November shipping for pledges without gold decks...
7 months ago – Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 03:08:05 PM

Hello and happy Halloween! 

Here is a long-awaited update. Nos, the addresses have been collected and locked, supports will be divided into two categories: those that include gold decks and those that do not.

If your pledge does not include a gold deck, your deck(s) will be shipped in the coming weeks. I will provide tracking, and they will be sent automatically using the Dilivengo French delivery system provided by "La Poste." This means that your national delivery service (e.g., USPS for the USA, Royal Mail for the UK, etc.) will handle the delivery. I will mark the packages with a low value to minimize potential taxes. This is something I can do because I handle all the shipping myself with the help of my family, and I do not use an external service for packaging.

If your pledge includes one of the gold decks, your deck(s) will be on hold until the gold decks are released. Here's the current planning

If you've ordered multiple decks, I may send your other items first, but this will be considered on a case-by-case basis during the shipping preparation.

Thank you for your support and patience.

Fabien

There will only be one Gold Collector's Edition / Gilded decks
9 months ago – Wed, Aug 16, 2023 at 01:58:53 PM

I want to address a point that might not have been completely clear to everyone: there will only be one Gold Collector's Edition. If you decide to place an order during this initial campaign, there's no need to worry about obtaining it in subsequent campaigns; it will remain consistent. I aim to ensure the creation of the finest edition possible, and the Gold Edition will showcase distinct gold paper for each deck.

However, if you're interested in acquiring individual copies of the gold decks rather than the entire collection of six decks, this option is exclusively available through the upcoming individual deck campaigns.

Thanks to the resounding success of the new individual deck campaign, which allowed me to introduce the project to new supporters, I'm thrilled to announce that the cards in the Gold Edition will now be gilded.

48 hours remaining for the EXCELSIOR campaign here. For those seeking something extra special, the printing plates of this deck, along with uncut tuck boxes, are also accessible as add-ons.

Thanks for your support. 

Fabien @iammrcup

EXCELSIOR Campaign launch / New papers for gold edition / New timeline
9 months ago – Wed, Aug 09, 2023 at 12:49:31 PM

In just a few minutes, the second part of the Crossed Keys Gold Edition campaign will be launched. As previously mentioned in the last update, my original plan remains intact – to unveil a new campaign for each edition of the deck. 

This shift in direction is in line with the true essence of Kickstarter: the platform allows us to refine projects and elevate them to their utmost potential. This adaptability is key to crafting the finest project possible.

Undertaking a project of this magnitude single-handedly is a considerable feat. It's worth noting that all aspects, from conceptualization and design to funding, production, and fulfillment, are being meticulously handled by me. This includes my collaboration with Studio Pression in France for the tuck cases and Noir Arts in Ukraine, my trusted printing partner for playing cards. This partnership has flourished since my initial entry into the world of playing cards.

As the Gold Edition has reached the prototype phase, I've identified an avenue for improvement – the incorporation of diverse gold texture papers from the Gmund collection. Deviating from the original plan, I'm suggesting six different papers for a richer aesthetic experience. While this adjustment might seem like a departure, I'm confident that you will perceive it as a significant enhancement. Drawing from my experience as a graphic designer, I recognize the value of presenting only final concepts to avoid unfavorable reactions. Nonetheless, I am optimistic that enthusiasm will outweigh any potential criticisms stemming from this change.

In my vision for the project, I aim to incorporate the variations offered by the Gmund Gold collection into the design of the six different decks. Each deck will have its unique allure, showcasing the beauty and versatility of these premium materials.

I’ve always dreamed of having one of my decks adorned with gilded sides, adding a touch of opulence and grandeur. However, this process is rather intricate, and for now, Noir Arts, the studio I wish to collaborate with, is unable to achieve it. To make this dream a reality, I plan to have the cards printed by Noir Arts and then sent to another facility for gilding.

If the design of the cards will be the same as the white edition, the back of each deck will come with a gold back and if the project is a huge success I will try to do gold hot foil on the cards themselves… Launching new campaigns for each deck is a way for me to embark on an extraordinary adventure to create the most exceptional deck I can imagine.

Naturally, this shift will impact the project timeline. I extend my gratitude for your understanding on this. The updated schedule is as follows:

I know it is a jump of many months, but I hope you consider  it for the best. Those who participated in the first campaign and did not select a Gold Edition will receive their rewards in September.

For any inquiries, questions, or requests, please don't hesitate to contact me via Kickstarter messages or, even better, through an email at [email protected].

The project is coming to life at 10 PM Paris time here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mrcup/excelsior-playing-cards-gold-edition-cks-collection-2-6

Your unwavering support means the world to me. Thank you.

Fabien @iammrcup

A long due update, next step for the project
10 months ago – Thu, Jul 20, 2023 at 02:58:07 PM

Dear fellowship,

I hope this message finds you well. I must begin by apologizing for the delay in providing this update. Running a project of this scale has proven to be a significant challenge, and finding the right approach to keep it on track has been a learning process.

Additionally, my business has undergone some changes, which have taken my attention away from the project. Since transitioning to freelance graphic design in 2007, I have never encountered a moment quite like this. Currently, I do not have any client projects in progress, nor are there any signed contracts or upcoming plans. However, I want to share that this situation has brought me immense joy.

With this newfound freedom, I have been able to dedicate my time to my true passion: vintage typography. I'm excited to inform you that I have recently sent my latest book project to the printer, and I am eagerly anticipating reaching out to designers for the upcoming letterpress calendar.

Now, let's talk about the Crossed Keys project. When I initially launched it, my plan was to follow the model of the successful Planets project and fund each deck separately. I realized that launching everything at once may have been confusing and did now allow you to get each decks as you want them.

Therefore, I have decided to return to my original idea and conduct short crowdfunding campaigns for each deck. I'm thrilled to announce that following I will launch the funding campaign for the Excelsior deck as soon as Kickstarter allow me to do it. This collector's gold edition deck will be available alone and not only with the full collection.

For those of you who are not interested in the Gold editions and would prefer to only get the items from the first campaign, you'll have the opportunity to do so in September. At that time, I will close the backer kit addresses, and if your reward does not include the Gold edition, your items will be shipped.

To be sure you will understand: color and white collections are already printed, but the gold collection decks are just prototypes for the photos, and the printing will be done at the end of the year. 

I cannot express my gratitude enough for your unwavering support throughout this journey. Your belief in my work and passion for vintage typography have been the driving force behind this project. I sincerely hope you will continue to follow me on this exciting adventure.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being an integral part of this journey.

Fabien

Backerkit Survey coming in 2 hours - April 4th at 00h30 GMT (3h30 PM PST - 6h30 PM EST)
about 1 year ago – Mon, Apr 03, 2023 at 01:14:53 PM

Hope you are fine. I get the approval from Backerkit and the survey is now ready. As it will include the printing plate for the 1st deck of the collection (the Crossed Keys society deck), I will send all the surveys simultaneously.  And as you have waited enough, I will send them at 00h30 Paris time, so in a little bit more than 2 hours from now. 

Check your inbox at 00h30 GMT - 3h30 PM PST - 6h30 PM EST

3 plates will be available: one for the gold, one for the white, and white for the ornament embossing. 

You would also be able to add unglued tuck cases for the black and white edition of Deck 1. 

My idea is to launch another campaign for Deck 2 Excelsior as soon as possible, followed by Deck 3 Imperial Ritz some weeks later. Like this, you will have access to each deck in gold edition. I hope you like the idea. 

Thanks for your patience. 

Fabien www.mrcup-shop.com