Every year I try to complete a passion project or two. I truly believe that these types of self initiated projects are essential for designers regardless of where you are in your journey.
It is very different working on something completely alone - you have to analyse your own work, project manage yourself and make all those difficult decisions. For 2023, I am designing my own affirmation playing cards.
Introducing The Celestial Flora Deck.
Last year I designed 10 cards for a deck but it felt off. I couldn’t connect with the work I was creating and so I scrapped the whole thing. I archived hours of work which is hard to do in a society that pushes you to be constantly productive.
Images from unsplash
So here we go again. The deck is inspired by floriography and astrology with a splash of gothic architecture. I find these subjects fascinating and so this project is not only creative, I will be doing a lot of research along the way.
I sat down at my computer today and looked at the 11 cards I have designed already. Each is illustrated with a flower that relates to the affirmation in floriography. I am happy with how they work together apart from my first ‘ace’ design. I make a note to re-do that card and decide to try and create an overall look for the deck.
First title concept
An afternoon of designing later and I have worked out what I think the deck should look like. I started with the layout above which developed into a box design and then a digital mock up. I ended up working the florals into a gothic window design, and I feel inspired to continue this arch into the picture cards of the deck. I know the spacing is slightly off and I am sure I will change out flowers as I draw new ones but it seems like a good start.
First box design and mockup