Create a series of illustrated tarot cards inspired by the theme of crime, where each card works independently but also forms a cohesive deck. All the illustrations are analog, symbolic, and created using intuition and intention throughout the process. The project was ritualized and approached as if reading tarot, with the goal that the cards could be used to uncover insights about a crime.
The challenge was combining two different themes: crime and tarot. Two completely separate areas of research, yet Motiarte loves tarot and enjoys taking on new challenges, even if unfamiliar with crime-related projects. One guiding rule, however, was to bring this project to something we love and have fun with.
Many sketches were created, allowing spiritual intuition to guide the process, and experimentation continued until the criminal concept resonated with the tarot theme. Even though the theme was dark, it was made vibrant through color. This involved working with black, red, and a third accent color, while carefully balancing composition, hierarchy, and visual rhythm.
We produced seven fully realized tarot cards, each with its own identity yet tied together through color, composition, and symbolism. Cards merge traditional tarot imagery with modern crime-related motifs, for example, The Tower combines the classical collapsing tower with a Molotov cocktail. The vertical format, marker technique, text placement, and patterned backs create a professional, visually striking finish. Despite the heavy theme, the cards carry playful energy and vibrant color, inviting curiosity and reinterpretation. The project helped us refine a new approach to visual storytelling, balancing thematic cohesion with individual card identity. We improved our skills in composition, hierarchy, and color while establishing a personal visual language for future projects. Beyond technical growth, the Crime Tarot Project reinforced how Motiarte transforms abstract, challenging themes into visually engaging, meaningful illustrations that invite reflection and interaction.
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