MTG Alters: Customizing Your Magic: The Gathering Cards
Have you ever looked at your Magic: The Gathering cards and thought, "Man, I wish this card looked a little different"? Maybe you want to show off your personality, commemorate a special occasion, or simply make your favorite card stand out from the crowd. Well, that's where MTG alters come in! Card altering has become a very popular way of expressing yourself in the MTG community, and a great way to protect your cards as well, using a sleeve and making the card thicker so it doesn't bend or get damaged. Let's dive into the world of MTG alters and explore what they are, why people get them, and some of the different techniques involved.
What Exactly are MTG Alters?
So, what exactly are MTG alters? Simply put, they are customized Magic: The Gathering cards. An MTG alter is any modification to an existing Magic: The Gathering card. This can range from minor changes, like extending the artwork, to complete overhauls where the original image is entirely replaced. The main goal is to personalize the card, making it unique and reflective of the owner's taste or the artist's creativity. These alterations can include extending the existing art of the card, painting a completely new image over the original, or even adding three-dimensional elements. Some alters are subtle and blend seamlessly with the original art, while others are bold and eye-catching. Some artists can make the card completely unrecognizable.
Card altering has been around for quite some time, developing from simple extensions of the original art to intricate, full-card transformations. It's a vibrant part of the MTG community, blending artistic expression with the strategic gameplay of Magic: The Gathering. The legality of using altered cards in sanctioned tournaments can vary, usually depending on how much the card has been altered and whether the changes obscure the card's text or original art in a way that makes it unrecognizable. Because of this, many altered cards are used in casual play or collected as art pieces. Collecting and commissioning card alters has become a popular trend, with some highly sought-after alters fetching significant prices. Card altering adds value and enjoyment to the game, allowing players and collectors to express themselves and appreciate the artistry that goes into these unique pieces.
Why Do People Get Their MTG Cards Altered?
There are tons of reasons why someone might want to get their MTG cards altered. Here are some of the most popular:
Personal Expression
Personal expression is a huge reason. Magic: The Gathering is more than just a game; it's a hobby that many people are passionate about. Altering cards allows players to inject their personality into their decks. Want a card that reflects your favorite meme? Or maybe you want to pay tribute to a beloved pet? An alter can make it happen. Players often have specific themes or styles that they incorporate into their decks, and altered cards are a perfect way to enhance these themes. For example, a player who loves dragons might have several dragon-themed cards altered to depict their favorite mythical creatures in unique and imaginative ways. Similarly, someone who enjoys a particular artist or art style might commission alters that mimic that aesthetic. This level of customization helps players feel more connected to their decks, making each game feel more personal and meaningful.
Altered cards can also serve as conversation starters, drawing attention and sparking interest among fellow players. During a game, an opponent might notice an intricately altered card and inquire about its story or the artist who created it. These interactions can lead to new friendships and deeper connections within the MTG community. Furthermore, altered cards can be a source of pride for players, showcasing their creativity and individuality. Each altered card tells a story, whether it's a tribute to a favorite character, a reflection of a personal experience, or simply a display of artistic skill. As players build their collections of altered cards, they are essentially curating a personalized gallery of MTG art that reflects their unique perspectives and passions.
Collectibility
Collectibility is another big draw. Some altered cards become highly sought-after pieces of art. A well-executed alter by a renowned artist can significantly increase the value of a card. Think of them as miniature masterpieces that you can play with! Some artists specialize in creating alters that mimic famous works of art, while others focus on original designs that are both beautiful and functional. The collectibility of altered cards has led to a thriving market, with auctions and online marketplaces dedicated to buying and selling these unique pieces. Collectors often seek out alters of rare or powerful cards, as these combinations can fetch the highest prices. The scarcity of altered cards also contributes to their appeal, as each one is essentially a one-of-a-kind creation. Collectors may spend years searching for specific alters to complete their collections, driven by the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of owning a truly unique piece of MTG history.
The value of an altered card is influenced by several factors, including the artist's reputation, the quality of the alteration, the rarity and playability of the underlying card, and the overall appeal of the design. Cards altered by well-known artists with a distinctive style often command higher prices. The level of detail and craftsmanship in the alteration also plays a significant role, with intricate and meticulously painted alters being more valuable. Rare and powerful cards, such as those from the Reserved List or highly sought-after staples in competitive formats, tend to be more desirable as canvases for alteration. The overall aesthetic appeal of the alter is subjective but can greatly impact its collectibility, with designs that resonate with collectors and players alike being highly prized.
Commemoration
Commemoration is also a common reason. Imagine winning a local tournament with a specific card. Getting that card altered to commemorate your victory is a fantastic way to remember the moment. Or perhaps you want to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. An alter can be a unique and lasting memento. Altered cards can serve as personalized trophies, marking significant achievements in a player's MTG career. For instance, a player who wins a major tournament might commission an alter of their favorite card from the winning deck, depicting a scene from the event or incorporating elements that symbolize their victory. These commemorative alters become cherished reminders of their accomplishments and the hard work that went into achieving them. Additionally, altered cards can be used to mark personal milestones, such as a player's first time qualifying for a major event or reaching a specific ranking in a competitive format.
Altered cards can also be given as gifts to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings. An alter that incorporates elements related to the recipient's interests, hobbies, or relationship can be a thoughtful and meaningful present. For example, a couple who met through Magic: The Gathering might commission an alter depicting their favorite cards or characters together, symbolizing their shared passion. These personalized gifts are not only unique and memorable but also demonstrate a high level of thoughtfulness and care. The act of commissioning an alter for a loved one shows that you have put time and effort into creating something truly special, making the gift all the more meaningful.
Just for Fun
Sometimes, people get cards altered just for fun. It's a creative outlet and a way to make the game even more enjoyable. Why not have a Squirrel token altered to look like your pet hamster? The possibilities are endless! It's all about adding a bit of whimsy and personal flair to your gaming experience. Altering cards for fun allows players to explore their creativity and imagination, transforming ordinary game pieces into unique works of art. This can involve anything from adding humorous elements to serious characters to creating surreal and dreamlike landscapes on otherwise mundane cards. The goal is simply to have fun and enjoy the process of customizing your MTG collection.
One popular trend is to alter creature tokens to resemble beloved pets, cartoon characters, or even famous celebrities. These whimsical alterations can add a touch of humor and personality to your decks, making each game more entertaining. Another fun idea is to create themed alters that tie into a specific deck or strategy. For example, a player who enjoys playing a pirate-themed deck might alter their lands to depict tropical islands, hidden treasure, and swashbuckling adventures. These thematic alterations can enhance the overall immersive experience of the game, making it feel like you're truly commanding a fleet of pirates on the high seas. Altering cards for fun is a great way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your MTG collection.
Techniques Used in MTG Altering
Alright, so how are these amazing alters actually made? Here are a few common techniques:
Paint Extension
Paint extension is one of the most common techniques. The artist extends the existing artwork of the card, seamlessly blending the new paint with the original. This can create a larger, more immersive image that really pops. Paint extension involves carefully matching the colors and textures of the original artwork to create a seamless transition. Artists use a variety of techniques, such as layering, blending, and glazing, to achieve this effect. The key is to create a visual continuity that makes the extension look like it was always part of the card. This requires a high level of skill and attention to detail, as even a slight mismatch in color or texture can ruin the illusion. Paint extension is often used to enhance the overall composition of the card, adding depth, perspective, and visual interest. It can also be used to correct minor imperfections or to add subtle details that were not present in the original artwork.
One of the challenges of paint extension is working with the limited space available on the card. Artists must carefully plan their extensions to ensure that they fit within the boundaries of the card and do not obscure any important information, such as the card's name, mana cost, or rules text. This requires a strong understanding of composition and design principles, as well as the ability to adapt to the constraints of the medium. Despite these challenges, paint extension is a popular and versatile technique that can be used to create stunning and immersive altered cards. It is often combined with other techniques, such as full art replacements or character insertions, to create truly unique and personalized pieces.
Full Art Replacement
Full art replacement involves painting a completely new image over the original artwork. This allows for a total transformation of the card, limited only by the artist's imagination. This technique is often used to create alters that depict entirely different scenes, characters, or themes. Full art replacement offers artists the freedom to completely reimagine a card, transforming it into a unique and personalized piece of art. This technique requires a high level of skill and creativity, as the artist must not only be able to paint a new image but also to integrate it seamlessly with the card's existing elements, such as the border, text box, and mana cost. The goal is to create an alter that looks like it was always meant to be that way, even though it is a completely different image.
One of the challenges of full art replacement is maintaining the card's identity and playability. Artists must be careful not to obscure any important information, such as the card's name, mana cost, or rules text. This requires a strong understanding of the game and the needs of the players. Additionally, the artist must be able to create an image that is both visually appealing and thematically appropriate for the card. This requires a deep understanding of art principles, such as composition, color theory, and perspective. Despite these challenges, full art replacement is a popular and rewarding technique that allows artists to create truly unique and stunning altered cards. It is often used to create alters that depict favorite characters, scenes from popular movies or TV shows, or even original designs that reflect the artist's personal style.
3D Alters
3D alters take customization to a whole new dimension. These alters involve adding physical layers to the card, creating a three-dimensional effect. This could involve cutting out parts of the card and layering them on top of each other, or even adding sculpted elements. 3D alters are among the most visually striking and technically challenging types of altered cards. They require a high level of precision and craftsmanship, as well as a deep understanding of materials and adhesives. The goal is to create a three-dimensional effect that is both visually appealing and structurally sound. This involves carefully cutting and layering different parts of the card to create depth and dimension.
One of the challenges of 3D alters is maintaining the card's playability. Artists must be careful not to add too much bulk or weight to the card, as this can make it difficult to shuffle and handle. Additionally, the added layers must be securely attached to the card to prevent them from peeling or falling off. This requires the use of strong and durable adhesives that will not damage the card. Despite these challenges, 3D alters are a popular and impressive form of card alteration that can transform ordinary cards into stunning works of art. They are often used to create alters that depict characters jumping off the card, landscapes extending into the real world, or even intricate mechanical contraptions that seem to come alive.
Are MTG Alters Legal?
This is a question that comes up a lot. The legality of MTG alters depends on the context. In casual play, it's generally up to you and your playgroup. However, in sanctioned tournaments, the rules are stricter. Generally, an altered card is legal if it is still recognizable and doesn't obscure the card's name, mana cost, or artwork to the point where it's unrecognizable. Judges have the final say, so it's always a good idea to check with them before using altered cards in a tournament. The key is to ensure that the card's original function and identity are not compromised by the alteration. This means that the card's name, mana cost, rules text, and original artwork must still be clearly visible and recognizable. Alterations that significantly alter these elements may be deemed illegal by a judge.
Additionally, alterations that could be considered offensive or inappropriate are generally not allowed. This includes alterations that depict hate speech, sexually explicit content, or other forms of offensive imagery. Judges have the authority to remove any altered cards that they deem to be in violation of these guidelines. It's always a good idea to err on the side of caution when altering cards for use in sanctioned tournaments. If you're unsure whether an alteration is legal, it's best to check with a judge before using the card in a tournament. You can also consult the official Magic: The Gathering tournament rules for more detailed information on the legality of altered cards.
Final Thoughts
MTG alters are a fantastic way to personalize your Magic: The Gathering experience. Whether you're looking to express yourself, collect unique art pieces, commemorate a special event, or simply have some fun, altering cards can add a whole new layer of enjoyment to the game. So, go ahead and explore the world of MTG alters – you might just discover a new passion!