Thirdway Industries Odissea

[Thedissident001]

I have been asking for a long time for a new style from Thirdway. Always told “it’s coming” or “after this one”. It never happens. I only wish him the best naturally but I won’t be backing again until it’s actually something new.

[vasta41]

I get what you all are saying. However, many artists have a specific style that makes them uniquely themselves. Peanuts would not be the same if Shultz kept changing radically his style. That said, it did change subtly over time. I have some artist friends, and they do not feel comfortable or want to change their basic style. Some artists do like to try radically different styles. I remember going to the Van Gogh museum and finding some paintings by Van Gogh when he fancied himself a Japanese artist. While it was somewhat different in some respects from his other art, it still had a very distinct style that was uniquely him (and decidedly NOT Japanese).

I would encourage Gio to try to evolve his style some, but don't give up your stylistic roots. It should always be stylistically Gio!

While I understand the point you're trying to make I think you're comparing apples and oranges here. Playing cards are an inanimate object and a cartoon is not. Starry Night and Van Gogh's self portrait are both paintings done in the same style but they're both completely different subjects. So although playing cards, cartoons, and paintings are all forms of art I think that's an unfair comparison. Gio is designing a playing card deck with (what seems like) the same old characters. I'm not saying that's a bad thing and I'm not even saying he should change his style. But if I ask myself, "would I be upset if I don't own these cards?" the answer is no because it feels like I already have them. I've just hit a wall of Gio fatigue I guess.

[Oscar53955]

While I understand the point you're trying to make I think you're comparing apples and oranges here. Playing cards are an inanimate object and a cartoon is not. Starry Night and Van Gogh's self portrait are both paintings done in the same style but they're both completely different subjects. So although playing cards, cartoons, and paintings are all forms of art I think that's an unfair comparison. Gio is designing a playing card deck with (what seems like) the same old characters. I'm not saying that's a bad thing and I'm not even saying he should change his style. But if I ask myself, "would I be upset if I don't own these cards?" the answer is no because it feels like I already have them. I've just hit a wall of Gio fatigue I guess.

Same. I completely agree.

[wingedpotato]

I actually chatted with him recently. I suggested that adding skin color to his court members would make them stand out a little from this previous work. Additionally I think it’d be cool to see him try “aging” the cards. Giving them a hieroglyphic feel. I think his style would lend itself well to that aestethic and would offer up something fresh while maintaining much of his style.

That would get me to pledge again—especially an aged-line style that didn't look so vector-ized (and maybe no more perfect-circle breasts).

[CupcakeBaron]

To weigh in on this discussion I've always been somewhat interested in Gio's decks but there's something about the way he always does his court cards that I don't love. I think maybe some growth or evolution in style might be what gets me to finally pull the trigger on a deck. I understand having a signature style but usually those styles develop over time.

[PipChick]

Gio's style and brand, although very well established and unmistakably distinct, is definitely due to enter the next stage of artistic evolution - perhaps a drastically different theme other than mythological gods & goddesses would help in further developing and progressing his skill and talents - His designs are already seeming to feel tired and no longer fresh and new; and if it continues, deck after deck, he'll unfortunately come to be known as a one-trick pony...

I'm still a huge fan and support him in the challenges this criticism may pose in pursuit of growth as an artist, but I guess this is my own desperate plea (along with what seems like quite a few others) for Gio to continue to find ways to experiment and push himself outside his comfort zone to give us something ingeniously unexpected and innovative - get us excited again

[JuFiN]

I for one like the art style and will continue to support it but agree a new theme would be highly appealing.

[guru]

Gio's style goes very well with playing cards and he has taken it to perfection. It is all dependent on market demand & value perception, if it continues to sell the way it has been in the past then why should he be changing his style for his future deck/s.

[PipChick]

Gio's style goes very well with playing cards and he has taken it to perfection. It is all dependent on market demand & value perception, if it continues to sell the way it has been in the past then why should he be changing his style for his future deck/s.

not change the style, just evolve it so every future deck doesn't seem like one we've already seen before - otherwise, it's just regurgitating the same style and subject matter over and over again which can become repetitively boring and the decks might not produce the same success as their predecessors because people will think "why get this deck when I already have 3 others like it".

But you're right - as long as the he's still content with the success his deck designs yield on the market, then I suppose from a business perspective, why fix what's not broken. On the other hand, from an artistic perspective, I think it's innate for an artist to strive to grow and further progress; at least at some point because they too will eventually get bored and restless with the "same old, same old" as it becomes drearily predictable and familiar. Of course this is a very fine line to walk and in no ways comes without it's own challenges in striking a good balance between evolving one's design skills and still staying true to one's artistic integrity and style. For this reason, I implore him with the utmost support in tackling these challenges and just experiment with pushing the bounds a little tiny bit further outside of his creative comfort (otherwise, he'll just be boxing himself in) - if anyone has the skills to do so, he most definitely does.

[Thirdway Industries]

Hello guys, sorry for the late reply - I was in vacation in the past weeks, and at my return I was very busy in setting up Odissea campaign and organize Delirium and Statues shippings.

About the borders, thank you very much for the feedbacks, very appreciated and useful. I’ve decided to switch to full bleed borders. In the end, I like them more, and looks like that some prefer those too.

About the style, I can say love my “main” style, I think it's a big strong point in my projects and, the most important thing, I have a lot of fun with it. I will continue to evolve it in future, like I did so far (of course on different themes, stories and characters). This of course won’t mean I’ll stop experimenting, “completely” different decks are planned.

Anyways, I think Odissea will be different not only from my previous decks, but also between the decks of the series themselves. Courts, ace, backs are completely redesigned, and I’m not talking about change one element or swap a couple of colors (I could keep Minerva and Neptune with exactly the same color scheme because... everything else is different).

I really did my best to make a really “deep" series.

Anyways, all the feedbacks are useful so thanks to everyone took time to comment on my upcoming project. And, of course a big thank you to everyone already said they love Odissea without see everything

Some might already have recieved my newsletter, but I will also post here:

The launch is planned for the next week - I’ve wrote the most popular time zones
Milan CEST - 17th May 00:00 AM | New York EDT - 16th May 18:00 PM | Los Angeles PDT - 16th May 15:00 PM | Sydney AEST - 17th May 8:00 AM | Singapore SGT - 17th of May 6:00 AM | Tokyo JST - 17th of May 7:00 AM

There will be early birds and limited rewards, as always (hopefully enough to last for a couple of hours from the launch, at least). If you wish to join the event on Facebook, here is the link > https://www.facebook.com/events/2045999015723336/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You can follow Ulysses journey and see more cards on this link > http://www.thirdway.it/odissea/journey.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

About the printer, I have 3 proposals for Odissea Cards: USPCC, Cartamundi or EPCC (Taiwan). I am discussing some important points with the factories, and also the total quantity of decks I need to print will influence the choice. I think all three should grant an awesome final product.
I have, of course, a preference, but I prefer wait a little more to be 100% sure.

Have a great day!

Gio

[RichK]

I hate to jump in late but found the Lunatica series a refreshing break from your usual style. Yes you weave an incredible story within all the courts but I have found your style increasingly over-complicated with so many shields, curvy things, snakes, etc. so only faces are now seen, and cleavage.

I do appreciate your open mind to all the comments and not getting defensive. Unfortunately I'll miss any early bird tiers and will have to let my checking account decide if I back this.

[portcullis]

It's no secret I'm a fan of Gio's work, but I'm not the kind of cardist that blindly backs everything a particular artist produces. I've got several artists I keep an eye on, Gio is one of these. I've now backed several of Gio's campaigns, but I do have several holes in the collection. I have to say, however, that there's nothing in this pair of decks, as it stands, that inspires me to part with my hard-earned. There may yet be something to come. In all honesty, part of me hopes there is. I also hope the sketchbook gets torn up with whatever the next deck he's planning might be.

[ICantShuffle]

My introduction to your work was from SINS, so it's still fresh to me. I liked Lunatica and Delirium. I'm eagerly anticipating the campaign launch in about a half hour. Count me in.

[rousselle]

It's live!

[Cardians]

I also hope the sketchbook gets torn up with whatever the next deck he's planning might be.

I second that portcullis. Until then it's same old same old.

[Thirdway Industries]

We're live! Thanks to all UC backers that are already aboard

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/th ... ying-cards" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Bradius]

Thanks for the note. Able to grab a nice EB package.

[portcullis]

Full disclosure: the limited deck and the EB price was enough to get me in. Had it stayed as a pair it would have been an easy pass.

I just wanted to add further to my comments yesterday, because I was discussing this set with a fellow collector who actually put me onto Gio's work and I blundered into my critique of Gio's work. I appreciate the amount of work Gio puts into every single card he produces, and his decks are becoming increasingly intricate and there has been a significant progression in terms of technique but there's really been no evolution in terms of the art style since Dedalo. But that's one opinion emerging from the garble.

My other gripe is that, to put it plainly, I'm ready to see something really different from Gio. As great as these classical mythology-inspired decks have been, you don't go to Subway solely for a ham, cheese and tomato toastie. I had the same complaint of Natalia Silva a while back and she pulled Avalon out of nowhere after several variations upon the Dia Los Muertos theme. I know it's been done before by others, but I'd really like to see Gio's take on a high medieval-themed deck: Joan of Arc or the Bayeux [Tapestry] Embroidery or even something Angevin. Heck if it was able to be done I'd even take a Shakespearean-themed deck from Gio. None of those suggestions, however, should be in his signature art style.

[theCapraAegagrus]

Unfortunately I didn't get an EB tier, but I'm on-board.

[Bradius]

There are still some single set EBs and a few 2/5/5 brick EBs. If you wanted a double set, consider the 2/5/5. It is really not much more. Heck, sell of the extra half brick for $10 each of you must.

[theCapraAegagrus]

There are still some single set EBs and a few 2/5/5 brick EBs. If you wanted a double set, consider the 2/5/5. It is really not much more. Heck, sell of the extra half brick for $10 each of you must.

That $46 is close to the difference of an Olive Tally-Ho set. I have about 5 Kickstarters up for collection in the next month and I just can't spring for a brick right now.

[Bradius]

Same here. I kinda cried letting loose an EB 2/5/5 and switching to a 1/1/1 EB, but my bank account needs to heal.

[theCapraAegagrus]

Same here. I kinda cried letting loose an EB 2/5/5 and switching to a 1/1/1 EB, but my bank account needs to heal.

I pledged for a Hexagon (6-pack).

Lorenzo took money for 8 decks a couple weeks ago.
Steve Minty is stealing money from me TOMORROW.
JR is taking an arm from me sometime next week.
Isaac Newton book reprints are taking a leg in a few weeks.

That's a lot of financial losses...

[rousselle]

Lorenzo took money for 8 decks a couple weeks ago.
Steve Minty is stealing money from me TOMORROW.
JR is taking an arm from me sometime next week.
Isaac Newton book reprints are taking a leg in a few weeks.

Sounds like you better quit while you're a head (and a torso.)

[theCapraAegagrus]

Lorenzo took money for 8 decks a couple weeks ago.
Steve Minty is stealing money from me TOMORROW.
JR is taking an arm from me sometime next week.
Isaac Newton book reprints are taking a leg in a few weeks.

Sounds like you better quit while you're a head (and a torso.)

Hey! I'll still have one arm and leg.

[Bradius]

Hey! I'll still have one arm and leg.

That made me count the active Kickstarter projects that I am backing that are still open for funding. That would be 14.

[JacksandJokers]

That made me count the active Kickstarter projects that I am backing that are still open for funding. That would be 14.

Yes, there are a lot of good projects at the moment - why do they always all come at once

[Azid]

150% funded in 20 hours and first but unknown strech goal reached, well deserved!
I'm very happy that Giovanni made 3 total differnt decks again, and not just tuck swaps like it was with Lunatica.
I highly appreciate all the work in doing 3 complete different decks + the two way courts for the Mythica deck.
Good luck for the rest of the campaign.

[Thirdway Industries]

Hello UC!

Thank everyone for the advices and for the awesome support! I've did my best to made a big but balanced project.

Some fast answers:

@portcullis - I will change theme almost for sure on the next projects - I love Greek Mythology and I can't promise that Odissea will be the last one. But on the other side I've already told all my favourite greek stories and I think it's time to change. I have some ideas for future projects, but so far I'm 100% focused on Odissea and manage Delirium. Medieval is a great theme, thanks for the advice. I also have a couple themes I am waiting to do for a long time Let's see...

@Azid - Thank you for the support and the kind feedback! 2 Unlimited + 1 Limited, all different, is my favourite combo. I won't do this always since it's "heavy" (in every way possible )
After Odissea, my plans are to make a much smaller project, maybe one deck.

[Räpylätassu]

I love this deck, like everything Giovanni does.

Complaining about his style getting boring is like complaining that your favorite sports team has won the championship 5 times in a row with the almost the same roster everytime.