magicskills36 Posted August 17, 2021 Posted August 17, 2021 Hello, Is anyone using graphic designers for their decks, if so whats your take on using one or any other suggestions for artwork?
katrinka Posted August 17, 2021 Posted August 17, 2021 Decks are for reading. Is the graphic designer a good, seasoned reader? If not, give them a hard pass. The last thing anyone needs is yet another lousy, dysfunctional deck.
Raggydoll Posted August 17, 2021 Posted August 17, 2021 I’m thinking about the money.. decks typically do not generate money until they are complete, and the profit even then is limited (unless you make it big, but that’s rare. I think people underestimate how long it takes to create a great deck and how hard it is to launch it all yourself or to get a big publisher that wants it…Big publishers typically only sign for complete decks too, and they do not pay great money, contrary to popular belief!). If you plan on paying someone, then were will that money come from? Also, the times I have seen people hire artists for decks.. they typically have such a tiny budget that they have to accept any artists - perhaps even a complete beginner that don’t necessarily have the style that was originally intended for the deck…. Sometimes they will try to get one that works for free.. and then the deck can take forever to complete. I don’t know if there are any good graphic artists that would work for cheap. And I kinda don’t think they should be asked to do so.. I personally also think that it’s ideal if the artist knows tarot, like Katrinka said. It really helps. Otherwise you’d have to explain even the tiniest details and micromanage each card. Maybe you can pair up with a talented friend that shares your vision? That’s probably the best scenario. Good luck!
remod Posted August 23, 2021 Posted August 23, 2021 I used Fiverr to hire a designer for my I Ching cards, but it was much easier than a Tarot deck as I only needed two different images. Actually I did it twice, the first time some years ago and again few months ago. For two cards I spent around 50€ each time. For a full tarot deck it will be much more costly. In both cases they knew nothing about I Ching. I provided detailed instructions on what I wanted and they were executed properly. The first time, in the end, I didn't like what I got (my fault, not designer's fault), the second time I was quite happy of the outcome (It's in the post about my I ching deck if you are courious about it). However, in both cases I felt that the if designers were more knowledgeable about I Ching, they could have provided their own "touch" to the design, enriching the final result. So, I too advice on finding someone with some understanding of what a Tarot deck is how it is used, I'm sure you'll benefit great times. As for money, as Raggydoll mentioned, you will need to set up a proper budget! It may be a passion for you but for a designer this is how they earn their bread. Getting the design of two cards for 50€ like I did is a real bargain and I was lucky to find designers wanting to do it for such low money. A final caution about Fiverr in case you want to try it: there are lots of good, passionate and honest freelancers on it but it is also full of scammers! I only had good experiences using Fiverr but you need to be careful and check any red flag (there was a guy that sent me an image of a well known I Ching deck saying that it was his design and still he did not have any idea of how I Ching worked). Good luck with your project.
magicskills36 Posted June 25, 2022 Author Posted June 25, 2022 Has anyone ever gotten their decks published with a publishing company or self-publish? I created self-oracle decks and I've hired designers on Fiverr... I am wanting to create a nice oracle deck though and I know that will take some time and resources.
gregory Posted June 25, 2022 Posted June 25, 2022 I and others here have used Printerstudio or Makeplayingcards - they are pretty much identical, but PS makes the process much easier than MPC. Other's here have used https://www.drivethrucards.com and TheGamecrafter - gamecrafter is one I'd personally avoid, as their decks ALWAYS manage to attract import fees, both when sent to the UK and to Canada, There's a thread here
Raggydoll Posted June 25, 2022 Posted June 25, 2022 I recommend printerstudio too. I have used them several times for homemade projects.
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