For these first few sets, I am using generative ai to create the art for the cards, in spite of my dislike for it. At this time, AI generated art is offered free of charge, and I am currently a dad making this game as a hobby in my basement.
As I have used and worked with this medium, I have learned a few things about it. It does not do what I want. It does not provide what I want. However, it is a no cost option that gives me the vibes I'm trying to provide to players.
I honestly look forward to the day that I can afford to commission artwork, and when I do, it will be in tandem with creating large orders of cards similar to other games, where I can bring the cost of production and distribution lower.
This, in turn, will allow me to use the additional profits to fund paying artists, and maybe also my coffee addiction as well. If things go VERY well, it may even help pay for my kids college expenses. A man can dream.
Transparency is and will always be important to me. Currently, I have priced my product to sell, not to profit. I make less than a dollar on any of my print to order products.
I look forward to the day that I can grow beyond this model so that I have the means to commission artwork from humans, as I honestly believe the work and quality will be so much better, not to mention the ethics of using generated art.
I will always provide a print to play option for any set I release, to ensure that there is a baseline of availability for any given card or set.
