what makes a deck good?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 25 Nov 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Lilliana	25 Nov 2001
Hi everyone, Since I have a graphic design background, and love the tarot, I know that one day when I feel ready, it's inevitable that I'll merge my two passions and start designing my own deck. Anyway, I was wondering what you guys think makes a deck good (or bad, for that matter). what are the things you especially like about your favourite decks? Do you place more importance on the look/feel of the deck or the symbollism behind it? Do you prefer decks which use the traditional scenes/symbollism or ones which invent their own. Finally, what style of artwork are you drawn to the most? Photographic, collage, traditional media, classic, modern etc. I'm really curious as to what people like in a deck, and would be interested in all your opinions. Thanks, Lilli

faunabay	25 Nov 2001
What draws me to a deck really is if I can relate to it (an exchange of energy) - if it "talks" to me. As for the particulars - I like decks that have illustrated minors. Most of my decks are very colorful (don't have any black and white). It doesn't seem to matter anymore whether they're drawn or photographic or collage. Although at first I only wanted artwork decks, not the photo or collage ones. I tend to like the modern feeling decks a bit more. I don't get much from the very traditional decks. Although some on this forum love them and use them all the time. I have a feeling you're going to get a huge variety of answers here. Might get some ideas, but IMO you should probably just do a deck that appeals to YOU, not what you think others would like. You'll enjoy and connect more by doing that and there will always be people who feel the same way you do.

Kiama	25 Nov 2001
Well, I agree that when creating a deck, you should create one you like, not what the masses like. But, I am going to answer what I think makes a deck 'good'. In my personal opinion, I think Minors that are illustrated are a must, although there are some on the forum who prefer to have them non-illustrated. I also prefer a nice artwork... If I can't look at the pictureson the cardsand be aestehetically pleased aswell as inspired to read, I won't use the deck as much. I don't mind what form of art... I have no preference as to whether it is photographic, collage, or modern art, etc... Although I have more hand-drawn decks than collage or photographic. Also, symbolism is very important for me: If there is nothing in the cards, then I find it very difficult to weave a story for the querent out of a spread... Nudity is also an issue some people have a problem with, and if your gonna use a deck for young children, it's usually better not to use a deck with excessive nudity, cuh as the Black Tarot, Erotic Tarot, and Cosmic Tribe. Some people do not like seeing naked people splattered all over the cards, and find it distracting. Others don't mind, and like the idea of people with no clothes on! Religious persuausion is also an issue sometimes, as I know many Pagans who do not like to read with the Connoly, and many Christians who find it difficult to understand the Sacred Circle or Celtic Dragon. I think most people prefer a deck which sticks with traditional meanings. When I say this, I am not forgetting that every single deck will inevitably deviate slightl with some cards, depending on the creator's opinion, but they all fall into teh same initial structure. After all, would it really be considered a Tarot deck, if the 3 of Swords suddenly meant marriage, and the 2 of Cups a divorce?! Overall, Tarot readers and collectors tend to be a very diverse bunch of people, and we have very diverse and different tastes. Therefore, whilst I may absolutely adore the Somic Tribe, and call it a 'godd deck', I know of quite a few people who do not consider it a 'good deck', and who find it impossible to read with. Anyway, I have written enough, and am now considering writing an article dedicated to the diversity of Tarot readers! Hope I helped some... Kiama

MeeWah	25 Nov 2001
A good deck is any deck that prompts a response; results in attempts to communicate with it. Artwork attracts me first; then symbolism. I suppose I have no artistic style preference as my favorite decks are different from each other but they all have plenty of symbolism or a theme. I prefer decks to have illustrated minors, but I have been able to work with decks that do not as long as the Majors contain details to keep me interested.

jmd	25 Nov 2001
Personally, I rank, in order, traditionality artistic merit and originality. For example, I consider the 1998 Camoin Marseilles deck the best to have come out of the 20th century (many will of course not share my view)! Though I personally find decks which are collaged generally less appealing, the exception is Dali's deck. The same can be said of computer generated decks, though I find the Fractal Firebird Tarot also an exception. This shows me that it is not so much the medium used, but the mastership which can make of any medium absolutely astounding. In the end, I would agree with Faunabay, "you should probably just do a deck that appeals to YOU, not what you think others would like". This will not doubt guarentee a deeper inner response to your work from others. ... I do make two qualifications to all this: Quote: 1) irrespective of whether the minors are scenic or not, I do personally consider it important to use the pre-Waite (Golden Dawn modified) numeration: Justice is VIII, Strength is XI, and the Fool is not numbered (rather than zero)! & 2) astrological and Hebrew letter correspondences are not universally agreed upon, and prefer decks which leave these open. Quote: These correspondences and numeration do affect whether I end up using a deck, or whether it sits there for my pleasure or courses...

cj	25 Nov 2001
[quote]Lilliana (26 Nov, 2001 00:57): Liliana, I think it's great that you are thinking of creating a deck. I am fairly new, but love to buy decks. I look for bold colors, realistic and drawn art combined (sacred circle, gendron). I need (being new) minors with pictures or at least 1 word "hints". I think the best thing to do is create a few cards, walk away and go back and look. Does it Grab YOU...Can you tell what the meaning is without the book. Remember, This is YOUR Deck. The rest of us will just "Love" it...... cj PS Don't forget to post pix....

truthsayer	25 Nov 2001
the things i look for in a deck are: 1) originality of some kind from the maker. maybe it's like rws except that the colors are different. 2) the theme of the deck is consistent in meaning and art. decks that the creater wavers from style to style make me crazy(ier) for example, some cards might be done traditionally yet others are modern. then there's part drawings and part computers or photos. another ex.: a deck that uses an inconsistent flow and transition of the major mythology/archetypes of the deck. maybe switching from story to story w/o a rhyme or reason someone could follow. jumping from king author to the owl and the pussycat to king tut. this would throw me off. 3) the creater shows that thought has been put into the creation of each card. the connectivity that the creater has w/ the deck is extremely imp. if the creater can't connect to his/her creation, how are we supposed to? i don't think anyone should hurry this process for the sake of getting finished. a major peeve is spending 10 years on the major arcana and 6 monthes on the minors. ;) 4) this is a personal preference but i don't like heavy use of varying symbol systems. for example, don't use the kabbalah, i- ching, runes, and astrology in one deck and expect everyone to follow where you're going w/ all this confusion. be a pied piper that everyone can follow w/ some semblance of order but allow room for individuality. my preference is to stick to one system say astrology so as to keep all of us on the same sheet music. perhaps 2 but use the KISS :* system: keep it simple silly! 5) if you want to create a deeply complex deck make sure that the symbols, art, and meanings all match up. let a few guinea pigs try to follow it if you are considering publication. if it's just for your personal use then it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. but please don't let me stifle your creativity! LOL :D that's really and truly isn't my intent. i have a quite a few pet peeves w/ some decks that surround the above mentioned issues. happy creating! 8-)

tarotbear	26 Nov 2001
What makes a deck GOOD is that it WORKS for YOU.

Lilliana	26 Nov 2001
Hi everyone. Thanks for all your replies. It's interesting to know what people think. And don't worry, I am definately going to stick with what I personally want in a deck. Even if you all replied that you hate the style I'm going to work in, I'd still go ahead and do it ;) Actually the reason I asked, is first and foremost out of curiosity, and secondly to see if I'm heading on the right track. truthsayer- I agree with what you said about inconsistancy in style/theme. I can't work with a deck which jumps all over the place. I also agree about decks which use a heavy ammout of different esoteric symbollism, IMO if you can't sum up the card with a simple image you should be writing a tarot book, instead of making a deck. Anyway, nice to hear what you think. Lilliana

Jewel	26 Nov 2001
~Sighs~ If only I had artistic talent *LOL* ... I have to personally state (like everyone else including yourself) that as long as the deck works for YOU and YOU like it that is the key! Now for my personal preferences: 1) Artwork must be consistent (one reason I could not connect with the Gendron). 2)Symbolism is key. I love pagan, alchemical and qabalistic symbolism. As there is debate as to the qabalistic correspondences I think the author/artist need to study that and select how their interpretation. But as Truthsayer said one cannot overcharge the cards with esoteric symbolism or they will just be a mumbo jumbo of symbols. 3)I like Strength VIII, Justice XI. 4)Swords air and Wands fire correspondence. 5)Pictures on the minors. 6)Prefer drawn pictures to computer generated, but like collage the least. Needs to be aesthetically pleasing and I like traditional meaning but with original art ... RW clones are way to common. As for the comment about writing a book to go with an original deck ... that is one of my dreams. I may not be able to draw but I can write! I would love some day to work with someone and develop a deck/book jointly. Best wishes I look forward to seeing your deck when you create it!

Piperbunny	26 Nov 2001
1. I like my tarot to be bold and colourful, its good if the designs are continuos. 2. I think symbolism is good, but the feel of tarot is more important because I believe that if the tarot feels right then your readings are more likely to flow and be more accurate. 3. I think its up to you, do what feels right for you and maybe it feels right for others! 4. Im drawn to modern, funky styles if this makes sense :) Something unique but not too "old" arty. Hope this helps you - cant wait to see the outcome :D

catlin	28 Nov 2001
First of all, the deck has to speak to me: If I do not feel that immediate "bang" I know I cannot work with this deck. I always return to my first tarot collector love, the Legend Arthurian deck because it illustrates what kind of deck I favour. I prefer - fine artwork (paintings are more to my liking than collage techniques) - Celtic/Mythological background - smooth surface (cards should shuffle easily) - good quality cardboard (could be a bit stiffer in the Legend Arth. deck)

Head in the Clouds	28 Nov 2001
yeah, what they all said!! In specific...do what speaks to YOU first, others admiration will undoubtedly follow, but I think primarily you have to open that which communicates between you and the cards. I have seen some decks that appear to have been created simply for the sake of creating, so they may be great for collecting, but otherwise are "empty" and have no feel to them. Also keep in mind that everyone's preferences change (look at the number of decks some folks have) and so it would be a daunting task to try to find something that is going to please all, or even most. Many share a fondness for the same decks, but have discovered them at different times. After that, the artwork definetly is what attracts me, then I look further to see if the symbolism has any "meat" behind it. Symbolism is hard to put second, i'd say it's about equal. Most of all, have FUN..i know you'll learn alot, and we all would love to see what you come up with!

Logiatrix	28 Nov 2001
there was a time when i tried very hard to figure out my "taste" in tarot. i seemed particularly drawn to purples and plums at first, then celtic-themed decks were the thing, then feminist decks for a while... so basically, it's been phases--until recently, AN EPIPHANY! i purchased my visconti deck a coupla years ago. it was the first deck i bought purely for collecting. it's been sitting on my shelf all this time, only pulled out to show off. then, about two months ago, i started reading with it. i used to be totally intimidated by the non-pictorial minors, and didn't even "go there", but now i'm not having any difficulty at all! i am totally attached to this deck, and i don't read with any other tarots anymore; however, i still use the angels and fairies oracle cards, because they are so very healing and also great for children. it is true that tarot finds YOU, you don't find it, and i also have discovered that your special deck will find you, too. i truly never thought to favor the visconti tarots when i was so avidly searching for THE DECK, but they really work for me! i absolutely cannot fathom why! :)

Lee	29 Nov 2001
I agree with what truthsayer said about the author/artist putting thought into each card and having a strong feeling for what that card means to them. My pet peeve in decks is when, after reading the author's descriptions and meanings for the cards, it's apparent that I am putting more effort into trying to understand their cards than they did when creating them. A good example for me was the Elemental Tarot, whose artwork I love, but whose card descriptions and meanings seem as if they were dashed off without much thought or coherence. -- Lee

di	02 Dec 2001
The artwork is important, but it shouldn't overwhelm the card to where it would be difficult to read. I have a Celtic Tarot copyrighted by Lo Scarabeo and the Major Arcana are all characters of Celtic Legends. This makes Majors almost impossible to read. But the Minor Arcana is very good.

The what makes a deck good? thread was originally posted on 25 Nov 2001 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.