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Grid Series One – Typographic Playing Cards – by Luke Wadey
You may well remember from a wee while ago, I wrote a review about a deck of cards by UK designer Luke Wadey, called Hawk Playing Cards. I admit that the review was undeservedly less than favourable, but Luke contacted me after reading it, and very graciously accepted what I had to say and vowed to come back bigger and better. Well, he’s only gone and bloody done it! Grid Series One – Typographic Playing Cards by Luke Wadey are on Kickstarter until 23rd May 2017, and they look amazing. It has already reached £810 of a £2000 goal within the first day alone – no mean feat.
Luke has gone right back to the drawing board (a short trip, since he’s a graphic designer) and essentially reinvented the playing card. Described as “minimal and restrictive” this deck is also paradoxically jam-packed with detail, meaning each card can be read whichever way you’re holding them, with each way being different – it’s all so very, very clever.
The deck uses the ‘International Typographic Style’, a design style which originated in Russia, the Netherlands, and Germany in the 1920’s, and was further developed in Switzerland in the 1940’s and 50’s. Specifically designed to emphasise cleanliness, readability and objectivity, this ensures that the cards have a fresh, neoteric, and contemporary look.
We still have the traditional red and black suits – shweet – which Luke mixes up with simple wording, abbreviations, and shorthand, so we are never in any doubt as to what each card is. The tuck box and backs are simply grey and yellow, and the whole thing just bloody works. And Joker collectors won’t be disappointed either… check this out…
Ok, I admit, it might not be a deck for a flourisher or a magician, but collectors will go ga-ga over this deck. I’m already in for a couple and I’m looking forward to getting them, which Luke reckons will be around the end of this Summer. Oh, and each backer will also get a certificate of gratitude and ownership of each deck. Nice touch. Since this is the first in a series of three decks, I’m eagerly awaiting the other two Kickstarter campaigns. Great stuff Luke. All the best with your campaign :)
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I love these unique graphic playing cards! I’ve never seen customized cards that look this good before! I wish him every luck and hope this deck gets funded, they’re great!
I really like the Captive Soul deck and the fact that 50% of the sale price goes to Born Free. I think its very cool that there’s several different choices of design and color. The T-shirt options are great!
Thanks Makayla, it’s a really handsome deck isn’t it? I’m sure it will get funded – it’s only on it’s second day and already more than half way there :)
Those look very cool! I would love to have a few decks. Is kickstarter just to donate, or are you actually buying the product? If so, how much are they?
I think it is very neat that you influenced the designer with a review of his other cards. You are partially to thank for this very nice new deck he has created!
Thank you for sharing this!
Hi Sam, thanks for the comment.
Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform, meaning that you could help get these cards produced by pledging for a deck or two. I’m not sure where in the world you are, but I’m in the UK and for £22 I’ll be getting 2 decks (postage included). That might seem like a lot for a deck of playing cards, but as with all the other decks on KS these will have a limited print run, making them highly collectable. Why not get yourself a deck or two? I guarantee they’ll be a talking point at any poker night :)