How to Design and Publish a Tarot or Oracle Deck (From a Published Deck Creator)
Designing a tarot or oracle deck is one of the most exciting creative projects an artist can take on. It’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Every year, I see talented artists begin a deck project with incredible ideas only to get stuck somewhere between the artwork, the guidebook, and the publishing process.
The truth is that creating a deck isn’t just about making beautiful cards. It requires understanding symbolism, structure, printing, production, and distribution.
I know this firsthand because I’ve gone through the process myself.
My tarot deck, Desert Illuminations Tarot, was published by U.S. Games Systems, one of the most respected tarot publishers in the world. Before that happened, I spent years learning how tarot systems work, how decks are structured, and what makes a deck successful both artistically and commercially.
If you're thinking about designing your own tarot or oracle deck, here are a few important things to understand before you begin.
A Tarot Deck Is a System — Not Just Artwork
One of the biggest mistakes new deck creators make is focusing entirely on illustration while overlooking the structure of tarot.
Tarot is a symbolic system that has evolved over hundreds of years. The Major Arcana, the four suits, and the numerical progressions all tell a story about the human experience. When you design a tarot deck, you’re not just creating images you're translating a symbolic language. That’s why strong tarot decks feel cohesive and intentional rather than decorative.
Understanding the structure behind the cards is what allows a deck to resonate with readers.
Oracle Decks Require a Different Design Approach
Oracle decks offer more creative freedom than tarot, but they still require thoughtful structure.
A good oracle deck has a clear concept, a consistent visual language, and a meaningful framework behind the messages. Without that structure, oracle decks can feel random or disconnected. The strongest oracle decks feel like a complete world where each card contributes to a larger idea or philosophy.
Publishing a Tarot Deck Is Its Own Process
Creating the artwork is only one part of the journey.
Deck creators also have to navigate:
writing a guidebook
preparing print-ready files
understanding card sizing and production specs
researching printers or publishers
distribution and sales
Many artists discover these steps only after they’ve already completed most of the artwork.
Learning about the publishing side early can save enormous time, money, and frustration.
Why I Teach This Process
I created The Aetherium Academy: Tarot & Oracle Design & Publishing Mastercourse because I wanted artists to have a clear path through this process.
As a full-time educator with a BFA in Illustration & Design from Parsons School of Design, teaching is a natural part of how I work.
Inside the course, I walk students through the complete process of designing and publishing a deck from early concept development all the way to preparing files for print and pitching publishers.
Enrollment is intentionally limited to only five students per session so that each creator receives direct guidance and feedback.
This year’s Spring Session enrollment opens March 20.
A Resource for First-Time Deck Creators
If you’re just starting to think about creating a tarot or oracle deck, I’ve created a free guide that walks through some of the biggest mistakes new deck creators make.
You can download it here:
“5 Financial Mistakes First-Time Tarot & Oracle Deck Creators Make (And How to Avoid Them)”
This guide explains common pitfalls artists run into when budgeting, printing, and planning a deck project.
Final Thoughts
Designing a tarot or oracle deck can be one of the most rewarding artistic projects you’ll ever take on.
However, like any meaningful system, tarot rewards depth, study, and intention.
When you understand both the artistic and structural side of deck creation, the work becomes far more powerful and the deck you create has a much better chance of finding its audience in the world
