Alien Empires now live on KS

[badpete69]

[theCapraAegagrus]

If I'm trying to be positive: The number cards look kinda good...

[Bradius]

What a nice approach TwoPieceFeed. I would like to continue your idea by completing the creator in his choice of four suits for the deck.

[theCapraAegagrus]

What a nice approach TwoPieceFeed. I would like to continue your idea by completing the creator in his choice of four suits for the deck.

[PipChick]

The creation of this deck is obviously a labor of love and I think the design might very much appeal to the tastes of a very specific collector; unfortunately, not to mine.

It was interesting to see the progress of this deck's concept and design of which I'm thankful the creator shared with us.

Best of luck Dan with the campaign.

[Bradius]

I noticed the creator has posted his designs on UC and shown passion for this deck. An alien deck is really not my thing. However, funding is slow and 2 deck EB for $20 including shipping. I’m in for 2 decks. Good luck.

[DanFeldmeier]

That's right folks, I've relaunched Alien Empires on Kickstarter! If you're looking for something fairly unique to the playing card world, I think you should check this out! Plus, there's not just one early bird special for a single deck of cards, there's a second early bird special for two decks of cards, what's not to love!

Here's the Kickstarter link:
http://kck.st/2Krdkcx

And a peek at the Hearts from the deck can be found below, and the rest of the court cards can be found on my campaign:

[DanFeldmeier]

If I'm trying to be positive: The number cards look kinda good...

I'll take what I can get as far as positive comments go

I do appreciate the honesty.

I'm always open to feedback, and I can't get better if I don't know where to improve. With that being said, if I end up launching a new deck of playing cards down the road, I'd be totally with advice/suggestions to make the cards more suitable to a wider audience without sacrificing overall vision.

[DanFeldmeier]

The creation of this deck is obviously a labor of love and I think the design might very much appeal to the tastes of a very specific collector; unfortunately, not to mine.

It was interesting to see the progress of this deck's concept and design of which I'm thankful the creator shared with us.

Best of luck Dan with the campaign.

Thank you for the kind words PipChick! I totally understand that going with aliens in with a fairly non-standard look to everything, I was running the risk of not suiting everyone's tastes, but I'm glad I did. Like you said, this is very much a labor of love and I'm proud of what I created. I also recognize that there's likely areas I could improve the next time I do a deck of cards.

[DanFeldmeier]

I noticed the creator has posted his designs on UC and shown passion for this deck. An alien deck is really not my thing. However, funding is slow and 2 deck EB for $20 including shipping. I’m in for 2 decks. Good luck.

I can't really express how much I appreciate you backing my campaign, it truly means a lot. I loved making this deck and everything else associated with it. I've had lots a great conversations with many new people and have learned so much. Again, thank you!

[Räpylätassu]

I do think that the artwork is well made, but it's just too weird for me to back. That sentence might be the reason this hasn't raised that much money yet.

It's well made, deserves to fund but this seems to be too out there for most potential backers.

[Räpylätassu]

If this fails to fund, I think would be wise to put this design in the shelf for a while. I would like to see you design an another deck however, you are clearly talented.

Uutta matoa koukkuun, as they say here in Finland. Translates roughly to: A new worm to to the hook.

[Bradius]

True, but the thing is this is something Dan has been working on for years. It is really his passion as I started to read more about what he explains a bit in the campaign. Part of this includes a booklet that goes into more detail about the creatures depicted and about them. I like the fact that this is a much more evolved deck than I thought at first glance. I really hope it funds because it should be produced by a good printer. IF you do back it, make sure you add on the booklet. And I am saying this as someone who really doesn't want an alien deck...man, to get me past that...

[flashcards]

Dan came here early in the process, listened to advice, and produced what I thought was a very innovative deck at the time. It didn't fund and in the interim there have been a few other alien themed and/or extremely colorful decks. I liken it to Visago. Honestly, the theme of either of these was not the big selling point for me. It was the bold use of color and the non-standard design that made me pledge. Neither deck's style could ever be confused with any other. Dan also listened when we suggested (begged) him to go with a solid printer. His per deck is extremely reasonable. The EB's, which are getting more rare, are a real steal. He also listened when I suggested (begged) for a 2 deck EB. I prefer to get a pair of decks but at even $13 a deck I have to be extremely choosy (Steve Minty's new deck was no brainier because of the quality). Honestly, a lot of decks have not made the cut for a pair, but the $20 EB makes getting a pair of painstakingly designed, colorful, unusual cards printed by the best printing company in the world not only painless but very exciting. I collect playing cards, not tiny pieces of fine art and this is a deck(s) that I will be proud to not only display, but to handle and play with. This project really deserves to fund. If it doesn't fund, I agree with Rapy- put this back on the shelf for a while and try a different design. After a couple of successful projects, people will be more likely to snap this up. Best of luck, Dan.

[mrcrich]

I really like the artwork! I'm surprised it's not doing better than it currently is. Best of luck!

[DanFeldmeier]

Thanks for all the kind words, y'all are a pretty awesome group on here.

If this deck doesn't fund, I'll definitely work on a new deck or two, ones that lean a little more to the traditional side but still have a (hopefully) unique slant to them; in fact, I've already got ideas running through my head And of course I'll be on here showing progress and asking for advice.

I'll keep pushing Alien Empires until the campaign ends as it really does mean a lot to me to have it funded. The ooh's and aah's I get, and the look of excitement on people's faces when I show my prototype deck at conventions is inspiring, and I always feel bad when they ask to buy a deck but I don't have any available. If this funds, I won't have to say "sorry I don't have any available" any more, at least not until supplies run out.

I do have one small favor to ask everyone, if you haven't already done so, would you mind sharing the project? Even those who aren't exactly a fan, you may know someone who would be but who isn't aware the cards exist, every little bit is appreciated

Thanks again!

[DanFeldmeier]

Oh, and quick question, do you think people would be interested in a reward tier that not only got them a deck (or two) of cards, but also got them the original (and one of a kind but slightly worn) prototype deck, possibly with a card or the deck box signed?

It was printed through MPC on their standard card stock but like I said, it is a one of a kind item; the back is in black and white, and it's a full bleed, black border. It's a version that will never be printed again. What are your guy's thoughts?

[rousselle]

Oh, and quick question, do you think people would be interested in a reward tier that not only got them a deck (or two) of cards, but also got them the original (and one of a kind but slightly worn) prototype deck, possibly with a card or the deck box signed?

It was printed through MPC on their standard card stock but like I said, it is a one of a kind item; the back is in black and white, and it's a full bleed, black border. It's a version that will never be printed again. What are your guy's thoughts?

I think people would likely be interested. I've seen this done before, and those limited tiers do get snapped up.

[DanFeldmeier]

Oh, and quick question, do you think people would be interested in a reward tier that not only got them a deck (or two) of cards, but also got them the original (and one of a kind but slightly worn) prototype deck, possibly with a card or the deck box signed?

It was printed through MPC on their standard card stock but like I said, it is a one of a kind item; the back is in black and white, and it's a full bleed, black border. It's a version that will never be printed again. What are your guy's thoughts?

I think people would likely be interested. I've seen this done before, and those limited tiers do get snapped up.

Awesome, thanks! I don't know for sure what'd be a reasonable price for something like that. Not counting the early bird, 2 decks and an art book is comes out to $37, but the signed prototype deck? It has some sentimental value so I don't want to go cheap, but at the same time I'd like to see it end up in the hands of someone who really wants it and is willing to part with their hard-earned cash for it

[DanFeldmeier]

Hey guys, I've been doing updates on my Kickstarter telling the tales of the aliens in my deck. I'm only doing one of each Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, but wanted to let the people choose which Ace (or Alpha as I call them in the art book). I figured I'd let the people choose which Ace I'll be sharing the story of. Let me know which one you guys want to see me post about on my Kickstarter; they are in order, Spade, Heart, Club, and Diamond.

Of course, if you back the campaign and get the art book, you'll get to read the story for all of them

Spade


Heart


Club


Diamond

[DanFeldmeier]

Well folks, it looks like my campaign was unsuccessful. It's unfortunate as I was really looking forward to getting these made and getting those who loved the deck their cards.

It's not the end of Alien Empires, I will definitely do what I can to make them a reality, which may likely be another Kickstarter, but may be through other means (like if I win the lottery and can afford the upfront costs )

Regardless, I'd like to thank those on here who supported my campaign, while I didn't hit funding, I wouldn't have gotten as close as I did without you.

Sincerely,
Dan

[flashcards]

I've been a big supporter but it's probably a good time to let it rest for a bit. You have tons of talent so I'm sure you can come up with perhaps a more conventional theme, something that help you get your feet wet in the KS world.

When you do revisit Alien Empires perhaps make the figures a little less alien. I understand most movies and tv shows just slap some makeup on someone to make them alien. Can't believe all aliens out there are bipedal humanoids. Regardless, maybe dial it back a notch and give us something a little more relateable.

Anyway, you ran a good campaign with plenty of integrity. No shame there. I look forward to your next project.