The Hunter Cardmaking Process

[Napoléon]

The Hunter Cardmaking Process

As my first article for the Legendary Cardmakers, I believe that I should bestow some of my knowledge of cardmaking as an artform upon the members of YCM.

Step 1: Look for quality images.
Go to photobucket, or Deviantart and look for images that catch your eye and grab your attention. This is important because what grabs your attention will grab the attention of others. Some people will judge your card on just looks alone, so a quality image will help you if an art critic will come along. Remember to give credit to the artist or photobucket account where you found the image if you can.

notes (Click to View)

Notes:
-I usually go for the fantasy kind of cards, like Spellcasters, Zombies, or Magical Creatures, so type whatever comes to mind if this doesn't apply to you.
-The better your image, the better the chance of people liking it and it getting better ratings.

Step 2: Think of what kind of card would match that image.
If the image would match a Spell or Trap Card, make that, if it is a monster, make a monster. It is important because if you have a monster's pic, on a Spell Card that doesn't deal with monsters, its probobly not a good match. Remember that here is where the attribute and type of card will come into play. It should hit you when you see the image. If its a spell or trap, think of the kind, counter, quick play, continuous, field. Make sure you get it right.

notes (Click to View)

Notes:
-I have a bad habbit of making monster cards, but you should make whatever cards you want.
-Appearence of your card is almost everything, if it looks good, you made a decent card, the effect is the other half.

Step 3: Think of a catchy name for your card.
"Black Dragon" and "Good Knight" are not good names. Good names are relatively long (3-4 words) and roll off of the tongue. The name is heavily dependent on the image. If the name is "ULTANIMOAR, THE GREAT DESTROYER OF WORLDS" and your picture is of a baby penguin, it doesn't work. Try to be creative, don't pick a name similar or related to another card you know, if you want some originality to your card.

notes (Click to View)

Notes:-
"The hobo'd hobo of hoboness" is a better name than "the hobo".
-"Names in different languages can be good if you make sure it sounds good. Try mixing languages like English and French.

Step 4: Think of a Great Effect.
Think of your best card. What makes it your best card? What attributes affect its standards? Does it change the game? Is it playable? Can it be helpful in any situation? Ask yourself these questions. If none of that works, take example from real cards. What makes real cards useful? Take elements from those cards and use them yourself. Drawing, manipulation, summoning. Use them wisely.

notes (Click to View)

Notes:
-Realistic Cards usually have 1-5 sentences, and on the cardmaker readable text.
-Try not to make it too long or too short. I try to shoot for 4-5 sentences per quality card.

Step 5: Judging the ATK and DEF.
The stats are crucial for a monster cards and spells and traps that summon monsters. Usually you can tell a range of the card's ATK and DEf from the pic you use for it. A cute little bunny shouldn't have 3000 ATK and DEF. The Effect also plays a pretty big part in judging the ATK and DEF. Is your card useful effect wise? Give it lower ATK and DEF. Or if you want it to be really powerful, give it regular stats, but beware of making it overpowered and metabreaking.

notes (Click to View)

Notes:
-If it has alot of ATK and DEF for its level, it probobly shouldn't have a powerful effect, or it should have a hefty requirement to summon it.
-If it doesn't have much ATK and DEF for its level, it should have a pretty powerful effect, or its not worth playing. If its a Spell/Trap monster, it shouldn't have an effect.

Step 6: Check it.
Check your new card for errors like OCG, effect wording, flaws in the pic, and its capabilities in the TCG. A first-time cardmaker would not be someone good to council with. I would try an expirienced member or someone who knows the TCG well and has an eye for detail. Cardmaking is an artform and to be a successful artist, you must try to do the best work you can. Maybe even create a masterpiece.

notes (Click to View)

Notes:
-The best people to check your card for errors are people who know what they are doing. Many of those people can be found in the Legendary Cardmakers Club.
-It is easier to get your card checked first, before you post it to avoid negative criticism and people correcting yoru card(s).

This has been sponsered by the Legendary Cardmakers 2009

[OnSlaUghT]

I always use this method in card making, and I think others should follow this example. Good Job!

[Napoléon]

Thank you.

[Napoléon]

bump

[∑VÌl ÀNG€L]

you should add that Music inspires some cardmakers

also I joined the legendary cardmakers club and you said you would add me to elite, yet you never did.

[OMGAKITTY]

Its amazing how many steps in cardmaking are more or less common sense...and yet newbs can't seem to grasp it.

This is a pretty solid tut, going over the basics of a good card. A pity newbs don't read tuts. :/