homesick?click upon a star
RJ Ruano
Deck of Origin: The Ever Grande Arcana
2022
Project Overview
I created an independent parody tarot deck inspired by the third generation Pokemon games.
Scope
Create a 78-card tarot deck featuring all Major and Minor Arcana. Include all 135 Pokemon that debuted in the Hoenn region. Print, cut and assemble at least 100 decks by hand.
My Role
I was the sole creator and enjoyed the following roles: drawing all artwork, designing packaging, formatting cards, printing and creating physical decks.
Project Identity
This fan project was created as an ultimate tribute to the third generation of Pokemon games. As such, the name is inspired by two prominent locations in the game: Cave of Origin, and Ever Grande City. The art style is inspired by Pamela Coleman Smith’s work on the 1909 Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, giving this deck a classic, whimsical feel.
Second edition, original and "shiny" (alternate color) version. Handmade.
First version of the deck, made for rigid box design.
Process
The artwork was drawn over the course of several weeks using Adobe Photoshop. A few years later, I would revisit this project in 2025 to create a second edition and an alternate “shiny” version.
I hand-printed, hand-cut and hand assembled this second edition. Packaging was individually folded using a bone folder and then sealed with glue, while cards were individually cut using a guillotine trimmer and craft knife. I reached my initial goal of making 100 decks in about six weeks.
Social Engagement
I posted a video series on TikTok explaining each Major Arcana tarot card, wherein viewers were encouraged to comment predictions for the next Pokemon appearance. Some fans loved the deck enough to get cards tattooed!
Tattooists unknown