Project Overview
The Solution
Standard decks are the normal, leaving specialty decks in their shadow. This neglects the selling potential of unique card decks, perfect for niche topics and collectors.
The main goal of this project was to create a deck of playing cards that fans of The Magicians can resonate with through their love for the show. The design will create awareness and curiosity, igniting conversations about hidden worlds, and reminding everyone that magic is closer than you think.
The Problem
The Design Process
Moodboard
First I pictured sleek, modern design. But that felt wrong. Hand-drawn cards with some added whimsy, like the maps and scrolls, felt more fitting. This deck aims to whisk you not just to Fillory, but on each character's quests!
Sketches
Once I mapped out which cards belonged to which character, I began sketching out the card faces. Each suit belongs to a main character and their whimsical story. The illustrations in a suit depict a piece of magic from the show that relates back to the specific character the suit is based on.
Card and Package Design
Each card's face becomes a window into the lives of our favorite Brakebills students. They are meant to tell a story of the meaningful and magical experiences in the life of each character. The box is a portal that takes you to Fillory, starting your journey to a new world.
Social Media
Instagram serves as the best platform to use. This allows you to be immersed in the world of each deck and see the cards up close. Every photo is a portal into the series and the stories of each character. Instagram offers a space to promote the deck using close-up photos, allowing users to see the quality of the deck.
What I Learned
During this project, I learned more about the research process for a deck and the different information you need to create a clear and cohesive design. This project helped improve my Photoshop and research skills, crucial skills for achieving the desired aesthetic of the deck.
The Magicians is a series I've loved from the beginning, and I wanted to create a design that met the specific needs of their audience. This deck should take users on each quest along with the characters.