Creating your own tarot cards opens up a unique avenue for self-expression and personal growth. Designing a DIY Tarot cards deck allows you to infuse your cards with personal symbolism and meaning, turning them into a reflection of your journey and values. This personal connection can deepen your understanding and enhance your tarot practice, bridging the human experience with ancient wisdom.
Crafting your own Tarot deck can be one of the most personal, meaningful, and downright fun ways to engage with the world of divination. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every step of the process – from understanding Tarot’s structure and symbolism to choosing materials, designing each card, and finally bonding with your completed creation.
As you embark on this creative journey, consider what themes resonate most with you – whether it’s nature, modern art, or something entirely unique. By carefully selecting materials and employing a thoughtful design process, your custom tarot cards will come to life in a way that’s meaningful and fulfilling. Explore different design tools available such as Canva or Adobe Spark to create digital versions that can later be printed.
Establishing your own tarot deck is more than just a craft project; it’s a way to share your vision with others and possibly inspire them to create their own. When you’re ready, promoting and sharing your creation with a broader audience could open new avenues for connection and insight.
Creating your own tarot cards is one of the most personal, meaningful, and (let’s be real) challenging things you can do as a tarot lover. It’s not just a craft project. It’s a journey into yourself.
When you design your own deck, you’re not just drawing pictures on cardstock. You’re infusing every card with your own symbolism, your own story, your own energy. The result is a deck that speaks to you in a way no store-bought deck ever could.
We know this because we did it ourselves. And we’re going to share everything we learned along the way.
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Key Takeaways
- Creating your own tarot deck deepens your connection to the cards in ways you can’t predict – When you spend hours designing The Fool or The Tower, you internalize those archetypes. They become part of you. Your readings will never feel the same again.
- You don’t need to be a professional artist to make a beautiful, meaningful deck – Seriously. If you can hold a pencil, use Canva or Photoshop, or cut pictures from magazines, you can create a tarot deck. Perfection is not the point. Intention is.
- The technical learning curve is real, but it’s manageable – Dimensions, bleed areas, resolution, file formats, print-on-demand services… it sounds overwhelming at first. But you can figure it out. We did, and we had no idea what we were doing when we started.
- Your “why” matters more than your skill level – If you have a strong reason for creating your deck, whether it’s healing, self-expression, honoring someone you love, or just pure creative joy, that motivation will carry you through the hard parts.
- A handmade tarot deck can become a legacy – Something you pass down. Something that holds your energy long after you’ve shuffled it for the last time. Something that proves love doesn’t disappear. It just finds new places to live.
Why Create DIY Tarot Cards?
Creating your own Tarot deck is far more than a crafting project – it’s a way to forge an intimate bond with the cards’ ancient wisdom. The beauty of a deck you’ve made yourself is that it reflects your personal journey, aesthetic, and spiritual perspective. Each brushstroke, pencil mark, or collage piece becomes an extension of your inner world.
Making your own tarot deck is a lot of work. We’re talking 78 cards. Each one needs thought, design, and intention. So why would anyone do this to themselves? Because the payoff is unlike anything else.
Here are a few compelling reasons why you might want to take on this project:
- A deeper connection to the cards. When you hand-draw or design each card, you internalize its meaning. You don’t just know what The High Priestess represents. You feel it, because you spent hours deciding how to depict her.
- Complete creative freedom. Who said The Fool has to be a medieval jester? In your deck, The Fool could be a traveler with a backpack, a child running toward the ocean, or (in our case) a Boston Terrier stepping off a cliff with total trust. 😀 Your deck, your rules.
- Personal symbolism that actually means something to you. Traditional decks are packed with symbols from various cultures and esoteric systems. Those symbols are powerful. But you might want to weave in your own. Maybe wolves have always meant something to you. Maybe lotus flowers remind you of your grandmother. Put them in your deck.
- Artistic expression, even if you don’t consider yourself an artist. The act of creating something uniquely yours is deeply fulfilling. You’ll probably surprise yourself with what you can make.
- Heirloom value. A handmade tarot deck can become something you pass down through generations. A bridge between past and future. A tangible piece of your soul.
Creating your own deck is not about making something perfect. It’s about making something real
Understanding Tarot: Structure & Symbolism
Before you grab your paintbrushes, pencils, or laptop, let’s make sure you understand the basic structure of a tarot deck. This foundation will guide your design decisions.
A traditional tarot deck has 78 cards, divided into two main sections:
Major Arcana (22 cards)
These are the big picture cards, numbered 0 through 21. They represent major life themes, archetypal energies, and significant transitions. Cards like The Fool, The Magician, Death, and The World carry substantial weight in any reading. When a Major Arcana card shows up, pay attention. Something important is happening or needs to happen.
Minor Arcana (56 cards)
These cards reflect everyday experiences, emotions, thoughts, and actions. They’re divided into four suits:
- Wands (Fire): Creativity, passion, ambition, drive
- Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, intuition, love
- Swords (Air): Thoughts, communication, conflict, clarity
- Pentacles (Earth): Material world, money, health, practical matters
Each suit has numbered cards (Ace through 10) and four Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).
If the Major Arcana are the starring roles in life’s theater, the Minor Arcana are the everyday moments that make up the actual story.
You don’t need to be an expert on tarot history to create your own deck. But understanding each card’s core meaning will help you design images that resonate deeply with the archetypes.
Collecting Materials and Tools
Now for the practical stuff. What do you actually need to make a tarot deck?
The answer depends on your preferred art style, budget, and how much time you’re willing to invest. Here’s a breakdown:
Base Cards or Cardstock
- Pre-cut blank cards (many craft stores sell them in standard tarot dimensions, roughly 2.75 x 4.75 inches)
- Cardstock sheets you can cut yourself (go for heavier weight, at least 300gsm, for durability)
Art Supplies
- Traditional mediums: watercolors, acrylic paints, colored pencils, ink pens
- Collage materials: magazines, old books, stickers, decorative papers
- Digital tools: Canva, Photoshop, Procreate, Illustrator (create designs digitally and print them)
Protective Finishes
- Clear acrylic spray or fixative to prevent smudging
- Lamination for maximum durability (though laminated cards can be slippery when shuffling)
Optional Extras
- Gilding pens for metallic edges
- Decorative stamps for repeating patterns
- Embossing powder for texture and shine
Set a budget before you start. You can go all-in with premium materials, or you can repurpose what you already have. There’s no wrong approach. The beauty of DIY tarot is that you make the rules.
Finding Inspiration and Brainstorming
Before you draw a single line, take time to daydream. Your tarot deck should tell a story. Your story.
Here are some places to look for inspiration:
Classic themes. Draw from Rider-Waite-Smith imagery or other traditional decks. Keep many elements intact while adding your own twist.
Nature and animals. A deck focused on natural landscapes and animal symbolism can feel incredibly grounding. Think wolves for loyalty, butterflies for transformation, mountains for stability.
Mythology and folklore. Infuse your deck with gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures from cultures that resonate with you.
Cultural heritage. Incorporate patterns, colors, or symbols from your background. This adds uniqueness and deepens your personal connection.
Pop culture. Feeling playful? Design a deck based on a favorite show, book, or universe. Just be mindful of copyright if you plan to sell it.
Create a mood board. Gather images that spark something in you. Pinterest boards, magazine cutouts, photos on your phone, quick sketches. Keep everything in one place so you can reference it during the design phase.
Your inspiration doesn’t have to be fully formed. It just has to excite you enough to keep going when the work gets hard.
Card Design: Balancing Tradition and Creativity
Here’s where things get interesting.
Tarot has centuries of history, and each card carries traditional meanings and symbols. But part of the thrill of making your own deck is finding balance between honoring that tradition and expressing your personal vision.
Honor key symbols (if you want to). The High Priestess represents hidden knowledge, intuition, mystery. Traditional decks often show her seated between two pillars. You don’t have to keep the pillars, but you might include something that hints at hidden knowledge: a crescent moon, a veil, a closed book.
Update the archetypes. The Chariot doesn’t have to be an ancient chariot. It could be a car, a motorcycle, a spaceship. As long as it conveys willpower, determination, and forward motion, you’re honoring the card’s energy.
Use color intentionally. Colors influence mood and interpretation. Reds and oranges feel passionate and energetic. Blues and purples feel more introspective or spiritual. Choose your palette with the card’s message in mind.
Create visual consistency. Having a unifying design element across all 78 cards (a border style, a recurring motif, a specific font) helps your deck feel cohesive. Don’t underestimate the power of consistency.
Your deck can be as traditional or as unconventional as you want. The only rule is that it should feel like yours.
Designing Your Tarot Card Aesthetics
When you’re designing tarot cards, three things matter most: your theme, your imagery, and your colors. Each plays a role in creating a deck that resonates with you and anyone else who uses it.
Choosing Your Theme
Your theme sets the tone for the entire deck. It’s the thread that ties all 78 cards together.
Think about what draws you in. Mythology? Nature? Astrology? Personal experiences? Modern life? Abstract art?
A cohesive theme makes your deck feel unified and intentional. It also makes the design process easier, because you have a guiding principle for every decision.
Creating Images and Iconography
Start by brainstorming the symbols and icons that represent each card’s meaning. Sketch them out, even if your sketches are rough. Or use design software to bring your ideas to life.
Balance complexity with clarity. Your images should convey their intended messages without being so cluttered that the meaning gets lost.
Focus on what matters most. What’s the one thing you want someone to feel or understand when they look at this card?
Selecting a Color Palette
Colors evoke emotions. They influence how a card feels before anyone even reads its meaning.
Consider using bolder colors for Major Arcana cards to signal their importance. Softer hues might work better for certain Minor Arcana cards.
A consistent color scheme creates visual harmony. Use color theory to understand how different shades work together. Experiment until you find a palette that feels right.
Your color choices will tie your theme and imagery together into something unified and beautiful.
Material and Printing Choices
This is where theory meets reality. The materials you choose and how you print your deck will determine the final look and feel of your cards.
Creating your own tarot deck involves making thoughtful decisions on both materials and printing techniques. Focus on selecting the right card stock, understanding color settings, and exploring different printing methods to ensure the best results for your unique deck.
Choosing the Right Card Stock
Card stock matters more than you might think. It affects durability, shuffling ease, and overall quality.
Aim for a weight between 250 and 350 GSM. This gives you a balance of sturdiness and flexibility.
Linen finish adds texture and is popular among professionals. Smooth finish provides a sleek look that works well for intricate designs.
If you’re printing on large format sheets, leave a safe area margin to prevent your design from getting cut off during trimming.
Understanding Color Modes and DPI
Color modes: Use CMYK for print. RGB is for digital screens and won’t translate well to paper.
DPI (dots per inch): Aim for at least 300 DPI for crisp, clear prints. Anything lower will look blurry or pixelated. This is non-negotiable.
Test small sections before printing the whole deck. See how your colors appear on your chosen card stock. Adjust brightness and contrast if needed.
Printing Options
Home printing: Convenient and cost-effective, but quality may not match professional services. Use high-quality ink and photo printing settings.
Professional print shops: Offers options like lamination and foil stamping for a more polished finish. More expensive, but the results can be stunning.
Print-on-demand services: Companies like MakePlayingCards.com let you upload your designs and print decks one at a time. No need to order hundreds upfront. The downside is higher cost per deck, but it’s a great option for indie creators who want to share their work without a huge investment.
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Step-by-Step Creation Process
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, found inspiration, and mulled over each card’s essence, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create. Here’s a straightforward roadmap:
Step-by-Step Creation Process
You’ve gathered your materials, found your inspiration, and you understand the structure of tarot. Now it’s time to actually make the cards.
Here’s a roadmap:
1. Draft your cards on paper or digitally. Start with small thumbnail sketches. Identify the key elements or symbols you want in each card.
2. Finalize a few cards first. Pick 2 or 3 cards you’re most excited about. Complete them from start to finish. This lets you test your methods, make mistakes, and refine your process before tackling all 78.
3. Work in batches. Once you’re comfortable, work on multiple cards at once. This helps maintain stylistic consistency and can be more time-efficient.
4. Add lettering and titles. Leave space for the card’s name. Use hand lettering, stamps, or stencils for a clean look. Consistent font style adds professionalism.
5. Review and reflect. After finishing a set of cards, step back. Do the designs still resonate? Are the symbols clear? Adjust anything that feels off.
6. Repeat for all 78 cards. Yes, it’s a lot. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Take breaks to avoid burnout. Celebrate small milestones along the way.
Patience is Key: Creating a Tarot deck is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small milestones (like finishing the Major Arcana or completing a suit) along the way.
The Importance of Symbolism and Intention
Tarot is steeped in symbolism, and each card carries a universe of meaning. While your deck may not adhere strictly to centuries-old symbols, ensuring that every design choice holds significance will help your readings remain powerful and intuitive. Every design choice you make should hold meaning.
Personal symbolism. Maybe hummingbirds have always appeared during meaningful moments in your life. Include them in cards about joy or transformation. Each time you see that hummingbird, you’ll feel that connection.
Cultural or spiritual references. If your practice includes chakras, sprinkle those symbols throughout your deck. If you connect with Norse mythology, incorporate runes or references to Odin and Freya.
Elemental color themes. Keep suits aligned with certain colors. Wands might feature reds and oranges for fire. Cups might lean toward blues and greens for water.
Intentional creation rituals. Some people meditate or light a candle before designing each card. It’s a way to channel the card’s energy onto your canvas. Do whatever aligns with your practice.
The more meaning you weave into your designs, the more potent your readings will be.
Finishing Touches & Practical Considerations
Once you’ve spent hours (or maybe weeks or months) designing and finalizing your cards, you’ll want to protect and refine them. Here are a few last steps to ensure your deck is both beautiful and functional:
Varnishing or Sealing:
- If you used paints or ink, a clear, non-yellowing varnish or fixative can preserve your artwork. Make sure everything is fully dry before applying.
- Apply thin, even coats. Too much sealant can cause colors to run or paper to warp.
Lamination:
- For maximum durability, consider laminating your cards. You can purchase self-laminating sheets or use a small laminating machine.
- Keep in mind that fully laminated cards may be more slippery and slightly thicker when you shuffle.
Edging:
- Edge your cards for a polished look. Metallic paint pens (gold, silver, or copper) are popular choices. It adds a professional sparkle that makes each shuffle feel luxurious.
Back Design:
- Don’t forget to design the card backs! This can be as simple as a repeated pattern or as elaborate as a miniature piece of art. A symmetrical design is common so that reversed cards aren’t immediately obvious.
Storage:
- Consider a special pouch, box, or wrap to store your DIY Tarot Cards. A satin or velvet bag, a wooden box, or even a crocheted pouch can add another layer of personal flair.
Test for Readability:
- Shuffle your deck, draw a few spreads, and see if the images flow well into each other. If certain cards feel visually cluttered or unclear, you might want to tweak them a bit.
Assembling and Packaging Your Deck
Creating your own tarot deck is a rewarding experience that goes beyond designing each card. Once your creation is ready, you need to focus on the important steps of cutting, assembling, and packaging your cards. The right presentation enhances the final product and helps in preserving the energy you’ve invested.
Once printed, your deck can be packed in a plastic box, cardboard box, or a custom pouch, depending on your preference. Some creators include extra cards for notes or special editions. Using a product code on your packaging can help with tracking and selling your deck professionally.
Cutting and Assembling The Cards
After printing your tarot cards, precision cutting is crucial. Use a sharp craft knife or a dedicated paper cutter for clean edges. Mark the exact dimensions on each card to ensure consistency throughout your deck. You might want to invest in a steel ruler to maintain straight lines.
Once cut, the cards need to be arranged in the correct sequence. This aspect is especially important if you’re adhering to specific traditional layouts. Gently shuffle to test the durability and flexibility of the cards. If necessary, consider adding a paper card band or a plastic card band to keep them secure.
Creating a Custom Tuck Box
A custom tuck box not only protects your deck but also adds a professional touch. Start by measuring the total thickness of your stacked cards to design a box that fits snugly. You can make the box from sturdy cardstock or lightweight cardboard. Enhance its durability with protective lamination.
Decorate the box to reflect the theme of your deck. Include thoughtful elements such as your deck’s name or a small symbol from your cards. Using colors and motifs from your artwork can create a cohesive look. A well-designed tuck box elevates the presentation and ensures your deck is safe.
Presentation and Delivery Options
Think about how you want to present your deck for gifting or sale. Options like luxurious velvet bags or classic cardboard boxes can add charm to your packaging. Consider using a ribbon or a seal for added elegance.
When shipping, choose protective delivery packaging such as bubble mailers or double-walled boxes. This step ensures your deck arrives without damage. Personalize the delivery experience by including a thank-you note or an instructional leaflet. A thoughtful presentation makes the unveiling of your tarot deck memorable.
Your first card should set the tone for the entire deck, whether featuring a title, introduction, or unique message. You can choose eco-friendly options or luxury packaging, such as a hardened tube for premium decks. If you’re working with a technical team, they can assist in refining the final presentation and ensuring a high-quality finished product.
Promoting and Sharing Your Creation
Creating your own tarot cards is only the beginning. Sharing them with a broader audience can increase awareness and appreciation for your work. Utilize online platforms and communities to effectively spotlight your deck.
Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok make it easy to showcase your own hands crafting and using your deck, helping to attract an audience. You can also download templates to create promotional visuals and highlight your deck’s unique elements. Limited editions or preorder campaigns over a period of time can build excitement and boost sales.
Leveraging Social Media
Social media offers a dynamic platform to showcase your tarot cards. Share behind-the-scenes content on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok, such as the design process or early sketches. These glimpses can capture the interest of potential followers.
Consider posting card-of-the-day videos or animations. These can serve as both promotional content and engaging posts for followers. Hosting giveaways can also boost interaction and reach. Collaborating with influencers or participating in challenges specific to indie tarot decks can further elevate your presence.
Selling Through Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like Etsy provide excellent opportunities to sell your tarot cards. Create a shop with eye-catching photos and detailed descriptions that highlight the unique aspects of your deck.
Pricing is crucial, so research similar indie decks for competitive pricing. Encourage buyers with limited-edition cards or custom options. Proper keyword use ensures your deck is easily discovered.
Connecting with the Tarot Community
Building relationships within the tarot community can significantly impact your deck’s success. Participate in online forums or attend virtual events dedicated to tarot enthusiasts. These spaces are valuable for feedback and networking.
Sharing your journey or insights about your deck’s inspiration can be enriching for both you and those in the community. Consider teaming up with other creators for joint events or promotions.
Establish connections with bloggers and reviewers passionate about tarot. Platforms like Little Red Tarot curate reviews and recommendations, providing visibility for indie creations. Being part of such networks fosters camaraderie and support for your work.
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Using Your Tarot Deck
Using your tarot deck can open pathways for personal insight and professional opportunities. You can explore personal growth or offer readings as a service to others. Each approach has its own benefits and methods.
Once completed, your deck is ready for tarot card reading – whether for personal insight or professional use. The second part of this journey is learning how your deck interacts with intuition and energy. Sharing readings online or offering guides for new users can enhance the experience and deepen the connection with your self-created oracles.
Personal Use and Growth
Using tarot cards for personal use can be a deeply enriching experience. Draw a daily card to gain insights into your current state of mind or life’s path. This practice encourages self-reflection and can help you see challenges and opportunities from new perspectives.
Create a personal ritual by setting a calm environment before your readings. Light candles or incense to make the moment feel special. Keep a journal to track your readings, thoughts, and personal growth over time. This documentation can reveal patterns and insights about your journey.
Offering Professional Readings
Offering tarot readings professionally can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Consider what professional services you’ll provide, such as one-on-one sessions or group events. Develop skills by practicing regularly and studying different card meanings and spreads.
Marketing is key to building your client base. Create a website or social media presence to showcase your expertise. Ensure your offerings are clear and accessible to potential clients, whether you provide readings online, in person, or both. Building trust and providing valuable insights can lead to a thriving professional tarot practice.
Bonding With Your Handcrafted Deck
Creating the deck is only the beginning of your journey. You’ll want to “break in” or bond with your cards (whether you decide to keep them gift them, or sell them) so that your readings become powerful, accurate, and comforting. Here are some ways to foster that connection:
Cleansing Rituals:
- Place your deck under the full moon or on a windowsill to soak up lunar energy.
- Use sage, palo santo, or incense to gently smudge and cleanse the deck.
- Alternatively, hold the deck close to your heart and set an intention of clarity and protection.
Daily Draws:
- Pull one card each morning. Reflect on its imagery and message throughout the day. This is a fantastic way to get to know the nuances of your new creation.
Journaling:
- Keep a Tarot journal. Note the date, the card drawn, and your interpretation or emotional response. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and develop deeper insights into your personal deck.
Reading for Others:
- Once you feel comfortable, offer readings to friends or family. This not only helps you refine your reading skills but also tests how well your imagery communicates to different people.
Revisiting Cards Over Time:
- It’s not uncommon to redesign or touch up cards after months (or even years) of use. If you find a particular card doesn’t click for you anymore, feel free to update it! A DIY deck can be an ever-evolving work of art.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Like any creative endeavor, crafting your own Tarot deck can come with its share of hiccups. Here’s a quick rundown of some common challenges and strategies to circumvent them:
Burnout:
- Issue: You start off enthusiastically but lose momentum halfway through.
- Solution: Work in small, consistent chunks. Perhaps focus on one card a day, or one suit a week. Celebrate mini-milestones!
Perfectionism:
- Issue: You obsess over every tiny flaw, which can slow progress and sap enjoyment.
- Solution: Embrace imperfection. Every brushstroke is a reflection of your energy and growth. Those quirks often add charm.
Over-Complication:
- Issue: Attempting overly complex compositions can make the cards visually confusing.
- Solution: Keep the core symbolism clear. If a card looks cluttered, try removing or simplifying elements.
Inconsistent Sizing or Medium:
- Issue: Some cards end up slightly larger or use a different color palette.
- Solution: Create guidelines for size and color from the start. Work systematically (e.g., paint all backgrounds first, use the same brand or type of paint).
Running Out of Supplies:
- Issue: You run out of that perfect shade of paint or specialty cardstock halfway through.
- Solution: Estimate your total needs before you begin. Purchase enough materials to cover all 78 cards plus a bit extra for testing and mistakes.
Difficulty in Interpretation:
- Issue: Your personal symbolism might be confusing to others (and sometimes even to you!).
- Solution: Write a small guide or companion book for your deck. Document your symbolism, color choices, and the general vibe you intended.
Cost Concerns:
- Issue: Art supplies can be expensive, especially if you go premium.
- Solution: Look for sales, use coupons, or consider more affordable mediums like colored pencils or pens. Repurposing materials is another great way to cut costs.
Remember: Hiccups are part of the learning process. You’ll likely come out of the experience with newfound artistic and spiritual insights, which is a gift in itself.
Our DIY Journey: How “The Companion Tarot” Came to Be
We lived everything you’ve read in this post! 🙂 And we want to share that story with you.
By now, you might know that Tarot of the Fool is run by Michelle and Vanja. We are married. And everything about our first tarot deck “The Companion Tarot” was born out of our love.
There’s a part of this story we almost didn’t share. But it feels important, because it’s woven into every card we created.
Only a few days after losing our beloved Boston Terrier, Ganz, (in October 2025) we also lost our baby in the middle of our pregnancy… To experience two losses that close together was heart and soul shattering. There’s no other way to say it. For weeks, we were completely broken apart and broken down.
Ganz was Michelle’s first baby. He had been in her life for almost 15 years. I came into their world seven years ago, and from the moment I met him, I understood why she loved him so fiercely. Watching her grieve for him, while also grieving the loss of our baby, broke something open in me.
I had an extremely hard time with the baby loss. I kept breaking apart without any control over when or where it would hit me. I knew I needed to work on something creative, something to help me grieve and transform all that pain into something meaningful. At the same time, my heart ached for Michelle and her sorrow, so I also wanted to do something nice for her.
And that’s when the idea came to me: I could pour my grief into something creative to keep my sanity. At the same time, I could make something nice for Michelle, something that would show her that Ganz’s spirit didn’t have to disappear. That his spirit could keep living.
So I decided to make her a tarot deck with Ganz as the main character. As a Christmas gift. A love letter in 78 cards. 😀
The only problem was that I literally had no idea what I was doing.
I didn’t know how to design a tarot deck, or where to print it, or how to make it. I didn’t know where to start, what software to use, how to handle the artwork, what dimensions to use, what resolution… any of it. But I started anyway. Because the inspiration that I felt in my heart to make it was so extremely intense.
The Technical Learning Curve
Here’s where all the theory in this blog post became very real for me.
Design software: I used a combination of Canva and Photoshop. Canva was helpful for layouts and basic design elements. Photoshop gave me more control over details, layering, and final touches. If you’re not familiar with either, expect a biiiig learning curve. I watched countless YouTube tutorials, pausing and rewinding, trying to figure out how to do things I’d never done before.
Dimensions and bleed area: This part almost broke me. Tarot cards have standard dimensions (roughly 2.75 x 4.75 inches), but when you’re preparing files for printing, you need to account for the “bleed area”. The bleed is extra space around your design that gets trimmed off during cutting. If you don’t include it, your cards might have white edges or your artwork could get cut off in the wrong places. Most print services require 3mm of bleed on each side. I had to redo several cards after learning this the hard way.
Resolution: Your images need to be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for print quality. Anything lower and your cards will look blurry or pixelated. I made this mistake early on with some elements. They looked fine on screen but terrible when printed.
Finding a print-on-demand service: There are a few available options, and you need to do your research to find the option that is good for your needs. But the downside is that print-on-demand costs more per unit than bulk printing, which is why indie decks like ours tend to be priced higher than mass-produced decks in stores. 🙁 But well…
File formatting: Each printing service has specific requirements for how you submit your files. Card dimensions, file types (usually PNG or PDF), color mode (CMYK for print, not RGB), naming conventions… I spent hours just organizing and reformatting files to meet their specifications.
The Emotional Journey
For five weeks, I worked on the deck and cards tirelessly. I wanted to give up about seven times, because I stumbled on dead ends and problems that seemed impossible to solve (especially when working on individual card design). I cried in frustration more than once because I honestly didn’t know how to solve some of the challenges I ran into while trying to figure out how to do this whole process.
But every time I thought about stopping, I thought about Michelle, about her grief, about Ganz, and about what this could mean to her. So I kept going. Also, I know this might sound crazy, but I heard Ganz’s whisper: “You can do it!” all the time!
That first version of the deck that I made as Michelle’s Christmas gift wasn’t perfect, but it was special. And when Michelle saw it, she reacted to it just like I knew she would. It was so emotional! Immediately, we both agreed that we needed to put this deck out into the world. So we started working on it together, redesigning every single card, working on all cards all over again, adding more details, refining the symbolism, and creating the guidebook that would eventually become 109 pages of encouragement to trust your own intuition, not always follow only someone else’s rules.
What started as a gift for Michelle became something we built side by side. Focusing on the deck gave us something to hold onto. It helped us breathe in moments when grief felt overwhelming.
What We Learned
We learned something important through this whole process that we carry with us now: loss is an inseparable part of life, and grieving for what we’ve lost can find its anchor when we direct that love into something new, something beautiful.
This deck holds that entire journey. Not as sadness, but as proof that love doesn’t disappear. It just finds new places to live.
If you’re thinking about creating your own tarot deck, know this: it will most likely be harder than you expect. It will take longer than you plan. You will probably want to quit. But if your “why” is strong enough, you’ll find a way through every obstacle!
And the deck you create? It will carry your energy, your intention, and your story in a way no other deck ever could! Feel free to reach out to us if you need more advises about this whole process! 🙂
Check out The Companion Tarot here – our DIY deck that grew from grief into something we’re proud to share with the world. 🐾
Conclusion: Embrace the Magic of Your Own Work
Crafting DIY Tarot Cards is a journey – a journey that melds creativity with introspection, art with spirituality, and tradition with personal innovation. Through designing and illustrating each card, you’ll build a deck that truly resonates with your life experiences and worldview. The result is a tool that speaks to you in a way no mass-produced deck ever could.
And yes, it’s a labor of love – 78 cards is nothing to scoff at. But every step, from brainstorming your design to sealing your final masterpiece, is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow. Whether you’re using colored pencils and paper on your living room floor or perfecting digital art on your iPad, the magic is in the process. It’s in the little imperfections, the symbolism only you fully understand, and the pride that comes from creating something both functional and meaningful.
When you shuffle a deck you’ve poured your heart into, you’ll feel an instant connection. Reading for friends and family (or for yourself in a quiet moment) becomes an immersive experience, charged with the energy you’ve infused into every card. And that is the true heart of Tarot – the blending of intention, intuition, and creativity.
So gather your supplies, sketch out a plan, and trust your Intuition! Enjoy the paint-splattered chaos, the endless cups of coffee, the late-night eureka moments. Your DIY Tarot Cards will be a testament to your artistic spirit and a companion on your spiritual journey for years to come. May every brushstroke bring you closer to the wisdom and beauty these cards can offer!
Get Our Tarot Monthly Card Tracker
Keep a detailed record of your Tarot readings with our Tarot Monthly Card Tracker, designed to help you spot patterns and deepen your intuition!
Pin it for later! ⤵️
What Will You Get?
- Monthly Tarot Card Tracker – Perfect for tracking your daily pulls and spotting recurring themes.
- Separate Pages for Major & Minor Arcana – Keep your readings organized with dedicated tracking sheets for both the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.
- Beautiful & Functional Layout – Easy-to-use design for both beginners and experienced readers.
- Printable & Digital-Friendly – Print and add to your Tarot Journal, or use digitally with your favorite notetaking app!
Improve your Tarot practice with this beautifully designed Tarot Monthly Card Tracker! Whether you’re looking to uncover patterns in your readings or deepen your connection with the cards, this tracker makes it easy to document and reflect on your journey.
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