Inspiration begins with a spark of an idea and transforms into something magical to share with the world

01 Brainstorm and Conceptualize

This is the very first step in creating your card deck, the spark of magic that will guide you through the entire journey, culminating in the moment you hold your completed deck in your hands! It all begins with your initial idea—your vision for what this deck can become. In this phase, carve out time to brainstorm and let your creativity flow freely.

Start by jotting down all the ideas swirling in your mind about your deck. Consider every detail: How do you want your deck to look and feel? What design elements, themes, or artistic expressions will make it uniquely yours? Think about its purpose and the experience it will bring to its owner. How will they use it? How do you want them to feel when they hold it, shuffle it, and work with it?

Dive deeper into the emotions and energies you want your deck to evoke. What senses will it touch—visual, tactile, or even spiritual? Envision the atmosphere your deck creates, whether it’s calming, empowering, whimsical, or profound.

Write all these thoughts and inspirations down in a dedicated space. This foundation of ideas will be your compass, not only helping you refine and develop your creation but also serving as a touchstone throughout the process. When challenges arise or decisions feel overwhelming, returning to these initial sparks will ground you and reignite the magic that started it all.

Take your time, dream big, and let this brainstorming phase be a joyful exploration of what’s possible. The seeds you plant here will grow into something extraordinary!

02 Research and Gather Inspiration

In this second phase, you’ll take the personal inspiration you’ve brainstormed and expand it through research, deepening your vision and honing the details of your deck. This is where your creativity intersects with exploration, allowing you to refine your ideas and develop a clear plan for what your deck will become.

Begin by seeking inspiration far and wide. Look at other decks you admire—what speaks to you in their design, themes, or overall feel? Explore creators and artists who inspire you, crafting techniques, and even elements from nature or the world around you. Let your curiosity guide you to unexpected places that ignite your imagination.

Depending on the direction of your deck, focus your research on specific elements that align with your vision. Dive into different artistic styles, considering how colors, textures, and illustrations might come together in your deck. Study how other decks are styled and formatted—what resonates with you and what feels aligned with your goals?

This is also the phase to think practically about the physical aspects of your deck. Decide on the card size and shape that best suits your design. Explore card finishes—do you envision a matte, glossy, or linen texture? Consider the packaging: will your cards come in a traditional tuck box, a magnetic-closure box, or something more bespoke? Will your deck include a guidebook, and if so, will it be integrated or standalone?

As you continue, determine the structure of your deck. How many cards will it include? Is it a tarot deck with a classic 78-card framework, an oracle deck with a freeform number, or perhaps a set of playing cards? By now, you’ll also have a clearer sense of your deck’s purpose and audience, which will guide these specifications.

Though this stage may feel daunting at first, it’s one of the most critical steps in the process. Researching and gathering inspiration sets the foundation for everything that follows. It’s the bridge between dreaming and doing, giving you the knowledge and clarity to move forward with confidence.

With a solid foundation of brainstorming, conceptualizing, and research, you’ll find the rest of the journey much smoother and more enjoyable. Take your time, dive deeply, and allow this phase to be a rewarding exploration of what’s possible. You’re building the scaffolding for something truly magical!

03 RESEARCH & FIND YOUR PRINTER

Why do I place researching and selecting a printer at this phase of the process? Because without understanding the final specifications and costs, creating your deck would be like navigating in the dark. Now that you’ve completed the first two phases—brainstorming, conceptualizing, and gathering inspiration—you have a clear vision for your deck. This foundation will make the next step—organizing and planning for production—more streamlined and exciting.

Researching printers may feel overwhelming at first, but taking your time and doing thorough research will save you stress later. There are two primary options to explore: printing within the United States or printing overseas, most commonly in China. Your choice will depend largely on the complexity of your deck.

For simpler decks without added finishes—such as standard edges, no embossing, or foiling—print-on-demand services or U.S.-based printers can be excellent choices. These options often allow for smaller print runs and may be more accessible for first-time creators. However, if your deck includes special finishes like embossing, metallic foiling, or painted edges, overseas printers are usually the best option. Printers overseas have the equipment and expertise to bring these luxurious details to life, whereas many domestic printers may not offer the same capabilities.

As you research, request samples from any printer you’re considering. Be specific about your desired specifications and ask for examples that closely match your vision. Seeing and feeling these samples will help you evaluate quality and ensure the printer aligns with your expectations. When reaching out to printers, clearly communicate your specifications and any additional options you’re considering. Don’t hesitate to request multiple quotes—one for a basic deck, one for mid-tier specifications, and one for a more premium option. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the cost differences and help you make informed decisions.

If you’re considering print-on-demand manufacturers, keep in mind that they typically allow for single-deck printing or small runs, making them ideal for prototypes or low-volume projects. On the other hand, overseas printers often require a minimum order of 500 or more decks, which can significantly impact your costs and the final specifications you choose.

This phase is critical to the success of your project, so take the time you need to research thoroughly and evaluate all your options. Once you’ve selected your printer, you’ll establish a close working relationship with them throughout the production process. Building a respectful and clear line of communication is essential for ensuring a smooth collaboration.

Completing this step is a significant milestone. With your printer chosen and your specifications locked in, you’re ready to move on to the most exciting phase of all: bringing your deck to life through creation!

04 FORMATE YOUR CARD TEMPLATE

At this stage of your card creation journey, you’ve developed a clear vision for your deck, including its size, style, and overall layout. This is where you take those ideas and create a standardized card template—a foundational step that will guide your design process and ensure consistency across all the cards in your deck.

Through your earlier research and inspiration gathering, you’ve likely decided whether your cards will feature a border or remain borderless. You’ve also considered whether informational text will appear on the front, back, or both sides of the cards. Additionally, you may have envisioned the design of your card backs, whether they’re intricate patterns, simple graphics, or entirely blank. This is also the best time to reconnect with your printer and see if they can send you a printing template you can use. Sometimes they will send you one and sometimes they will not send one until you have purchased the order.

With these details in mind and knowing if you will be able to receive a template from your printer, it’s time to create a template that aligns with your vision. This template serves as your artistic guide, ensuring that every card in your deck adheres to a uniform structure. For example, if you’ve decided on a border and text placement on the front of each card, the template will ensure your artwork fits perfectly within those boundaries. This step is crucial for saving time and avoiding the tedious task of reformatting cards later, which can be incredibly time-consuming.

The way you create your template will depend on your chosen art medium. If you’re working digitally, you might use programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate on an iPad. These tools allow you to set exact dimensions, add layers for borders and text, and ensure precision throughout the design process. If you prefer a traditional approach, you can create a hand-drawn template to use as an underlay or outline for each card. This works particularly well for mediums like painting, drawing, or collage.

Your card template doesn’t just organize your workflow; it also sets the tone for your entire deck. It ensures that your creative vision comes to life exactly as you imagine it, without distractions or inconsistencies. From card one to the very last card, this template will be your constant guide, bringing clarity and efficiency to the process.

Take your time with this step and make sure your template reflects the style, format, and functionality you envision for your deck. Once it’s complete, you’ll have a reliable framework that streamlines your creative process and keeps your designs aligned, making the journey of creating your deck smoother and more enjoyable.

05 CURRATE COLOR PALETTE

Now for one of the most exciting and creative parts of the process—curating your color palette! By this stage, all the research, brainstorming, and planning you’ve done has likely given you a clear sense of the style and mood you want for your deck. You’ll use this understanding to craft a color palette that perfectly suits your deck’s theme and brings your vision to life.

Think of this step as more than just selecting individual colors; it’s about designing a harmonious palette that works together across all the cards. Consider elements like hue, tone, gradient, and depth—how do the colors complement one another? Do they evoke the energy and feeling you want your deck to convey? A well-thought-out palette creates cohesion, making your deck feel unified and intentional from card to card.

Even if you’re someone like me, who loves to work with a wide range of colors, it’s helpful to consider how those colors are toned and balanced. For example, a palette of bold, vibrant colors can be softened with muted tones or balanced with neutrals. Alternatively, a monochromatic or analogous palette can create a more subdued, harmonious effect. Your choice will depend on the style of deck you’re creating—whether it’s whimsical, ethereal, bold, or minimalist.

To stay consistent, keep your color palette accessible throughout the design process. This could be a digital reference stored in your design software or a physical swatch card you’ve created by hand. Having your palette handy will help you stay on track and maintain the cohesion you’ve envisioned for your deck.

Remember, this step is also a journey of exploration and play. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color combinations, try out different pairings, and see how the colors interact with your card templates. This is your chance to infuse your personality and creativity into your deck, so let the process be as joyful as it is intentional.

Your color palette will be the thread that ties your entire deck together, adding depth and harmony to your work. Take your time, have fun, and watch your deck come to life in vibrant, beautiful ways!

06 START SKETCHING

Now it’s time to dive in and begin sketching and designing each card! This stage is where your ideas and inspirations start to take tangible form. While it’s a long and detailed process, it’s also a deeply personal journey filled with opportunities for reflection, creativity, and empowerment.

When I start a new deck, I often find myself creating 3 to 5 cards before realizing I want to tweak or redo what I’ve done in a slightly different style. This is a completely normal part of the process—your ideas will evolve as you work, and adjustments along the way are part of discovering your flow. Give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and refine your designs as needed.

As you settle into the process, you’ll likely find a rhythm that feels almost magical. Each card will begin to flow with greater ease, and the act of designing will become more intuitive and enjoyable. To help keep the momentum going, I recommend creating a schedule to map out your progress. Track how long each card takes to complete and set realistic goals, such as the number of cards you’d like to finish in a week or month.

Deck creation is a substantial commitment—one that typically takes at least a year from start to finish. Personally, I spend a minimum of a year working on a single deck, and I’ve found that many other creators take between one to two years to complete their projects. This timeline includes everything from the initial spark of inspiration to holding the finished product in your hands.

It’s important to recognize and embrace the length of this journey. While it requires patience and dedication, the process is unbelievably rewarding. Each card you create is a reflection of your vision and artistry, and by the end, you’ll have a deck that feels like a true extension of yourself.

Take your time, enjoy the creative process, and allow yourself to be fully immersed in this transformative stage. Each sketch brings you closer to the realization of your deck and the magic you’ve envisioned.

07 REFINE SKETCHES AND DETAILS

With every card in your deck complete, now is the perfect time to pause and take a well-deserved break. Stepping away from your work allows you to reset and clear your mind after the intense focus and effort you’ve poured into your project. When you return with fresh eyes, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate your deck with clarity and precision.

During this review phase, you may notice small details that need refinement. Perhaps some colors or text need adjustment, or certain cards feel slightly out of sync with the overall tone and cohesion of the deck. Occasionally, you may even decide to completely rework a card or two, and that’s perfectly okay—this is all part of perfecting your vision. The solid groundwork you’ve laid earlier in the process will serve you well here, as most of your focus will likely be on fine-tuning the artwork and finalizing text rather than making major structural changes.

This is also an ideal time to print a test deck. Seeing your cards in physical form allows you to experience them as a cohesive set and evaluate how they work together as a family. A print-on-demand service like Make Playing Cards is a fantastic option for this step. They offer a variety of card options and allow you to print a single deck, giving you the chance to hold your creation in your hands for the first time.

Seeing your cards in physical form is a transformative experience. The energy of your work shifts dramatically when it moves from a digital or artistic format into tangible card form. You’ll be able to assess how the cards feel, how they flow as a deck, and whether they convey the emotions and themes you’ve envisioned.

This stage is both practical and rewarding. It’s your chance to make any final adjustments, ensuring that your deck is polished, cohesive, and ready for production. Most importantly, it’s a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come and marvel at the transformation of your ideas into a beautifully realized creation. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let the excitement of seeing your hard work come to life carry you through to the next phase.

08 FINALIZE & FORMAT YOUR CARDS

With your card designs complete and in their final stages, you’re nearing the finish line! This phase is all about perfecting the last details and ensuring your cards are properly formatted for production. Finalizing and formatting your cards is a critical step to ensure your designs translate beautifully into printed form.

At this stage, your cards need to be brought into a digital format, if they aren’t already. If your designs are hand-drawn or painted, scan them into your computer at a minimum resolution of 300dpi to preserve clarity and detail. Once digitized, use design software like Photoshop, InDesign, or Canva to prepare your cards for printing. If you’ve been working digitally from the start, ensure your files are also set to 300dpi resolution to maintain professional-quality prints.

It’s essential to understand the specifications required by your printer before proceeding. Most printers will specify whether they need your files in JPG or PDF format. Another crucial factor is the color mode—while RGB is used for digital screens, most printers require files in CMYK to achieve accurate color reproduction in print. Verify these requirements with your printer to avoid delays or formatting errors later.

Here’s an example of how I approach this stage: I create my artwork in Procreate, using a template built in Photoshop as an underlay for all my illustrations. This ensures that all my designs align with the proper dimensions and layout from the start. Once the illustrations are complete, I transfer them into Photoshop to finalize each card. Using my pre-designed template, I lay out every card one by one, ensuring consistency across the deck. During this process, I convert all files to CMYK and double-check that each card adheres to the printer’s requirements.

Staying organized during this phase is essential. Create a folder structure for your digital files, ensuring that each card is labeled and saved consistently. For example, you might organize your files by numbering the cards or categorizing them by suits, elements, or themes, depending on your deck’s structure. Having a clean and systematic approach will save you time and make it easier to revisit or adjust individual cards if needed.

This step is not only about formatting but also about quality control. Review every card to ensure they are cohesive, consistent, and aligned with your original vision. Small adjustments at this stage—like color tweaks or repositioning elements—can make a significant difference in the final printed product.

By the end of this phase, your cards will be fully formatted, polished, and ready to send to the printer. Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come—your deck is nearly complete, and the next step will bring your creation into its final, tangible form!

09 PREPAIR YOUR FILES FOR THE PRINTER

This phase is all about clear communication and attention to detail as you finalize everything with your printer. At this point, you’ll ensure that all your files are ready for production, your order is confirmed, and you’re fully prepared to bring your deck to life.

The first step is establishing a strong line of communication with your chosen printer. Confirm all details of the order, including the finalized quote, payment terms, and the process for uploading your files. This is also the time to clarify any specific requirements for file formats, color settings, and dimensions to ensure your deck is printed exactly as you envision.

As you move forward, it’s time to think about additional components, such as your deck box and any accompanying booklet or guidebook. Most printers will provide a box template only after payment has been made, so once your payment is processed, you can begin designing the packaging. If you’re including a booklet with your deck, it will typically be part of the same order and will follow the same process. However, if you opt for a standalone book or guide, this will likely require a separate order, either with the same printer or a different one, depending on your needs.

This stage involves several moving pieces, but because of the groundwork you’ve already laid, you’ll be well-prepared to manage everything efficiently. Use your research and earlier notes as references to stay organized and ensure you’re meeting all the printer’s requirements.

It’s essential to ask questions and seek clarification whenever needed. Whether it’s about file preparation, box specifications, or production timelines, don’t hesitate to reach out to your printer for answers. Remember, this is your creation, and you’ve invested significant time and effort into it—you deserve to feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

By the end of this phase, you’ll have all the components of your deck—cards, box, and any accompanying materials—fully prepared and ready for production. This is a major milestone in the process, bringing you one step closer to holding your beautifully crafted deck in your hands. Take your time, stay organized, and celebrate how far you’ve come!

10 PREPAIR FOR PRODUCTION

Congratulations—you’ve reached the final stage of your journey! Production is where all your hard work comes together, and your deck begins its transformation into a tangible creation. This phase requires patience and attention to detail, but it’s also the most magical step as your vision comes to life.

If you’re working with an overseas printer, production will typically take about four to six months from start to finish. The most time-intensive part of this phase occurs at the very beginning, during the electronic proofing process. This is when you’ll review digital proofs of your deck to ensure every detail is perfect before moving forward. Don’t rush through this step—it’s vital to catch any issues now, as changes won’t be possible once production begins.

In my experience, the proofing process often takes longer than expected. I usually spend about a month carefully reviewing proofs, and I’m always surprised by small updates or adjustments I didn’t notice earlier. This is the time to scrutinize every aspect of your deck—colors, text placement, alignment, and overall design. Take the time you need, because once you approve the proofs, production begins, and there’s no turning back.

Once production starts, the printer will typically work on your deck for five to eight weeks. During this time, you may not hear much from them, as this is when the physical manufacturing process takes place. When the deck is complete, most printers will send you a hard copy proof for final approval. This is your first chance to hold your creation in physical form, and it’s an incredible moment!

After your approval, the final shipment is prepared, and soon your beautifully crafted deck will be in your hands. This is the moment you’ve been working toward—the culmination of your creativity, dedication, and passion. By now, you’ve likely been sharing your journey with family, friends, or on social media, building excitement for this long-awaited milestone.

Take time to savor these moments. Holding your completed deck for the first time is an indescribable feeling—a combination of pride, joy, and accomplishment. The next steps of sharing your work with the world will be even more special and rewarding than you can imagine. Your creation is a reflection of your heart and gifts, and sharing it with others will bring joy that continues to grow and inspire.

Congratulations on completing this extraordinary journey—your magic is ready to shine!

10 STEPS TO CREATING YOUR CARD DECK