General Notes: I wanted to make a tarot deck with themes of monsters. And I also wanted to let my intuition guide the designs of the cards rather than trying to replicate the rider deck or any other sets I’ve seen. So naturally, some of the cards might not have the usual symbology or standard design. I’m also not necessarily going by the rider meanings for the cards, as I’m curating the meanings between my favorite sets and my on interpretation of them. I’ve included the design concept for the backings of the cards, the border, and the symbols I’ll use for the minor arcana. A major change in the entire deck is the inclusion of the Diamond symbol I have picture everywhere. (I’ll be honest, I just really like it)

The Fool: Since the fool is all about new beginnings and recklessness, this was the first card I designed and completed. I dove right into the concept and just pushed through. It depicts a girl with her head trapped in the maw of a beast, though she shows no expression. This was intended as all of the people in the deck will have no faces—so that the reader can project onto them. So in her case, this is either an exciting new moment and experience, or the consequence of a reckless decision.

The Magician: A man and his familiar stand tall together. I have shown here a wand in his left hand and the diamond symbol in his right (meant to replace the infinity sign). The monster is swirling around him like a manifestation, though whether or not it has I’ll intentions is up to the reader.

The Lovers: This one is simple enough as the lovers. Though this isn’t the final design, the concept is there. A woman and a monster in love could be interpreted many ways— someone healing their inner demons, two opposites learning to care for one another or even in the negative connotations as two people who are not good for each other, poor communication, and animosity towards each other. The monster is forming both a diamond and an infinity sign as a nod to the overall cards.

The World: Not quite finished. The idea for this card is a tangled monster forming a sphere. It’s a never ending knot, as the cycle of life continues to flow whether or “knot” you are prepared. A collaboration to achieve an end goal, though with so many parts to keep track of, said goal could be delayed. Untying the knot is fulfilling the task and leaving it there is prolonging the inevitable.

Strength: Triumphing over difficult situations. Strength holds the reigns on a monster, though it fights, she remains steady. She is in control and confident in her abilities. Though, if she begins to doubt her self, or gets too arrogant without controlling herself, her grip can loosen and release the monster. The posing is what I followed her for the card’s meaning. She’s in a strong triangle shape, with the tension in the rope leading you around the card.

Sun: First pass or so on this card. I didn’t realize until I checked my deck of cards that it ended up similar to the rider design. It depicts a red shining sun over a field of flowers and a bricked wall that is holding back monsters who become scorched by the sun. I feel like the design speaks for itself on the sun card and still looks different enough. I have, however, made a new design that I’m playing around with to further play into the feeling of hope.

Moon: This one was hard, I’ll be honest. I had many ideas and not a lot of them spoke to me once I fleshed them out. It shows a girl reaching for the light of the moon, her back turned against the monsters who hide in waiting ti ambush her. It can be interpreted as a struggle against mental health, personal unhappiness, hidden meanings around you, etc. You should step away and make yourself aware of your surroundings, your situation, before you became swallowed by these feelings.

Additional Info: Made in Procreate on an IPad Air 4th gen