I got the urge to make a custom art deck in tabletop simulator and tried my hand at making one of these, if anyone has any suggestions as to how to improve, I'd love to hear them.
I have no idea what i'm doing.
and thank you Kentu for providing those templates, I would never have attempted to do this without them.
Here is a render that I did using the basis of your idea. In keeping with Minimalist ideas... I ditched the loyalty and card type symbols in favor of simple color coding. Minimalist is about having pzazz, while keeping to a simple basic look. I chose purple for loyalty since like you said its from the heart, green for positive #'s, and red for negative #'s. I opted for a single textbox with lighter shading but opaque enough to not steal too much from the art, using only tiny spacers to separate text. I shift the mana cost a little higher since there's no symbol, which leaves room for long titled cards. Anywho.... just figured I throw something out there.
I love all the contributions so far... Though I've a nitpick with Ajani Valiant Protector. I think the Loyalty and set logo should switch. It's not an OCD; it's about keeping in line with the power and toughness boxes. And perhaps also keeping in line with the rule of thumb for years and years. A slightly bigger textbox for the loyalty, IMO, will give clarity to an otherwise stunning piece of frame.
You want players and fans to see it one time and instantly, "planeswalker" comes to mind. How to tell if it's a walker from a creature? The first thing I look for is the card type, and secondly, the loyalty box. That's my heuristics. In this case the card type isn't that obvious until one tilts the card (ignore looking at the art). Therefore one turns to the 2nd indicator which is the loyalty. That will be the biggest giveaway that it's a walker.
That said, the planeswalker symbol on the top right is a great indicator.
I agree with the uniformity of the textboxes. They look excellent.
Anyways, I hope you guys take this from an outsider perspective. While I'm all for aesthetics, simplicity (check) and clarity (as suggested in my first point) makes the frame complete.
Thanks for the input. While I agree with you, I feel it's about breaking the standard mold. Doing renders that all for the most part identical to what's already available, I welcome a fresh new look and feel. To that end, that's I I changed and kept some things. To keep a sense of familiarity but rush of something new. Well, those are my thoughts anyway.
What do the rest of you all think? I guess I'll throw a poll here, lol. Share your thoughts and ideas, and have fun with this little poll.
Which do you prefer?
1. All about tradition!! Forget the new stuff!
2. Tradition!?, Bahumbog! Long live the strange and new!!
3. Don't really care... just here for renders.
4. Gimme both ;). I like tradition, but I also like fresh new ideas.
Thanks for the input. While I agree with you, I feel it's about breaking the standard mold. Doing renders that all for the most part identical to what's already available, I welcome a fresh new look and feel. To that end, that's I I changed and kept some things. To keep a sense of familiarity but rush of something new. Well, those are my thoughts anyway.
What do the rest of you all think? I guess I'll throw a poll here, lol. Share your thoughts and ideas, and have fun with this little poll.
Which do you prefer?
1. All about tradition!! Forget the new stuff!
2. Tradition!?, Bahumbog! Long live the strange and new!!
3. Don't really care... just here for renders.
4. Gimme both ;). I like tradition, but I also like fresh new ideas.
Hi guys, I'm very new to the digital alters forums and I'm very interested in making my own digital alters. Is there a guide where I can looks at which has the most up-to-date frames and all. I have photoshop and GIMP (But i'm not too sure how to use GIMP at all). Any help is appreciated
I'm not sure if there were some other Guidelines in Digital Rendering issued here but I've got one for my own long long time ago. Perhaps you can give me your email address and I can send you one. (a basic guide to Digital Rendering from a long time ago member here ----- Mr.Wermine)
Sure this is my email address: Jinanchu@hotmail.com
@kentu no I get what you're doing; you've mentioned about breaking the mold before. What I'm merely suggesting is that when there's too much change, people don't identify it as a "Magic card" any longer.
I think what's important is to keep the essences of a Magic Card. Stuff like the positions of certain boxes, like P/T, Loyalty should remain. I give one poignant example. Future Sight's frame to this day is officially the most jarring (not necessarily negative; I actually like it) card frame. When you see it for the first time, it blows your mind.
There's so much going on with the card frame, yet you know it's still a Magic Card; not because you bought the pack, but because of the signposts that is hallmark of a Magic card. The P/T is still at the bottom right for creature cards. Personally I think fundamental blocks like these should remain.
Hi guys, I'm very new to the digital alters forums and I'm very interested in making my own digital alters. Is there a guide where I can looks at which has the most up-to-date frames and all. I have photoshop and GIMP (But i'm not too sure how to use GIMP at all). Any help is appreciated
I'm not sure if there were some other Guidelines in Digital Rendering issued here but I've got one for my own long long time ago. Perhaps you can give me your email address and I can send you one. (a basic guide to Digital Rendering from a long time ago member here ----- Mr.Wermine)
Sure this is my email address: Jinanchu@hotmail.com
Just send you Wermine's guide to digital rendering. It may not be the most updated information but it leads to a good start for sure. For those templates you need (and some other information, may be), please go to find Mr.Kentu's "Templates" section under his signature. Apart from the Master Series Templates, you should be able to find almost all the templates you need there.
@kentu no I get what you're doing; you've mentioned about breaking the mold before. What I'm merely suggesting is that when there's too much change, people don't identify it as a "Magic card" any longer.
I agree, there is a point where it not longer has resemblance or feel of a card or potential card. I guess I;m not as worried about the loyalty placement, but I guess that up to whoever want or does it that way. I guess for me its the title. I always put it at top, so it was a little weird to have it on the side. But all in all, just tossin ideas out there to help spark the community and help others.
I want to add my thoughts in here pertaining to petercal's wonderful template. I for one love it (and that wall-o-text that accompanied it). As with any art, things can be done to clean it up a bit. Kentu is definitely on the right track. Though, one issue I have with Kentu's update is that the green, red and purple are rather bold colorings. The colors in those little boxes "tickle" my eyes. Maybe using the same shade of red/green that the mana symbols use would fix that issue. I would love to get the template after your adjustments (or it is "finalized") as it is different and simple. I agree with Bolas in that the loyalty *might* look better swapped with the set symbol. Though, we might need to see it before actually saying it is better. And to continue on with the loyalty box problem... why not make it the PW symbol? I mean, it would fulfill the "keep things the same" while changing it up a bit vibe. It is an easy way to tell that it is a PW, which Bolas had suggested that keeping the symbol would help in. I'm just tossing ideas out there as I find this endeavor rather intriguing. If this can be made into a finalized template we can be proud of (should already be as it is really nice) I might just finally toss my hat into this Render thread and churn some renders out.
I want to add my thoughts in here pertaining to petercal's wonderful template. I for one love it (and that wall-o-text that accompanied it). As with any art, things can be done to clean it up a bit. Kentu is definitely on the right track. Though, one issue I have with Kentu's update is that the green, red and purple are rather bold colorings. The colors in those little boxes "tickle" my eyes. Maybe using the same shade of red/green that the mana symbols use would fix that issue. I would love to get the template after your adjustments (or it is "finalized") as it is different and simple. I agree with Bolas in that the loyalty *might* look better swapped with the set symbol. Though, we might need to see it before actually saying it is better. And to continue on with the loyalty box problem... why not make it the PW symbol? I mean, it would fulfill the "keep things the same" while changing it up a bit vibe. It is an easy way to tell that it is a PW, which Bolas had suggested that keeping the symbol would help in. I'm just tossing ideas out there as I find this endeavor rather intriguing. If this can be made into a finalized template we can be proud of (should already be as it is really nice) I might just finally toss my hat into this Render thread and churn some renders out.
So I tried out your suggestions, I kept the purple, but made it much lighter and softer along with the red and green.... using the mana colors as you mentioned. I integrated the PW symbol into the loyalty box not sure how it works but i think its kinda cool. What are your thoughts?
@kentu, have you tried printing one out? At card size on my monitor, the Loyalty symbol with the graphic in the background is hard to read, as is the text.
@kentu, have you tried printing one out? At card size on my monitor, the Loyalty symbol with the graphic in the background is hard to read, as is the text.
What makes it hard to read? Color, brightness, darkness, opacity, size? Need a little more info so I know what to fix
So I tried out your suggestions, I kept the purple, but made it much lighter and softer along with the red and green.... using the mana colors as you mentioned. I integrated the PW symbol into the loyalty box not sure how it works but I think its kinda cool. What are your thoughts?
The colors are better for the loyalty boxes. I figured making the PW symbol larger to accommodate the number would be the best route, but after I posted I realized that idea is probably not a good one. I like what you did adding the symbol to the box. Unfortunately that makes the box too busy and you kinda lose the number a bit. Hmmmm.... just putting the starting loyalty like that just seems like that data could be missed..... I'll have to think on ideas for that. Still, I like it quite a bit.
@kentu, have you tried printing one out? At card size on my monitor, the Loyalty symbol with the graphic in the background is hard to read, as is the text.
Just so you know, these are not meant for printing purposes. Any discussion to the contrary will not be tolerated here.
So I tried out your suggestions, I kept the purple, but made it much lighter and softer along with the red and green.... using the mana colors as you mentioned. I integrated the PW symbol into the loyalty box not sure how it works but I think its kinda cool. What are your thoughts?
The colors are better for the loyalty boxes. I figured making the PW symbol larger to accommodate the number would be the best route, but after I posted I realized that idea is probably not a good one. I like what you did adding the symbol to the box. Unfortunately that makes the box too busy and you kinda lose the number a bit. Hmmmm.... just putting the starting loyalty like that just seems like that data could be missed..... I'll have to think on ideas for that. Still, I like it quite a bit.
I was messing around, but found no real way to utilize the box and symbol.... so I ended up scrapping the box in favor of an enlarged symbol. I think it worked out pretty well. I also did a version with the symbol and box next to each other. It looks ok, but again feels like there's too much going on in that area. Any thoughts...?
@kentu, the first ajani in your latest post is your best version IMO. Yup using the walker symbol as the loyalty box itself does wonders.
@batman that's a beautiful elf.
@serrot just wanna defend moysturizer abit here. I think what he meant is while the renders are nice when it's blown up, whether it appears as nice in card size is another. I believe official artists and Wizard's editors do that to see if the actually "fits" aesthetically.
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Your very welcome
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Here is a render that I did using the basis of your idea. In keeping with Minimalist ideas... I ditched the loyalty and card type symbols in favor of simple color coding. Minimalist is about having pzazz, while keeping to a simple basic look. I chose purple for loyalty since like you said its from the heart, green for positive #'s, and red for negative #'s. I opted for a single textbox with lighter shading but opaque enough to not steal too much from the art, using only tiny spacers to separate text. I shift the mana cost a little higher since there's no symbol, which leaves room for long titled cards. Anywho.... just figured I throw something out there.
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You want players and fans to see it one time and instantly, "planeswalker" comes to mind. How to tell if it's a walker from a creature? The first thing I look for is the card type, and secondly, the loyalty box. That's my heuristics. In this case the card type isn't that obvious until one tilts the card (ignore looking at the art). Therefore one turns to the 2nd indicator which is the loyalty. That will be the biggest giveaway that it's a walker.
That said, the planeswalker symbol on the top right is a great indicator.
I agree with the uniformity of the textboxes. They look excellent.
Anyways, I hope you guys take this from an outsider perspective. While I'm all for aesthetics, simplicity (check) and clarity (as suggested in my first point) makes the frame complete.
Awesome job all round.
UR Melek, Izzet ParagonUR, B Shirei, Shizo's CaretakerB, R Jaya Ballard, Task MageR,RW Tajic, Blade of the LegionRW, UB Lazav, Dimir MastermindUB, UB Circu, Dimir LobotomistUB, RWU Zedruu the GreatheartedRWU, GUBThe MimeoplasmGUB, UGExperiment Kraj UG, WDarien, King of KjeldorW, BMarrow-GnawerB, WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG, UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU, GWUDerevi, Empyrial TacticianGWU, RDaretti, Scrap SavantR, UTalrand, Sky SummonerU, GEzuri, Renegade LeaderG, WUBRGReaper KingWUBRG, RGXenagos, God of RevelsRG, CKozilek, Butcher of TruthC, WUBRGGeneral TazriWUBRG, GTitania, Protector of ArgothG
What do the rest of you all think? I guess I'll throw a poll here, lol. Share your thoughts and ideas, and have fun with this little poll.
Which do you prefer?
1. All about tradition!! Forget the new stuff!
2. Tradition!?, Bahumbog! Long live the strange and new!!
3. Don't really care... just here for renders.
4. Gimme both ;). I like tradition, but I also like fresh new ideas.
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Fonts
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4 The main point to me is: It must be beautiful.
Sure this is my email address: Jinanchu@hotmail.com
seconded.
also really like the progress on this.
I think what's important is to keep the essences of a Magic Card. Stuff like the positions of certain boxes, like P/T, Loyalty should remain. I give one poignant example. Future Sight's frame to this day is officially the most jarring (not necessarily negative; I actually like it) card frame. When you see it for the first time, it blows your mind.
There's so much going on with the card frame, yet you know it's still a Magic Card; not because you bought the pack, but because of the signposts that is hallmark of a Magic card. The P/T is still at the bottom right for creature cards. Personally I think fundamental blocks like these should remain.
UR Melek, Izzet ParagonUR, B Shirei, Shizo's CaretakerB, R Jaya Ballard, Task MageR,RW Tajic, Blade of the LegionRW, UB Lazav, Dimir MastermindUB, UB Circu, Dimir LobotomistUB, RWU Zedruu the GreatheartedRWU, GUBThe MimeoplasmGUB, UGExperiment Kraj UG, WDarien, King of KjeldorW, BMarrow-GnawerB, WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG, UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU, GWUDerevi, Empyrial TacticianGWU, RDaretti, Scrap SavantR, UTalrand, Sky SummonerU, GEzuri, Renegade LeaderG, WUBRGReaper KingWUBRG, RGXenagos, God of RevelsRG, CKozilek, Butcher of TruthC, WUBRGGeneral TazriWUBRG, GTitania, Protector of ArgothG
Just send you Wermine's guide to digital rendering. It may not be the most updated information but it leads to a good start for sure. For those templates you need (and some other information, may be), please go to find Mr.Kentu's "Templates" section under his signature. Apart from the Master Series Templates, you should be able to find almost all the templates you need there.
Have a nice day!!!:)
I agree, there is a point where it not longer has resemblance or feel of a card or potential card. I guess I;m not as worried about the loyalty placement, but I guess that up to whoever want or does it that way. I guess for me its the title. I always put it at top, so it was a little weird to have it on the side. But all in all, just tossin ideas out there to help spark the community and help others.
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URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
So I tried out your suggestions, I kept the purple, but made it much lighter and softer along with the red and green.... using the mana colors as you mentioned. I integrated the PW symbol into the loyalty box not sure how it works but i think its kinda cool. What are your thoughts?
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What makes it hard to read? Color, brightness, darkness, opacity, size? Need a little more info so I know what to fix
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Spell Queller
Just so you know, these are not meant for printing purposes. Any discussion to the contrary will not be tolerated here.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
I was messing around, but found no real way to utilize the box and symbol.... so I ended up scrapping the box in favor of an enlarged symbol. I think it worked out pretty well. I also did a version with the symbol and box next to each other. It looks ok, but again feels like there's too much going on in that area. Any thoughts...?
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URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
Had some more free time on my hands.... did a few more.
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Ikr, lol
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@batman that's a beautiful elf.
@serrot just wanna defend moysturizer abit here. I think what he meant is while the renders are nice when it's blown up, whether it appears as nice in card size is another. I believe official artists and Wizard's editors do that to see if the actually "fits" aesthetically.
UR Melek, Izzet ParagonUR, B Shirei, Shizo's CaretakerB, R Jaya Ballard, Task MageR,RW Tajic, Blade of the LegionRW, UB Lazav, Dimir MastermindUB, UB Circu, Dimir LobotomistUB, RWU Zedruu the GreatheartedRWU, GUBThe MimeoplasmGUB, UGExperiment Kraj UG, WDarien, King of KjeldorW, BMarrow-GnawerB, WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG, UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU, GWUDerevi, Empyrial TacticianGWU, RDaretti, Scrap SavantR, UTalrand, Sky SummonerU, GEzuri, Renegade LeaderG, WUBRGReaper KingWUBRG, RGXenagos, God of RevelsRG, CKozilek, Butcher of TruthC, WUBRGGeneral TazriWUBRG, GTitania, Protector of ArgothG