Aevum Tarot - Majors Deck

[Vervain]

Hello everyone~! I'm in the process of creating my first Tarot deck~.

It only includes the majors, due to the fact that I'm pressed for time at the moment between a myriad of other projects, and that I myself prefer to read with just the majors.

The deck is based around two characters from my graphic novel, Ayn Sof and Ma'Ohr. I'm trying to include as much symbolism as I can, while keeping it relevent to their respective personalities. So far I've found it a challenge to create decks based on just two characters... But damn it, I'm going to succeed until the end ' '999 I intend to do a limited print run of them, then maybe later tackling a full deck...

I'd really like any critique you can give.. And maybe advice on future cards, since I'm getting stuck on a couple of ideas... The Sun and the Wheel of Fortune spring to mind as especially difficult > >'

Here are two of what I have so far to start with --

The Fool (Ayn Sof) - http://www.vanagloria.net/uploads/1/...83124_orig.jpg

Justice (Ma'Ohr) - http://www.vanagloria.net/uploads/1/...12910_orig.jpg

Thanks!

[HudsonGray]

Will someone need to read the graphic novel to understand the people in the cards? I'm having a little trouble seeing justice in the image.

If the novel is vital, you'll be cutting down the market for the deck into a mini-micro niche.

[AJ]

Sorry, I don't see any tarot symbolism at all, but then I'm thick sometimes.

[Vervain]

Huuum~, that's a shame. : [ If people can't any Tarot imagery I suppose I'm doing it wrong. Maybe I put too much emphasis on the character's outlooks... I treat it as art (what you see is what you get), but maybe I should change my approach?

Nono, the graphic novel isn't vital at all to enjoy the cards-- These characters play a relatively minor role in the graphic novel ayway. I originally started the deck to include it as a preorder bonus item, but I changed my mind as I started drawing the cards, and started treating the deck as a seperate art piece-- Portraying the characters through the majors. In any case, that's why I'm opting for a totally minimal print run. Like ten. If that, even.

Buuuut that's not going to work if they don't seem like tarot, right? How can I fix my approach to make it more... Tarot-y? For lack of any better real word I can apply to this. Any help is really appreciated! I'm kind of worried now. x [

Here's the hanged man card also - http://www.vanagloria.net/uploads/1/...55817_orig.jpg

[closrapexa]

There are many non-traditional decks that don't use the accepted symbolism, but if you want it to be readily accessible, try to re-evaluate what each cards means to you and what you would want it to have. I like the Fool and the Hanged Man; try putting a pair of scales in Justice or any other symbol you would feel would mean the abstract concept of "balance" to you. Find what is, for you, the most representative symbol in each card and incorporate it into your drawing. It doesn't have to be traditional (Strength could be a lion, or a desk full of paperwork, the choice is yours) just make sure you're making the language of the deck basically understood by others. I think you did a great job with the pillars in Justice, but that may not spell Justice for other people.

I'm not criticizing or trying to restrain your art, though.