3 Questions with Ethan Ricketts of ECLIPSE Playing Cards

Pulse playing cards is a space-themed deck launching on Kickstarter 25th March by ECLIPSE Playing Cards. Based in Australia, ECLIPSE Playing Cards is headed by Ethan Ricketts, who realised the creative potential a deck could have after watching a video on YouTube about a particular deck of cards. He wanted to create his own deck and ECLIPSE was born. According to Ethan,

The name comes from my deep interest in space, ever since I was young. I wanted to create a space-themed deck for my first deck, which is exactly what I did with the ECLIPSE - 'originals.'

Pulse features a cool modern artwork with 3D layering and shading based on a pulse of energy, similar to a heartbeat or sine wave. The layers represent the propagation of energy as it moves through space and time. We had a quick chat with Ethan about the inspiration behind Pulse Playing Cards, support from the community, and his favourite flourish and deck.

What is your inspiration behind the Pulse Playing Cards? How did you come up with the idea? 

The inspiration for the pulse Playing Cards comes from my fascination with energy and the way it moves. I wished to capture the propagation of energy through space and time in this deck. In order to do this, I wanted to create a 3D effect through the use of layering, shadows, and colouring to really make the pulse effect stand out. I took inspiration from Riffle Shuffle's Sirius B decks for this effect. 

We first noticed the deck on Instagram. What do you think of the playing card community in terms of the feedback and support that you’ve been getting so far? 

I feel like the playing card community is generally a really safe and welcoming space for upcoming designers like myself. I receive comments on my design, as well as plenty of private messages giving feedback, praise, or suggestions. I've forged some really solid friendships through the playing card community on Instagram, and overall, I really like the positivity and support that circulates throughout this community. 

Finally, what are your favourite card flourish and playing card decks? 

Truth be told, I'm not very good at playing with the cards I create. I've never excelled at cardistry nor magic because I've always focused on the design of playing cards over playing with them. I want to create something for other people to use and enjoy. That being said, my favourite card flourish is the basic spring. I believe it shows how mobile and full of energy playing cards can be. 

They get the best reactions in public because people can't seem to piece together how little pieces of paper and card can go flying through the air in unison! Spring is my go-to simple flourish. Its short, sharp, and sweet. My favourite decks are the Mono - heXa's by Luke Wadey, Monarchs by Theory11, and Chocolate Pi by Kings Wild Project.

If you liked what you read here and would like to support Pulse Playing Cards on 25th March on Kickstarter! Pledge starts at $12 and the deck will be printed by the United States Playing Card Company.

   

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