When Dr. Steve set out to create his first-ever card game, he wasn’t sure what to expect. But what emerged was Wet Brain: The Game of Losers and Trolls—a wildly irreverent, hilarious, and completely original card game designed to bring people together for a night of unpredictable fun.
A First-Time Creator with a Big Idea – Wet Brain!
“I entered into this with some trepidation,” Dr. Steve admits. Like many new creators, he found that most card manufacturers were based overseas and lacked the hands-on support needed for design and formatting. That all changed when he discovered us here at Shuffled Ink.
To bring Wet Brain to life, Dr. Steve enlisted the help of artist Troy Smith, who handled the illustration and creative design. From there, the Shuffled Ink team stepped in to assist with setup, formatting, and production—offering personalized support that made all the difference.
“No other company even offered to help with setup,” he says. “Carlos and his team took my idea and ran with it. The quality is top notch.”
Wet Brain Available Now, With More to Come
The game is already available for purchase and ready to ship immediately. And Dr. Steve isn’t stopping here. His goal for 2025? Launch an expansion and second edition of Wet Brain to keep the chaos going.
Advice for New Creators: Use Your Resources
When asked what advice he’d give to first-time card makers, Dr. Steve keeps it simple: “Work with your liaison at Shuffled Ink. They are accessible and knowledgeable.”
Where to Get Wet Brain: The Game of Losers and Trolls
Stefanie had no plans to create a card deck. But during a solo staycation in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, everything changed.
“I checked into a hotel just to rest. I brought my laptop, thinking maybe I’d write,” she recalls. “That night, the cards just started pouring out of me.” With over 30 years in corporate America and a lifelong passion for metaphysics, Stefanie has quietly combined the two worlds for years. Known only to close friends and referrals, she has long offered intuitive readings—but always kept that part of her life under wraps.
“I’ve always used metaphysical principles in my work life,” she says. “It helps me to step back and look at the larger picture.”
Rather than using traditional card illustrations, The Office Oracle Cards feature clear text messages printed directly on each card. The design speaks plainly to the user, offering intuitive prompts for real-life workplace issues.
Designed by Friends, Finalized with Trust
The original design was created by a close friend from Stefanie’s early career. When he had to step away due to family health matters, another friend stepped in to help finish the deck. One card—Return to Office—was added late in the process after Stefanie realized it was essential.
“Regardless of which side you are on, it impacts the office in a way we never had to deal with previously.”
While excited to share her creation, Stefanie admits to some nerves. “This project shines a light on a part of my life I’ve kept pretty private,” she says. She hopes The Office Oracle Cards help others find clarity in their careers and relationships at work. “We spend most of our week working. I hope people are able to use the deck to find guidance for situations in the workplace?”
Partnering with Shuffled Ink
When Stefanie tried working with other printers, she struggled to explain the deck’s concept. “I had issues explaining the concept of these cards to another printer.”she recalls. But once her friend, Chris, discovered Shuffled Ink, everything clicked. “Shuffled Ink understood what we were trying to do and made it very simple for us.”
For anyone dreaming of creating their own oracle card deck, Stefanie offers this: “Don’t lose faith in the process. Things may seem to stall, but there may be a reason for that stall that you don’t understand yet. A stall in a project may be for your highest good.”
Launching Spring 2025
The Office Oracle Cards will be available for purchase atwww.ouroracles.com in Spring 2025. Orders will ship within 48 hours of purchase.
Stefanie’s personal mission is to reach financial freedom so she can focus more on spiritual tools and passion projects. She also plans to expand the deck into retail stores nationwide.
In the ever-expanding world of tabletop games, Relic Knights stands out—fusing anime aesthetics with strategic, card-based combat. This unique game is being published by William Neill, founder of Ignition Core Games, who has resurrected this fan-favorite title after acquiring the rights from its previous publisher.
William Neill’s journey is anything but ordinary. A New Zealand-born U.S. Marine veteran, William launched Ignition Core Games while still on active duty. Today, he runs his game company full-time alongside being a husband, a father, and a lifelong gamer.
Unlike most miniatures games that rely on dice, Relic Knights takes a fresh approach by using cards to resolve combat. The result? A dynamic gaming experience that captures the energy of anime battles with strategic depth that keeps players coming back.
Why Cards? Why Now?
“It always takes new customers off guard that the game uses cards instead of dice.” William explains, “The reaction is first surprise, then interest.”
Despite the challenges of producing a large volume of high-quality cards in the U.S., William stayed true to his values. He partnered with us here at Shuffled Ink to bring Relic Knights to life without sacrificing quality or turnaround time.
Made in the USA, Inspired by Japan
Every Ignition Core title draws influence from Japanese anime, a niche that’s long been underserved in Western tabletop markets. With Relic Knights, that anime energy takes center stage in every mechanic, visual, and faction.
Although William didn’t design the original game—credit goes to the talented team behind the second edition—he carries the torch with passion and purpose. William’s journey from active-duty Marine to full-time game publisher is a testament to execution over perfection. His advice to new creators? “Execution is always more powerful than ideas. The industry is filled with good ideas that never see the light of day. Do not let perfection become the enemy of execution. Get your idea into the world. Don’t be afraid to launch an imperfect product and learn from it.”
That relentless mindset powers everything at Ignition Core Games, where their motto—“Let’s see how dangerous we can be”—is more than a slogan. It’s a daily challenge to stay bold, scrappy, and impactful.
Where to Get Relic Knights
Interested in experiencing Relic Knights for yourself? You can purchase the decks as part of the Radiant vs. Void Starter Set or Relic Knights Battle Boxes atwww.ignitioncoregames.com. Orders ship out same-day or next-day, with U.S. delivery in just 3–5 business days.
Looking ahead, Relic Knights has three new faction launches in the works, with a possible fourth if production stays ahead of schedule. Fans of anime-inspired tactical gameplay have a lot to look forward to from this fast-growing brand.
Rachael Kinner—known to readers and collectors as RJ Kinner—is blending the literary and metaphysical worlds in a beautifully illustrated card series called The Synchronous Oracle. This collectible oracle deck evolves alongside her fiction book series, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of tarot, oracle cards, and contemporary fantasy.
A Fusion of Books and Cards: How The Synchronous Oracle Came to Life
The Synchronous Oracle is unlike most traditional oracle decks. Instead of launching all at once, the cards are released in limited-edition 10-card packs, each one corresponding to the release of a new book from Kinner’s Otherworlds and Catchers series. As the stories unfold, so does the deck—ultimately becoming a 60-card collectible oracle set.
This is Kinner’s third card project produced by Shuffled Ink, following the success of The Kinner Tarot and The Echoes Oracle. But this time, her process is even more personal: she’s combining her worlds as both an author and an illustrator to offer readers a deeper connection to the characters, settings, and themes that define her novels.
From Digital Sketches to Tangible Magic
Kinner’s journey with tarot and oracle cards began as a side project—a creative warm-up before diving into other illustrations. But what started as an exercise became a passion. After completing her first full tarot deck, she found herself pulled deeper into the world of card design.
Her process changed dramatically in 2020 when she bought her first graphics tablet, the XP PEN Artist 22. This tool allowed her to draw digitally with the same fluidity she had on paper, streamlining her workflow and breathing new life into her creative approach. “It opened up so many opportunities,” she explains. “It was one of the turning points of my art.”
Now, Kinner brings moments from her books vividly to life—transforming scenes, characters, and even secrets into collectible oracle cards that readers and card enthusiasts alike can treasure.
Creating Through Chaos: Overcoming the Roadblocks
Designing and illustrating a multi-phase oracle deck is no small task, especially when you’re also the sole author, artist, and campaign manager. Kinner balances this creative load while navigating significant personal changes in her health, family, and relationships. Still, she remains committed to completing the project—and finds joy in each pack released.
“Fighting exhaustion is a constant battle,” she shares, “but I’m still committed to seeing this project through!”
One of the most rewarding aspects of The Synchronous Oracle is how it resonates with her readers. When longtime fans recognize a card’s reference—be it a scene, character, or location—it creates a special kind of connection. Sometimes, the cards even tease story elements yet to be revealed in future books, turning every pack into a collectible experience layered with meaning.
Advice for Aspiring Card Creators
When asked what advice she’d give new artists hoping to create their own decks, Kinner keeps it simple: “Start somewhere! Card decks have an unbelievable amount of work that goes into them, but you need to start somewhere. The blank page is the scariest part of the process. As soon as you fix that, then you’re well on your way.”
What’s Next for The Synchronous Oracle?
Following the March 2025 launch of Catchers: Book One, which introduced cards 11–20 of the oracle deck, Kinner is preparing to release Trail Tales: A Supplementary Novella and Catchers: Book Two. With each book comes a new card pack—and by the end of 2025, she hopes to unveil cards 31–40.
These special edition packs are only available through the book’s Kickstarter campaigns, making each one a truly limited release. Fans can also purchase prints, merch, and previous decks atrjkinnerart.com.
The Ideal Candidate (TheIdealCandidate.org), founded by Kevin Davenport, is dedicated to equipping professionals with essential soft skills. Their Workforce Development Memory Cards provide a fun and effective way to master key career readiness concepts, from acing interviews to excelling in the workplace.
The Ideal Candidate specializes in gamified training, making complex skills more accessible. The flash cards were created as a dynamic tool to reinforce workforce development lessons in a memorable way.
Design & Focus of The Ideal Candidate
The deck is centered on two key areas: getting the job and keeping the job. It covers topics like interview strategies, workplace success tips, and professional growth. The gold color scheme represents The Ideal Candidate’s commitment to the “gold standard” in career development. Every card is designed to reinforce key lessons on navigating job interviews, workplace etiquette, and long-term success.
Students and professionals alike have found the cards to be a valuable resource. Hearing success stories from users is what makes this project truly rewarding.
Expanding the Vision
The Ideal Candidate is taking workforce training to the next level with the Workforce Development Video Game, set to launch soon. This innovative approach aims to make career readiness even more engaging!
The Workforce Development Memory Cards are available atTheIdealCandidate.org. They are also sold B2B as a training add-on for organizations.
Why Shuffled Ink?
After researching manufacturers, Shuffled Ink stood out for its strong reviews and customization options. The experience was seamless, and the final product met high expectations!
With a “No excuses, get it done” mindset, The Ideal Candidate is committed to redefining workforce training for the future. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Workplace Mastery Video Game in 2025!
For pilots, the sky is not just a destination—it’s a way of life. One private aviator has taken this passion for flying and transformed it into a personal and meaningful tradition: Airplane Cards. Designed as a unique souvenir for friends, family, and business associates, these custom playing cards feature an image of the pilot’s aircraft displayed through a box window. More than just a deck of cards, they serve as a symbol of shared experiences, adventure, and lasting connections.
A Personal Tradition Takes Flight
With 45 years of flying experience, this seasoned pilot has always had a deep appreciation for aviation and the relationships it fosters. Whether traveling the world with passengers or needing a favor on the ground, these personalized decks offer a cost-effective yet thoughtful way to express gratitude. The Airplane Cards project is not just about creating a product—it’s about building bonds through a shared love of flight.
Handing out a deck of Airplane Cards is more than just giving away a game—it’s an opportunity to start a new relationship or strengthen an existing one. These cards serve as a lasting reminder of shared travels, business ventures, and personal connections. The reaction from recipients has reinforced the value of this thoughtful gesture, making each deck more than just a keepsake—it’s a meaningful piece of a journey.
Designing the Perfect Airplane Card Deck
The process of bringing the Airplane Cards to life began with a collaboration between the pilot and Shuffled Ink’s design team. Initially working with Lisa from Shuffled Ink, the project was later handed off to one of their skilled designers. The pilot provided an aircraft image, and together, they refined the layout to ensure a balanced and visually appealing design. The seamless experience was marked by a customer-first approach, with the Shuffled Ink team dedicated to achieving the perfect final product.
A Smooth Flight from Concept to Creation – Why Shuffled Ink?
Unlike many creative projects that encounter obstacles along the way, the Airplane Cards experience was completely seamless. From the initial design to final production, the process was smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. Working with Shuffled Ink was a positive and rewarding experience, proving that custom card creation can be both easy and cost-effective.
After exploring various options, the pilot chose Shuffled Ink not only for their U.S.-based operations but also for their exceptional customer service. From the first conversation with Lisa to the final product delivery, every step of the process was handled with care and attention to detail. The high-quality cards exceeded expectations, and the pilot looks forward to working with Shuffled Ink on future projects.
A Tradition That Soars
In aviation, relationships are just as important as the journey itself. The Airplane Cards project is a testament to that idea—a small but powerful way to connect with others, express gratitude, and celebrate a shared love for flight. As this pilot continues to travel the world, these custom decks will remain a meaningful part of the adventure, bridging the gap between the skies and the people who make each journey unforgettable.
While there are no plans to sell the Airplane Cards, this pilot will continue giving them away for years to come. With the goal of flying even more in 2025, the tradition of sharing these unique decks will live on, strengthening connections across the globe.
When you combine a sharp financial mind, a background in running businesses, and a passion for all things pop culture, you get The Gen X Challenge—a trivia game that’s as fun to play as it is strategic to launch.
The brains behind this nostalgic deck? A former CFO with over two decades of experience in manufacturing, who decided to pivot from the corporate world into the playful (yet competitive) world of game design. And so far, it’s paying off—her first release sold out on Amazon.
Gen X Challenge: A Game Made for More Than Fun
Designed with a clear target in mind, The Gen X Challenge taps into the memories and cultural moments that defined a generation. From movies and music to cartoons, fashion, and trends, this trivia game is a walk down memory lane for Gen Xers who want to relive their favorite moments through gameplay.
“When people play it, it brings them back. It feels nostalgic—like being a kid again,” she shared.
But don’t let the fun fool you—this is a business venture backed by a rock-solid strategy. She’s not just playing games; she’s building a brand.
From Vision to Reality
With her eye on long-term growth, this powerhouse entrepreneur has already planned to release a new game every quarter in 2025. She’s not stopping at trivia—she’s building a portfolio of games that will speak to different markets while staying rooted in strong financial planning and focused messaging.
Getting to this point wasn’t without its challenges. From navigating the complexities of customs and supply chain issues to figuring out Amazon’s backend systems, she was swimming out of the trenches from day one.
“The supply chain process was intimidating,” she admitted. “Especially trying to coordinate fulfillment and marketing all at once.”
Luckily, she had the right partners by her side. After reaching out to Shuffled Ink, her project manager Gabe connected her with Whatz Games, and the rest is history. “Gabe and the team were incredibly helpful. The quality of the cards is fantastic,” she said.
Advice for Aspiring Game Creators
As someone who’s taken a game from concept to market success, her advice for new creators is straightforward and smart: “Niche down. Have a strong marketing message. And make sure your financial model makes sense.”
She practices what she preaches. Her targeted Facebook ad campaigns drove strong results and helped sell out her first run on Amazon—an impressive feat for a first-time game creator.
What’s Next For the Gen X Challenge?
With more games in development and a clear plan to scale, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year. The goal? A new release every quarter.
And for fans of The Gen X Challenge, there’s no better time to join the party.
At Silence the Shame, we believe that strong communication and emotional expression are the cornerstones of mental well-being. For Black youth and families, navigating emotions can be particularly challenging due to societal pressures, generational trauma, and limited access to culturally competent mental health resources. That’s why we created the Creating Resilience Flash Cards—a simple yet powerful tool designed to help families strengthen their bonds through meaningful conversations.
A Simple Yet Powerful Tool for Healing
This deck is more than just a set of flashcards—it’s a bridge between generations, a tool for fostering connection, and a means of creating safe spaces for emotional expression. These cards provide accessible ways for families to:
Practice expressing emotions
Share personal experiences
Deepen their understanding of each other
Whether used after dinner, on the way to school, or during a quiet moment at home, these cards transform everyday interactions into opportunities for healing, growth, and joy.
The Inspiration Behind the Deck
As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health in underserved communities, we distribute a wide range of free resources every year. During our work in the community, we hear firsthand how difficult it can be for families to start conversations about emotions and mental well-being. We wanted to create something tangible that could reach families anytime, anywhere—whether or not they attend our events. The Creating Resilience Flash Cards were designed as a conversation starter pack, filled with guided prompts, wellness activities, and helpful resources.
Designing for Connection
The deck’s design was led by our in-house Creative Director, ensuring alignment with our brand identity and mission. For the title card, we collaborated with a talented graphic designer to create an illustration that resonates with our audience while maintaining our organization’s visual standards. Every element of this deck—from colors to typography—was thoughtfully chosen to create an inviting and engaging experience for families.
The Impact of These Cards
When we introduce this deck to others, the response is always inspiring. Caregivers and youth alike express appreciation for how the cards help them navigate conversations that might otherwise feel uncomfortable or challenging. One of the most rewarding moments was seeing a mother and her teenage son use the deck during a Silence the Shame event—within minutes, they were laughing, sharing, and opening up in ways they hadn’t before.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Creating a resource like this came with its challenges, primarily ensuring that the content was both accessible and effective. We wanted to strike the right balance between being informative and engaging, without making the conversations feel forced or overwhelming. Through thoughtful design and feedback from our community, we created a deck that is both practical and deeply impactful.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission: Empower and educate communities on mental health and wellness.
Vision: A stigma-free, culturally competent world where mental wellness is universally embraced and prioritized.
Advice for Aspiring Card Creators
For those looking to create their own custom decks, our best advice is simple: make it meaningful. Whether for education, entertainment, or personal development, a deck should serve a clear purpose and resonate with its audience. Also, choosing the right manufacturer is key—finding a partner that understands your vision and delivers high-quality results makes all the difference.
How to Get the Creating Resilience Flash Cards
Since we are a nonprofit organization, this batch of decks was funded by a grant and is distributed free of charge to the communities we serve. We are always seeking additional funding to continue this initiative. If you’re interested in supporting our mission, you can donate via our website atwww.silencetheshame.com or text STSCares to 707070.
Exciting Upcoming Events & Programs
Mark your calendars for National Silence the Shame Day on May 5! We are a national organization, and many of our programs are accessible virtually. Additionally, check out our Silence the Shame Podcast on all streaming platforms and our YouTube channel, Silence the Shame TV, for more content on mental health awareness and resilience.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Our goal for 2025 is simple: expand our reach and impact. Through these flashcards and other initiatives, we aim to continue increasing mental health awareness, education, and accessibility within Black communities.
Why We Chose Shuffled Ink
During our research, Shuffled Ink stood out as the best option for manufacturing our decks. Their fully customizable card deck options, excellent customer service, and U.S.-based operations made them the perfect partner. The final product exceeded our expectations, and the positive feedback from our community affirms our decision. We are thrilled with the quality and look forward to continuing our partnership for future projects.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates, mental health resources, and more:
Through Creating Resilience for Black Youth & Families, we are taking one more step toward breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Together, we can build a world where emotional well-being is accessible to all—one conversation at a time.
From a chance party moment to a wedding—and now, a full-fledged card game—Boozanga! is a drinking game with heart, humor, and a whole lot of connection. This brightly colored, joy-sparking drink or dare game was built to turn strangers into friends and nights out into stories worth telling.
At the helm of this fun-first concept is Brandon David, founder of Goin Out Games. A social butterfly with a deep passion for face-to-face connection, Brandon saw a gap in the way people interact in today’s digital-first world—and decided to fill it with laughter, curiosity, and a little booze-fueled chaos.
A Party, A Game, A Marriage
The origin story? It starts, fittingly, at a party. One night, a buddy of Brandon’s began playing an early version of Boozanga! with a girl he’d just met. One game turned into a conversation, which turned into a connection—and now? They’re married. That same friend eventually became Brandon’s co-creator, and the spark of Boozanga! became a full flame.
Brandon designed the game to be casual, enticing, and memorable—a card-based alternative to stacking blocks that encourages people to let loose and have real, unfiltered conversations. There’s a version for everyone, from singles to couples in long-term relationships, all designed to break the ice and spark connection.
From Beer Clubs to Bright Ideas
Brandon’s passion for social events goes way back. Before likes, swipes, and comments were the norm, he loved dreaming up creative ways to get people talking—really talking. Inspired by a monthly charity beer club called Thursday Night Drinking Club, he began envisioning a more intentional way to merge play, connection, and purpose.
The result? Goin Out Games. More than just fun, these games are a platform for authentic connection—with a charitable twist. A scannable QR code on each game leads players to real-world events and causes, encouraging a return to meaningful in-person interaction while doing some good along the way.
The Look, The Feel, The Vibe of Boozanga!
When it came to design, Brandon leaned into bright, vivid orange tones that felt fun, alive, and instantly eye-catching—especially in a bar setting. The game had to look as fun as it felt, and with Boozanga!, it definitely does.
A Seamless Production Experience
When it was time to bring Boozanga! to life, Brandon partnered with Shuffled Ink—and the experience exceeded expectations.
“We were overwhelmed with options, but the creative team I was working with said Shuffled Ink was one of the best manufacturers in the U.S.—and they were right. From intake to delivery, the communication, updates, and quality were top-notch.”
What’s Next?
With Goin Out Games up and running and Boozanga! now in the hands of happy players, Brandon is looking ahead. His mission is simple: keep creating spaces where people can connect freely and have fun—just like we used to before everything went online.
Whether you’re looking for a hilarious night out, a way to meet someone new, or a game that gives back, Boozanga! has you covered.
In a world where men are often told to “man up” rather than open up, one first-time creator is reshaping the narrative—one card at a time. “Hey There Fella” is a 54-card affirmation deck designed specifically for men, offering grounded daily reminders about resilience, self-awareness, and purpose. Created with care, humor, and a whole lot of honesty, this project is more than a product—it’s a movement.
A Campfire Approach to Mental Wellness
“Hey There Fella” was born out of necessity. After years of noticing a lack of mental health tools tailored to men, the creator—who designed and illustrated the cards entirely in-house—decided to fill the gap. This is not your average affirmation deck filled with fluff. These are affirmations grounded in campfire wisdom, not therapy-speak.
Inspired by real conversations, silent struggles, and the healing power of the outdoors, each card is a nudge in the right direction. With a visual aesthetic drawn from vintage national park signage—clean typography, rugged yet minimalist illustrations, and a timeless palette—this deck is designed to feel honest and quietly strong.
Real Words for Real Moments
The creation process wasn’t without challenges. Finding the right tone—supportive, yet never patronizing—meant months of writing, refining, and rewriting. But the payoff? Deeply personal moments that show just how needed this deck is. One man in recovery shared how the cards became part of his daily morning routine, helping him stay grounded and seen.
That moment, like so many others, affirmed the mission: these cards aren’t meant to fix you—they’re meant to walk with you. Whether you’re recovering, reflecting, or just surviving the day, this deck offers a steady presence.
Built With Purpose—And Shuffled Ink
When it came time to bring “Hey There Fella” to life, the creator sought out a U.S.-based manufacturer that reflected the values behind the project: purpose-driven, personal, and crafted with care. Enter Shuffled Ink.
“As a family-owned business producing everything in the USA, Shuffled Ink felt like the perfect fit,” the creator shares. “The final product exceeded expectations—sturdy, beautifully printed, and packaged with detail that makes it feel like more than just a deck of cards. It feels like an extension of the brand.”
What’s Next for Hey There Fella?
With the launch of their official online store (shopheytherefella.com), the response has been incredible. They’re already expanding the product line to include limited-edition prints, trucker hats, and soon—guided journals and new decks. One major goal for 2025? To land in over 100 independent shops across the U.S., continuing to build a community that supports men’s mental health in a real, relatable way.
Because at its core, “Hey There Fella” is more than a deck—it’s a conversation starter. It’s about checking in, slowing down, and recognizing that there’s strength in honesty. As the creator says: “Better Men, Better Days, Together.”
At Silence the Shame, we believe that strong communication and emotional expression are the cornerstones of mental well-being. For Black youth and families, navigating emotions can be particularly challenging due to societal pressures, generational trauma, and limited access to culturally competent mental health resources. That’s why we created the 
The Look, The Feel, The Vibe of Boozanga!
