Indiegogo: 7 Questions with Khanh of Doong Doong Playing Cards

Just launched on Indiegogo, Doong Doong Playing Cards are designed by Khanh. This exotic deck is inspired by the pattern motifs on the Dong Son bronze drums and Lac Viet culture. From the circles, triangles, Viet bird and deer, the Doong Doong deck is designed according to the characteristics of the ancient culture in Vietnam with a modern twist and brings a touch sophistication.

With this being Khanh's first venture into the custom playing card arena on Indiegogo, we were happy to have a chance to talk to him about his maiden voyage, and concept behind Doong Doong Playing Cards.

For those of us who don’t know, tell us a little about yourself and iV?
My name is Khanh and I’m a cardist from Saigon, Vietnam. I started cardistry about 5 years ago and I’m also an illustrator. I love drawing and create something with all my art. iV is an organization about cardistry based in Saigon, which I founded in 2012.

You are a really good cardist! What motivated you to create your own deck of cards? Thanks, the thing that motivated me to created my own deck of cards is I want a deck of cards exclusively for iV. The other reason is because I like to design playing cards. Here's a fun fact, I want to put the faces of everyone in iV to the face design of playing cards. I realised that I could use all the face and make my own deck of cards.

What is your inspiration behind the Doong Doong Playing Cards? How did you come up with the idea?
I love everything that does not adhere to any rules. The break will create many new and exciting things. Instead of following the norm, why not remove the barrier and make up something different? That is why most of the elements of the back design are not located under a certain circle (for example, Viet birds, deers, etc). The deck is mostly inspired by the Doong Doong pattern motifs on the Dong Son bronze drums and Lac Viet culture. From the circles, triangles to the Viet birds and deers, Doong Doong is designed according to the characteristics of the ancient culture in Vietnam with a modern twist and brings a touch sophistication.

I came up with the idea when I saw the pattern on the Dong Son drum and asked myself, "Why can't I put the pattern of the Dong Son drum and Lac Viet culture and make it more modern?” I then started collecting material on everything related to the Dong Son bronze drums and Lac Viet culture, starting with the smallest pattern details to the characteristic motifs, the design has undergone several updates and now this is what you see on the backs of Doong Doong Playing Cards.

I know you put a lot of time and effort into your work, how much time has gone into the deck? About 2 years from concept to illustrating the patterns. Initially, it is very difficult as I have identified the difference between the various cultures of the bronze drums in Vietnam. After that, arranging the pattern motifs on the back of the design, and then picking the color.

Originally, the backs of Doong Doong playing card did not have the black background and yellow motifs. It was white motifs on the dark blue background. However, I wanted to make it really elegant and classy. So I decided to change the color. This was on my mind a lot when I was conceptualizing the design.

From the project page, what are a few of your favorite perks and why?
My favourite reward is the uncut sheet. I love to see all the cards framed. It looks like all my artwork I've done and then framed. Believe me, you guys will see a beautiful uncut sheet if this campaign is successful.

What’s next? Can we expect to see more card designs in the future from iV?
Yes, sure. You can look forward to more playing cards design and some great cardistry products from iV in the future. We just need more time.

Finally, what are your favourite playing card decks?
There are so many good decks out there now, and it's impossible to pick just one. Having said that, I love Bee Erdnase, Rarebit Copper Edition and all the version of The Virts.

Thank you for your time Khanh and all the best! If you like what you’ve read here and want to support Doong Doong Playing Cards, you can find it on Indiegogo here. 


Printed by Legends Playing Card Co, Doong Doong Playing Cards are designed with card enthusiasts, cardists, sleight of hand artists and poker players in mind. Pledge starts from $14 and add-ons such the uncut sheets are available.