Custom Playing Cards

Looking to create a custom playing card deck, but not sure how to go about it? The process is quite easy, especially if you have artistic ability.

Number one, think of the game rules. If you are doing this simply for poker then it is easy enough, but this article is aimed more towards people attempting to make their own card games (like the new Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, etc.).

Getting the game rules together, and knowing what type of cards you want to create (monster, magic, field, trap, item, etc.) you now have to create the design for it. First, there has to be a consistent back picture on each of them. What about the front though? Again, if you have artistic abilities then you will easily be able to create your own deck without the assistance of others yet.

However, without it you will have to look around. Deviant Art has a lot of artists who do custom work, and you may be able to work out a deal with them. Since most of them are amateur artists, you may be able to get quality work for cheaper prices. There are also illustrators online, or custom work you could commission from Elance to work an affordable deal for you.

After you have the card illustration finished, you should also work on a playing field. Though some card games do not include this, many have a small poster which shows where cards should be placed and what the zones are called.

With all that finished, the cards are ready to print. Unfortunately, since demand for home made cards is rather low, it could be difficult finding the right sized paper. With a good inkjet printer, you may be able to cut the standard 2.25x3.5 paper used for playing cards and print it from there. But, the common rounded edges and the bleeding process would all have to be done by hand, and you will get sick of it quickly.

Best thing to do now is to look up custom playing card printers and get quotes for custom card printing. Most of these printers are ready to do poker cards, but offer custom jobs, as do most other online printers.

So look around for good prices, good art, and use your imagination when it comes to the rules and implementation of cards. Then promote them and have fun or make money, whatever your goal is.