
so checking youtube for reviews is also good idea!;D

tip; Learn from from success! Have a deck you like? Check publisher and artist! And how it get published!
tip; Learn from failure! so you’ll avoid repeating same mistakes!:)


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Wednesday, 16 October 2019

Makeplayingcards aka mpc review!;)

My 1st mpc order arrived few days ago & i'm posting this mini review to share my experience!;)
1) I was surprised how fast my order arrived & how well it was packed to ensure safety!;) 
I uploaded front & back img for Big size 84card deck & ordered it shrinkwrapped & Tarot size tin & opted for regular shipping option with extra 2$ for tracking it take mpc 8 days to process/print & only 12 days to arrive so it take total of 20days from uploading to having my deck!;)
Must say I like this Big Card size as imo Tarot Art is a gallery of 78 mini paintings & people will get a chance to appreciate it even more if you remember to offer larger than Standard Tarot size edt!;)
especially if your art is full of tiny details so even my hands are tiny & my (close) vision is ok Bridge is my fav size I totally recommend this Big Card size!;)

Note; Printer CoLoRs Geek Talk Warning Read it if You Dare You May Learn Something New!;D
This is one of my *test decks i've printed just to check printer coloration (as you probably know by now screen colors are digital system aka RGB & work with screen light printer don't have! & therefore bit different than printer colors aka CMYK that usually end up much darker printed than on screen!;) & to see how printed colors compare to my screen colors & must say I was surprised by result as it looks almost like my screen BUT my experience with other printers was;"Printed Colors Are Always Darker Than Your Screen Colors" Not True with mpc 300gsm/Standard cardstock i used it was actually lighter!x.x or so it seems until i remembered to check it under different light angle & turns out Card Finish Also Determine Colors!  in short;
Standard Cardstock=too reflective=colors look light & lack contrast!x.x so another reason I definitely recommend linen cardstock!;D (Sorry no pic for copyright case!;)

I also ordered mpc generic Tarot size tin to check size quality & how many cards they fit!;)
& Happy to say it's good quality & perfect size imo can easily fit 80/90 310gsm linen card deck!:D
My Only remark is mpc logo (but i asked about it & got reply they can provide generic Tarot size tins without mpc logo for larger quantities orders!;)

also wish they offer similar *deep tin for 90 bridge/poker size deck!;) I've already submitted my request & will upload this review moment i got reply!;)

how mpc compare to other PoD services I've used?
*easy file upload (my were standard file format png & rgb colors)
*fast production &
*fast shipping time with tracking option
*good quality & plenty options to choose from!;)

Downside
#expensive fancy options & addons
#lack of good search tool for shop
#lack of good statistic page

& with this i conclude my review hope you like & find it useful! feel free to ask me anything! & be sure to check my other posts/reviews! 
All Best! 
reall/Irena
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Wednesday, 14 August 2019

HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH YOUR OWN TAROT OR ORACLE DECK Digital Course Pack by Benebell Wen reviewed by reall

I don't usually post my book reviews (outside goodreads!;)
& this exception is to share my enthusiasm & spread the word to Tarot/Oracle deck creators about this Awesome resource being available just in case you wish to learn from Success & raise your chances for same!;)

Needless to say i'm big fan of benebellwen blog & was watching progress of her Spirit Keeper'sTarot journey from start to finish & amazed by complexity & all tiny details she decided to incorporate in her illustrations as well as progress & working ethic it represent so it's not surprise how well it was received & sold out!:)

Even as experienced selfpublished Tarot & Oracle deck creator (full list of my selfpublished decks on my official web page; https://sites.google.com/view/myluckycard/home!^^)
I 'm well aware I need some boost especially in *How to Marketing & Costumer Support area & got myself this material 1st chance i got not only because Benebell Wen is my fav blogger & awesome rolemodel for every Selfpublisher but also as a way to say Thank You & Show my Support & Appreciation for All interesting posts tips & free downloads she's providing on her blog & youtube channel!^^ Thank You I enjoy All!^^

I Click that buy now button moment this course was out! (Thank You paypal!^^) & anxiously waited what will I got? Must say I Love Books!:D All Topics & reading on my tab is my favorite so I've purchased various digital books & resources before from different publishers & never regretted as I prefer reading my books digital it saves me *labor of flipping pages or lifting heavy books not to mention storage space & thinking;"hm, where did i l put that book?" or worst=dust sweeping!^^ lol (Angel Evoking Tarot pack by Awesome Travis McHenry my fav of recently & another example how to run successful ks be sure to check!;)

My indie-deck-creator-course zip file arrived next day by introductory email & here is what you get for 40$ it's priced; (I switch to large icons for better overview & click for larger img!;)

Unzip aka extract your files & you may be bedazzled by all icons you'll find in this folder!;D
Fear not! Even if it's plenty material as it's full INDIE DECK CREATOR COURSE after all!
It's all well written & covered topics are sorted in comprehensive chapters & lessons you'll be glossing up in no time!;)

1st thing i did; check image file folders for my journal covers & must say i like selection here!^^ Covers all tastes & my favorites are Guardian Angel 1900 German Postcard & Jonquil (1896) Eugène Grasset & Hearst Castle photo for my Oracle Lenormand & Tarot journals (Yes i have plenty ideas for all these +some playing cards my journals will fill up in no time!;)

also you need to check these journals to see how awesome they are Lenormand my favorite it's just calling you to paint your card (here is preview to give you idea what it include hopefully i'm not breaking any copyright!;)


& here is pic to give you idea what your journal will cover;
included Title Correspondence & Metaphysical References Chart are my favorites & best resource for artist so I recommend these if you are new to this!;)

Next I was drawn to check *Select Sections of Lessons Learned folder & Must say this is awesome idea to offer book chapters as separate pdfs as it let you quickly review relevant content without need to flip over full book & provide better feel of reading progress!:)
also must say I like formatting here as it reads perfectly on my small tab screen!;)

so here is list of lessons pdfs & short summary;


Full Book is single pdf titled YOUR TEXTBOOK Lessons Learned from Launching an Indie Deck & collects all these lessons with photos & extra snippets of wisdom starting with best advice you can get if you are creating your own deck so definitely worth revisiting!^^ I've read both in order to provide Best review & must say I like All author ideas & attention to details & honest insight you get in each topic + my favorites Extra Materials & plenty free legal advices & forms (including Terms & Conditions of Sales I've added to my officialweb page as recommended you should do!;) & pre formatted books templates you can use asap!^^ if I ever offer my books printed it will be thanks to these as figuring out book formatting rules simply not my thing!x,x lol
Note journals are are also given this way in sectional chapters as separate files & single book!;)
& you can also print All these materials for personal use or order *printed book & journals from lulu all details on author web page; https://benebellwen.com/2019/07/04/how-to-self-publish-your-tarot-or-oracle-deck/

there is also Free Course for Writing and Publishing Nonfiction (with Module IV and V educational content specific for deck creators. you can benefit if your deck need guidebook!:)
& paid course on legality contract imo definitely worth checking out before you sign it/better safe than sorry haha so true!;D


Benebell Wen openly speaks about All Costs & Everything You Need to Know & consider before jump to print & selfpublish your deck with mass printer (or sign up legally binding contract with publisher!;) & covers all relevant topics in sequential order from illustration & card design to book & box formatting & digital file preparation to Marketing & Tips on shipping distribution & Costumer Service providing plenty of tips & wise legal advices you will use from start "Pay yourself first" to end of your project; "Ignorance is not bliss when signing legal contract"!;) so true!
& Final Lessons is titled; Was it worth it? 
Must say i was lol reading as it's so honest & exact on spot so Yes, THIS is Exactly Why You Need to read This Book BEFORE turning your Dream into (Wonderful?) Reality!?^^ just so you are Clear what to expect in case your Muse is calling!:)
also book ends with plenty of interesting working notes & exercises I like!:)
+printer list & Much more you'll had to discover for yourself!:)

& there is also Q& A: PASSWORDPROTECTED DISCUSSION PAGE on author website just for enrollees where you can post author questions share whatever you wish about your project or just say Hi!;)

In My honest opinion by reading this book & implementing even single tip & advice mentioned you will benefit asap & in future (I know I did!;) as it'll boost your sales significantly + you'll earn & Save Much more than 40$ this course is priced by avoiding all pitfalls waiting along your Selfpublisher Way!^^ ;)

& if you wish to skip this mass printing (& shipping!) hassle & save yourself major risk investment of hard work time nerves & money it require l recommend you try my favorite print on demand; https://www.thegamecrafter.com/

(Note this is where this review ends & start my *Selfpublisher experience so you are free to skip or read further at your own risk!:)

As experienced selfpublished Tarot & Oracle Artist & Author I've used All popular print on demand services including printerstudio & Makeplayingcards as well as drivethrucards
& gamecrafter is still my favorite for best traffic & easy shop set up & img upload & big selection of game parts & accessories they offer as well as international shipping options!
& there is also laboratory option introduced if you game require specific extra customization
(I plan using it to ask for Tarot & Bridge size tins as well as printed cloth!;) will update with more info soon!;)

imo drivethrucards have best (Embossed) cardstock & clear snap on plastic box for poker & bridge size cards but annoying set up & file preparation!X//
& both printerstudio & makeplaying cards lack search tool & statistic & shipping quality!

also I printed number of my decks in advance with (sadly) Only good Pod I find in EU/Italy (full review here! 60 of each of my Tarot decks total=240 decks it was significant investment as *luxury EU 2 piece Sturdy box edt) thinking Sure, I can sell it within a year. Big Mistake, l forgot shipping cost I need to pay each time I have order as even if my printer was kind enough to provide drop shipping it's unable to receive order directly from my costumer so I'm also filling shipping form for each & every single order manually (& stress seeing shipping cost for 1 Deck to EU not to mention International aka US or Spain? X.x lucky only 1 my deck is *popular & *Sold Out* while others are barely struggling collecting dust!^^ lol) Whole reason I moved part of my *luxury EU decks to pro shipping provider in Germany l recommend https://www.mailboxde.com heartily as Life Saver & plan using it more in future!:D read my full review here!;)

& after All delays I had with my EU printer when my decks were finally *printed & ready to ship I've posted it for sale on my official web page & listed on easy & ebay & posted on fb ig & forum hoping to spread a word & way for people to know it exist all it help only little so imo some decks will sell on their own & other will just struggle it's that X popularity factor no one can predict. Benebell Wen course offer tips how to boost it & I noticed best boost in my traffic were thanks to my fav youtube video reviews!:D Thank You vlogers & reviewers!^ ^

Also agree selling from your official web page is best as it eliminates 3rd party fees!^^
& printing larger number of decks at once gives you better price per deck & reduce your printing cost but imo if you do that presales are best as it allows you to collect funds for printing in advance & give you idea how much you can expect to sell & need to print to cover your present & (hopefully) future demand?;)

also my main concern with mass print is shipping cost so check it in advance & get exact spec from your printer then check shipping options for domestic & international Before printing Big Number of Decks! (shipping+insurance+tracking+packaging material all costs etc full covered in Digital Course!:)

Pod may had bad reputation BUT that was before now they IMPROVED cardstock significantly & as long as it say 300gsm & linen/Embossed (aka linen textured card surface ) it's Ok!:)
also avoid gloss & sharp corners!(most pod don't have this anyway so you are safe!;)

& if there is anything else I could ask from this course that would be glossary of all decks mentioned as examples with direct links to author pages!^^ lol

& with this I conclude my review & extra tips I hope you find useful!:)

feel free to ask me anything I'm always happy to help with tips & all!;)

All Best!
MyLuckyCard
reall/Irena







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