Illustrated Card Deck: Indigenous Themed
This mock project for Bicycle involved creating a fully illustrated, Indigenous-themed deck of 54 playing cards. The goal was to design a cohesive system that celebrates Indigenous art and symbolism through modern illustration, balancing creativity with cultural respect. Each card was hand-drawn, incorporating stylized motifs, reimagined suits, and expressive face cards to form a unified, meaningful deck.
The process began with research into card deck structures, visual storytelling, and symbolic illustration. Word association and mood exploration guided the development of suits and character designs, while the typography and color palette drew inspiration from Indigenous art, jewelry, and natural materials. A focus on form and symbolism—rather than direct representation—ensured authenticity and respect, resulting in a design language that honors Indigenous aesthetics without referencing specific tribes.
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator
Results: A cohesive, fully illustrated deck that merges tradition and modernity through consistent line work, balanced color, and symbolic detail. This project strengthened my illustration and visual storytelling skills while reinforcing the importance of research, respect, and cultural awareness in the design process.
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