How to Make MTG Proxy Cards: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

If you’re a Magic: The Gathering fan, you know that collecting the game’s many cards can quickly become an expensive hobby. But what if you could play the game without spending a small fortune on rare cards?

That’s where MTG proxy cards come in. These cards are replicas of real MTG cards, made to look and feel just like the original cards. With a little bit of effort and some basic materials, you can make your own MTG proxy cards and start playing the game without breaking the bank.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of MTG proxy cards. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make your own proxies, including where to find card images, what materials to use, and how to make your proxies look as close to the real thing as possible. So, let’s get started! 

What Are MTG Proxy Cards?

MTG proxy cards are replicas of real Magic: The Gathering cards. These proxies are typically made by players who want to use rare or expensive cards in their decks, but don’t want to spend a lot of money to acquire them. MTG proxy cards are often used in casual play, where players agree to use proxies instead of real cards.

Why Use MTG Proxy Cards?

There are many reasons why you might want to use MTG proxy cards. Here are a few of the most common:

• • Cost: Some MTG cards can be very expensive, especially if they’re rare or have powerful abilities. Using proxies allows you to play with these cards without spending a lot of money.

• • Accessibility: Some MTG cards are no longer in print or are difficult to find. Using proxies allows you to play with these cards even if you can’t find them in stores.

• • Testing: If you’re a competitive player, you may want to test different deck configurations before investing in real cards. Using proxies allows you to experiment with different strategies without spending a lot of money.

• • How to Make Your Own MTG Proxy Cards:

Now that you know what MTG proxy cards are and why you might want to use them, let’s dive into the process of making your own proxies.

Step 1: Find Card Images

The first step in making MTG proxy cards is to find high-quality images of the cards you want to replicate. You can find card images on a variety of websites, including:

• • Scryfall

• • Gatherer

• • MTG Goldfish

When selecting card images, make sure to choose high-resolution images that are as close to the real card as possible. You can also use a scanner or camera to create your own images of the cards, but this can be more time-consuming and may not produce the same quality as professional images.

Step 2: Print Your Images

Once you have your card images, the next step is to print them out onto paper or cardstock. It’s important to use high-quality paper or cardstock to ensure that your proxies look and feel like real cards. You can print your images at home using a colour printer, or you can have them printed professionally at a print shop.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cards

Before you can glue your images to your cards, you’ll need to prepare your cards. You can use any type of card for your proxies, but it’s best to use cards that are the same size and thickness as real MTG cards. Some players use old or damaged MTG cards as the base for their proxies, while others use blank cards or cards from other games.
If you’re using old or damaged MTG cards, make sure to remove any remaining ink or markings from the card before glueing your image to it. You can do this using a rubber eraser or by sanding the surface of the card lightly.

Step 4: Glue Your Images to the Cards

Once you have your images and prepared cards, the next step is to glue the images to the cards. You can use a variety of adhesives for this, including:

• • Spray adhesive

• • Glue sticks

• • Double-sided tape

• • Rubber cement

Whichever adhesive you choose, make sure to apply it evenly and avoid using too much, as this can cause the card to warp or become too thick. Press the image firmly onto the card, making sure to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once you’ve glued your images to your cards, the final step is to add any finishing touches to make your proxies look as close to the real thing as possible. You can do this by:

• • Trimming the edges of the card to match the size of a real MTG card

• • Adding a glossy or matte finish to the card to replicate the texture of real MTG cards

• • Using a black marker or pen to add any missing details, such as card type or mana cost

Tips for Making High-Quality MTG Proxy Cards

• • Use high-quality cardstock or paper for your proxies

• • Choose high-resolution card images that are as close to the real card as possible

• • Use a printer with good colour accuracy to print your images

• • Apply adhesive evenly and avoid using too much

• • Trim the edges of your card to match the size of a real MTG card

• • Use a black marker or pen to add any missing details

• • Experiment with different finishing touches, such as a glossy or matte finish, to find the look that works best for you

Conclusion

Making your own MTG proxy cards can be a fun and affordable way to play the game, especially if you don’t want to invest in expensive, official cards. While the use of proxies is not officially sanctioned by Wizards of the Coast, many players use them in casual play and some local game stores allow their use in certain circumstances.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and using high-quality materials, you can create proxies that look and feel like real MTG cards. Remember to use proxy cards responsibly and always check with tournament organisers or game store policies before using proxies in any official capacity.
Whether you’re a seasoned MTG player or just starting out, Proxy Cards can be a great way to enhance your gaming experience and explore new strategies and decks. So why not give it a try and see what you can come up with?