Tarot cards have been used for divination and self-exploration for centuries and continue to be popular today. Many people are drawn to the symbolism and meaning behind the cards, but some may want to create their custom tarot deck that reflects their style and beliefs. This article will explore how to make custom tarot cards with a manufacturer.
Step 1: Decide on a theme and design
The first step in creating a custom tarot deck is to decide on a theme and design. Some people may want to create a deck that reflects their spiritual beliefs or cultural heritage. In contrast, others may want to create a purely aesthetic deck. It’s important to have a clear vision of your deck’s appearance before moving forward with the manufacturing process.
One way to develop a theme for your deck is to look at existing tarot decks for inspiration. Take note of the symbolism and imagery used in the cards, and think about how you can incorporate similar elements into your deck. You can also draw inspiration from your own experiences and interests. For example, if you are interested in nature, you may want to create a deck that features plants and animals.
Once you have a theme in mind, you can start creating the design for your cards. You can either create the designs yourself if you have the skills or hire a graphic designer to help you. Create designs for all 78 cards, including the Major and Minor Arcana cards.
Step 2: Find a manufacturer
Once your designs are ready, the next step is finding a manufacturer to print your custom tarot deck. There are many card printing manufacturer on the market, so it’s important to research and find one that can meet your needs.
Some things to consider when choosing a manufacturer include:
▪ Quality: You want to ensure that the cards are printed on high-quality cardstock and that the colors are vibrant and true to your designs.
▪ Price: Custom decks can be expensive to produce, so it’s important to find a manufacturer that offers competitive pricing.
▪ Turnaround time: Depending on the manufacturer, it can take several weeks or even months to produce a custom deck. Be sure to factor in the turnaround time when planning your project.
▪ Minimum order quantity: Most manufacturers have a minimum order quantity, which can vary depending on the company. Make sure that the minimum order quantity fits within your budget and needs.
Step 3: Prepare your files for printing
Once you have found a manufacturer and decided on your deck’s specifications, the next step is to prepare your files for printing. This is where having a graphic designer can be helpful, as they can ensure that your designs are properly formatted and ready for printing.
When preparing your files, you’ll need to consider things like:
▪ Bleed: This refers to the area around the edges of your design that will be trimmed off during the printing process. Ensure that your design extends beyond the bleed area to ensure no white borders on the cards.
▪ Resolution: Your designs should be high resolution (at least 300 DPI) to ensure they look sharp when printed.
▪ Color mode: Your designs should be in CMYK color mode, used in commercial printing.
▪ File format: Most manufacturers will require your designs to be in a specific format, such as PDF or AI. Ensure you save your files in the correct format before sending them to the manufacturer.
Step 4: Place your order and wait for delivery
Once you have prepared your files and placed your order with the manufacturer, all left to do is wait for your custom tarot deck to be delivered. The turnaround time for your custom tarot deck can vary depending on the manufacturer and the complexity of your order. Some manufacturers may offer expedited shipping for an additional fee, which can help to speed up the delivery process.
Once your deck has been printed and shipped, it’s important to inspect the cards carefully to ensure that they meet your expectations. Check for printing errors or quality issues, such as smudging or misaligned images. If there are any card issues, contact the manufacturer to discuss your options for a replacement or refund.
A custom tarot deck can be a powerful way to connect with your intuition and explore your inner world. Whether using the cards for self-reflection, divination, or simply as a work of art, your custom tarot deck can be a valuable tool for personal growth and transformation.
In conclusion, making custom tarot cards with a manufacturer is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Following these steps and working with a reputable manufacturer, you can create a beautiful and meaningful tarot deck that reflects your style and beliefs. So if you’re ready to take your tarot practice to the next level, consider creating your custom tarot deck today!
