From the moment I read the first post of this thread I thought to myself, ok here goes I'm in for a bad week. My assumption that the Gilded would not make it through without being mentioned in this particular hall of "fame" proved to be the case....but having said that the tone of this thread has been a credit to the members and in the spirit of agreeing to disagree and an aknowledgement of the diversity of options that provides almost everyone in the tarot community with something that should suit their pesonal taste. So no complaints from me.
On an amusing note though, seeing what a picky bunch we are, could you imaging preparing a hypothetical design brief for an artist to create the ideal deck. One that would attempt to be successfull by addressing the various preferences and dislikes mentioned in this and other threads. It might go something like this.
"OK. here is want I want you to do. Come up with a deck thats ....
Physically big enough to show the artwork in its best light.
But not too big that it may be difficult for smaller hands to shuffle.
Adhere to a classic such as RWS so that people are reasonably familiar with the imagery.
But don't be too familar that it may be dismissed as another clone.
Consider using fully illustrated minors so that the style and artwork is consistent throughout.
Or maybe not, because some find that over illustrated images too dominating and distract from their own interpreatations, which are less hindered when viewing less illustrated pips.
Consider adding a border around the card as this will focus the image much as a real frame does for a canvas. Possibly include some sybolism or colour as this may also help visually reconfirm the suits.
But then again maybe not., borders might just detract and distract from the imagery.
Make the style and content of the imagery faithfull to the traditions and heritage of tarot.
But then again you might also consider making the imagery relevant to today's real word. After all when is the last time you saw a knight at the local shopping mall chuckle chuckle.
OK when you get back to me with your first draft sketches, we'll then talk about options for Swords being fire or air, and the numerical position of justice and strength
Alright then, I think we've covered most points.... for now, other than that you're absolutely free to come up with something of your own. But make it fresh and new, we don't want to risk creating something that just gets lost in the crowd do we?
Oh and by the way,....one last thing, we don't have much of a budget