Quick Emergency Update to Clarify That This IS NOT a PIP Deck
over 4 years ago – Wed, Dec 11, 2019 at 11:03:00 AM

It was clearly a mistake to show you my first draft concept work for the numbered cards... without the story elements and pips on the cards. Everyone seems to assume that this is going to be a pip only deck. THIS IS NOT GONG TO BE A PIP DECK!!!!!!!!!!

These numbered cards have three layers of art... 1. the background where you'll see the chaotic sinking of the Titanic. 2. the foreground where you'll see the pips (coins, wands, swords, cups) gently falling to the ocean floor. 3. the mid-ground (between the background and foreground) you'll see the story elements. This is where the story will be told. The story WILL be much different then the RWS deck, however, the meanings will be 100% the same. 

The story will have more fantasy elements the further down (into the ocean) we go. Near the top of the ocean (the lower number cards) you'll see people and fish tell the story. Don't worry, the people you'll see won't be depicted in a gruesome way. In some scenes I replace people with sea life... such as fish. Further down (the higher number cards)... anything between 6 to 10... you'll see more fantasy creatures like mermaids. I'm doing this because at those depths people wouldn't be alive to tell the story I need told. 

I probably should've waited a few days before showing my cards. I'm very transparent and enjoy sharing the creative process. All the artwork will be done in January or by mid-February.. assuming there's no major issues. For example, if people don't like this underwater concept, I could in theory go a different direction. By going a different direction it will take a few weeks longer. But with that said, I have the delivery date set further into the future than I actually think I need. I'm (secretly) trying hard to get these done in time for the anniversary April 17. I'm just not confident enough to promise that yet because the wood boxes could be a slower process then the cards. Time will tell!!! 

If weather permits, I'll film a vlog in the coming days. I want to take you to place that is the namesake of my company (The Barclay Mountain Co.) and perhaps shed light on why I'm doing this project. 

Christmas Comes Early For All of US!!!
over 4 years ago – Thu, Dec 05, 2019 at 03:27:25 PM

Hello, Kickstarter Family!!! First off, I'm overjoyed from all the support and feedback from all of you. I take all your  feedback seriously. Throughout the project we'll take votes (among all backers) to determine certain aspects such as gilded edge color and touching up some of the card designs. 

Here's a sampling of some of the feedback...

• Several people suggested using Margaret Brown opposed to just Molly. Another backer also pointed out that during her lifetime she was generally called Maggie. It was only during later years for movies and books that the name Molly started gaining traction. When I do the booklet, I'll try to remember to use her full name. I'll also appreciate volunteers in helping proofread the booklet. Of course, I'll have many eyes look at it on my end... but the more eyes, the better. 
• Many backers suggest using Madeleine Astor instead of Margaret Brown for the Empress card. Madeleine was pregnant during the time of the voyage. Perhaps we'll move Margaret Brown to the Queen of Wands.
• Someone made a good point that the Seer should've known about the disaster before hand. While I agree, I'll explain my thinking. I look at it as if it's like an episode of the Twilight Zone... where there's a odd twist of fate mixed in. Pretend the Seer only saw the vision after the ship went to sea instead of before it went to sea. 
• Someone suggested using my Bicycle Titanic playing cards as add-ons to help boost this project. Great plan... but I've been sold out of those cards. One day I would like to do a new version with a poker set... box and chips themed to the Titanic. Perhaps future project.
• Someone suggested using hashtags.... AND OMG, I can't thank you enough!!! #hashtagsarereallyimportant. 
• Someone suggested using a referral reward program to help spread the word.  I signed up for Kickbooster. It's a program that can earn people money for bringing in new backers. I'll tell you more about it down below.
• Someone also suggested offering a wholesale price for those wishing to buy twenty or more decks. So, if you're interested in buying to resell in your store... please message me about wholesale pricing. 
• I had another playing card printer contact me. I'll share with you the samples they sent me. I was going to print with WJ (and still might) but I'll be visiting three factories while I'm in China next month.  When I'm there, I'll share photos and videos (assuming they let me). 

Christmas comes early for you!!

I checked the Kickstarter rules to make sure referral programs were okay. After doing so I found a company called Kickbooster. Basically anyone who promotes this project (and gets people to back it) will receive a 10% commission.  So, in theory, if you got ten people to check out the project and back it... then you made your money back (for your reward). 

I would appreciate it if you would help promote the project. Simply click on the link below to sign up as a Booster. From there they'll provide you with a unique link for you to share. That link will keep track of any new backers your efforts generate. https://titanic-tarot-cards.kickbooster.me/boost

Christmas comes early for me too!!!

As I mentioned above, I'll be visiting several printing companies in the Shenzhen area of China. One of the companies contacted me a few days ago and sent me these samples. I'm very impressed with what I see and I look forward to visiting them in January. Stay tuned in for more information. 

Say Hello to the Unsinkable Molly Brown and Thomas Andrews
over 4 years ago – Tue, Dec 03, 2019 at 06:04:29 AM

Here's the last of the Major Arcana cards. I'll be starting to show the Minor Arcana in future updates. 

I was getting many requests to have Molly Brown in the tarot deck... so here you go. For now I have the High Priestess card labeled as Seer. If you don't like it being called Seer, let me know and I can change it. 

The Master Plan, Addressing Controversy and a Special Surprise For You
over 4 years ago – Fri, Nov 29, 2019 at 04:19:04 PM

The Master Plan

For this project, my main goal is to symbolically finish the journey of the RMS Titanic. I plan on doing this by taking all the decks to the post office nearest to Pier 59 and Pier 54. From there I will ship them to you, the backers. Why?... you might ask.

The Titanic was to arrive at Pier 59 in NYC on April 17, 1912. Unfortunately due to disaster, only a handful of survivors were brought to NYC by the rescue ship RMS Carpathia. This ship dropped off the passengers to Pier 54. 

Below is a image of the RMS Olympic, the older sister to Titanic. Both ships were nearly identical with only a few variations.  This photo shows the ship docked at Pier 59 in NYC (now Chelsea Piers). 

Pier 54 has recently been removed to make way for a new development. They did, however, leave the old gate that says Cunard - White Star. These two cruise lines merged during the great depression.

While I could easily mail the decks from my nearest post office, I feel compelled to bring them to NYC first before shipping. Perhaps unusual but I feel its the best way to honor those who never made it. 

The Controversy 

Occasionally I hear people on social media say that this deck is tasteless. While I value their opinion, I fully disagree with them. I put much work and research into creating something that I feel brings the victims (and survivors) honor and glory. To me, this is a memorial to honor them and keep their memory (and name) alive. 

Tarot decks are well used and loved. What better way to keep the memory of someone alive then to have them represented in a item that will get used often. Every time you use this deck, you'll think of the person your deck represents. Perhaps you'll even do research to learn about him or her. 

This deck isn't to glorify death or make light of the tragedy of the Titanic. As I said in a response to one of the critics... I view death (based on my spiritual beliefs) as a passage from one life to another. Death can be ugly and even frightening at times but it doesn't mean it's the end. I view death as a new beginning... something we all will face. 

The Push

We're nearly halfway funded. I created the below ad to run on Facebook to help get the word out. I'm just waiting for approval from Facebook. It's been rejected twice already. Both times Facebook said it was rejected due to nudity. As you can see, there's no nudity in the ad. I'm not sure what they're seeing. 

But I'll start running this ad soon. Please try to spread the world among your family and friends. I really hope we can get this funded. It's always a huge stress relief one you cross the funding goal.

The Surprise

It's up to you if you want the surprise or not. For logistical reasons I was going to randomly assign passengers and crew members but being that I'm overjoyed by your support... I decided that I would take requests on any specific people you feel a connection with. Keep in mind, Jack and Rose were fictional so they're not available. 

But I encourage you to do some research on passenger and crew members. Perhaps there's one who calls to you or perhaps shares a name with you. 

I'm not charging for this service or guaranteeing success (of not making mistakes) as this is a logistical obstacle. I will promise to do my best to fulfill your request. Those who backed me first will be given first pick. I have done a deck of Bicycle playing cards in the past, so those previous backers will also be given the opportunity to match the name they were once assigned. 

Don't worry about requesting the name yet. I have a list of who backed me first and when the time comes, I'll ask in the appropriate order. It's 100% okay if you want a randomly assigned person too.  I'm just opening this option up in case you feel a spiritual connection with anyone specific. 

A Big Thanks to All of You!
over 4 years ago – Wed, Nov 27, 2019 at 05:38:41 AM

We had a very good start to the campaign. I wanted to thank you all for the support. It really means a lot to me. 

As we move forward I'll be posting updates about the project. Future updates will include artwork for the Minor Arcana and I'll be visiting the factory where the cards are to be printed. I'm going to also experiment with different ways to market the cards on social media. If any of you have suggestions or experience with Facebook ads, please feel free to send me a message. 

I would greatly appreciate it if you would share the project with your friends and family. Together I'm nearly confident we can make this happen.  Of course, if for some reason we don't reach our goal... we'll strip down the project and try again with a lower goal. Hopefully it will be funded the first time because I'm very attached to those wooden boxes. They're almost as adorable as the Baby Yoda.