ARQEN is an original card deck that reinterprets the classic playing card structure through a symbolic and imaginal visual language.Each card is designed not only for gameplay, but also to carry layers of meaning, association, and visual interpretation.In addition to the traditional playing card system, the deck includes 22 Major Arcana, allowing tarot readings to be integrated into the structure. This makes ARQEN a hybrid system that functions both as a playing deck and as a tool for intuitive reading.

 

At the beginning of the project, I first established the conceptual language of the deck. After defining its visual world, atmosphere, and narrative tone, I began illustrating each card individually.The sketches and main illustrations were created in Procreate, with final adjustments and balancing completed in Photoshop.

 

While maintaining a consistent visual language on the card fronts, I deliberately chose a different approach for the card backs. By adopting a more abstract, textured, and minimal style, I aimed to create a contrast with the illustrated faces. Rather than disrupting the deck’s identity, this contrast completes it and establishes a strong visual balance.The resulting work exists at the intersection of play, symbolism, and visual storytellingoffering space not only for games, but also for intuitive exploration.