View Full Version : Tarot Deck Creation Study Group
Major Tom
11-02-2002, 08:47
Kayne and I have exchanged email regarding starting a Tarot Deck Creation Study Group. (Although we were calling it Tarot Artists Study Group - it occurred to me that you don't have to be an artist to create a deck)
Anyway, Kayne said it better than I did in his email to me: "A tarot artists study group is a great idea. It could also include different types of media and people could
include different ways of achieving different 'looks' in their cards. It may also inspire others to make their own deck. It seems a lot of people are interested in making a deck for themselves - if they read about other people doing so it might just give them that extra oomph. I think we could include threads on all these different aspects of making a deck - wouldn't have to go in one particualar
direction.
The thing about making your own deck which is really important to me is that I am making it for me. Not to be published or make money. If the deck reflects and
expresses the artists ideas, visions and concepts of what tarot is and how it is for them - then they have succeeded :)
Great idea - let's get it happening!"
I would only add that we could also talk about symbology and meanings of cards as we create them. }>
Oh *shucks* Thanks MT! :P
I look forward to everyone's contribution...
(You don't have to have started your own deck - if you have ideas or no idea where to start, whatever! Your responce is welcome :) )
*Please delete this entry*
truthsayer
11-02-2002, 13:08
i'm really interested in this study group. being a part of FACT has really created an interest in me to create my own deck. i realize i have clear likes and dislikes in decks. i've also found creative techniques that make it easier for me to do a card. i've wanted to do a deck for a few years now but felt i lacked the talent or ability or felt overwhelmed by the size of the project. if i was working w/ others trying to create their own deck it'd help me stay motivated, focused and less intimidated by the creative process. kind of like being in a creative support group, right?
Talisman
11-02-2002, 16:07
Major Tom,
And, Kayne,
What a terrific idea!
Because of the kindness of Major Tom, who gave me one of his cards, I got to create ONE card for the Aeclectic tarot deck.
Let me tell you about creating this ONE card. And, I'll condense it a bunch. First, I looked at the card in all three of my tarot decks. (I also have a collector's deck, which is beyond the pale, and a BOTA deck I'm coloring myself, but which does not have illustrated minors, and I'm an illustrated guy.)
I read about the "meaning" of the card in all of my tarot books. I scanned hundreds of decks on Aeclectic and Tarot Passages, although my card is basically an invisible card and almost never used as an illustration.
I did dozens of "thumbnails," and quite a few more complete cards. I thought about the card. I watched pigeons circling in flocks over the canyons of city streets searching for a pattern I'd recognize in this one card.
(Didn't help that I'm artistically inept -- another story.)
But, I really feel, I did learn about this ONE card. At the rate I was going, I could'a created a complete deck in about 40 years.
A wonderful experience, a great way to broaden your understanding of tarot.
Maybe some of the people who created cards for the Aeclectic FACT deck will come here and discuss how they created their cards. Folks, there are some great cards in that deck.
Anyway, I hope to be a constant reader in this study group.
Talisman
silvereye
11-02-2002, 22:47
Id' like to join the group.
in fact, I'm interested in creating a deck with Lord Of The Rings theme since I like the book so much but the deck now, according to all reviews read, sucks.
But I'm not good at art....
I continue to be inspired by the fascinating new directions this Forum takes! Creating your own deck is such a personal process (since most of us are making them only for ourselves), but I've often wanted to talk about it with someone else who's tried it.
Since I am not an artist in the traditional sense (even "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" couldn't help me!), I knew that the only way I could create my own deck was to use my computer skills. So I'm using scans of classic paintings in my cards. I'm also adding quotes to each card to give them added dimension and meaning.
Anyway, I'll be interested to hear what's inspiring everyone else who's creating their own decks!
Thanks for starting another great Study Group, Mjr. Tom and Kayne!
By the way: I love your FACT card, T-man! All that background work has really paid off! There are so many great cards being added every day, I'm so excited to see the final deck complete!
Peace,
Melvis
I'd be interested too. Like Talisman, I learned so much about the Empress and Ace of Pentacles when creating them. I have also had it in my head to do my own Tarot deck for long time now, but have never really got round to doing it! Ah well....
Kiama
Ive been interested for a very long time to create a Christian Tarot deck, all the ones Iveseen I dont really like allthat much except Tarot of the Saints, which I dont have money for lol. Im no artist either, soI thought Id do it withcomputercollage, but my graphics program is having a fit right now so Im not working on it.
tempestfire
19-02-2002, 02:59
This is a great idea! When I started searching tarot- to try to get more ideas for creating a deck- I had no idea I would actually find a place with others of like mind! How cool! I do have some artistic talent... (at least that is what everyone else tells me- I just think it is fun). I haven't gone much past the idea that ' I want to create my own deck'.
What are some things you look for in a deck? What makes one more appealing to you than another? I personally prefer the fantasy/medieval themes. (But I am still new to studying tarot- this idea was more a way for me to get back into my art- with a definate project).
Anxious to see where this goes
tempest fire
I'd love to join and see different decks being shaped by different aeclectic members - personally I've made about 6 cards of the major arcana, with a buffy theme. This was only really to try out making a theme deck I'd be interested in, and also to see what it is like to make a deck in photoshop 6. I'm an art student, so I can draw and paint cards, and I can use photoshop so yeah..that'll be useful.
I cant wait to see what other people come up with for their personal decks, and how peoples opinions differ between cards..it'll be interesting to see what cards mean to what to who.
Great to have you on board Tempest Fire!
There is a thread started by Divinerguy in 'Tarot Decks' called "What makes a tarot deck perfect for you?" that is worth checking out as it answers all of you questions. This link should work: http://www.aeclectic.net/forum/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=3&TID=2519&SID=125721
I look forward to your contributions!
Hi all,
I would like to do a deck with a space theme. I haven’t really sat down and done a lot of planning yet. I can't quite get some of the details worked out. Hubble Telescope/NASA pictures would be nice for many of the Majors, but I hit a brick wall when I try to think about the Minors. The court cards could be famous astronomers (yes, there are some awesome female astrophysicists). I don’t really know what to do with the pip cards. I have some different ideas (fire=spacecraft, air=struggles such as the Challenge disaster) but I can’t seem to bring it all together. I don't want to limit thing to just NASA achievements because the former Soviet Union contributed wonderful research in space exploration as have other countries of Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia. I don’t think this is a deck that would have a wide appeal because most scientists probably wouldn’t even pick up a tarot deck but I would still like to do this for myself. So, how do you start? Do you have any guidelines for the planning stage?
Ahhhhhh to create my own deck ~sigh~ ... If there is one thing I would love to do is to create my own deck, BUT I want to paint it. I have no computer skills, and although I cannot draw I seem to be able to paint (granted have not tried human figures yet *LOL*) ~shrugs~ go figure *LOL*. I will be an avid reader of this study group, and if I ever am able to start painting my own deck I will take pics of my paintings and attach them to posts ... I just envy you talented people *ROFLMAO* ... great idea for a study group!
Love & Light,
Kaleidoscope Eyes
07-03-2002, 08:10
As Truthsayer wrote above, participating in the F.A.C.T. project inspired me enough that I decided to keep on making cards. I decided, however, to keep things manageable by focusing only on the 22 majors... at least for now. So far, I've finished 12... already over halfway!
The cards I'm creating are strictly for my own use, so I'm not concerned with copyright considerations. I've discovered quite a few interesting images from Victorian-era and Pre-Raphaelite painters which lend themselves remarkably to Major Arcana themes, as well as help establish an overall "look" -- one which satisfies my aesthetic sensibilities, at any rate.
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are my tools of choice... along with a set of Hebrew fonts I downloaded.
I've done a few minors here and there, but I'm going to need to collect a lot of image source material before i can really jump into those. I'm thinking that when I do take the minors on in earnest, I'll do 'em in groups of four: i.e., do the four aces at the same time, four Kings, Queens, and so on.
I'm looking very forward to sharing the ins and outs, ups and downs of deck creation with everyone here. Thanks Kayne and Major Tom for getting this going!
I want to make a deck of playing cards to read with, so I will join as well here.
Anybody knows how to get a blank deck of cards?
This studygroup forum seems to take all my time, there are too many groups that I find interesting.
Kaz
Im new to the forum, but am VERY interested in this. I have complied 3 ring binders full of "symbolism" and what I think should go into the "perfect" deck. I think I'll have to get more paper for notes after reading here...lol. I have some artistic talent, but mainly doing large scale murals, though I have done some manuscript illumination. I think that I haven't started because , being a gemini, that I'm afraid that I won't have the follow through to keep up the energy for a whole deck. Plus the idea of "paring down" everything that I would want to put into each card is daunting. I think each card would have to be mural sized to cram all the pictures and symbols I would decide to add.
But I do like the idea of being able to follow with others and learn by what they are doing.
Nightwalker
20-03-2002, 02:53
Would love to join in with everyone else in creating my own deck. I've been thinking about it for a few months now but wasn't really to sure where to start. Hoping to get some ideas here. I do know that I want to make mine with a "Dark Shadows" theme. Anyone else remember this daytime soap from the late sixties? I was one of those kids who used to rush home from school to watch. I've been hunting out pictures and graphics but not sure how I would put together the Minor Arcana. Probably use basic images for them with characters from the show for the Major Arcana. Really looking forward to this.
Christi
Great idea!
I think i have been creating a deck for like three years now but as soon as i have a few pictures painted i change my mind about what i want on them or i change the medium.
Lately i'm trying to draw them with ink. You can add so much details with it.
BB
Maan
truthsayer
24-03-2002, 23:55
Originally posted by Nightwalker
I do know that I want to make mine with a "Dark Shadows" theme. Anyone else remember this daytime soap from the late sixties? I was one of those kids who used to rush home from school to watch. I've been hunting out pictures and graphics but not sure how I would put together the Minor Arcana. Probably use basic images for them with characters from the show for the Major Arcana. Really looking forward to this.
Christi
i was one of those kids who loved dark shadows, too. it has been showing on the scifi channel for a while in the mornings. perhaps there is some more material you can use on the scifi channel website. they generally have fan sites for most of the shows they use. i used to have nightmares about barnabas collins! it was years before i could sleep w/o my neck covered up! LOL i remember picking out this music box theme on the piano that barnabas' true love represented. i don't think her name was angelique--i think that was barnabas' nemesis but i can't remember. don't worry about the minor arcana. just put the majors together. don't overwhelm yourself w/ too many details. if the minors are to be you'll pull them in eventually. don't forget rome wasn't built in a day.
I used to have to stay up until midnight to watch Dark Shadows on Public television. I don't usually favor "themed" decks, but Dark Shadows sounds like it would be great! Think of all the hair spray the Queens will be wearing...LOL.
Nightwalker
25-03-2002, 02:10
Originally posted by truthsayer
...don't worry about the minor arcana. just put the majors together. don't overwhelm yourself w/ too many details. if the minors are to be you'll pull them in eventually. don't forget rome wasn't built in a day.
I do have a tendency to worry about the big picture when things would be so much easier if I took it one small step at a time. Thanks for reminding me of this.
And Angelique was Barnabus' nemesis. She loved him but he loved Josette.
Nightwalker
Nightwalker
25-03-2002, 02:14
Originally posted by Pedeka
I used to have to stay up until midnight to watch Dark Shadows on Public television. I don't usually favor "themed" decks, but Dark Shadows sounds like it would be great! Think of all the hair spray the Queens will be wearing...LOL.
I like the idea of A "Dark Shadows" deck because I've always been a fan, and I can relate to a lot of the characters. Even Angelique. Not sure where she would be but she would definitely have a prominent place in the deck, even with all the hairspray...LOL
Nightwalker
i would like to sign up too :)
i started working on my deck a short while ago but i had the same probs as liliana my Paint Shop Pro prog kept crashing because it kept getting corrupted...but ive since then reinstalled Windoze so i might be able to get back on track...i have done 3 cards so far...its daunting to say the least, the court cards are what i am worried about approaching especially as i am no artist :)
Originally posted by Kaz
I want to make a deck of playing cards to read with, so I will join as well here.
Anybody knows how to get a blank deck of cards?
you can get a deck of blank tarot cards from US Games, if you mean normal playing cards you might be able to get them from US Games as well..?
:)
Morgeinne
29-03-2002, 01:20
I would be interested in joining as well. I'm going to use index cards for mine, though...simply because that's just easier for me. Not sure where I'm planning to go with this, but a study group certainly sounds like the perfect place to start! *Sigh* I'm gone til sunday or monday, so I'll miss out on any postings til then tho.
Blessed be!
-Morgeinne
PS-please pray for the safety of me and my stepdad, we're driving the 900-some-odd miles from tallahassee to chicago and back with some stops along the way, for his work (he's a truck driver) and so I can see some more of the US...I've never been out of the southeast. we should be leaving at 9 this morning (the 29th) and coming back on sunday. Thanks!
catboxer
29-03-2002, 22:18
My deck took four years to make, although there were long idle periods during that time when the creative impulse just wasn't there. This project could be done in much less time by someone who is artistically proficient at the start, which I wasn't.
In the beginning I could hardly draw at all. I did the 22 trumps as abstract patterns. As I began moving through the suit cards my skills as an artist began to develop a little bit. Finally I felt confident enough to try representations of human figures. In the end I did a second version of the trumps, and was able to finish all of them in the summer of 2001.
I used Cottman 5" x 7" watercolor stock which is quite heavy, drew the pictures with a number two pencil, and colored them with Prismacolor colored pencils. If you use colored pencils, Prismacolor is the only way to go, although they're expensive.
The trumps tend to be traditionally derived, but from numerous sources. My Female Pope copies the Visconti-Sforza's, but I changed her gowns to blue. I didn't care for the Visconti-Sforza Pope, so I based that picture on the Spanish painter Velazquez's portrait of Pope Innocent VIII. The Hermit is a portrait of CG Jung, taken from a photograph of him walking in his garden just before he died.
For the suit cards I used French suit signs -- hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades -- rather than the Italian suit signs usually associated with tarot. I strongly feel that the suited cards are a playing card deck, and while a tarot deck always uses them as a component, they also have an independent identity. This concept is further underscored by the use of only 12 court cards (king, queen, jack) making a deck of 74, rather than 78 tarot cards.
Some of the court cards are portraits also, of historical figures or, in a couple cases, people I know.
When I was done drawing the cards I scanned them and printed them on heavy card stock, using a red mandala I had drawn in 1968 as a card back. I have to say I'm satisfied with the result, even though I see lots of decks by professional artists that are much, much better drawn. This one expresses me, and it's perfect for my purposes.
Producing a deck was a trying but very rewarding experience, and I'd recommend it for everyone who is serious about tarot. You might want to take a drawing class before you start. I wish I had.
Regards,
Dave B
anyone got anywhere on their own decks? i started out just messing about in PSP with a buffy tarot (i know someone else on the board already done one.... so yeah, its kinda un original but its something im obsessed-y about and so know about, and its pretty easy to use images and arcetypes and stuff)
i started with the major arcana from the rider waite but started adding in cards that i thought would be ueful and/or suit things from buffy well, and started to mess around with numbers. ialso done three lovers cards a la cosmic tribe.
ive decided for now, not to think about suits etc and just work on this major arcana styled deck. i have quite a few made..I'll see if i can get some pictures up.
ok, the one im putting up first is the hierophant. i used giles because the more i meditated over which card he suite the more he became the hierophant, he's a teacher and a guide for them all, a strong figure for them all. see what you think...i can barely remember what this card looks like, heh.
Hey! Great job hush! I really like the white light above the cross. The composition is excellent :) Keep up the good work and show us how you are get along :D
Nightwalker
02-04-2002, 09:30
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Hush
[B]anyone got anywhere on their own decks?
I will confess. I've only gotten as far as collecting pics. Mine are centered on Dark Shadows. Haven't put anything together yet, or thought about who and what. Just trying to put together a collection of pics from which to choose.
Nightwalker
thanks (:
nightwalker: i already had a big buffy collection, though surfing aronud just picking up pics that might come in useful or that you just like does help a lot. i have a biiiiig file of buffy pics :D
i have done...12 cards now (:
one of my personal faves is the lovers 7 card...its pretty basic, but the image took a lot of work, my friend actually made it and said i should use it for the card. she had to get the two pics and put them together and then make them both look topless :D
im a complete sucker for xander/oz...
Major Tom
03-04-2002, 03:02
Originally posted by Hush
i have a biiiiig file of buffy pics :D
i have done...12 cards now (:
im a complete sucker for xander/oz...
I've always thought that one of the great things about the internet is you can find photos of just about anything you'd like to see. Let's leave the issue of why people would ever want to see some things behind.... I tend to think availability of photos a good thing. Ever try to find a photo of a lion? or a sphinx? :D
I like the look of your card Hush :) but I have to admit I never considered pairing xander and oz...lol They do look georgous together though...
How many different people are there working on a Buffy Tarot? The cards I've seen certainly all have the same 'feel'. It could be another collaborative deck. })
Does anyone know what the copyright issues are surrounding a Buffy Tarot?
Let's face it. :D There's a huge interest in a Buffy Tarot on the board (dare I say in the world?). This might be a deck to be made for publication... with the proceeds going to offset the cost of running the board of course. :D
thankoo :D
lol, xander and oz have quite a lot of fanfic written about them and stuff..theyre pretty popular. its definatly my favourite ship, hehe. they do look totally gorgeous together...
i dunno how many people are doing buffy tarot...as far as i know only me and the other person that posted..i only started mine because i wanted to try my own deck and just because i thought there was kind of something missing from the other persons.
atm im working on a oz as the hermit card...also i need to find my list of the numbers coz i changed them all around and wrote down what was what and now coz ive lost it i dont know..! hehe.
anyone else got any cards they can put up? id love to see some other people's stuff...
in the mean time ill put upanother card, heh. its really wanna hear what people think of them...
Nightwalker
04-04-2002, 09:17
Originally posted by Hush
...really wanna hear what people think of them... [/B]
I for one really like your cards. You have given me the motivation to get started on mine.
Right now I'm trying to figure out the imaging program that's on my computer. Don't have anything like Paint Shop Pro but I think I can do what I want with what I've got. Who knows, maybe in a week or so I can have something put together.
Nightwalker
you could use paint? there are a whole bunch of programs you could use...you could just download a cracked paint shop pro 5 or 6 or something ;)
i cant wait to see what you come up with (:
Morgeinne
04-04-2002, 20:13
I think I've decided to do a computerized Harry Potter deck and just print them on the index cards...I'm a HP fiend so this should work :) (The Lovers is going to be Hermione and Severus, that's for sure, cause I'm a big Hermione/Sev shipper! hehe possibly sick I know) I may work on a ballet one separately. You guys have given me the inspiration to actually start on this! Thank you.
Morgeinne
04-04-2002, 22:39
Here's the first card for mine...let me know what you think (it's The Hermit: Severus Snape)...I am trying to decide whether to do Harry/Draco or Hermione/Severus for the Lovers...by the way, I'm not going to do them all blue, I just liked this one with the blue washout...
<3 Morgeinne
O I love Harry Potter
And your card is beautiful!!!! Snape is my favourite! ( he's also that guy in Sence and Sencebility or was it Pride and Predudice?)
Good luck with your deck!
I like Madame Pomfrey (i think thats right i may of got her mixed up) I mean the one whos only psychic sometimes hehe:) Shed be an interesting High Priestess
im not a huge harry potter fan, but i like that Morgeinne (:
the composition of images is good, and the font works well. also, the blue wash looks cool (:
i dont know much about the characters or anything, but i'll help best i can (:
maybe you could add a border to the image?
i just finished this - oz as the hermit. i made the miage darker and turned up the contrast, and i think i got a pretty good look but im not sure about the font.
there are some areas of real dark colours and others that are very light and they all seem to be next to each other that leaves me with the problem of writing. hmm. any thoughts or ideas, on the card or the writing in general?
From: Nightwalker
Right now I'm trying to figure out the imaging program that's on my computer. Don't have anything like Paint Shop Pro but I think I can do what I want with what I've got.
I believe you can download a 30-day trial of Paint Shop Pro at Jasc's website. (http://www.jasc.com/download_4.asp?) You can take a good look at it for a free month. It's what I use, too.
I've attached one of my cards...I only have a few of them completely done, but I have good starts on at least six more. I just love it when a card 'comes together' and I get another one finished, though.
Peace,
Melvis
:) thats really cool melvis...love the images you've used...i like the writings up the side too. overall a great card :) i'd love to see some more!
wow you guys have some great cards done :)
i have to find a free website to stick mine up on, i have only finished about 5 and now i have decided to change one i finished (2 of wands) ...i found some sites on the net for some tarot deck making inspiration...
http://artoftarot.com/cerrith.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~sunnymoon/collage.html
http://webcatt.com/TarotPack/singo_deck.html
:)
Bluemoon: I use geocities for free web space... it is really easy to use and if you want you can 'build' your site on 'pagebuilder'. It is really easy :) All you need is a yahoo email address which is also free.
Major Tom
08-04-2002, 04:15
A Harry Potter Tarot is a good idea for a deck to design for publication, as would be Rocky Horror, Dark Shadows, Buffy, or any other theme from TV or Film. All of these ideas have copyright issues associated so the first step needs to be a business proposal for the copyright holders - they absolutely have to be involved - they do own the images. A good proposal could result in the producers providing money up front. :) The first step for a proposal is to map the deck out...
*sigh*
Dare I suggest we pick one theme and do it collaboratively - a project to help fund this community? })
Melvis - Love your hermit card. :D I just wondered if you could turn up the brightness in the figure in the foreground - he's difficult to make out?
Hush - No Really! I really do like your idea of a Buffy Tarot. :) And I like the look of your card. I just don't get how Oz is the Hermit. Have you thought about adding symbols - maybe something like a hebrew letter?
Blumoon - Thank you so very much!
Hush: A Buffy Tarot is a really good idea (Esp. when you've got Oz in it looking so goddamn sexy!)
Melvis: I LOVE YOUR CARD! WOWOWOWO! That really is a cool Hermit card.
Kiama
major tom...i had oz as the hermit because, well, i was meditating on the cards and who suited what and I'd been thinking about where to use oz and i just thought the hermit and i couldnt think why not. he was calling to be the hermit...he's quiet but strong, and often kind of..in the group but not. also, he's always putting in the little one liners and quips. i just think he really suited it, i couldnt think of anyone else in that place.
kiama: isnt he gorgeous? lol...i have some pics of willow where she looks VERY hot that im using/gonna use, but the oz/xander pic on the lovers 7 (i think) is heavenly *L*
on the matter of publication...i really had no intention of anything that big. at most i'd print it out stick it on card and just use it for my own use. i doubt they'd want a deck made by some nobodies, they'd probably steal the idea and get some professional-type people to do it and screw it up. or something, heh.
anyways, i made this card in the ams last night...its got some work to do, but i had an inspiration so i threw it all together. heh.
i wanted to do a card to do with dreams..whether the person takes it as they're dreaming..aiming to high, something like that, or that they should pay more attentions to their dreams, i dont know. i really want to leave the deck open to interpretation...
Morgeinne
09-04-2002, 19:36
Good idea with publication but...I just really want to do these for myself. I probably won't try to get them published...but in case I do, thanks for the tips :) (Somehow I think Hermione/Severus wouldn't go over very well...)
Hush, thanks for your offer for help! I love all feedback and if you have any extra tips, please let me know :)! I love your cards, I don't watch Buffy but the cards themselves look really great :)
Here's another of mine...The Lovers...Sev and 'Mione...
Major Tom
10-04-2002, 04:14
Hush - I like your Dreaming card. :) Reminds me a bit of the 7 of cups.
Hush & Morgeinne,
Glad to hear you both want to make a personal decks. Don't you find trying to stick to a single theme a bit restricting? There must be lots of images that appeal to you at different levels... You could mix and match. })
Morgeinne - I like your Lovers card. :)
Nightwalker
10-04-2002, 11:35
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Major Tom
Don't you find trying to stick to a single theme a bit restricting? ...You could mix and match. })
I dont really find using a single theme restricting as I've got tons of ideas but I may mix and match in that I've got bunches of images I would like to use.
Have managed to download Paint Shop Pro on a trial basis so I'm hoping to get something put together soon.
I love all the cards everyone's been posting. Keep up the good work. Your work has been inspiring me.
Nightwalker
hey...thanks major tom (:
and as with nightwalker, i dont really think that working with a theme restricts me at all. and if it does, its in a good way. obviously, working on a deck that i have complete free range with would be cool and i plan to move onto it, but working for the first time on a deck within these borders helps keep it focused, you know? there are a bizillion of ideas i have, and having the buffy theme means i have a huge resource to draw upon. its useful when doing this for the first time (:
Major Tom
11-04-2002, 03:55
Originally posted by Hush
hey...thanks major tom (:
working for the first time on a deck within these borders helps keep it focused, you know? there are a bizillion of ideas i have, and having the buffy theme means i have a huge resource to draw upon. its useful when doing this for the first time (:
Sometimes I feel thick as a brick. }) I think I understand your approach now - and it sounds very sensible. This great deck you're making is practice for all the great decks you're going to make in the future. :)
I feel really priviledged to be associated with the energy, wisdom, light and sheer talent that all the contributers to this study group bring into the Aeclectic community.
Malachite
11-04-2002, 16:20
How much symbolism are you allowed on a tarot deck?,,,Is there an upper limit, can it get too crowded, or can it be so devoid of symbolism that no one else will ever understand it?...
I've been leaving plenty of white space on my card designs for some deeper symbolic references, but now i;m starting to wonder how much i need....
For example, we are always discussing minute details on the R-W, but how much of that is decor that we ourselves are finding meaning for, and how much is intentional symbolism?
HELP!!
Morgeinne
11-04-2002, 18:36
Diana: Wow...sorry for ya, but at least you guys decided to continue with the deck! Don't let it get you down, maybe in the future you can try to get it commercialized again.
Hush: You worded that perfectly...I need the borders, otherwise I'll go crazy trying to mix and match, it IS my first time :)
Major Tom: Thanks much :)
Here's the High Priestess: Hermione Granger. I realize that the two images I featured most prominently in both of the individual cards (HP and H) are the two images on the Lovers card...the reason for this is...well there's two reasons, one is that the images all simply worked the best together, even though they were repeated on the different cards...the second is that I've always felt a sort of connection between the HP and the H and I wanted to bring that out in the Lovers card since I was using my characters for the HP and H as the Lovers...now that I've confused the bejeezus out of you, please look at my High Priestess :) *bats eyelashes* pretty please?
Major Tom
12-04-2002, 04:05
Originally posted by Diana
A DBZ tarot deck does not fit in with the products they want to license, apparently.
Sorry to hear of your misfortune Diana. :( Some people - whether through lack of knowledge or something else - don't see tarot cards as something good...
Malachite -
I think all the symbols on the Rider-Waite cards were meant to be there... An upper limit? Hmmm. I would guess the upper limit is somewhere around the point where the cards' essential image is obsecured by symbols rather than revealed. I can imagine sorting out rune/tarot correspondences is a bit problematic...how do you do it? Mind you - I don't know anything about runes...
Morgeinne - I've always felt that connection between the High Priestess and Heirophant too - you've put a unique twist on that connection with your cards. I like it. :)
Originally posted by Malachite
How much symbolism are you allowed on a tarot deck?,,,Is there an upper limit, can it get too crowded, or can it be so devoid of symbolism that no one else will ever understand it?...
Malachite: I think you can have as much symbolism as you want - it is all in the way the image is composed that makes the difference. As long as there are dominant images/symbols I don't think it hurts to include more symbols in the back ground. It just means that the person reading the card can learn the 'primary' images but if they have an interest they can delve further into them. I love that quality some decks have where you see something new everythime you look at the card... really magical :TMAGE
Malachite
12-04-2002, 08:30
Well...at least i don't have much work to do, then..
;)
hey...im glad you understand where me and morgeinne are coming from now major tom :)
i like your high priestess card morgeinne, you blend images so well! im awful at it...maybe you could try lightening it up a bit? *shrugs* either way, it looks great (:
Originally posted by Malachite
How much symbolism are you allowed on a tarot deck?,,,Is there an upper limit, can it get too crowded, or can it be so devoid of symbolism that no one else will ever understand it?...
I've been leaving plenty of white space on my card designs for some deeper symbolic references, but now i;m starting to wonder how much i need....
For example, we are always discussing minute details on the R-W, but how much of that is decor that we ourselves are finding meaning for, and how much is intentional symbolism?
HELP!!
if these cards are only for you just put what symbolism you pick up from the cards why would you put symbolism that you either dont understand or will never bother with on them? i feel that would just clutter the card, you want to know what the card means quickly without having to stare at it for 15 minutes which is what i have been doing when trying to read a couple of my decks LOL...but if it was for others as well, well thats a different story i guess...i'm sure you'll figure it out :) btw i think adding runes is a cool idea!
Malachite
12-04-2002, 12:05
I guess I'd like to get them printed, and not just have norse pagans buy them, so it seems like its the windy road for me...
this is the fool card i made...
http://www10.brinkster.com/collage/pics/fool.jpg
(it doesnt show up that great on a white webpage background because the card doesnt have a border)
:)
huff, its not working for me blumoon ):
ive been away for the weekend but now im back and ready to get going on the cards again :D
for now, here's my death card. i think buffy is the obvious choice for everyone, right? :)
Morgeinne
14-04-2002, 19:00
Hush - Thanks for your positive replies on all my cards :) I love your Buffy death card...cool :)
Blumoon - Not working for me either.
MajorTom - by H I meant Hermit...haven't done the Hierophant yet (Dumbledore strikes my mind for that one...Emperor or Hierophant) but I can definitely see a big connection between the Hierophant and High Priestess, too. Quit reading my mind, you're scaring me! LOL J/K.
Nightwalker
15-04-2002, 03:42
Here's my first try. This will be The Fool in my deck. Hopefully I've got the attachment thing figured out.
Nightwalker
Nightwalker
15-04-2002, 03:44
Here is my Death Card. What better figure to represent death than one of the un-dead. LOL
Nightwalker
that's really strange cause it works for me ..? hmmm....i first tried attaching the card but it wouldnt work...perhaps the browser i am using? (opera) i might try attaching it again with explorer or netscape...
nightwalker that is a very interesting take on the fool!
:)
ok trying in netscape...*crosses fingers*
arghhhhhhh
Wow, I never thought that the FACT project got me started with creating my own deck (this thought was so overwhelming, it seemed like climbing the Himalayan) but after having finished my knight of wands card I just started working with my second - an adaption of the Hierophant which I renamed Shaman.
I' love to join this group at least if work permits it.
hey catlin - i know id love another member in the group! the more the merrier, and post whenever you can :)
nightwalker - for some reason i have been dyyyyying to see your cards, and im biting my nails as the load. lol. definatly having a good feeling about your cards :)
after seeing the cards: heh, very light hearted feeling :) whats the theme (im sure you mentioned there was one?) i dont recognise it. maybe on the death card, you could soften up the edges on the image? use a slight blur or turn down the pressure of the rubber? just something to lighten up the edges between the foreground and background images.
as for the fool card - have you tried fiddling with the contrast on the foreground image? it might make it look a little less like its been cut out and put there, y'know? more an integral part of the picture. again, soften the edges?
please dont get the wrong idea - i love them, they make me smile so much, and i really wanna see everyones cards come together well :)
Nightwalker
17-04-2002, 01:07
Originally posted by Hush
nightwalker - .... whats the theme (im sure you mentioned there was one?) i dont recognise it.
....please dont get the wrong idea - i love them, they make me smile so much, and i really wanna see everyones cards come together well :)
My theme is from "Dark Shadows". A spooky soap opera from the 60's. In the Fool Card Willie Loomis is searching for a Collins family secret he found reference to in an old book. In the image on the bottom he has found what he thinks is great treasure in a chained up coffin but in fact he unleashes a vampire. On the Death Card is Barnabus, the vampire.
I have not gotten the wrong idea from your suggestions. I'll see what I can do to tweak the pictures. I'm still trying to figure out Paint Shop Pro, (I downloaded it for a 30 day trial), so suggestions are welcome. I'm just happy that I actually got something put together without pulling all my hair out...I do have a few left. LOL
Nightwalker
Nightwalker: I *love* Dark Shadows! I was rather young when I first saw it, but I still appreciated how spooky it was! I don't remember much about it except for Barnabas and the great theme music. (By the way...go to this TV Theme song page, (http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/wargames/338/hallmusic.html) play the 'Dark Shadows' theme, then take another look at Nightwalker's Death Card at the same time! It'll send chills up your spine!) :eek:
I also like how you found an image of Willie looking over his shoulder...very Fool-ish posture! ;)
Paint Shop Pro: The Retouch button (shaped like a downward pointing hand) on the Tool Palette menu has many adjustment tools (including Soften, Sharpen, Lighten, and others) that you can apply to small areas of your picture. I use it all the time to soften edges, etc. It might help with some of Barnabas' 'sharper' edges. ;)
Peace,
Melvis
huff. im on a bit of a tarot deck creators block. its not that i dont know what to do....but it kind of is. I'm at a bit of a point where im gonna have to really start thinking about the cards, and what i want and dont want in it. the added pressure of coursework doesnt help :rolleyes:
how's everyone else getting on?
Nightwalker
24-04-2002, 18:46
Well, I'm still working on ideas, but I've been centering on learning PSP. There is just so much you can do I feel that I've entered a whole new dimension with it. I did do some tweaking on the cards that I posted here but not really 100% happy with them yet. I haven't given up, I just need a bit more patience, and practice with PSP.
Nightwalker
Hi, all!
I've acquired a few new books of art, so now I'm sorting through them, finding bits and pieces that I think I might use in my deck.
I now realize that I'm becoming more and more enamored with children's book illustrations from the 1800's and early 1900's. Artists like Arthur Rackham, N.C. Wyeth, Jessie Wilcox Smith...there is so much character and charm in their illustrations. Their pictures seem to be slowly taking over my deck from all the old European paintings that I started out with! I just hope I can keep the deck looking cohesive.
I'm still having fun though, and learning things as I go, which is the point, for me at least! ;)
(And now for something completely different: I've included a picture of the Hanged Man from my "Stellar Journey" deck. I need to work on the text, so it looks better and so it's clearer that it's two people talking. I would have included the names of both speakers, but that's just too much text. This card, along with the Lovers card that I previously posted, are the only ones in this deck that I have close to completion.)
Peace,
Melvis
:TSTRE
*nudges thread back up to the top*
im sorting out a website for my deck, and i was wondering if i could use the FAQ about tarot on aeclectic...do i ask solandia if i can use it? (giving the site its props, obviously)
Sorceress_Jade
05-05-2002, 03:27
Morgeinne... Where are the rest of these cards please. I'd love to critique them. You may like to check out this cute little spoof.
http://www.qaimlyn.com/padfootmk/tarot.htm
I could kabitz about it, but i thought they had a good start really.
Ravenswing
01-06-2002, 09:26
for those of us who are not entirely sure about images for our cards, this might help; it's giving me a greater feel fo rwhat i want to create.
take 78 3 x 5 blank index cards. label them with a border. in the blank area, make notes as to what images and details you want to include on the card. use it just like any other deck-- shuffle it, play with it, do layouts and read with it. make it an organic thing.
as you go along, your images will become more concrete-- make sketches on the reverse side of the index card. once you have a sketch you like, keep that side up. soon you'll have a working (literally) copy of your creation.
and that's the time to make your final deck.
most of all, have fun
LVX
steve
Morgeinne
01-06-2002, 11:34
Originally posted by Sorceress_Jade
Morgeinne... Where are the rest of these cards please. I'd love to critique them. You may like to check out this cute little spoof.
http://www.qaimlyn.com/padfootmk/tarot.htm
I could kabitz about it, but i thought they had a good start really.
I think I"ll check that site out...in the meantime (sorry I've been busy, haven't been on much, INET screwing up and whatnot) here is the Tower (Hogwarts.) It's not a montage like the others...but...I loved the winter picture of Hogwarts I found so I edited part of it to use.
*hugs*
Morgeinne
Morgeinne
01-06-2002, 11:43
Interesting site...thanks for giving me the URL. I think I'm going to do Sirius for the Magickian though...I've always seen the Magickian as a little manipulative, but mostly good-natured or neutral...Sirius, from what I've understood from the MWPP days, is rather confident and a little manipulative...Dumbledore is more of the Emperor variety, he's a leader and a father figure, especially to Harry, and while he does manipulate and use things to his own and others' advantage, he usually does it with the intention of managing something or solving some type of problem.
ANYWAY! I'm going slower with the cards, trying to find images, and for some I'll have to wait til the other movies come out :-\ but hey I have time! I'll post more when I do them.
Thanks!
*hugs*
Morgeinne
catboxer
01-06-2002, 22:49
Earlier in this thread people were talking about the amount of symbolism that should go into each card. A couple of people said that there was no point to loading an image down with symbols which, in any case, the artist may or may not understand.
I agree, and I've tried to reduce the symbolism in my cards to the absolute minimum necessary to convey the basic meaning of the image.
For example, IV the Emperor:
Oh good you found it :)
If you want you can start a new thread on your deck, if you want to bounce ideas around with people
:THP
Major Tom
21-06-2002, 16:19
Blue_fusion20 - Definitely deserves it's own thread. Start a new one. })