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Join us for an exciting episode of Discourse in Magic as we welcome back Ben Train to discuss the launch of our latest project, the Campers Playing Cards. We explore our motivations behind creating this unique deck, our shared love for playing cards, and our desire to contribute something special to the magic community. We also touch on the practical enhancements designed to make these cards versatile for magicians, and the joy of seeing others use and appreciate our creations.

 In this episode, we take you through the creative journey behind the card deck’s design. From initial brainstorming sessions to the final camping-themed concept, we share the inspiration and artistic evolution that led to the deck’s unique aesthetic. Listen in as we recount personal stories and inspirations, and walk you through the practical steps of bringing our ideas to life with the help of industry giants like Bicycle.

Finally, we discuss the innovative marking system we’ve developed for these cards, designed to enhance magic performances. We also introduce our free PDF guide and an interactive Zoom session, tailored for both beginners and seasoned magicians. With our Kickstarter campaign well underway, we emphasize the importance of community support to make this project a reality and share our excitement for the upcoming launch. Don’t miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Campers Playing Cards!

Card Deck Launch Behind the Scenes 

We welcome back Ben Train to Discourse in Magic, where we shift our focus from magic performances to the exciting launch of our new project, the Campers Playing Cards. We explore our personal motivations behind creating a deck of cards, touching on our shared love for playing cards and our desire to contribute something tangible to the magic community. We discuss the functional enhancements we’ve included to make these cards more versatile for magicians, as well as the benefits of having custom decks for events, gifts, and personal use. Additionally, we reflect on the joy of seeing others use our creations and the practical aspects of distributing something that truly represents our brand.

Design Inspiration for Card Deck 

We take us on a journey through the creative process behind designing a unique deck of playing cards. We explore the initial motivation for creating the cards, emphasizing the importance of having a clear purpose and concept. The discussion reveals the inspiration and brainstorming sessions that led to the final camping-themed design. Along the way, we recount how initial ideas, such as using a spray paint can or a dog shaking off water, evolved into the concept of using reflections in water for a naturally symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing back design. The narrative also touches on personal inspirations, like a commissioned artwork of a woman blowing dandelions, before settling on the final concept. Finally, we highlight the practical steps involved in bringing these ideas to life with the help of companies like Bicycle.

Deck of Cards Aesthetic Design Discussion 

We explore the essential qualities of a perfect deck of cards for magic and cardistry. We discuss the importance of reflective back designs that maintain consistency across the deck, while avoiding symmetrical patterns that reveal reversed cards. Borders, particularly white ones, are a dealbreaker due to their potential to reveal card orientation and fraying issues. The color scheme for card faces should stick closely to traditional black and red for clarity, avoiding confusing variations. We emphasize the need for recognizable and distinguishable royal cards to facilitate easy performance and gameplay. Additionally, the aesthetics of a deck play a crucial role, as the design should resonate personally and fit various contexts, whether matching an outfit or evoking nostalgia. Lastly, we touch on our own approach to creating a deck that meets these criteria, encouraging listeners to check out our Kickstarter for visual details.

Magician’s Guide and Camping Tricks 

We reveal our offer for a free PDF, “The Magician’s Guide to Camping and Card Tricks,” which is tailored for beginners and laypeople, providing instructions on card tricks, marking systems, and camping games. We discuss the interactive Zoom video session where we will perform, teach, and engage in a Q&A, ensuring a tailored experience based on the attendees. Additionally, we introduce our premium $1,000 package, which includes two bricks of cards, the PDF, Zoom call, uncut sheet, recording of the session, and an exclusive all-expenses-covered cottage trip (excluding flight) with us and special guests, designed for an immersive magic experience with great amenities and magic jams.

Mentions

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/torontomagiccompany/campers-playing-cards
https://www.instagram.com/train.ben/