The best part of everything is this. You have a chance to physically hold your finished tarot deck. You may employ it. With it, read. Praise it.
But before we get to this precise moment, we need to make certain logistics decisions.
Nowadays, there are a ton of locations where you may get printed materials. Tarot cards won’t be printed on the proper cardstock by nearly as many people.
If you’re fortunate enough to reside in a large city, you might be able to locate a print company that will produce playing cards for you. Your options might become more limited for you if you gave the question I posed in the last post some thought.
If you haven’t noticed, cardstock is kind of a big thing. Cards cannot be printed on any old paper that you purchase from Staples. If it’s made only of paper, it will disintegrate fairly rapidly. not to mention how challenging the shuffle will be. There are printers who use “casino quality cardstock,” which has a core sandwiched between two sheets of paper to prevent see-throughness and make the card a little more durable.
If you are unable to locate a nearby print business (I wasn’t. Online is the place to go if you want to avoid paying much more for them.
Unfortunately, I don’t personally have much experience in this field. Since I’ve just used printerstudio for my cards, I can only vouch for them. This article compares printerstudio and gamecrafter.
The present is an excellent moment to consider budgets. Consider the cost of printing, including boxes and extras. How much printing 5 copies will cost compared to printing 500 copies. How do you intend to market decks? Are you planning to use Kickstarter or another funding platform? Will you accept pre-orders? Are you planning to pay cash for the decks? Do you intend to sell them offline or online? The cost of the decks and the size of your profit margin will depend on how many decks you order. The printers you choose will have a significant impact on how much money you can spend; we’ll talk more about money in the following post.
You should order a proof once you’ve decided on a printer or if you wish to reduce your options. For a tiny additional fee, a more independent printer might be able to create a proof sheet for you. If not, you should order one deck from each printer you are thinking about and evaluate each one’s quality. Even if you’ve already decided on one printer, you still need to order a proof deck.
Although this can be expensive, the outcome will be quite favorable. This is a further stage in the process of verifying your deck. The colors in your card will be interpreted differently by each printer, sometimes to extremes. Make that the colors appear the way you want them to. Make sure your text and border are the appropriate size. Does it appear the way you want it to? Do you feel the way you want to feel? Depending on your opinion and the deck, you may require more than one proof.
Let’s go back a moment. You will need to create digital files for each card after you receive the printer’s template. You must scan the cards if you produced actual (as opposed to digital) playing cards. Every template will provide the minimum resolution at which your cards must be printed. Higher is preferable when in doubt. Upload them after scanning them in at a high resolution. Edit each one separately to change the color and contrast if you can or want to. When you add the titles or any other text, this may be. Be sure to maintain consistency throughout! Edit the cards so that they are all the same size before scanning everything in at the same resolution.
Most print shops will have scanners available for use if you don’t have one of your own. Before you begin, make important to find out which file types your printer prefers.
In This Article...
What kind of paper is best for tarot card creation?
You can ask us for assistance if you’re still trying to figure out how to create and print your own Tarot and Oracle cards. Many renowned tarot cards are proudly produced by us. When creating tarot cards, many artists opt for high-quality 350gsm and 400gsm art sheets. 310gsm and 330gsm black base paper will, of course, be preferred by artists with greater standards for quality.
1. Determine the quantity, size, and number of cards you will design or buy.
2. Paper, surface treatment, unique craftsmanship, and concept selection.
3. We offer templates for the design of personalized cards and packaging.
4. Confirm the price and place the order with a deposit.
5. Before printing, confirm the artwork layout.
6. Competitive Production Lead-Time, Deliery Balance Received.
1. White core 300gsm, 350gsm, or 400gsm paper (Art Paper)
2. Blue/Grey core 270gsm, 280gsm, and 300gsm paper
3. 310gsm, 330gsm, and 300gsm finest Black core Paper made in Germany
4. Brand-new white and black PVC, respectively (0.3mm and 0.32mm)
2. Use a resolution of at least 600 dpi if you require printing that is exceptionally clear.
We will suggest a surface treatment for your tarot card based on your design. For instance, a soft-touch semi-glossy varnish will make your card appear more sophisticated and semi-matte. Your cards will be more robust thanks to matte lamination, etc. Additionally available are foiling on card and a gold or silver edging.
One standard glossy varnish
2. Premium glossy varnish
3. Matte or glossy lamination
4. Exceptional matte lamination
5. UV protection
Spot UV coating, sixth
7. Edge with gold, silver, or laser-color
8. Laser color foil stamp in gold, silver, or both
9. Linen finish and embossing
10. Using a hot stamp (colorful available)
11. Trimmed silver, gold, or vibrant edging
You can choose from a range of boxes, including tuck boxes, lid and bottom boxes, flip boxes, tin boxes, and plastic boxes. You can speak with us if your package has unique specifications.
The first is a tuck box, lid-bottom box, two-piece box, or flip magnet box.
2. Single pit box, hinged neck box, tin box, plastic box
We provide free trials of our prior card decks. You only need to cover the cost of shipping. For one version, our MOQ is 500 decks.
How do I create my own tarot cards to print?
How to make your own tarot cards: the steps
- Select a smooth or linen card stock for your project.
- Choose how many cards you want, then complete.
- Include a choice box in your deck.
- Here’s our tarot card generator online.
- Upload picture files, then drag and drop them onto the front and back of cards.
- Preview and checkout.
Can paper be used to create tarot cards?
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.
What materials are tarot cards composed of?
The Venetian or Piedmontese tarot served as the inspiration for the typical modern tarot deck. 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.
What is the price of publishing a tarot deck?
effect on the environment. Additionally, you should think about the print run’s and your work’s environmental impact when using your printer. They need to know about recycled paper, soy-based inks, and other factors that will make your product more environmentally friendly. For instance, we used soy-based inks, recycled papers, and paper sleeves in the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Tarot of Trees instead of any plastic during the printing process (I adore how the sleeves turned out!).
Deposit. The majority of printers want a 50% down payment before they begin your print job. You should consider your timeframe if you plan to raise money through crowdfunding so you can have the deposit on hand.
Timing.
Finding a printer, working with them to get your cards how you want them, printing them, and mailing them should take you somewhere between three and five months from start to finish.
Typically, printing takes a few weeks, and shipment can take longer, especially during tumultuous times.
Speaking with the printer about when they can perform the print run is crucial since they can have multiple projects waiting for them before yours. Additionally, be aware that you need plan a budget if you are having your cards printed abroad.
Tarot cards should be what size?
How big are tarot cards? Tarot cards typically measure 2.75 inches by 4.75 inches. The tall playing card we have is the same size as this. The larger size can be simpler to shuffle and gives you more room to display your exquisite tarot card designs.
How can a tarot deck be created at home?
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).
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. I encourage you to conduct independent research on execution. 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.
Have a goal in mind. 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. Initially, 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.
any border issues, uneven cropping, etc.
Once you have your test deck, use it. Tote it around (believe me, that tester won’t leave your hands the minute you get it!) and do readings for yourself, for potential clients, and for friends. See how it performs in the wild.
Revise, revise, revise. My most dreaded step of any project, but one that is absolutely essential if you’re going to get things right. Now that you’ve held your sample in your hands, have used it for 10, 20, 50 readings, you’ll know what needs shifting and what needs adjusting.
I immediately spotted things I wanted to change with my first run of the PM Starter Deck. Thank goodness I only had 11 copies printed, so I was able to remedy any glitches I saw without spending a fortune.
Study the market. If you’re super confident about your deck, then you can have it professionally done now! You can make a few copies just for you, or if you want to bite the bullet and go for a big print run, then go ahead and make that job order. Rest assured with the knowledge that you tested your deck, tweaked it as much as you needed to, and took into consideration everyone’s feedback as well.
See if people take interest with this newfangled indie deck you’re using. If people seem genuinely interested, then consider taking things commercial. Study your numbers and see if they’re good enough to make you feel like you’re taking a calculated risk.
If you decide to do a big print order, then do a Hail Mary and wish yourself luck. Who knows, your creation might be the next thing to hit the indie shelves of Two Sides Tarot and Little Red Tarot, right?
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.
Self-Publishing with Your Own ISBN
The second option is to self-publish your deck with an ISBN number and have it produced in bigger quantities (beginning at 5001000 copies). You’ll need to conduct study to learn the precise steps to take for your deck because they may vary depending on the country.
The benefit of this approach is that you have the option to publish your deck as a physical book product and distribute it to book stores and online sellers all over the world once you have an ISBN number.
If you want to sell a lot of your decks, it would be excellent if you worked with a business that could store and ship your goods for you. A popular solution for this is Amazon FBA. This is a service that many of the bigger printing firms also provide.
(Note: You might need to publish your oracle or tarot deck along with a guidebook in order to obtain an ISBN number. Playing cards are not officially eligible for ISBN numbers as a stand-alone product. There are, however, some exclusions to the norm. If in doubt, get in touch with your ISBN organization for more details.)
Getting Your Oracle Deck Published by a Publishing House
Finally, you might want to think about submitting your deck to a publishing house that specializes in oracle cards and/or spiritual literature.
However, working with a reputable publisher has certain special benefits as well if you feel compelled to pursue this path.
You won’t have to bother about printing, distributing, or sending your deck to clients yourself, to start. By utilizing the network of booksellers that your publisher already has, you can reach a far wider audience with fewer upfront costs. A portion of the promotion will also be done for you by your publisher. (However, you will be required to contribute to the promotion as well.)
To Sum Things Up …
The process of getting your oracle card deck published can take many different forms. Ultimately, you must decide what is ideal for you based on your objectives, vision, plans for using your oracle deck to generate money for your company, and the time and resources you are willing to commit both now and in the future.
If I were to make a recommendation to you, it would be as follows:
Develop your vision first. Describe the specifics of your deck, including its subject, number of cards, preferred card size, whether a box and/or booklet are necessary, how you want to use the deck in your business, and other details.
To create the first physical prototype of your deck, work with a prototyping business.
Choose your next course of action once you are satisfied with what you have. If you want to self-publish your deck, print a small quantity (up to 1000 decks, or print them as needed, based on your budget and preferences) and then start marketing your cards to your target market. You can send your prototype and proposal to publishing houses if you’re thinking about finding a publisher for your oracle card deck.
Aim higher. Invest in the tools and services you’ll need to reach more people and sell your deck. This could involve employing a warehouse and distribution service, setting up Amazon FBA, printing and publishing your cards with an ISBN number so you can distribute your deck to book stores, etc.
As a general rule, give yourself the room and resources you’ll need to expand into your vision without feeling constrained, honor the trip, and ground your idea as swiftly or gradually as is appropriate for you and your business at this moment.
