Movie Monster Tarot

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Jul 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

dolphingirl	09 Jul 2004
I have finally had a chance to post some pictures of the Movie Monster Tarot on my website. If you go to www.dolphin-daze.com and follow the links (Movie Monster Tarot) it will take you to the images.

ros	09 Jul 2004
Nice idea! I'm sure all people who like Monster Movies will enjoy this deck!

Cerulean	09 Jul 2004
Fun spooky. Your decks are so filled with light. Hope you are also enjoying the fabulous monster characters as well. Regards, Cerulean

Gerbear	09 Jul 2004
Are you going to have any monsters like 'Rodan'?

dolphingirl	10 Jul 2004
I am so glad you guys like the Movie Monster tarot, I think this one is going to be one of my all time favorites to create! Here is a partial list of some of the movie monsters in the deck although any of these can change if I get a mind to redo a card At least until there printed.. I don't have Rodan in there (at least not yet). Adams Family, phantom of the opera, headless horseman, scream monster, Creature from the Black Lagoon, King Kong, Jeckel & Hide, Wolf man, Godzilla, Zombies plus quite a few other critters We did the titles with the idea that they resemble old time silent movie subtitles. I also really wanted the film border which I think turned out really excellent. I am also going to include some extras I haven't totally decided on what yet, So far some of my ideas for the extras include 1.- a LWB that talks about the symbols, movies that the cards are based on, humor in the cards (yes I am fond of puns) , and behind the scenes stories on images. Also a spread or two will be included written just for use with the movie monster deck. 2.- Halloween confetti made by me 3. Halloween card (featuring my artwork) for people that order before October 31 4. Maybe a mini print of either a card or other artwork. 5. Halloween party favors 6. Bookmarks (suggested my HudsonGrayTHANKS!) feel free to give me some other ideas for extras or if anyone has any questions ask away! Thanks again!

Cerulean	10 Jul 2004
Not quite a sinister beast, but was a favorite funny story...on a dark and stormy night. Regards, Cerulean Mari

Hedera	10 Jul 2004
Oooh, I like this one! Is it going to be a full 78-card deck, or just majors? Any idea on the price yet?

Inannadescends	10 Jul 2004
I love the images you have on your site. As a fan of the 1930 ensemble monster movies (Frankenstein meets Wolfman!),and general creature features as well. I love the idea of a deck based on these characters. Very clever and fun. I can think of several non-tarot people who would love this deck as well. Good luck with it. I'm already excited about buying it. Keep us updated. :)

HudsonGray	10 Jul 2004
Don't forget Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors! And that German movie Nosferatu--that was one nasty looking vampire.

Brandaluna	10 Jul 2004
This is a deck that I'll have to keep in my sights. My brother is a non-tarot person currently, but his deep affection for black and white horror movies would certainly make this deck interesting to him. Is there a release date in the works for these, or is that still up in the air? My brother is an October baby, and these would make a wonderful birthday gift.

Rhiannon	10 Jul 2004
I love the borders! Great idea, and Elvira as the High Priestess is inspired. I LOVE it! R :)

Shade	11 Jul 2004
I alos liked Elvira as the high priestess.... even if the outfit is one of her most conservative.

Oni	13 Jul 2004
i really like this deck! u should add Blackula and like Jason Voorhees also they r really funny like for the tower a haunted house falling apart would be a cool image. anyway let us know when it will be for sale, how much , and will it be a full 78 cause i defetly want this.

arcanalefait	13 Jul 2004
How fun! And beautiful as well...keep us posted on your progress! Arcana

dolphingirl	26 Jul 2004
Hi Everyone Sorry for the delay in posting back as a back injury kind took the wind out of my sails this last week :) But it seems I am slowly on the mend :) I have about 5 cards to finish on artwork and were still working on putting titles on many of the cards. I hope to have some new cards up on the computer this week, I do so love posting new ones and seeing the artwork with the borders and titles on them that is when I can really feel them all come together. It is interesting when I talk to others about the classic movie monsters as there really are a lot of moral tales and life lessons hidden in the different movies. Release is still scheduled for mid September :) A date fast approaching I fear lol Thank you Shade for your post on Elvira, I personally love her and I did debate on using one of her more *visual* :) outfits but I just couldn't see the HP letting it all hand out like that (if you get my drift :) ) Thanks also to HudsonGrey for the ideas of Little Shop of Horrors! And that German movie Nosferatu if I don't fit all of the monsters into the majors I might very well be doing minors with them in the future. Right now Lee and I are having a discussion on the title for we have two that I really like, one his and one mine and were stuck between Movie Monster Tarot Creature Feature Tarot I would love input on which title everyone likes as it would really help us out! :) Samantha

MeeWah	26 Jul 2004
The skill of the artwork enhances the deck theme; the deck's border is an especially clever design given the theme. I like the title "Movie Monster Tarot" best.

WolfSpirit	27 Jul 2004
Another vote for Movie Monster. Just sounds better to me.

HudsonGray	27 Jul 2004
I like Movie Monster better, too. It goes straight to the heart of the matter.

laura_borealis	27 Jul 2004
I only just saw this thread. Neat idea for a tarot. I especially love the Hanged Man. :)

closrapexa	28 Jul 2004
What about "The nightmare before christmas"? are you going to havr any cards from there?

Sillanza	04 Aug 2004
What a fun deck! Elvira as the High Priestess is inspired! How about the flock o' Birds for the 8 of Wands? I could see Christine as the Chariot. I'll bet it's hard to choose a Hermit -- is there a monster that seeks knowledge? So many good choices for the Tower: The Psycho house, the Amityville Horror house, the Overlook Hotel (from the Shining) ... What an undertaking. I certainly wouldn't want to take on the clearance issues ... ;) Here in Northern CA, "Creature Features" was a TV show in the 70's showing late-night horror movies hosted by the slightly nerdy, stogie-smoking (and now deceased) Bob Wilkins. That's my sentimental favorite for a deck name. :)

dolphingirl	07 Aug 2004
Hi Everyone Thanks for the kind words :) We just uploaded a second page of images from the deck at my website www.dolphin-daze.com including the Temperance, Tower, Death, Hermit, lovers and the Moon card. I heard a lot of people commenting on all the neat things that could be used for the tower card and if sure was hard to pick from all the good possibilities out there. It is interesting because the first two cards I did for this deck were the High Priestess and the Tower card. King Kong just seemed like such a perfect fit story wise. The Tower card has also turned out to be one of my favorite cards to work on. Thank you Gerbear for the suggestion of Rhodan on a card, I am using Godzilla on a card and had tried to decide whether to use Mothra or Rhodan on any of the cards and because of your suggestion Rhodan will make an appearance with Godzilla. I figure those two should be real familiar with sharing time together :) As for clearance issues most of the characters in the deck are old enough to be public domain with just a few exceptions. Also since the artwork being used is my own paintings of characters rather than actual photos and that makes a difference as well. I would personally love to do a Nightmare Before Christmas card :) but with Jack and Sally being newer Disney characters I don't think I could change them enough to make them my own so at least for now they will remain on the back burner. :) Thanks everyone for all the feedback and info your guys are all great! Samantha

Inannadescends	08 Aug 2004
the title of the deck might best be decided when it is finished. I love it, as I said in an earlier post I know of many non-tarot people who would love this as well. I don't know when the deck will be released but I think I have found the xmas/Yule/bday/whatever gift that all of my friends will get. Oh and Godzilla is getting a card! You rock! I don't know how you are going to market the deck but there are a few independent stores in NY that I'm sure will want to sell this deck. I can't wait!!!!!!! :D

dolphingirl	22 Aug 2004
Well i have been hard at work and just uploaded three new cards to my website. The new cards are Justice, The Sun, and the World. I just love uploading new ones as it is so much fun to share with all of you :) I love the way the colors of the Justice card turned out, sometimes when doing a painting things will evolve in ways that I previously didn't expect. When I had envisioned this card I was thinking of a much darker image with the horse and rider almost fading into the background of black. Well as I started to paint it it definitely went in a different direction. The World card was really fun as it was a suggestion of a fan and I think it words really well. Who doesn't love those alien movies. And I got the Sun card up, Godzilla and Rhodan did get there own card :) It is nice in that this deck gives me a reason to pull out all those old movie tapes and I get to watch all the monster movies with fresh eyes. If anyone wants to be notifies via email when updated to the deck are posted feel free to drop me a line. As for selling my deck if anyone knows of shops that might be interested in it please feel free to pass the info along. I am always looking for new ways to get my info out into the world. :) I am also working on a Movie Monster Trivia section for the LWB, I am a big trivia . Thanks for all the feedback everyone! Samantha

Hummingbird	24 Aug 2004
Wow! That is so much fun, and rightfully creepy!

dolphingirl	30 Sep 2004
I am happy to announce that I have finished the art for my Movie monster deck and have added 8 new images to the website. Including Wheel of Fortune, Star, Strength, The Heirophant, Magician, Judgement, Chariot, and the Title card I may be adding one more card for the first decks that come out. :) Right now I am finishing writting the LWB for the deck I have so enjoyed doing this deck thanks to everyone for all the support and input. You guys make it all worth while! Samantha

rosyelf	02 Oct 2004
Dolphingirl, you are such a find ! Not only a passionate tarot aficionado, not only a gifted painter of watercolours and good images, but also a movie monster freak ! I love the way you stay rather true to the traditional meanings while celebrating all that is creepy, weirdy and just plain fun. This deck will be like no other in my collection. You're a gem. Please go to my pm. love rosyelf

WolfyJames	02 Oct 2004
The first time I looked at it, only a few images were available. I'm glad to finally see the rest of the deck. Very cute by the way. ;) When will you sell it? I will gladly take a copy.

lunar_rabbit	02 Oct 2004
Those are great! Nice work. Thanks so much for sharing them with us. I like the title Movie Monster tarot, too.

FantasyWorld	16 Nov 2004
I love this deck!!! Can't wait for it to come out:)

dolphingirl	23 Nov 2004
Well I am really excited, after several trips to the printers (I even went down one night with scissors in hand lol) I got back the first sets of the Movie Monster tarot and I am so pleased. All of the cards turned better than I could have even hoped for! For those of you on the waiting list I will be contacting you shortly with more info and if anyone wants to be on the list feel free to drop me a note at dolphin-daze@comcast.net We also have been working on some fun extras to include with the deck such as (LWB, Movie Monster Trivia, spooky confetti, stickers, spooky rings, a clear plastic box for storage etc.... :) Wow I guess I could just keep going and probably will later. A big thank you is owed to everyone who has commented on the deck everyones help and input have really made this deck a dream to do! Samantha

HudsonGray	24 Nov 2004
Isn't that a great feeling? Congrats! (It's NEVER just one trip to the printer, hey?). I hope you sell out of all of them! Are you planning on a fourth deck after this one?

dolphingirl	04 Dec 2004
Your right it is NEVER just one trip to the printer but I sure wasn't expecting to be camping out on their floor lol. But seeing the finished product makes it all worth while. Wow as to plans for future projects, I have so many things rolling around in my head.... I have currently been working on a Mermaid and dolphin series of paintings (in my spare time) lol which will probably end up as a series of postcards & prints and maybe some book illustrations.. I also love to do custom order paintings and tarot boxes featuring images that my customers pick and hope to devote some extra time to doing a few more. We have developed a tarot board game that I plan to finish up (just a few minor things) and play test for a while. I have played it with both tarot people and non tarot people and we have all had a lot of fun playing it! Depending on what people say and how many requests I get I may work on minors for my Movie Monster tarot deck. I already have quite a bit of it planned in my head :) . I am also planning on doing a tarot deck that is art deco/fantasy (I did a hermit card for another project and fell in love with the idea that I was playing with and may just continue with the concept. I would also at some point like to do an animal centered tarot deck based on the 5 of wands from Samantha's Tarot. That card is just so powerful and full of energy that I would really love to do an animal deck around it. I would also like to work with some of the other mediums that I enjoy using such as acrylic, oils, pencil/pen and ink and pointillism and work on some tarot projects using these mediums. I guess I will be very busy for the foreseeable future :) If anyone would like more info on any of the projects or some of the LWB info from the Movie Monster Deck just let me know. Thanks everyone! Samantha

ciliegia	15 Dec 2004
I like your deck. Great and fun:)

darwinia	15 Dec 2004
Wonderful deck and artwork!!! My particular favourites: The Chariot The Wheel of Fortune The Tower The Lovers Your creativity is marvelous and truly inventive.

rosyelf	17 Dec 2004
Just to second people's opinions on this deck. I received it in the post on Wednesday, and LOVE it. If anyone thinks this deck is just a bit of whimsy, it isn't. It's really rooted in the traditions of Tarot AND it's weird and fun and all that as well. Also, dolphingirl has done the impossible (what I THOUGHT was impossible) and written a lovely Little White Booklet which is not boring/formulaic/a waste of space. Some of it is wise, some of it is moving, some of it makes me laugh. And she really does know those monsters like the back of your hand ! :D :D :D love to all, rosyelf

The Movie Monster Tarot thread was originally posted on 09 Jul 2004 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.