How to alter magic cards

Overview

Altering Magic: The Gathering cards is a popular practice among players who wish to personalize their decks or add a unique artistic flair to their game. This process involves modifying the artwork of a Magic card, typically by painting over sections of the original art to extend it, add new elements, or change existing features. It's a creative outlet that allows players to express themselves and potentially increase the aesthetic appeal and perceived value of their cards.

What is Card Altering?

Card altering, in the context of Magic: The Gathering, refers to the physical modification of a Magic card's artwork. This is most commonly achieved through painting, where an artist uses various mediums, such as acrylic paints, to extend the card's existing art, add new characters or objects, or change the background. Some alterations might involve adding small details, while others can completely reimagine the card's visual theme. The goal is usually to create a more visually striking or personalized version of the card.

Materials and Techniques

The primary tool for most card alterers is acrylic paint. These paints are water-based, dry relatively quickly, and can be thinned to create transparent washes or applied opaquely. Fine-tipped brushes are essential for detailed work, allowing artists to precisely add to the original artwork without obscuring the card's text box, mana cost, or power/toughness. Some artists also use pens, markers, or even specialized paints, but acrylics remain the most versatile and widely used medium.

The process typically involves:

• Preparation: Ensuring the card is clean and dry. Some artists might lightly sand the surface of the art box to help paint adhere better, though this is debated as it can damage the card.
• Planning: Deciding what modifications will be made and how they will integrate with the original art.
• Painting: Applying thin layers of paint, building up color and detail gradually. It's crucial to avoid applying paint to the card's text, border, or frame, as this can make the card unreadable or non-compliant with tournament rules.
• Sealing: Once the paint is dry, a protective sealant, often a spray varnish, is sometimes applied to protect the artwork from chipping or fading.

Legality and Tournament Play

The legality of altered Magic cards in official tournaments is a crucial point for players. While Wizards of the Coast, the makers of Magic: The Gathering, generally allow altered cards in casual play, their use in sanctioned tournaments is subject to specific rules. The primary concern is that the alteration must not obscure any game text, change the card's name, or make it identifiable as a card that is not in the deck. If an alteration makes a card indistinguishable from another card or unreadable, it will likely be disallowed by a tournament judge. Many judges err on the side of caution, and it's always advisable to check with the head judge before a tournament if you plan to play with altered cards.

The official Magic: The Gathering tournament rules state:

• "Altered cards are allowed as long as the player can still identify the card and all the text on the card. The Head Judge or tournament organizer may rule that altered cards are not allowed for any reason."

This means that while extending the art is often acceptable, significantly changing the card's appearance to the point of confusion or obscuring text will lead to disqualification.

Value and Collectibility

High-quality card alterations can significantly increase a card's value, especially if they are done by well-known artists within the Magic community. Collectors and players sometimes seek out specific altered cards for their unique aesthetic or as a way to own a piece of art from a favored artist. The value depends on the artist's reputation, the quality of the artwork, the rarity of the original card, and the complexity of the alteration. Commissioning an artist to alter a specific card is a common way to acquire personalized, high-value pieces.

Tips for Beginners

For those interested in trying card altering, it's best to start with inexpensive or common cards that you don't mind experimenting on. Practice is key to developing the fine motor skills and understanding how the paint interacts with the card surface. Watching tutorials from experienced alterers can provide valuable insights into techniques and common pitfalls. Always work in a well-lit area and take breaks to avoid eye strain and maintain precision. Remember that patience and practice are the most important tools for creating successful card alterations.