Crowdfunding Video: Capturing Early Vision and Storytelling
The below video was a key part of our crowdfunding Kickstarter campaign. It captures the essence of the deck's early vision, though not all the artwork in the video is final.
The final artwork is displayed further down.
The final artwork is displayed further down.
The video elements were made with the latest AI tools available at the time, along with stock video, audio, and video templates. I was able to do the final layering and animation within Adobe Premiere Pro.
Product Showcasing: Premium Features and Thoughtful Design
The following images were crafted to highlight the unique features that distinguish the deck as a luxury product, now featured in digital storefront listings (storefront links at the bottom of this page). Every detail, from material selection to finishing touches, was chosen after thorough evaluation of printer samples, test prints, and backer feedback to create a fully immersive and premium experience.
The artwork and guidebook can be seen featured in more detail in the following sections.
Creating the Artwork: Process and Storytelling
While my husband and I both act as creative directors for Mystic Madness Tarot Co., I provide the technical skills required, drawing on nearly two decades of professional experience in illustration, photorealistic editing, and design.
We use AI to generate foundational elements, but our approach remains hands-on. I meticulously layer, collage, and blend AI-generated pieces with original art and hand-crafted details to create cohesive, intricate designs, ensuring the final artwork is visually captivating and deeply connected to each card's narrative and meaning through imagery, tone, and symbology.
Though much of the work—and rework—is not on display, you can see the final layering of each piece in the videos below.
Best viewed full screen ;)
The Artwork: Exploring the Major & Minor Arcana
Tarot cards are divided into two main categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.
The Major Arcana represents the journey of the Fool, a symbolic path of challenge, transformation, and growth. This journey is often compared to the Hero’s Journey, as the Fool encounters pivotal moments that lead to deeper self-understanding and spiritual enlightenment.
The Minor Arcana reflects the various energies and experiences encountered throughout this cycle. These cards are organized similarly to a standard poker deck, with the four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit corresponds to a fundamental aspect of life—Inspiration (Wands), Emotions (Cups), Thoughts (Swords), and the Material (Pentacles).
The Guidebook: Weaving Narrative and Meaning
The guidebook was designed to extend the storytelling experience of the deck, weaving rich lore, quotes from the original source material, and thoughtful narratives that complement the cards' traditional meanings. Our goal was to create an immersive atmosphere that brings together these two worlds in a way that feels both epic, whimsical,
and a sense of magic.
and a sense of magic.
The Box : A Treasure to Hold the Journey
The box design was one of the final elements completed for this deck, envisioned to offer a glimpse into the fantastical world where Wonderland meets the yellow brick roads of Oz. The intention was to create a visual representation of a treasure box, with gold-framed edges that enclose and protect this magical realm. The box features intricate gold etching details, enhanced with dark accents and spot UV to catch the light, mimicking the elegance of real gold etching and completing the luxurious presentation.
Building Our Online Presence
As a new business, we needed an online presence, so I designed and built our website in Squarespace, linking it to our various stores and products, and integrating a newsletter sign-up.
Our Kickstarter Journey: Shaping Through Feedback and Passion
Our entire Kickstarter campaign was built around this idea of combining these two fantastic worlds in an epic and mystic light. Once we shared our early drafts and images, we received a wealth of feedback—both positive and constructive. We embraced this feedback, allowing it to shape and improve the deck. The result is a product that deeply connects with us and with many others, showcasing the heart and dedication poured into every detail.
You can view the completed campaign in full on Kickstarter.
Online Storefronts
Additional Marketing Materials
