End of June Update
over 1 year ago – Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 11:41:14 AM

Hi All,

Here's another update for you! Things continue to move forward. Since the last update, the work on revising the packaging for the main seven companion decks is complete. Here’s a look at some of the results:

And, here’s the most thrilling thing ever, so prepare yourself:

We have new UPC symbols!

Turns out, I had ghetto bar codes. There are several online sources you can use to get UPC symbols from your products. But the best source is GS1, a non-profit, international organization that creates a prefix that is specific to your business. Using them is a much better way to ensure there aren’t shipping or scanning problems at home or internationally going forward. Well, get excited, because we now have the most luxe bar codes in international commerce!

With these new bar codes, there were small revisions to the package layouts to the Core Set, the Core Set Expansion, and the 60 card decks as well.

Here’s the good news about all of this: getting this additional round of revisions and fine tuning to the package designs done now means that once we can pull the trigger on printing, it will all be done already. Which prevents potential production slowdowns, since we’re addressing issues now and not during proofing and prototypes. With all this fine-detail attention being paid to the design files now, I’m hoping that will result in an extra smooth and speedy production process.

PDF Printable Files

I’ve seen comments asking about progress on the home printout PDF versions. I had said in a previous update that I was working with a new design group on the revisions to the Companion Deck packaging, and that once that work was complete, I was going to get them started on laying out and generating the pdfs. I had calls this weekend that got the work started, and it’s currently in progress. I’ll show you the results as soon as we have something, and once we do, they should be able to get set up for downloading more or less immediately. I plan to use Backerkit for this, just as I did for the initial BxW pdf downloads of the Core Set and the Epic Fantasy companions. If there’s anyone reading this who didn’t take advantage of these print & play versions, they’re still available to you - just sign back in to your Backerkit profile.

Change of Addresses

I’ve mentioned this before, but I want to make sure everyone it pertains to knows: I still have not locked addresses. I’m waiting until production begins. So, anyone who has moved since the initial Backerkit survey went out is free to sign back into their Backerkit profile and change their mailing address. Once it’s time to lock addresses, I will go back through all the Kickstarter DMs I've received regarding changes of address, and make sure the new address that was specified by these folks is their current mailing address in Backerkit. But there’s no need to depend on me to fix it for you, because you all still have access.

Production Update?

This I’m sure is the main question on everyone’s mind. Yes, there is movement, and things are looking very positive. I will say more once I have more specifics. Please know I’m working very hard at getting everything locked down, so I can give you clear & accurate information.

I also want to talk a sec about the time in-between project updates. Often, there’s a week or two where I’m feeling (and probably you are too) that a project update is due. Usually, if there's a delay in getting it out, it's because I’m waiting until a particular task or aspect of the project is complete, so I can report it finished and show you a look at the results. In the last update, I let you know about the re-sizing of the Companion Deck packaging, and showed off the new art. This time, we’ve been on the verge of wrapping that up and being done for a number of days, but there was always one more little thing to fix. Now, I can well and truly report that it’s in the ‘done’ column, and show you the finished files. Same goes for the PDF downloads - I wanted to have had the brief with the designers before doing the update, because saying they’ve been briefed & that the work is happening is much more substantial than saying “I’m totally gonna brief them soon”.

I hope to be in touch in the VERY near future with good news. Please try and hang in there just a bit longer.

Hope everyone’s summer is off to a good start.

Cheers,

Clark

Package Revisions, New Art, and Print Progress
over 1 year ago – Fri, May 19, 2023 at 02:16:56 PM

Hi All,

It’s been a very busy month. You’ve seen the prototypes for the Core Categories, and the Epic Fantasy and Horror & Urban Fantasy Companion Decks. I now also have (with a slight color improvement) prototypes for the Contemporary, Steampunk & Victorian, and Sci Fi & Cyberpunk Companions.

An unexpected Design Change

After getting the prototypes and having a conversation with the printer, it was clear I had to change the configuration of the packaging for the 224 card Companion Decks. The original concept for them was a square 2 piece box, and I made all 7 pieces of cover art to fit this configuration. However, the square wasn’t a perfect fit for the card count. There was too much room left in the box, and it would’ve cost more to create some kind of bumper on either side of the cards to keep them in place. So we pivoted to a tuck box that could be designed to fit the card count exactly. Problem is, the result was more of a rectangle, and so I needed to convert my square, 3-character cover images into rectangular compositions that would accommodate the logo and title information. So now, one character each for the top, front, and back panels. We’re busy finalizing the graphic design side of this, but here’s a look at the new final art:

Many of the characters needed areas of their bodies completed or filled in, and I pulled in project artist M. Wayne Miller to assist. In some instances, it also gave us the chance to give existing characters some upgrades:

For some of the characters from the 3-character compositions, I felt they just weren’t strong enough conceptually to stand completely on their own. So, they got replaced with all new, cooler-looking characters. I’m very happy with the results:

I want to mention that the new Companion Deck packaging will still feature spot UV.

I’m also working with a new design group that should be able to help me with any remaining layout tweaks, and also, with getting both the color and BxW home printer versions of the decks laid out and available for you. Up until now, the choice for me has been between working on the printable files, or continuing to drive the final project forward. Now, the design group can work on the the digital download versions while I continue to get the printed cards completed.

Reassurance

Here’s something I’d like to address. I’m still seeing comments that claim this project is dead, that I’ve lied to you, scammed you, or stolen your money. I want to make it clear in no uncertain terms that this is not the case. This is still very much a live project that I have every intention of fulfilling, and I’m working every day to move it closer to that goal. Though there are things about this that remain outside my control, I’m still striving for fulfillment to happen this summer. Please ask yourself: would I have spent the last month re-working 21 pieces of packaging art if my intention was to skate off with your money and not deliver? I’ve been forthright with you that there is indeed a funding gap. I’ve also let you know there is a solution: an interested investor, who's given me a clear goal regarding proving market viability. Work on that is going swiftly and successfully:  I’m out there promoting the product, and in response, I've gotten serious interest and excitement from college and university bookstore buyers and game retailers. As far as an availability date, I'm telling them the same timeline I’m telling you.  Meanwhile, calls and meetings with the printer are still happening. Designs are getting adjusted, and final costs and payment schedules are getting established. If you’re frustrated and impatient about the rate of progress, I understand, and I totally get it. But if you’re going to be frustrated, at least be frustrated about the right things. I’ve poured too much love, care, and creative energy into this project to even consider not seeing it through.

I’ll aim to update you again right after Memorial Day weekend.

Cheers,

Clark

Prototypes Video 1
over 1 year ago – Sun, Apr 16, 2023 at 06:04:43 AM

Hi All,

Here's a look at the prototype decks I told you about! In this video, you'll get a look at the Core cards, the Epic Fantasy Companion, and the Horror & Urban Fantasy Companion. I give you a category by category look, and then put some character combos together for both the Fantasy and the Horror sets.

Sorry for the shaky camera work! I couldn't find the mount I needed to make my poseable phone arm work. Hopefully by the end of this week, I'll have prototypes for the Contemporary, Steampunk & Victorian, and Sci Fi & Cyberpunk sets, and when I shoot video for those, I'll try and get my mount properly set up.

Please let me know what you think of this first look at the physical cards.

Cheers,

Clark

End of March Update
over 1 year ago – Sat, Apr 01, 2023 at 09:39:40 AM

Hey all,

I know this update is way late, especially after my all-too-zealous announcement at the beginning of the year that you’d be getting updates weekly. You have my sincere apologies for the radio silence. But, during this time, there’s been a LOT of movement in on the project, and much of it required very time sensitive work on my part. I thought that, given the choice, you’d all approve of me prioritizing pushing the project forward (even though I have lots to tell you!) If such a grace period existed, it’s clearly expired by now, and I absolutely wanted to stop and update you.

As you all know, I’ve been actively seeking outside funding to get us over the finish line. Though I can’t report confirmed success yet, I feel I’m definitely on the right road, and making serious progress. Our Interested Party has given me one last quest - and that’s to quantify interest in PSYCHE on the retail level in college bookstores. Based on my prior experience with college bookstores with the original Reckless Deck, I’m feeling very positive about our odds. Prepping for this run at university bookstore buyers is one of the things I’ve been focused on. My hope is that this last bit of market research is the key to getting the presses moving.

For these buyers, we don’t need actual orders, or a particular quantity of units. All we’re looking for is for them to express serious willingness to place the product in their stores. If we get enough schools to commit, our goal will be to get them their product in time for them to put it on shelves for the start of the Fall 2023 semester. From that, you should be able to tell a lot about the timing I’m hoping for for production and fulfillment of your Kickstarter orders. (the intent would be to get the Kickstarter fulfilled BEFORE shipping to colleges and universities, in case that wasn’t clear.) I can’t give you any firm dates or confirm any of this is definite, because there are still too many variables that are outside my control. But I’m hoping we’re getting really close to the final print run getting underway.

Here is another instance of where some of you might be able to help. If any of you work in bookstores (college or non-college-related), game and hobby shops, or museum gift shops - or are friends with people who do - any confirmed retailers willing to place Psyche on their shelves once we have the product in hand would be a win towards proving market strength to our Interested Party. Like I said, there’s no commitment to order or payment needed at this point. If you know a buyer or a store you think might be interested, I would send along the same supporting materials and sample kit I’m sending to the schools on our call list, and they would be able to make the assessment for themselves about whether they think Psyche is a good fit for their store.

If you or a retailer you know would like to get in touch about this, you can leave a comment here for me to follow up with you directly, or email me at [email protected].

I have MUCH more to tell you, but its clear to me this content back-up is going to have to come in several installments.

• I have PROTOTYPES I’m dying to show you! Yes, actual, physical Psyche cards. They’re RAD.
• I’ve made decisions on what to do regarding the format for the downloadable versions we’ve been talking about. We’ll discuss further, but the answer seems to to both the simple BxW and the color versions.
• Do you remember last year, I raised the idea of us doing Psyche Zoom workshops, where we can use the decks to create some stellar characters and stories together? I’d like to re-visit this, and try to get our first one on the calendar (you’d all be invited to attend, but I think it’s only fair that we start with the original 3 backers who were the first to say that’d like to be participants. If they’re not available, I’ll work my way up the list.) How about one evening Eastern Time, the week after Easter?

OK, more very, very soon. I hope you’re all well, and thank you again for your continued patience and faith in the project.

Clark

End of February Update
almost 2 years ago – Mon, Feb 27, 2023 at 05:48:51 AM

Hi All,

Sorry this latest edition is a bit late. I’ve had a sick kid home from school this week (who is now thankfully on the mend).

Update on Printing

I am being as proactive as I possibly can regarding getting production moving. I have investor-related meetings on the books that have unfortunately been delayed briefly, due to health concerns on their end. I want very much to report instant results for you, but instead I’m trying to be as Jedi as possible with my patience and faith in the universe as these events unfold. I will of course keep you posted on any and all developments.

Additional Orders & Pricing Info

Some of you have messaged me saying, “I wish I hadn’t missed the window on some of those expansions”, or “I wish I had ordered more during the campaign”. Though your original Kickstarter and Backerkit orders are all locked, anyone who wants to place an additional order still can. The pre-order platform is still open, and all the campaign items are still available. Additionally, any preorder funds raised (literally every cent of it) will go directly towards completion of the project.

In the last update, I let you know about some of the cost specifics of individual items. Based on the current, post-Covid, US-based manufacturing rates, the prices for 224-card Companion Decks and 60-card Mini Companions need to be raised in the pre-order store. But, I will leave them at their current prices for one week for any of you that want to place another order. So, the morning of Monday, March 6th, the main Companion decks will be going from $20 to $26, and the Mini Companions will be going from $10 to $14. (This DOES NOT AFFECT any currently placed Kickstarter or Backerkit orders - this only applies to NEW orders that come in after 3/6.)

Designs for Printable Version

I’ve been working on the downloadable versions of the decks many of you have been asking for. These are the simplified backgrounds I’ve come up with so far:

Here’s the thing, though: I checked in with Mary Ann, the project’s graphic designer, and she believes that even though these are simplified designs, the fact that they’re in full color like this is going to suck up a TON of your printer ink. And, it’s going to make the file sizes for the PDFs really large. The color Print & Play sampler for original RD available on our website is only 85 cards. The Psyche Companion Decks have nearly three times that number.

My question is (and yes I’d like to hear from you in the comments about this), is this still what you want? Making black & white versions of this content, like the downloadable ones for the Core Set and the Epic Fantasy Companion is still an option (like this):

These clearly won’t have the same aesthetic punch, but they'll still get you all the content you’re asking for (and more quickly), and have a much lower impact on your home printer.

I understand though that choosing this simpler option will require a decent amount of trust that the final versions of the cards will indeed happen. Please let me know in the comments which version of the PDF content you’d like to see, and I’ll pursue it.

Anthology Update

Here’s a first look at the layout, featuring the opening page spreads of three stories, and their awesome art by Reiko Murakami!

The final layout for the anthology is the very last bit of design work Mary Ann and I are finishing up. Compared to the cards, this is relatively easy. I am writing the foreword now, and assembling the info for the copyright page (all publication rights revert back to the individual authors after this edition is completed). Mary Ann already has a complete first draft of the finished book except for these remaining last details. This thing is gonna be FAT - close to 400 pages - so make room on your shelf.

Community Call to Action

Some of you have been messaging me asking how you can help. First, I have to say I appreciate this beyond belief. Thank you for your sustained (or rekindled) interest in this project after so many ups and downs.

The easiest and most helpful thing at this point would be for you to follow Reckless Deck on Instagram (if you haven’t already), and interact with the posts. Please also consider posting your own Reckless Deck-related creations with the hashtag “#RecklessDeck”.

Afew months ago, I asked you to potentially ”say something nice” on RD’s social media. I realize now that out of context, this was a preposterous ask. What I knew then that I couldn’t yet tell you was that, a) I was most likely getting legal control of RD back in my hands, and that b) I soon would be seeking outside investor funding. To help that succeed, the best grassroots thing you as the backer community could do would be to provide consistent evidence on social media that, even though there’s frustration and even anger at the state of things, there is also still a real desire and enthusiasm for the finished product, and an engaged community that is still willing to express positivity, despite the setbacks.

I hope this provides some context for that oddball request a while ago, and I hope you’ll join me on Instagram to help me lock in the additional funding.

I’m attempting to post as consistently as possible, with cool art, Creative Hacks, and character-creating challenges. Soon I hope to be working in more videos, and more PSYCHE-based writing challenges. I really do think you’ll like what you see, and that it‘ll be worth your while. Have a little look:

I’ll have more for you in about a week or so. Thanks for hanging in there.

Cheers,

Clark