How to Publish Your First Tarot Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creators

Publishing a tarot deck is an exciting, transformative journey that combines art, intuition, and personal expression. Whether driven by a spiritual connection or a desire for creative exploration, crafting a tarot deck can be a deeply personal project. However, the process of turning your concept into a finished, publishable product can be complex.

 

From the initial spark of inspiration to the moment your deck reaches customers, each step involves careful planning and dedication. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to publish your first tarot deck, filled with practical advice and personal insights from creators who have walked the path before.

 

How to Publish Your First Tarot Deck?

 

1. Finding Inspiration for Your Tarot Deck

 

Every tarot deck begins with inspiration. For many creators, this inspiration arises from a desire for self-exploration or a deep connection to spirituality. This may involve meditating, tuning into your intuition, or reflecting on personal experiences. Inspiration can come from any source—nature, mythology, astrology, or even your own life’s journey.

 

For example, one creator drew inspiration from nature and spent weeks hiking in local forests, photographing plants and animals that resonated with different tarot card meanings. This not only helped shape the artwork but also deepened the creator's connection to the tarot as a tool for introspection.

 

Practical Tip: Take the time to explore different sources of inspiration. Journal about your thoughts and feelings, or spend time in a setting that inspires you. The more connected you are to your theme, the more meaningful the final product will feel.

 

 

2. Developing Your Artistic Style

 

Your tarot deck is a visual representation of your intuition, and the art plays a critical role in conveying the energy of each card. Many first-time creators worry about their lack of formal training in illustration, but the process of creating a tarot deck offers a perfect opportunity to develop and refine your artistic skills. Start by sketching ideas roughly and allow your style to evolve naturally over time.

 

One important aspect of creating a cohesive deck is developing a consistent artistic style. To do this, consider creating mood boards for each card or suit. A mood board can include colors, textures, and images that represent the energy or symbolism of each card, helping you maintain consistency across the deck.

 

Practical Tip: Don’t be afraid to evolve as you go. The first sketch may not be the final design, and that’s perfectly fine. Allow the process to be fluid, and give yourself permission to experiment.

 

3. Creating the Artwork

 

Creating the artwork for your tarot deck is the most time-consuming part of the project. A deck typically consists of 78 cards, and completing the artwork can take anywhere from several months to over a year. As you work on each card, it’s important to be patient and surrender to your intuition. Each card may evoke different emotions or insights, and it’s essential to let these flow naturally rather than forcing a particular design.

 

Time Management Tip: Set achievable goals to keep yourself on track. For instance, aim to complete one card per week. By breaking the project into smaller tasks, you can prevent feeling overwhelmed and maintain a steady pace. Remember, the process is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

 

4. Choosing a Printer

 

Once your artwork is complete, it’s time to consider the physical production of your tarot deck. Choosing the right printer is crucial, as the quality of the cards can significantly impact the final product. While print-on-demand services can be useful for prototypes, they may not offer the level of customization or quality required for a professional deck. Working with a specialized printer who understands the nuances of tarot decks can make a huge difference.

 

Real-world Advice: Always request samples from multiple printers. The difference in color vibrancy, card stock quality, and finishes can be surprising. Ordering test prints from a few different companies ensures that the final product meets your expectations.

 

5. Funding Your Project

 

Bringing your tarot deck to life can be expensive, especially when it comes to printing and shipping costs. Many creators turn to crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to help finance their project. Crowdfunding not only provides the necessary funds but also creates a community of supporters who are invested in your deck.

 

Be sure to set a realistic funding goal that covers not only production costs but also shipping, taxes, and unforeseen expenses. Crowdfunding platforms also offer tools to help calculate these costs.

 

Crowdfunding Tip: Keep your backers engaged throughout the campaign. Share behind-the-scenes updates, offer special rewards for early backers, and host live Q&A sessions. This will keep your audience excited and help spread the word about your deck.

 

 

6. Managing Fulfillment

 

Once the campaign is funded and your deck is printed, the fulfillment stage begins. Handling fulfillment can be more challenging than anticipated. Shipping out orders, especially if your campaign exceeds expectations, can quickly become overwhelming. Some creators choose to handle fulfillment themselves, while others outsource to a professional fulfillment service.

 

Personal Anecdote: One creator shared how their Kickstarter campaign exceeded expectations, and they ended up turning their living room into a makeshift fulfillment center. They enlisted the help of friends and family and even created an assembly line system. While chaotic, the process was rewarding, and they celebrated each successful shipping day with pizza.

 

7. Distribution and Sales

 

When it comes to distributing your tarot deck, it’s essential to consider where and how you’ll sell it. While selling in physical stores may seem appealing, online sales are often the more practical option, especially for niche products like tarot decks. Platforms like Etsy cater well to handmade and artistic items, providing useful tools for order management and customer communication.

 

Marketing Tip: Collaborate with tarot readers or influencers in the spiritual community. Sending advance copies to popular tarot reviewers, such as influencers on platforms like TikTok or Instagram, can help increase visibility for your deck and attract potential buyers.

 

8. Working with Publishers

 

If you prefer to focus solely on the creative aspects of your deck, working with a publisher may be an option. Publishers can handle distribution, marketing, and retail placement. However, this route often means less control over the final product and future editions. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if this is the right path for you.

 

Networking Advice: Attend tarot conferences, metaphysical trade shows, or local psychic fairs. These events provide valuable networking opportunities and can help you make connections with publishers, fellow creators, and potential collaborators.

 

9. Additional Considerations

 

As you bring your tarot deck to life, there are several other aspects to consider:

 

1. Create a guidebook: Accompany your deck with a booklet that explains the symbolism and meanings of each card.

2. Design an attractive box: A unique box not only protects the cards but also serves as a marketing tool.

3. Offer special editions or add-ons: Signed prints, cloth bags, or exclusive content can attract collectors and increase the value of your deck.

4. Engage with the tarot community: Build interest by engaging with tarot enthusiasts on social media and online forums.

 

10. Self-Care and Reflection

 

Creating a tarot deck can be emotionally and creatively draining. It's important to schedule regular breaks and take care of your mental health throughout the process. Many creators find that doing regular tarot readings for themselves helps maintain their spiritual connection to the project and prevents burnout.

 

Final Thought

 

Publishing your first tarot deck is not just about creating a product—it’s about the personal growth and transformation that happens along the way. Each card you create reflects a piece of your journey, and in the end, the process can be as rewarding as the final product itself. By staying true to your vision and remaining patient throughout the creative process, you can bring a unique tarot deck to life and share it with the world.