Category: Packaging

WORLD TAROT DAY: DEBUNKING 3 COMMON TAROT CARD MYTHS

Posted on May 25, 2022 by Charles Levin - Astrology, Card Designers, Collaboration, Manufacturer, Oracle Cards, Packaging, Tarot and Oracle Cards, Tarot Cards, Tarot History, Tarot Readings, Tarot Spreads

While SinceWorld Tarot Day, created by the iconic Den Elder, a prolific writer, Tarot Grandmaster, and founder of The Church of Tarot, got the idea for World Tarot Day back in 2003. Every May 25th, the rest is history in the making as celebrations are growing more prevalent and elaborate every year.

In celebration of World Tarot Day, Shuffled Ink is debunking 3 common myths about tarot cards.

Word Tarot Day – Myth #1- There are strict rules to tarot (Trionfi) reading

There is no right or wrong way of reading tarot cards. Actually, there are numerous methods, strategies, approaches and traditions used. There is no secret tarot rulebook or club, it’s all about what you make of it. Like any hobby, learning how to read tarot takes time and practice!

World Tarot Day – Myth # 2 – Your first tarot (Tarocchi) deck has to be a gift

The origins of this commonly accepted myth are unknown. Tarot cards make an excellent gift. And, there is actually nothing wrong with purchasing a tarot deck for yourself! Tarot experts say that making sure you like the look of your tarot deck is important! Beauty is subjective, it’s important that you like the style and artwork of your deck to ensure proper practice!

Shuffled Ink actually knows how important creating a beautiful deck is. This is why we offer vivid colors and dozens of finish and cardstock options to ensure your custom deck lives up to its full potential and is the most grabbed on the shelf.

World Tarot Day – Myth #3: Tarot (tarock) is used only for predicting the future

Tarot cards alone do not be able to predict your future. Many people utilize tarot cards to determine divination. Some believe tarot cards have divinatory power, actually, many do not necessarily agree on the source of that power.

The cards are simply a tool to use to try to interpret and understand a future or present situations. Tarot decks are used in different ways and for many reasons. Tarot is seen as a tool to guide one spiritually, or provide clarity on your current situation. They are not just to attempt to predict your future.

There are many reasons people use tarot cards. Some people incorporate it into a religion they already practice, some users are completely non-spiritual. Non-religious use their decks for inspiration

Tarot users who believe tarot can tell the future, collectively believe that it tells one possible future, and that future is not absolute. “Negative” readings should not be of such great concern. Actually, every tarot card communicates positive and negative messages.

World Tarot Day, May 25 – every year, your tarot future says be there!

FAMILY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND FOUNDING SHUFFLED INK: CHARLES LEVIN’S CARD STORY

Posted on September 1, 2021 by Charles Levin - Behind the Scenes, Card Designers, Card Games, Card Innovation, Card Story, Client Feature, Custom Design, Custom Gifts, Education Learning, Entertainment, Family Business, fun facts, History, Manufacturer, Meet the Team, Networking, Oracle Cards, Packaging, Personalized Branding, Playing Cards, Poker Cards, Press Release, Printing Service, Social Media, Uncategorized

(top row, left to right) Charles, Matthew, Jonathan; (bottom row, left to right) Lori, Lisa, Melissa

In December 1999, Charles Levin, Founder & President of Shuffled Ink (formerly known as QPC Games), was raising three girls and two boys, ranging in age from one to 12. As a marketer living in the top U.S. travel destination (Orlando, Florida), he wanted to create an alternative to brochures and discount books.

He believed that custom-printed playing cards could deliver impactful marketing and branding applications, educational usefulness, and of course, fun-filled family game nights.

This thought, matched with an eager, entrepreneurial mindset, kickstarted Charles’ very first custom card project: advertisement playing cards, or Super Deck.

Charles’ Card Story: From Concept to Reality

The purpose of Super Deck was to promote and elevate tourist hotspots and establishments in the Orlando area. The original pack consisted of a map and cards with discounts and coupons for local attractions, dinner shows, restaurants, shopping, golf, and recreation. Soon after pitching the concept to prospective vendors, Charles had secured the marketing deck in 90 percent of Orlando hotel rooms.

Throughout the early 2000s, Shuffled Ink’s first employees were his 5 children: Melissa, Lori, Matthew, Lisa and Jonathan. The Levin family would regularly clear off the dining room table and use the space to create playing card prototypes and other related personalized products.

As sales blossomed and new opportunities arose, Charles moved the business into his three-car garage. For several years, this is where all marketing, sales, administration, and shipping took place.

For the past 9 years, Charles and his team of production facilitators, project managers and graphic designers have operated in an 8,000 square-foot office and production facility in Orlando, Florida. By Summer 2022, we are expanding into a 35,800 square-foot manufacturing and office space in Winter Garden, Florida.

Charles’ business model has changed quite a bit since Super Deck. Today, Shuffled Ink specializes in printing custom playing cards, tarot and flash cards, packaging, and more for businesses and individuals worldwide.

https://youtu.be/yUmTXQasbGg

Family Entrepreneurship: The Shuffled Ink Team

Three of Charles’ kids are still involved at Shuffled Ink today.

Matthew, his oldest son, moved back to Orlando from New York City in 2016 to help him run the business as Chief Executive Officer. His daughter Lisa worked at the company part-time for many years but now oversees all customer services as Vice President of Sales. And youngest son, Jonathan, assists behind-the-scenes in the manufacturing facility.

“Throughout the past 22+ years, my kids’ incredible contributions and influence have added to the existence, growth, and success of Shuffled Ink.” –Charles Levin, Shuffled Ink Founder & President

The Levin Family (left to right): Charles, Lisa, Matthew and Jonathan Levin

Get To Know Us Better!

Shuffled Ink is a multigenerational family business with an unwavering, decades-old mission: to provide an unparalleled experience in customer service and product quality to ensure that all clients’ card visions meet reality.

See what our clients are saying about the services, product quality and pricing we offer: Shuffled Ink Google Reviews.

To receive complimentary samples of our card products, include your delivery address and phone number on your custom quote request form.

If we manufactured your card project and you would like us to share your Card Story on our blog, feel free to connect with our Marketing Team here.

ECO-FRIENDLY SHIPPING: PARTNERING WITH ECOENCLOSE

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Charles Levin - Campaign, Eco Friendly, Fulfillment, Packaging, Partnership, Post-Consumer Products, Press Release, Recycled Material, Sustainable

We are proud to announce our official partnership with EcoEnclose exclusively for our fulfillment-related shipping materials. All bubble and corrugated mailers as well as cartons are recyclable, biodegradable, and made from 100 percent recycled materials!

We are optimistic about our future in eco-friendly shipping and are excited to apply these sustainable developments to all orders in the future!

Wondering how you can incorporate environmental initiatives into your custom project? Contact our team here.

PROMOTE YOUR ART USING CUSTOM CARDS

Posted on July 20, 2020 by Charles Levin - Art, Artist, Card Collectors, Card Designers, Card Games, Client Feature, Custom Design, Design, Entertainment, Manufacturer, Oracle Cards, Packaging, Playing Cards, Poker Cards, Tarot Cards

Not sure how to start promoting your art? Consider printing 54 of your original designs on a deck of playing cards! With our text, image and card size options, every component of your product is completely customizable. Here are some tips on how to optimize marketing your artwork with our custom cards.

Playing Card Art

1. Personal Branding Your Art

Every creator must establish his/her brand. A personal brand is how an individual’s business is perceived based on actions taken to market product(s) within an industry or a community. This means that your artwork should exemplify what you stand for as an artist. Luckily, the possibilities to create are endless. Your 54-card poker-sized deck comes with two jokers, all of which are customizable. Your card project can feature 54 different art designs, 4 consistent artwork sets for each suit, one illustration set to the card backs and faces, etc. With any idea that comes to mind, we will ensure that your vision comes to fruition. Now, there are more card options to choose from when promoting your artwork. If your art fits well in the spiritual realm, market using tarot or oracle cards. These decks include 78 cards, which allows for an endless supply of art concepts to dabble in.

Tarot Card Art

2. Custom Packaging

Presentation is equally as important as the art you choose to showcase. After all, the card packaging will catch the consumer’s eye first. Just like the card backs and faces, the packaging is completely customizable. Here are our specialty box options:

Custom Two-Part Box

Custom Tuck Box

Post-Consumer Custom Tuck Box

Hard Clear Plastic Case Classic

White Window Tuck Box

Plastic Banding

3. Social Media Exposure

Nowadays, social media is among the main tools used in business and personal marketing. If you don’t have a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account, we highly suggest that you create at least one. These platforms are perfect for publicizing your exclusive illustrations and products. We recommend that you include your social media handle(s) or website(s) on the deck of cards. This directs future and current consumers to your supplementary art pieces and collections. Gaining followers on these media sites will only increase website traffic and engagement.

4. E-Commerce Site

Once your art is printed on any of our custom cards, consider establishing an online store to support your product(s). Setting up an e-commerce site makes it easier for clients to purchase your designs, whether they are featured on a deck of cards or canvas. If you aren’t interested in creating your own online platform, Shuffled Ink will lessen the load by selling your card products in our Client Product Shop on Shopify. Even if we didn’t manufacture your product, you’re still able to sell in our shop! Alternative online marketplaces charge significant referral and percent of the sale fees, but this is not our approach. We achieve our greatest success by directly partnering and investing in your success. After all, our motto since 1999 has always been “Your success is our success”.

How It Works?

Our Client Product Shop works in two easy ways:

Purchase bulk inventory for Shuffled Ink to store and sell
On-demand production arrangements that allow you to sell your product without having to purchase bulk inventory

When you opt into our Client Shop program, there are NO:

% of sale or referral fees
setup or service charges
monthly minimums or inventory storage costs

Market Your Art

The sky is the limit when it comes to creativity and customization, which is why we don’t charge fees for extra colors. Whether you prefer a matte, smooth or linen finish, your art will remain in its truest, original form when printed onto our well-crafted card stock. The principles of marketing are constantly changing. So, take advantage of your opportunities and get your art out into the world with our playing card products. ● Official Shuffled Ink website: ShuffledInk ● Make Your Own Custom Playing Cards at: ShuffledInk ● Make Your Own Custom Card Games at: ShuffledInk