A deck can feel connected without every card looking the same. Tarot Penguins uses a small cast of penguin characters, restrained colours and detailed borders to create a collection with an immediately recognisable identity.

Giving each character its place

The Fool, The Hanged Man and The Hermit each centre on a different pose and scene. Their illustrations sit inside the same tall frame, with the Roman numeral at the top and the card name at the bottom. That repetition gives the deck a clear rhythm.

The Hermit's lantern and staff are drawn with the same fine lines as the ornamental corners. Broad areas of light and dark keep the small character readable, while the surrounding detail adds texture.

The design behind a coherent deck

In this project, the frame is as much a part of the identity as the character. A quiet palette leaves space for the illustration, and consistent typography makes the different cards feel related when they are placed side by side.

It is a useful starting point for any illustrated deck: decide which elements stay consistent, then give each image room to tell its own story.

Create a collection of your own

If you have an idea for a tarot deck or a series of illustrated cards, talk to us about your project or explore Tarot format.