What Caused The Explosion In Custom Tarot Decks?

In recent years, the tarot world has seen a significant shift: once a niche market, custom tarot decks have surged in popularity, capturing the imaginations of a new generation. These decks, often created with unique themes, artwork, and concepts, are popping up everywhere—from online marketplaces to art galleries, to exclusive crowdfunding campaigns.

 

The rise of custom tarot decks can be traced to several key factors, from advancements in printing technology to cultural shifts in spirituality, personal identity, and artistic expression. In this article, we’ll explore the driving forces behind this fascinating trend, illustrating how the confluence of technology, culture, and community is creating an exciting new era for tarot.

 

What Caused The Explosion In Custom Tarot Decks?

 

1. Printing Technological Advances

 

One of the most significant factors behind the surge of custom tarot decks is the advances in printing technology. Just a few decades ago, producing a tarot deck was a costly and labor-intensive process, typically limited to traditional print runs that required large orders. Custom designs often meant small, hand-crafted prints, with each deck being a limited-run, handmade item that required significant effort and skill.

 

However, recent developments in offset and digital printing have drastically lowered the cost and increased the accessibility of creating tarot decks. High-quality digital printers can now produce vivid colors, intricate designs, and durable card stock without the need for large-scale, commercial presses. This has democratized the creation of tarot decks, allowing independent artists, graphic designers, and spiritual practitioners to produce their own decks without the prohibitive costs of traditional methods.

 

Furthermore, the availability of print-on-demand services means creators can print smaller batches, reducing the financial risk and making it easier to experiment with different themes and concepts. Whether it's a deck inspired by vintage horror films, nature, or surrealism, artists now have the tools to bring their visions to life with far more ease and precision than ever before.

 

 

2. Crowdfunding and the DIY Spirit

 

Alongside advances in printing technology, crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have played a huge role in enabling the rise of custom tarot decks. In the past, funding a tarot deck project would have been an immense challenge for independent creators, especially for those without access to traditional publishing networks. Now, crowdfunding has opened up an entirely new avenue for creators to not only finance their decks but also gauge interest and build a dedicated community of backers.

 

Crowdfunding has turned the creation of tarot decks into a communal, collaborative effort. Artists post their concepts online, offering early bird discounts, exclusive cards, or limited editions to those who support their campaigns. Backers, in turn, become invested not just in the final product but in the creative journey itself, often giving feedback and helping shape the direction of the deck. The rise of crowdfunding also means there is a vast variety of tarot decks available, each with its own distinct flair, from those with futuristic sci-fi aesthetics to decks inspired by ancient mythology.

 

Moreover, the DIY ethos of crowdfunding speaks to a larger cultural trend of supporting small businesses, artisans, and independent creators, creating a sense of connection between consumers and the creators they support. Backers feel like they're part of the creation process, and this sense of community fosters loyalty and excitement.

 

 

3. The Rise of the Occult and Spirituality in Pop Culture

 

Over the past decade, there’s been a noticeable resurgence in interest in the occult, astrology, and spirituality in mainstream pop culture. Tarot, once a practice relegated to esoteric circles, has become more widely embraced by a younger generation searching for personal meaning and spiritual guidance.

 

TV shows, movies, and social media platforms have all played their part in romanticizing and popularizing tarot. Iconic shows like Stranger Things and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina feature tarot cards and other occult symbols, often portrayed as tools for self-discovery or unlocking hidden truths.

 

This renewed fascination with tarot is often tied to the broader trend of people seeking alternative forms of spirituality, away from institutional religions. The tarot’s focus on personal insight, self-reflection, and guidance resonates with people looking for ways to connect with their inner selves in an increasingly uncertain world.

 

Custom tarot decks offer a way to engage with these spiritual practices in a highly personalized and creative manner. As tarot becomes less about the traditional "rules" and more about self-expression, creators are free to design decks that reflect their unique experiences and understandings of the universe.

 

4. Personalization and Identity

 

In an era where self-expression is more valued than ever before, tarot has become a medium through which individuals can explore and assert their personal identities. Custom tarot decks allow for a deep connection to the cards, as they reflect an individual's tastes, experiences, and worldview. The traditional Rider-Waite deck, while beloved for its historical significance and iconic imagery, is now just one option among hundreds, if not thousands, of unique decks that cater to diverse tastes, experiences, and identities.

 

For example, some decks center on themes of body positivity, featuring inclusive representations of gender and body types. Others are designed specifically for people from particular cultural or spiritual backgrounds, such as decks based on Afro-Caribbean traditions, Native American symbolism, or Eastern philosophies. These decks allow users to see themselves reflected in the cards in ways that the older, more traditional decks might not have.

 

Beyond identity, tarot decks have become highly personal artifacts, deeply tied to individual experiences. Some collectors will design their own decks as a way to memorialize a life event, like a personal transformation or a moment of profound realization. By customizing their tarot experience, users build a connection that goes far beyond the cards themselves; the deck becomes a deeply meaningful extension of their personal journey.

 

5. Artistic Expression & Collectibility

 

Custom tarot decks also tap into a larger cultural trend of valuing uniqueness and artistry. The creation of tarot decks as a form of artistic expression allows creators to experiment with various art styles, ranging from minimalist illustrations to baroque-inspired painting or even digital art. Many decks are not just functional tools for divination, but pieces of art in their own right, made to be admired and appreciated for their visual beauty as much as for their spiritual or mystical significance.

 

This has given rise to a thriving market for tarot decks as collectible items. Much like collecting limited-edition art prints or rare books, some tarot decks are produced in limited runs, adding an element of rarity that increases their desirability. Decks are often designed with intricate details, full-color illustrations, and unique finishes that make them visually stunning and worthy of display. Collectors may find joy in acquiring multiple decks, each offering a distinct visual and spiritual experience, and even trade or sell them as part of a growing niche market.

 

The collectible nature of these decks also contributes to the sense of "treasure hunting" that many tarot enthusiasts find so compelling. With so many unique, indie decks available, there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a new artist’s vision or a limited-edition release that can be purchased only once.

 

6. Social Media and Online Communities

 

Finally, social media has had an undeniable influence on the rise of custom tarot decks. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Etsy have given tarot creators a direct way to reach their audience, share their designs, and build a fan base. Tarot enthusiasts flock to these platforms to showcase their collections, discuss their practices, and discover new decks that resonate with them.

 

Instagram, in particular, has become a visual showcase for tarot art, with hashtags like #TarotCommunity and #TarotDecks creating vibrant, global networks of like-minded individuals. Creators can post sneak peeks of their decks, share the artistic process behind their designs, and even host live readings or tarot-related workshops. The ability to directly interact with followers and backers creates a sense of intimacy and excitement around the process of creating a tarot deck. It’s no longer just about the final product, but about engaging with the community every step of the way.

 

Online marketplaces, like Etsy, have made it easier for small creators to sell their custom decks to a global audience, without the need for traditional brick-and-mortar distribution. For creators, the ability to receive instant feedback and engage with their audience in real time has transformed the tarot world into an interactive, community-driven space.

 

 

Custom Tarot Decks Conclusion

 

The surge in custom tarot decks is the result of a confluence of technological, cultural, and social factors that have transformed tarot into an artistic and spiritual phenomenon. Printing technology has made deck creation more accessible than ever before, while crowdfunding has empowered creators to bring their visions to life with the support of passionate backers. The rise of spirituality in pop culture, the quest for personalized identity, and the increasing value placed on artistic expression all contribute to the flourishing tarot landscape. And social media has acted as a catalyst, connecting creators with enthusiasts in ways that were once unimaginable.

 

As tarot continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the surge of custom tarot decks represents a vibrant and exciting intersection of art, spirituality, and community. It’s a trend that reflects our desire for self-expression, a deeper connection to the unseen, and the joy of discovering something new. The tarot world is no longer confined to traditional imagery and interpretations, and as long as artists and enthusiasts continue to push the boundaries of creativity and meaning, the popularity of custom tarot decks will only continue to grow.