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Hello and welcome to another Community Corner Creator Spotlight article! In this series, we interview up-and-coming content creators to get their insights on the game. In previous articles, we have interviewed a bunch of really cool creators.

Today, we are interviewing Tyler "Savesya" Bucks, one of our own writers. He also has a YouTube channel known as The Pillow Fort, where he discusses budget Commander builds! We are also interviewing ProblemPrincessMTG, whose content provides an entertaining look into the game via a unique perspective.

Creator Spotlight: Tyler "Savesya" Bucks

As his EDHREC bio suggests, Tyler "has been playing Magic and creating lighthearted content for over a decade. With a focus on building Commander decks on a budget, he is always looking for new ways to save cash! When he isn't shuffling through bulk bins (so you don't have to), he can be found on the Magic YouTube channel 'The Pillow Fort'!"

Who/What introduced you to Magic?

My friends Jonny and Megan got me into the game toward the end of 2012, right around the release of Return to Ravnica. Growing up, I was never allowed to play any kind of trading card game, even though I always secretly wanted to.

So, when I first moved out of my parents' house and I saw my friends playing this fun fantasy game, I was immediately intrigued. My first question was "What is this?" which was then quickly followed by "How do I play?" The rest is history.

What is your favorite card/commander and why?

When it comes to my most beloved commander, I have to go with one of Strixhaven's founders, Shadrix SilverquillShadrix Silverquill. I love interactive games, where everyone is involved, and this legend makes that happen.

You can find Tyler's Shadrix Silverquill deck here!

I'm able to make deals with the table, and then back them up with a board that's loaded up with counters, plus a giant double-striking Dragon. A favorite card is a lot tougher… It's a tie between Frantic SearchFrantic Search, Dark RitualDark Ritual, and Curse of OpulenceCurse of Opulence.

Tyler with Magic's Head Designer Mark Rosewater

Why do you create content for Magic?

I took a few years off of Magic, and unfortunately sold my collection at that time. However, I got back into the swing of things toward the end of 2019, after my friend Calhoun bought me a War of the Spark booster pack. During that time, I was going through a rough period in my life, and didn't have extra funds to reinvest into the game. That's when I found budget building and learned a lot of the skills I still use to this day.

My mission is to make Magic more accessible for everyone, because I don't want other people to feel the way I did when I started playing again — like they can't engage with the game because of financial reasons. I truly do love helping players build new decks, and showcasing hidden gems from the most recent sets, so that's what drives me forward.

What sets your content apart from other creators?

I really care deeply about everything I make. Every deck is playtested over and over again before I put it out there, each budget list I make is filled with cards I truly believe are powerful for their price, and every video is produced with as much effort as I can muster. I've been making content since I was eleven years old, and it really is the greatest passion in my life.

The very first video I ever filmed was with my friend Logan, where we did a funny video about Die Hard in my parents' basement. Flash forward to the present day, and we are still making comedic sketches together for The Pillow Fort. Those shorts, plus the budget deck techs and bulk lists I produce, hopefully create a lighthearted destination for players in the Magic community.

What about life outside Magic influences your content?

I was raised on classic comedies, old cartoons, absurd British shows, and countless sketch groups, which all helped shape the type of tone I like to put forward with my content. Now I watch a whole lot of YouTube: Good Mythical Morning, Let's Players, and plenty of video essays take up my free time, and I'm always taking notes for my own content.

Also, I play a lot of poker, both online and in low-stakes real-world tournaments. That experience has influenced the way I engage with Magic and how I view the impact of new cards while I'm evaluating them. Plus, I also play plenty of board games and Dungeons & Dragons, which all helps with immersing myself in new worlds.

Are you attending any upcoming events where players could meet you?

I will be at the Cleveland Gaming Classic coming up in September! You can find me hosting a Booster TutorBooster Tutor Commander event, making a whole lot of content, and trying to get the voice of Toph from Avatar: The Last Airbender to sign my Magic cards. So, if you're in the Northeast Ohio area, come hang out for the weekend of the 11th–13th.

What is one thing you would change about Magic?

For it to be more affordable: not just singles, but the product itself. While I can help by making budget decks, there are still cool precons, bundles, Secret Lairs, etc., that players want to get, but just can't.

I'd love to see more introductory products, better availability for the sought-after drops people are excited for, and above all else: every scalper to lose their internet connection forever.

Creator Spotlight: ProblemPrincessMTG

Jenny, also known as ProblemPrincessMTG, is an Instagram content creator in the Magic community. Her takes are a delight, and she slays both hearts and dragons with her skills on the battlefield. You can also find ProblemPrincessMTG on TikTok and Facebook.

Who/What introduced you to Magic?

Tempest was technically my first set as a seven-year-old! My brother is eleven years older than me, so he was into Magic while I collected Pokémon. But I kept thinking his cards were cooler! Eventually he obviously wanted me to stop touching his cards, so I got a tin of my own. At first I invented my own ways to play, but around nine I learned to play! I've been in and out of the hobby since!

What is your favorite card/commander and why?

My favorite commander is actually Voja, Jaws of the ConclaveVoja, Jaws of the Conclave. An overpowered card, to be fair, but so fun to play! A wolfy that commands Elves? So much fun!

Why do you create content for Magic?

My reason for starting content was wanting an outlet online where I could really be myself and let people get to know me and see me for who I am. I lost my dad two years ago, and he just really is a huge inspiration for wanting to have that outlet and showcase all the amazing things he taught me and helped make me into! I'm actually currently working on a grief project for him. A binder collection of art cards, poster art, horror, and sci-fi stuff that he would have loved! It's been a very fun, unique project that even the community unexpectedly wanted to help with! It's really helped to sort the grief and do something fun in his memory.

What sets your content apart from other creators?

I say the things no one else will, and you'll realize it fast. I call things as I see them. I call out issues within programs, creators, and sets. I speak about autism awareness, I speak about LGBTQIA+ spaces, and I speak for women in the spaces. What sets my content apart from others is that I use my platform for voices that need to be elevated in the community. I do my best to speak for the marginalized people in this community, and I call out a lot of issues within the community. Many come to my Discord and me for a safe space to be themselves, and we proudly house an amazing community of 800+ members!

What about life outside Magic influences your content?

I take from the climate of real-life issues. Some of the same issues we face in Magic: The Gathering spaces are the same issues I, and many others, face in the real world. Not being wanted in spaces, objectification, hate, etc. The climate of the world right now also affects the microclimates of the Magic community.

Are you attending any upcoming events where players could meet you?

I will be attending MagicCon: Atlanta! I'll have stickers and tokens to hand out! I will also be bringing fidgets and stims, so feel free to find me for some help with anything I can help with!

What is one thing you would change about Magic?

More selective IPs for Universes Beyond. I think Universes Beyond is fun, but some simply don't fit into the world of Magic and should be kept in Secret Lairs. Just a personal opinion.