Spring 2020
Playing Cards
A colourful deck of playing cards with quirky designs steeped in tradition
These cards were designed as a pet project in the early weeks of the COVID-19 Pandemic, where one face card was designed each day over the course of several weeks.
The goal of this set was to create symmetrical designs in a consistent art style that could pay homage to the traditional interpretations of playing card art.
Each suit was designed with a distinct colour palette and theme, tying in the four classical elements and the societal classes of medieval times.
The Clubs were designed after woodland creatures and the element of Earth, symbolizing the peasant class through their humble, muted and pastoral designs.
The Hearts were based on sailors, sea life and the element of Water, representing the clergy through superstition and mythos.
The Diamonds were designed after birds, resort life, and the element of Air, representing merchants through their lavish lifestyle.
The Spades were designed after classical depictions of the underworld and the element of Fire, representing nobility through their stern stances. The Ace of Spades is also known as the “Death Card”.
The Jokers are based on classic depictions of the moon from Georges Méliès’ silent films “A Trip to the Moon” (1902) and “The Astronomer’s Dream” (1898).
In the Summer of 2024, these cards were printed in a limited run on Matte Linen Cardstock.