Creating PLAYFUL BEINGS Tarot Deck – a peek behind the scenes

On February 29, 2024, I launched my first Kickstarter campaign! The goal is to self-publish my very first tarot deck, PLAYFUL BEINGS. In this post, I’m going to share some behind-the-scenes images of creating the PLAYFUL BEINGS tarot deck.

It’s been a long, creative journey that all started in January 2023 when I was also looking for guidance. I would sit in my living room chair during the Rocky Mountain winter and illustrate 1-4 tarot cards in one evening. Slowly, a theme started to emerge and I began to think bigger – what if I professionally printed this deck to share with others?

Why I Started Drawing Tarot Cards

My first tarot deck was EARTH CHILD by Alyson Davies. I loved the art in her tarot deck and I found that the vibes within the deck were gentle and not spooky. This approach opened my mind to the possibilities of tarot decks for conversations with friends and family AND the knowledge shared by tarot deck creators.

I slowly worked away at drawing the cards and thinking deeply about the message intended by the cards. Coincidentally, I bought “A Little Bit of Tarot” by Cassandra Eason out of curiosity when I was on a trip to New York City (from the famous Books Are Magic bookstore). I also studied the structure of the tarot deck with the book “The Creative Tarot” by Jessa Crispin, who approached the card structure with the structure of storytelling. 

I could see that the tarot deck can be a tool to help us connect with ourselves and each other. It doesn’t have to be serious or spooky – but it can be light-hearted and inspire deep conversations about the mysteries of life.

What’s the point of tarot cards? 

The point of my tarot deck is to inspire connection and bring focus to the knowledge that surrounds us, especially in nature. After a tarot reading, I think we are a little more observant of our surroundings and what is happening in our lives, both big and small. That surely can’t be a bad thing.

The Four Suits

When I looked at the traditional four suits, I decided to shake it up a little bit with my interpretation. Out came these four suits inspired by the art forms of writing, pottery, as well as nature. You will notice a lot of Canmore and Western Canadian animals and landscapes nestled into this deck.

Suit of Wands (Willows): The suit of creativity and inspiration. My favourite suit as I believe in the power of creativity for our individual and collective wellbeing. Willows represent seasonal change – air, bright, new, soft. Being present to what is happening around us. Feeling reinvigorated and inspired by the world!

Suit of Cups (Pottery): Cups is a suit about love and connecting with others. Pottery is that way too. A lot of personality, love, and consideration goes into each piece made by a potter. Each piece is also created to be enjoyed by another person over and over again. Pots tend to outlast the potter, just like love.

Suit of Swords (Pens): In the modern era, I believe that the pen can be a sword. The pen and our intellect can help us work towards a better world. It’s important to say what we mean and do what we say. Acting with intention and integrity makes for a peaceful life.

Suit of Tentacles (Pentacles): The suit of finances and responsibilities. I choose to symbolize Pentacles with Tentacles since responsibilities seem to wrap around us. Responsibilities may feel restrictive but at their best, they can also hold us and protect us to live healthy and safe lives in relation to others.

The Major Arcana

I started drawing the Major Arcana after the four suits. At this point, I would read the title of the card I had to draw, look it up in Eason’s book, and then I would sit until an image came to my mind. There are animals, people, concepts, plants, and landscapes. I fully acknowledge that these images are biased toward my own life experiences and cultural upbringing. But, I hope that perspective makes it fun. 

The Kickstarter

If you are thinking about trying out tarot for yourself (or as a really fun dinner party activity!) – try PLAYFUL BEINGS. It’s light-hearted and a super fun way to have some different conversations with the peeps in your life.