What I actually wanted to do was open a store that offered independently made tarot and oracle decks like the ones I collected, first online and then offline. I would purchase these independent decks from vendors like Two Sides Tarot and Little Red Tarot, and I imagined that perhaps I might create my own small collection to offer to Manila residents (and maybe Asia).
In This Article...
Now I know some of you who frequent this blog do have tarot deck creation goals of your own… so I thought I’d put together a guide that can *fingers crossed* walk you through the creation process the way I did it.
Disclaimer: If you think this piece is going to be about suppliers, printers, and the like, I’m going to warn you right away that it isn’t. I get a lot of queries about those things. Regarding execution, I encourage you to conduct your own research. You can set together your decks just as easily as I did by conducting your own research. Your best friend is Google.
So let this serve as a guide, but don’t expect any spoon-feeding. Open yourselves up to the experience of learning through process, discovering through research, and creating a tarot deck all your own.
Decide what you want. Back in architecture school, we had to begin with a design challenge before we could even begin sketching or discussing aesthetics. You must understand your why. First and foremost, why are you building a deck? Is your deck an outlet for your creativity or an attempt to tackle a problem? Are you making a deck in order to generate income, support a certain cause, or get a little more tarot knowledge for yourself?
Knowing your why will set the tone for your entire creation process. Give this fundamental step time.
begin with a notion. These days, independently produced cards are based on themes. It’s too general to say, “I want to create a tarot deck.” Make your creation worthy. Do you want an animal-themed deck? Why? Do you favor having a “Stranger Things” theme? Eighties soap operas? political leaders
Select a form of artistic expression. If you’re into impressionism, Op-art, or post-modernism, go ahead and do whatever you feel at home with, unless you’re making a deck to broaden your style or portfolio. I selected collage because that’s the medium I’m comfortable with.
Setting your parameters will help you create a visually appealing deck (unless the concept you’re working with calls for a range of art styles, in which case mixing things up might make sense).
You need to accept your own artistic ability at this point. Consider what you can actually accomplish if you have a limited amount of time. Perhaps painting frescoes, photographing them, and then processing each image is not the ideal course of action if you want to complete a deck in a month. Consider whether you can actually complete 78 canvases (and possibly more since you’ll need extras for do-overs and such) if you’re comfortable working with oil on canvas.
Establish your guidelines so that you have a reference point to use when you build your deck.
Make sure you understand what you’re getting into before you even start. I am aware that many artists who have no background in tarot take on the task of creating a deck. But I think their cards have a distinct vibe than real tarot readers. They aren’t as useful as decks created by those who are proficient in spreads, have a thorough understanding of their archetypes, and can read for themselves or others. Even the most accomplished artists are unable to discern tiny elements when using the tarot, despite their skill.
If you are familiar with tarot, make a deck. If you know how to use one, construct an oracle deck. Do your research.
Start working. You’ll just have to put in the effort; that’s the part that the majority of eager beavers are looking forward to. Tarot cards cannot “magician their way into existence.” Get your iPad out, start using Procreate, get some scissors, paint thinner, and brushes.
Be prepared to make a lot of stops and starts at this phase of the process, and be nice to yourself. When you’re ready, display your work to the public. To assess if what you’re doing resonates with both groups, it would probably be beneficial for you to seek feedback from both a non-tarot reader and an experienced reader.
To keep the big picture in mind, remind yourself. Although we occasionally interpret tarot cards individually, we often use pairs of cards and broad spreads. You must have the ability to take a step back from your task and assess how the cards stack up. three, five, ten, and twelve-spot spreads. Lay them all out to check for stragglers, see if any visual or thematic trends emerge (extremely important in a deck! ), and determine whether you like the way they all look when arranged in a formation.
Beyonc staging Bey-chella comes to mind. She had to make sure that everyone on stage appeared flawlessly coordinated.
Make a trial run. The effort isn’t ended once the art is finished, whether you plan to build your deck for sale or just want a copy for yourself. You want to check to see how the tarot cards represent everything. If you want to drive your inkjet printer to the limit, do it yourself at home or look for a printer that can make an inexpensive one-off production on standard card stock. This is to determine whether your art, in any size you decide, works. You can use this to check for border problems, uneven cropping, etc.
Use your test deck as soon as you obtain it. Carry it around and do readings for friends, family, and future clients. Trust me, once you acquire that tester, it won’t leave your hands. Check out how it functions in the wild.
Revision is essential. My least favorite project stage, but one that is absolutely necessary if you want to do things correctly. You’ll know what needs shifting and what needs tweaking once you’ve held the sample in your hands and used it for 10, 20, and 50 readings.
With my initial run of the PM Starter Deck, I saw a few things I wanted to change. The fact that I only had 11 copies printed allowed me to fix any errors I found without incurring significant costs.
Examine the market. If you’re quite certain about your deck, you can have a professional finish it right away. You can either order a task for a small print run for yourself or a large print run if you want to take the plunge. You may relax knowing that you tested your deck, made any necessary adjustments, and took into account everyone’s input.
See whether people are interested in your cutting-edge independent deck. Consider going commercial if individuals appear to be really engaged. Examine your numbers to see if you can feel as like you are taking a calculated risk.
Make a Hail Mary and wish yourself luck if you decide to place a large print order. Who knows, your invention could be the next item to appear on the independent shelves of Two Sides Tarot and Little Red Tarot.
Your own tarot cards can you make them?
Tarot cards have been created by numerous people over the years. Ones that are blank and have already been cut and sized for you are available for purchase. You can then design your own artwork to place on them. Alternatively, you may print them out on card stock or picture paper and cut them out by hand. The act of creating itself is wonderful and can be a tool for fostering spiritual development. You may simply incorporate any hobbies or talents you have into your artwork if you have them.
How can I create a custom deck of cards?
How simple it is to make your own deck of cards is as follows:
- Select the card size you want to alter.
- Choose your card stock, card count, and finishing.
- Pick a packing option such a hard game box or tuck box.
- Introducing our online card creator.
- Drag and drop the uploaded picture files to create the front and back of your cards.
How are tarot cards created?
The major arcana, which contains 22 cards and is also known as the trumps, and the minor arcana, which has 56 cards, make up the 78 cards that make up this deck. Moon, card number 18 in the major arcana. The primary arcana cards feature images that stand in for a variety of energies, people, virtues, and vices.
Step 1: Check Out Other Oracle Decks.
Check out the various oracle decks that other people have made on Pinterest. Which decks do you gravitate toward? Do you like playing card size or larger cards? Which form do you favor? If you prefer circles or triangles, they don’t have to be rectangles! What color palettes appeal to you? Take note of each deck’s objectives. Some are intended for divination, while others are just meant to brighten your day with a little inspiration.
You’ll start to see certain trends after looking around. Topical or character-based oracle decks are the two main types of oracle decks. A topical deck might, for instance, include a different affirmation on each card. Each card in a character-based oracle deck can depict a different animal.
Step 2: Brainstorm Themes for Your Cards.
Take some time to write down ideas for your own deck now that your head is overflowing with fantastic oracle deck concepts. Allow your imagination to run free while you complete this. Without filtering or judging, jot down every thought that comes to you. With the themes you generate, you might surprise yourself.
Consider the aspects of your life that “feel magical and spark something within of you” if you find yourself in a rut. Nature, sacred places (in your neighborhood or throughout the globe), magical objects you use in rituals, shapes, notable figures from literature, musicians, affirmations to stay motivated, food, quotes, or poetry could all be included.
Make a list of all the unique card design ideas you have after choosing a topic. Choose whether you want words or just an image on the cards. Sort through the design concepts and choose the ones that speak to you the most, even if you have no idea why. You can arrange your oracle deck’s cards in whatever number you like. You get to set the rules because this deck is exclusively yours.
Step 3: Pick Your Materials.
There are many options available to you. You can either buy the supplies at a nearby craft store or just use what you already have. Witches are resourceful individuals, and I think it’s entertaining to search through my home for unusual creative supplies.
Here’s what I’ve used to make oracle decks:
- cards that measure 4 by 6 inches These are excellent since they are stronger than standard paper and are all the same size. And they already have a card shape. No cutting is necessary!
- a stack of cards
- On this paper, you can trace your playing cards and cut them out one by one. This allows you more flexibility when choosing card sizes and shapes. (Remember that these cards don’t have to be square either. Circles, triangles, and hexagons can also be used.
- cardboard from cracker and cereal boxes, etc.
- Oracle cards made from this sturdy, thin cardboard will last a long time. Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to reuse items you already have around the house! To have a blank canvas for my card designs, I typically paint white over the cardboard.
- Always useful is Elmer’s Glue-It.
- Mod Podge or Gloss Medium
- This can be used for image transfers or to adhere paper to items that aren’t made of paper.
- paint brushes
- These can be used with gloss media, glue, or paint.
- Paint
- Because they are less textured as they dry, acrylic paint and watercolors perform better than oil paint.
- Aerosol Paint
- For stencils, this is ideal. Use this outside only, please. There is a fume!
- Calligraphy pens, colored pencils, or markers
- Your oracle cards will have a completely unique appearance if you handwrite the words and draw your own designs.
- GlitterI’m kind of obsessed with the stuff, but use it with caution because it gets everywhere.
- vintage mags
- Using tape or glue, attach the images that go with the subject of your oracle deck to the cards.
- If you have any personal images that fit your topic, use them!
- birthday cards or postcards
- Your oracle deck’s potency will rise if you imbue it with items that have personal significance for you.
- Get all earthy with it by pressing dried flowers, leaves, or grass! When you paint the gloss medium or mod podge directly on the paper and again immediately over the plants when you’re gluing it to your cards, they stick to the paper more effectively.
- paper tissues
- I enjoy cutting out tissue paper forms and adhering them with gloss medium or dilute Elmer’s glue. This gives the effect of stained glass.
- Paper Gift Wrap
- This is useful for creating a consistent appearance on the back of the cards.
- Tape measure
- I transfer images with this.
- packaging tape in clear
- This works for image transfers and to give your cards a nice finish. It resembles laminating somewhat.
- Exactly what you want!
Step 4: Design the Back of Your Cards.
Choose whether you want all of the cards’ backs to be identical or more distinctive “jumbled up. In the past, every deck of cards had an identical “backs. This has the advantage that you won’t be able to tell which cards you’re drawing for a reading.
I suggest using masking tape, scrapbooking paper, gift wrap paper, or pattern stencils to create this uniform appearance.
Making each card unique is the alternative. Although unconventional, this is a lot of fun. You’ll have to keep your eyes closed while drawing a card because you’ll be aware of the variations in your deck, but others who aren’t familiar with the cards might find the reading to be interesting. Their intuition might help them choose a specific hue or pattern from among your collection of miniature works of art during readings.
Paper weaving is a different technique I adore doing for the backs of my oracle cards. I take two identically sized pieces of colored paper and cut them into strips. One pair of strips will be taped to a flat surface after being aligned vertically side by side. After that, I horizontally weave in the second set of strips, alternating over and under, until all of the strips are woven in. You can glue the resulting checkerboard-style design to the back of your playing cards.
Step 5: Design the Front of Your Cards.
Recall the list you created in step two? Check it out by taking it out. Give each card in your oracle deck a design concept.
To create and embellish your cards, you can choose whichever medium you choose. Just bear in mind that you need to be able to shuffle these cards. Treat the textured materials gently.
Try outlining your symbols or characters on the cards if you can draw. Find photographs that go with your topic and attach them to the cards to give them a collage-like appearance if you’re not too confident in your artistic abilities.
Advice: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, focus on just one card at a time. Only work on them when you’re feeling inspired because making these should be enjoyable rather than a duty. Make this procedure pleasurable since your cards will absorb your energy as you work on them.
Step 6: Create Your Card Meanings.
Take a moment to connect with each of your completed oracle cards after gathering them all. Hold just one card at a time, giving it your whole attention. When you close your eyes, pay attention to the card’s energy. In your hands, how does it feel? Does it evoke any feelings in you? After that, open your eyes and go over the card’s details. Keep track of the thoughts that run through your head. What does this card mean, you might wonder. Make notes on your observations and assign meanings to each card in light of your observations.
Additionally, you can do this as you design your cards. Noting them down to review later can significantly help with this phase because the creative process frequently produces a variety of ideas, associations, and meanings. Additionally, when you learn to know your cards better, don’t be hesitant to revise meanings. It should be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Do not overthink it.
Step 7: Make a Unique Cover For Your Deck.
Choose how you wish to store your cards while you’re not using them to prevent losing or destroying them. They can be kept in a pouch, tied with a ribbon, or kept in a pretty box. I like to preserve my oracle cards wrapped in a piece of white fabric that I used to wipe my paintbrush when creating them. Now I have a lovely fabric that matches the hues of my deck and has been imbued with my creative energy.
Step 8: Discover How to Use Your Oracle Deck.
Use your oracle cards to experiment. Aim to pick a card each day, or design some spreads centered on the subject of your deck. If you like, you may add or remove cards from your deck. Let your oracle deck develop and alter alongside you as it is YOUR design!
What is the cost of producing a deck of cards?
You won’t need to spend a lot of money on materials or equipment whether you’re practicing card magic or cardistry, hosting frequent poker nights, or simply playing casual games with your friends and family.
But you can find yourself using through decks quite quickly, depending on how you’re utilizing them.
Therefore, it’s crucial to know how much a deck of cards costs. And how much should you budget for nice, premium cards?
Let’s deconstruct it:
Depending on how and where you purchase them, the average Bicycle Standard or Rider Back deck will cost between $2 and $5. These premium cards can be purchased at a great price if you buy them in multipacks of 9 or 12.
If you don’t care about quality, there are still less expensive solutions. You can purchase a deck of playing cards, or perhaps even a two-pack, for $1 at any dollar store.
In some places, you can occasionally get popular card brands like Hoyle and Maverick for about $3.
Typically, the cost of a custom or unique deck from a company like Theory11, Dan and Dave, or the United States Playing Card Company ranges from $5 to $15 per deck.
What kind of paper is utilized in the production of playing cards?
Weight of cardstock is expressed in GSM (grams per square meter). This is the standard way to measure the weight of playing card paper. The paper and card will be thicker and heavier the higher the number (300gsm, 330gsm, 350gsm). In general, heavier material makes your cards feel more premium. Additionally, we provide robust PVC plastic playing cards. These tough, waterproof cards are a fantastic choice for kid’s games and party activities.
Self-Publishing Your Oracle Deck without an ISBN
The first choice is to get your deck printed in modest quantities and sell it locally without formally releasing it as a book product. If you plan to sell your deck mostly online, on Etsy, or in neighborhood book stores, this is a terrific option.
If you’re willing to handle the majority of the shipping yourself and anticipate selling a realistic number of decks each month, it’s a simple way to get started.
As an alternative, you can have a print-on-demand business like MPC or The Game Crafter produce your deck. Since each of these businesses has a physical location, you can sell your deck there directly, have orders transported straight to clients, and have individual copies made whenever someone places an order.
The benefit of this approach is that you won’t have to handle any of the packaging and shipping yourself, and you won’t have to make any initial outlays of money. The drawbacks of this strategy include very low profit margins per sale and lower-than-expected final product quality due to digital printing instead of offset printing for your business cards.
