Most magicians use playing card routines. We show you how to up your game, promote your show, and increase recognition with custom card decks
As a magician, you know that every detail matters and that the right props can make or break a performance as much as the handling, narrative, and presentation. One of the most important tools in your arsenal — because they're portable, infinitely adaptable, and inexpensive — is your playing cards. Card routines are perennially popular with audiences of all ages and can be performed either on stage or in close-up magic, table magic, and kids' shows. But have you ever considered using custom card decks? We're a specialist printing service with over 25 years experience in the industry and we'd like to explore why custom card decks are a fantastic investment for magicians and how they can elevate your magic show to the next level.
What are custom card decks for magicians?
Custom card decks are a set of playing cards that have been designed specifically for your magic show. They can be customized with your name, logo, or even a complete custom artwork package that fits your brand. Custom card decks are not just for looks, they can also be “gaffed” decks designed and “gimmicked” to perform special tricks and illusions that are not possible with regular playing cards. Think Svengali, Invisible, and Stripper decks, for example. Or your own unique needs such as marked cards, double-sided, and more.
Why custom card decks are a boon for magicians
There are several reasons why custom card decks are a smart option for professional magicians. They add a level of professionalism to your magic show that sets you above the run-of-the-mill jobbing conjurer. A custom card deck with your name or logo on it shows that you take your craft seriously and have invested in your performance and your brand.
After all, it's a competitive business — especially after the recent surge of interest in performance magic after the ongoing success of TV shows like Penn and Teller's Fool Us. With so many magicians out there, it's important to differentiate yourself from the competition. A custom card deck can help you do just that. Custom card decks can be used to create a more immersive experience for your audience. By using a custom card deck that fits the theme of your magic show, you can create a more cohesive and engaging performance for your audience.
How custom card decks can help in promoting your magic show
Custom card decks can be used as a promotional tool to help promote your magic show in a variety of ways. We'll give you a few ideas to get you started, but you'll think of several more exciting and innovative ways to use custom card deck as powerful promotional tools. By giving away custom card decks with your name or logo on them — say, at corporate events or as rewards to audience participants and assistants — you're creating a stronger rapport and leaving a lasting impression on your audience. They will be far more likely to remember your show and so also be more likely to recommend it to others. Your custom card deck can include a card with your professional credentials and offers, website address, and agent or booking details.
Custom card decks can also be used as a giveaway item for contests or promotions. You can set these up on your social media, or promote them to your email list, for example. By giving away custom card decks, you are encouraging your audience to engage with your brand and participate in your promotions. A development of this approach is to include a smaller number of free tickets or discount cards concealed randomly in several of the decks. You can also sell the decks directly from your website or via third-party online stores such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, for example.
Custom card deck design ideas for magicians
With custom decks, as you can design the size of the cards, choose the number and materials, add gimmicked cards or boxes, and use entirely original artwork, there are practically no limits to what you can do with them. Still, thinking of the custom deck as a promotional tool, here are a few basic design ideas to get you started:
- Have your professional photo printed on the backs of all the cards
- Add a QR code which goes to your website or agent's page
- Include a special discount card for bookings or your merchandise
- Add instructions for a few easy beginner's magic tricks that can be done with the cards to encourage interaction and sharing
- Incorporate your logo into each card
Those are just a few possibilities. Once you get started, you'll soon come up with others. You can think of your custom card decks as spectacularly advanced and impressive business cards!
Choosing paper and packaging for custom cards
There are many choices for card paper. A silky texture is an especially common choice if you're developing a card deck for magic, while a linen effect surface is an excellent option if you're producing playing cards for cardistry sets in which flexibility and versatility are prerequisites, and our other stock choices are ideal for collectible cards as well as other kinds of engaging card designs. We offer several different types of linen and soft finishes. The decision is yours.
We offer a wide range of packaging choices, including foil booster packs, tin cases, and tuck-end boxes. Additionally, we offer a variety of materials as well as metallic foil stamping, high glossing, spot UV, and embossing choices. Your boxes can be fully customized and branded along with the cards they contain.
Are custom card decks worth the investment for magicians?
The answer to that question depends on several factors — such as the design, materials, quantities ordered, and so on — and in the end it's a personal call. But we know from experience that the right design can make a custom card deck a powerful tool for magicians. They can help you establish your brand and identity, stand out from the competition, and perform tricks and illusions that are not possible with regular playing cards. Custom card decks can also be used as a promotional tool and a marketing and advertising tool. With so many benefits, it's clear that custom card decks are worth the investment for many magicians.
So, if you're a magician looking to elevate your magic show, consider investing in a custom card deck. Whether you're a professional stage magician, close-up magician, table magician, or a kids' entertainer, there's an advantage you can exploit in designing and printing your own custom card deck.
Talk to us!
At QinPrinting, we have over 25 years of experience in the professional offset printing industry and we specialize in game cards, playing cards, and cards you can use for magic. We have a superb, dedicated staff of experts always on hand to help, guide, and advise you. Our range of materials for card printing is second-to-none and we offer a vast array of specialist finishes to make your cards truly exceptional, such as holographic paper, metal foil stamping, and UV spot coating, to name only a few.
If you're interested in the possibility of developing your own unique custom card deck to enhance your magic show and boost your professional reputation, we should talk. We've made it super-easy to get in touch either by telephone, email, Skype, the online chat, or the contact form. We look forward to helping you add a little extra magic to every routine!
