The Science Behind Altered Magic Cards: Understanding Materials and Techniques

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Altered magic cards are a popular aspect of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. These are unique versions of the cards that have been modified or customized by the players themselves. There are various reasons why players alter their magic cards. Some do it for personalization, as they want their decks to stand out and have a unique aesthetic. Others do it as a form of self-expression, using the cards as a canvas to showcase their artistic abilities. The alteration process usually involves painting directly on the card or attaching customized additions to it.


We’re located in Maine, USA. For domestic commissions, standard shipping is generally $3 USD. When it comes to shipping cards out of the USA, shipping is usually in the range of about $14 USD.

There s no real limit on the size of your order, but depending on what other commissions we have going, a full EDH deck may end up taking a back seat to someone who only wants one or two simple alters. We pretty much always have a decent line-up of commissions going at any given time, so delays can vary, but we try not to get scheduled out too much more than a few months.

Altered magic cards

The alteration process usually involves painting directly on the card or attaching customized additions to it. Paints, markers, and even physical elements like glitter or feathers can be employed to create the desired effect. However, it is important to note that altering cards can potentially affect their value, especially if the alteration is poorly executed or covers important card details.

Revelen’s Light Alters

We’re a husband and wife pair of card alterists, painting altered art on trading cards. (Almost exclusively Magic: The Gathering, but we’re always open to suggestion.) We do get a bit backlogged at times, but we’re pretty much always open for new commissions!

You can email us about alters (or other stuff) at – [email protected]

General Pricing

Pricing varies quite a bit from alter to alter. Since every alter can be completely unique, it’s hard to give an exact price without details. But, if you’d like to check out some general rates, you can get a pretty good idea here.

Contact

In case you want to contact us about an alter, feel free to drop us a note at:

[email protected]

You can also find us and get in touch on:
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Shipping Info

We’re located in Maine, USA. For domestic commissions, standard shipping is generally $3 USD. When it comes to shipping cards out of the USA, shipping is usually in the range of about $14 USD.

Card Swaps for alters

Trading cards for alters is certainly something we can be talked into from time to time, in some cases; certain cool cards, some commander staples, lands, etc. It’s not always something we can swing, but if you’re interested, feel free to ask and we can see what we can do. 🙂

How long does it take?

It really depends. We pretty much always have a decent line-up of commissions going at any given time, so delays can vary, but we try not to get scheduled out too much more than a few months. For simple, single card commissions, we can sometimes squeeze them in sooner. When you contact us about alters, we’ll let you know about how much of a wait there is!

Do you take large commissions?

Yup! There’s no real limit on the size of your order, but depending on what other commissions we have going, a full EDH deck may end up taking a back seat to someone who only wants one or two simple alters. Large orders take a while, so sometimes there’s a bit of an extra wait.

Payment Options

When you decide to commission something from us, we can just send a simple Paypal invoice to your paypal-associated email. If you don’t have Paypal, we can get you an invoice that works with credit cards and assorted other methods.

Rules on Alter Legality

Are alters legal in competitive play? Technically yes, but it’s really all up to the judge. The upshot is that, with most alters, you’re probably fine at FNM, I wouldn’t bring them to the Pro-Tour, for everything else, check with the head judge first! Here are the official rules:

Latest DCI Policy on Tournament Legality:
MAGIC: THE GATHERING® TOURNAMENT RULES
Effective July 1, 2009
Section 3.3 Authorized Cards:

Artistic modifications are acceptable in sanctioned tournaments, provided that the modifications do not make the card art unrecognizable, contain substantial strategic advice, or contain offensive images. Artistic modifications also may not obstruct or change the mana cost or name of the card.

The Head Judge is the final authority on acceptable cards for a tournament

Yup! There’s no real limit on the size of your order, but depending on what other commissions we have going, a full EDH deck may end up taking a back seat to someone who only wants one or two simple alters. Large orders take a while, so sometimes there’s a bit of an extra wait.
Altered magic cards

Many players consider altering magic cards as a creative outlet and a way to further engage with the game. Customized cards often become conversation starters and can even enhance the overall enjoyment of the game for all players involved. Some professional artists have even made a name for themselves in the magic card altering community, producing stunning and highly sought-after altered cards. These artists have found a way to combine their passion for the game with their artistic skills, resulting in unique and valuable pieces of art. However, it is worth mentioning that not all tournaments or events allow altered cards to be used. This is to prevent any unfair advantage that may come from altered cards or to maintain the integrity of the game. It is always recommended to check the specific tournament rules before using altered magic cards in a competitive setting. In conclusion, altered magic cards offer players a way to personalize and customize their decks, expressing their creativity and making their cards stand out. While altering cards can impact their value and may not be allowed in all settings, it remains a popular aspect of the Magic: The Gathering community and a testament to the passion and artistic talent of its players..

Reviews for "Altered Magic Cards in Competitive Play: Rules and Guidelines"

1. John - 2 stars
I was really excited to try out these altered magic cards, but I was disappointed with the results. The alterations were poorly done and looked amateurish. The colors didn't match the rest of the card and it just looked sloppy. It also felt like the alterations affected the gameplay, as the altered cards didn't shuffle or handle well. Overall, I wouldn't recommend these altered magic cards to anyone looking for a quality product.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I received the altered magic cards as a gift and I was extremely disappointed. The alterations were nothing like the pictures shown on the website. The colors were dull and the artwork was blurry and poorly printed. It was obvious that no care was taken in creating these altered cards. The alterations also made the cards thicker and harder to shuffle, which was frustrating. I wouldn't waste my money on these altered magic cards again.
3. Mike - 2 stars
I thought it would be cool to have some altered magic cards for my collection, but I was let down by the quality of these cards. The alterations were not well done and it was clear that the original artwork was covered up haphazardly. The altered cards also had some damage, with scratches and scuffs on the surface. It was disappointing to spend money on something that didn't meet my expectations. I would recommend looking elsewhere for good quality altered magic cards.

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