"How to Publish Your First Oracle Deck: My Journey + 10 Essential Tips for Aspiring Tarot Card Deck Creators"

In 2021, I had the opportunity to fullfill a long-held dream—publishing my very own oracle deck. It wasn’t an easy journey, but with a lot of hard work and some strategic planning, I made it happen. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot, and now I want to share my experience with fellow creators who are thinking of publishing their own card decks. Here’s my story and the top 10 tips and steps for anyone looking to publish their own indie card deck.

Haze of Hex tarot

I had finally achieved a lifelong dream—creating my very own card deck, a functional tool that I could use to read for my clients.

My Story: From Art College to Publishing an Oracle Deck

Back in art college, I always dreamed of creating my own tarot deck. This was in the days before Instagram and TikTok, when tarot was still pretty niche. Fast forward to 2021, and I was already reading tarot professionally at shopping events for big-name companies like Harvey Nichols and Jeffery West. The idea of publishing a deck felt like the next natural step in my career.

But life got in the way, and I parked the idea for a while. Then, in 2020, things started to fall into place. My followership on Hex_tarot had grown, and I was studying to become a fully qualified astrologer while working full-time as a tarot reader. Despite the demands of raising a toddler on my own and juggling tarot readings online, at events, and at an occult bookshop, I realized it was time to revisit my dream.

The first breakthrough came when I switched from the idea of a traditional 78-card tarot deck to an oracle deck. Tarot has a rigid structure, but oracle decks are much more flexible. I found inspiration in the Lenormand system, a 36-card oracle deck, and I loved the idea of creating something simpler and more accessible.

The Magickal Folklore Lenormand, spread out in its full grand table spread. Atop the tarot scarf which comes with the card deck.

But there was still one big problem: I didn’t have time to illustrate the deck myself. So, I brought in an illustrator to help me bring my vision to life. This collaboration helped me streamline the process, expand my network, and reach a broader audience.

Top 10 Tips and Steps to Publish Your Own Card Deck

Step 1: Nail Down Your Idea

Before you dive into designing your deck, decide on the core concept. Do you want to create a tarot deck or an oracle deck? What is your theme? Who is your target audience? Make sure your deck aligns with your personal style and what your audience expects from you. Stay on brand and make sure the deck reflects your unique voice.

Step 2: Plan Your Project

Effective planning is key. Start by determining what work you can outsource and what you want to handle yourself. Decide how you will finance the project—will you fund it yourself, crowdfund, or take preorders? Will you illustrate the deck yourself or hire an illustrator? What is your timeline for completion? Having clear deadlines will help keep you on track.

Step 3: Build a Structure for Production

Once you’ve planned, it’s time to break down your project into smaller steps. Start gathering reference images and refining the theme of your deck. If you’re creating an oracle deck, the possibilities are limitless, but make sure to stick to a theme to keep everything cohesive. Develop a time frame for each card’s completion and make sure to include room for writing your booklet, if applicable.

Step 4: Collaborate with an Illustrator (If Needed)

If you’re not an illustrator, consider hiring one. A collaboration with an artist allows you to focus on the concepts while they bring your vision to life. If you decide to outsource, give clear instructions and provide reference images to guide the artist. This collaboration can also help expand your network, especially if you work with an artist who already has a following.

Step 5: Sourcing Printers and Packaging

we created exclusive goodie bags and extras for our higher supporting crowd funders. Here you can see some extras plus the first edition cards themselves.

Think about the look and feel of your final product. Do you want your deck printed on high-quality, organic paper? Will it have special touches like foil leafing or a full-color booklet? Research different printing companies to find one that fits your needs and budget. It's essential to have clear communication with your printers to ensure the final product matches your vision.

Step 6: Set Up Your Social Media and Crowdfunding Platforms

Once you have a few cards finished, it’s time to start promoting your project. Create social media pages dedicated to your deck. If you’re crowdfunding, platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo are great places to start. Share sneak peeks of your cards, discuss your inspiration, and build anticipation. If you have a loyal following, now is the time to engage them.

Step 7: Make Clear Deadlines

Having a structured timeline is crucial. Set deadlines for each phase of production, including illustration, printing, and packaging. Make sure you allocate time for unexpected delays, and keep your audience updated about the progress. Clear deadlines will keep your project organized and help you avoid last-minute stress.

Step 8: Promote Your Project and Offer Preorders

Get your community involved. Start promoting your deck on social media, through influencers, tarot magazines, or community groups. Reach out to bloggers, tarot influencers, and your followers to build buzz. Offering preorders early can help fund the production process and give you a sense of demand for your deck.

Step 9: Engage with Supporters and Offer Extra Goods

To keep your supporters excited and motivated, consider offering extra incentives, such as exclusive content or special goods (like limited-edition prints or extra cards). Offer special packages or discounts to those who preorder or support the project. Your supporters will feel more connected and appreciated.

Step 10: Keep the Momentum Going After Production

Once your deck is printed and shipped, don’t slow down on your marketing efforts. Continue to share the progress, testimonials, and customer feedback on social media. Engage with your community and make sure they know when new projects are coming up. The momentum you build after launch is just as important as the initial launch.

Image of our post on the day our proud funding project ended succesfully.

Creating and publishing your own oracle or tarot deck is an exciting and challenging journey. By following these steps and tips, you can make your dream of becoming an indie card deck publisher a reality. Don’t forget that collaboration, patience, and a solid plan are key to turning your vision into a tangible product. Good luck, and enjoy the creative process!