Cardistry: Frostbite Playing Cards Launching On Kickstarter December 25

[Update] Frostbite Playing Cards is now LIVE on Kickstarter!

The Cardistry Hipster is launching Frostbite Playing Cards on Kickstarter. The eye-catching deck pairs a chill geometric abstract back design with custom minimalist faces.

What started out two years ago as a one-way back design has transformed into a striking two-way design perfect for Cardistry and magic. Frostbite features custom striped pips, geometric courts, and a cool blue & white backs with triangular shapes and a simplified compass rose design.

We managed to catch-up with Sam Wheeler, founder of the Cardistry Hipster to chat about the inspiration behind Frostbite Playing Cards, the design evolution of the deck, and his collaboration with Hanson Chien.

Tell us a little about yourself and the Cardistry Hipster?
My name is Sam Wheeler I am a 20-year-old Cardist from Philadelphia, PA in the USA. I have been practicing the art of Cardistry for about 2 years or so. I initially started “The Cardistry Hipster” when the card community began to take a nasty turn into less assisting and supporting others, and more degrading beginners and their creativity. I wanted to create a platform where I could post my content while influencing others to create and further the art aspect of Cardistry. The Cardistry Hipster is now a cardistry-lifestyle branded website where I post free and premium tutorials, along with blog posts that provide tips when filming, editing, and creating Cardistry videos.

What motivated you to create your own deck of cards?
I tried creating a deck of cards before but ran into trouble when my designer decided to use a logo from a company. After that awesome experience, I decided to crack down and create a design that was unique and would actually further accentuate flourishes. The initial design was a one-way design, but after receiving various complaints I decided to reach out to Matthew Noel (@PlayingCardPictures) to help me create a two-way design from my initial draft. The minimalist card faces originating from my Simplicity deck, except they are now blue and the royals feature the same abstract geometric pattern within their bodies. The abstract back design contrasts perfectly with the simplistic faces, resulting in an elegant frosty view while handling the cards!

What is your inspiration behind the Frostbite Playing Cards? How did you come up with the idea?
I came up with the initial prototype during the winter of 2014, so, of course, the color scheme would be fitting towards the season. I believe I was inspired to create the geometric poly-shards from trying to find myself a new screensaver on my iPhone. I came across a more basic, geometric design and thought it would be sweet on a deck of cards if it were more abstract and had an element to further elevate flourishes.

How did you end up collaborating with Hanson Chien and Matthew Noel for the deck?
Matthew showed interest in the initial one-way design and reached out to me, offering to take pictures of the deck if I ever needed it! After seeing his terrific graphic work I decided he would be the best for the job!

Hanson and I ended up collaborating thanks to Sergio Rocca. Sergio has been my card-friend for some time now and we both agreed a while back to assist one another with each of our own decks. Odyssey Playing Cards were just in the developing stages at the time, I actually told him he should have custom faces with the cards as he was planning on going with standard faces! In the end, Sergio hustled more than me and was able to successfully get his deck funded and I contacted him with how I can get in contact with Hanson. Sergio replied, telling me to message and add Hanson on Facebook, and the rest is history.

Talk to us a bit about going from concept to the final version. How did you get to this finished product? How did you get feedback?
The initial concept was received fairly well on Instagram. Most individuals liked the overall design and feel of the deck, they just wanted a two-way version. After publishing the final back design online, almost everyone that came across the deck loved it and I am happy for listening to the criticism as we wouldn’t be where we are today.

With so many playing card projects competing for funding, why should potential backers choose your deck?
Honestly, I’m not here to demand anyone to back our cards over anyone else’s’. It really comes down to individual tastes and desires. This deck will be limited and will most-likely never be re-printed again. So many decks today profit off of a simple color change, we won’t just be using the paint bucket tool in the future if we decide to print another deck. At the end of the day, Frostbite Playing Cards are unique as they feature an elegant abstract back design with simple minimalist faces. They are 100% custom, and 100% designed for Cardistry but look wonderful for card magic as well. They will handle great, looking great while doing so. We thank anyone and everyone for their support and interest!

Finally, what are your favorite playing cards?
My favorite playing cards are old Stud Playing Cards. They handle amazingly and look great while doing so!

Thanks Sam and all the best!

[Update] Frostbite Playing Cards is now LIVE on Kickstarter!

Frostbite Playing Cards will be printed by Hanson Chien Production Co and will launch on Kickstarter December 25. Pledge starts from $15 and there will be EARLY BIRD reward tiers available. For all things Frostbite, head on to thecardistryhipster.com and subscribe to the mailing list!