At D23 The Ultimate Fan Event 2024, Ravensburger’s Matthew Eng, the Lead Designer of Disney Lorcana, sat down to discuss the art and creative process behind the beloved trading card game (TCG). Eng shared insights into what makes Disney Lorcana so special, from its artistic direction to the collaborative efforts that bring each card to life.
The Dream Project: Designing Disney Lorcana
Matthew Eng, a seasoned TCG player and designer, shared his excitement when the Disney Lorcana project was first pitched to him. As a fan of both Disney and trading card games, the opportunity was a dream come true.
“Well, I’ve been playing TCGs for a very long time and also worked on a lot of other Disney products. And so when I heard, when I was approached about a Disney TCG, I didn’t even need any other pitch. I was like, ‘Yes, I will do that.’ So I was very excited. It’s been a dream project of mine.”
Eng’s passion for both Disney and TCGs is evident in the care and creativity poured into Disney Lorcana. His excitement and dedication have helped shape the game into a unique blend of familiar Disney magic with the strategic depth of a well-crafted TCG, captivating fans worldwide.
Creating a Unique Aesthetic for Each Chapter
With each new chapter of Disney Lorcana, players are introduced to a fresh aesthetic that ties the cards together under a unifying theme. Eng explained how the team collaborates to develop these distinct visual styles.
“So a lot of it is driven by our narrative team, who actually have a panel later today you should check out if you can get to it. And what we want is for every set to feel special and unique, but familiar, right? So the narrative team and even the game design team also get together to figure out what we’re going to be doing with each set.”
This collaborative approach ensures that each chapter of Disney Lorcana stands out while remaining true to the overarching story. By weaving together narrative elements and game design with distinctive art, the team creates a cohesive and immersive experience that keeps players engaged and excited for each new release.
The Magic of Enchanted Cards
One of the most beloved aspects of Disney Lorcana is the enchanted cards—special versions of standard cards with enhanced artwork. Eng discussed how the team approaches designing these sought-after collectibles.
“Well, we always want the enchanted versions to be cooler, right? So in the past, like with the first few sets, what we did was just the same kind of art brief that the original card had, but we said, ‘Just make it more epic.’ Let’s get some low shots, let’s have the character more dynamic or whatever.”
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Enchanted cards are designed to elevate the player’s experience, offering a visual treat that feels truly special. By incorporating unique art styles and thematic elements, these cards become standout pieces in any collection, giving players that “golden ticket” moment when they find one in a booster pack.
Recognizing the Artists Behind the Magic
Disney Lorcana not only celebrates its characters but also the artists who bring them to life. Eng highlighted the importance of giving credit to the artists whose work makes the game so visually stunning.
“We always want to give our artists as much credit as they can get and recognition of their work and their contribution to a game. So we feel it’s very important to have the credit on the card but also actually on the packaging.”
By prominently featuring artist credits on the cards and packaging, Disney Lorcana helps fans connect with the creators behind the art. This recognition fosters a deeper appreciation for the artistic talent involved and allows players to follow and support their favorite artists across platforms.
How to Become a Disney Lorcana Artist
For aspiring artists, Disney Lorcana offers an exciting opportunity to showcase their talents. Eng provided valuable advice for those looking to contribute to the game.
“One of the biggest things that an artist can do if they want to work on Lorcana is to do a piece of a Disney character, set it next to all of the other cards that we’ve put out, and really take a step back and be judgmental. Does this fit within the Lorcana family of artwork? And if it does, then you have a really good chance of getting some work.”
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To catch the attention of the Disney Lorcana team, artists are encouraged to create fan art of Disney characters in a style that aligns with the existing Lorcana artwork. Eng also mentioned that Ravensburger finds many artists through social media, art-centric platforms, and word of mouth. Aspiring artists can submit their portfolios directly to the team, but showcasing an understanding of Lorcana’s visual style is key to standing out.
Bringing Pixar to Disney Lorcana
As the game continues to evolve, new franchises are introduced into the Disney Lorcana universe. Eng expressed his excitement about incorporating Pixar characters into the game.
“So excited. There’s, as you know, so much great stuff within all of the Pixar films. It’s going to be really exciting as we start to add that to Disney Lorcana.”
The inclusion of Pixar opens up a new realm of possibilities for Disney Lorcana, offering fans the chance to explore beloved characters and stories in card form. The addition of Pixar’s rich narratives and iconic visuals promises to bring even more depth and diversity to the game.
Matthew Eng’s insights into the creation of Disney Lorcana reveal the passion and dedication that goes into making each card and set a unique work of art. From the initial concept to the final product, every aspect of Disney Lorcana is crafted with care, ensuring that the game remains a beloved favorite among TCG enthusiasts and Disney fans alike.
What excites you most about the upcoming chapters of Disney Lorcana? Are you an artist eager to contribute to the game? Which Pixar characters are you hoping to see in the next set? Share your thoughts with us on social media!
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