Question: Each set’s Enchanted and Iconic cards have had distinct art styles based on their respective set. How would you describe the look and feel of the Enchanted and Iconic cards for Winterspell?
McKay: The Enchanted and Iconic cards in this set are meant to evoke a feeling of holiday warmth. They should feel charming, magical, and simple. We really wanted these to awaken a childlike wonder in players that reminds us all of holidays at home with family reading and telling stories by the fire.
When we were evaluating what would be appropriate to the set we looked at a lot of sources of inspiration. What we arrived at is kind of something all its own. Our early tests with something like a paper-cut style felt a little flat and didn’t quite have the magic that you would expect from Disney Lorcana. We worked with some amazing and trusted artists to find a fun blend of Holiday cards, Scandinavian simplified illustration, and paper cut with just a touch of magic.
Lighting these cards was what really brought out the magic. In each piece there are three different light sources that make the pieces glow in a unique way. Each artist was patient and took great care to make sure that we preserved the magic of Disney Lorcana as we brought this alternate style to life.
Question: The glitter on these cards makes them feel extra special, what can you share about the decision to bring some sparkle to Winterspell?
McKay: Having a set with so much snow, ice, and frost but without the sparkle of it felt wrong. We knew pretty early in the decision making process that some kind of extra level of glint and glitter would be explored. We are thrilled with how the glitter turned out on these cards and feel like it is the perfect touch to a magical art style.
Question: The glimmers of characters from Moana, Lilo & Stitch, and more are in this icy winter setting we don’t normally see them in. What was it like taking these characters into a completely new element? Are there any favorites you have?
McKay: It was a concern from the start for sure to show these characters in a foreign location but still make them feel somewhat at home. As we started developing each piece, we found that the storytelling was crucial. A Moana glimmer gazing wondrously at the icy cave walls that she has never seen before, or a Lilo glimmer finding joy in this new icy playground somehow make them feel like the characters we know even when they are in an environment foreign to them. At each turn we made sure to be as faithful as we could to the characters’ personalities. My favorites are definitely Lilo – Bundled Up, Gramma Tala – Connected to Nature, and Heihei – Persistent Presence. I think in each of these cases it was inspiring to see how the artist found their personality and how it might work in this new landscape.
Question: Anything else you’d like to share about working on Winterspell artwork?
McKay: There was a moment part way through the development of the set where we realized that snow kind of erases the landscape and a lot of the magical world building that has always been a part of Disney Lorcana. In order to preserve this magic we took special care to adjust art where possible and make sure that each piece had a sense of magic beyond a normal winter. The result was a winter wonderland more magical than we could have imagined.
We hope all of you enjoyed this look behind the scenes of the flurries of fun in Winterspell. Want to get your hands on some of the sparkling Enchanted cards? Find a friendly local game store near you on the Ravensburger Play Hub. Winterspell Prerelease events start February 13, with the release in all stores following February 20.
