Thesis Project: Arcana Major

Art Director: Nathan William Young

Illustrated on Procreate

During quarantine two things I discovered a newfound appreciation for were tarot cards and music. Through this project I wanted to combine the two with another thing I really love: illustration.
I collaborated with good friends of mine
to construct the perfect playlist for each card of the Tarot Major Arcana cards.

Using a mix of symbolism from the traditional Rider-Waite tarot deck and symbolism in the playlist’s songs I illustrated each card based on how I interpret them into a visual media. It was super fun to imagine the cards in my own universe and make them into a reality.

RESEARCH & PLANNING

I then collaborated with my friend Grace in
order to find songs that fit the meanings of the
cards I was representing. We would present
ideas for different songs and argue and
debate for which songs were fit and how
many songs to have per playlist.

I used many resources to properly learn about the meanings of the Major Arcana to the best of my ability as well as collaborated with more experienced tarot readers in learning about the core messages and readings of the cards.

I first started by laying out the very basics of
what I wanted to do, while looking at my goals
and evaluating what I wanted to create.
Getting basics like sizing and general goals really
helped the project grow into itself!

PROCESS

Rider-Waite Wheel of Fortune Card

The original Rider-Waite cards have a LOT of symbolism incorporated into their designs! This
is something I wanted
to make sure I didn’t
lose completely with
my redesigns.

Arcana Major Wheel of Fortune Card

In my designs, I wanted to keep some of the symbolism from the original deck while incorporating my music factor, so I found a happy medium! I connected the original constellations to the zodiac signs of the four figures in the Rider-Waite card while adding a vinyl record to connect to the music aspect of the card.

I sketched out every card in black and white before moving onto my painting process. I like to map everything out before I begin any piece so that I don’t lose the ideas I have in my mind.

This part of my process really helps me realize what I’m doing and how to approach issues I might have.

I wanted to design the back of the cards as perfectly symmetrical so that when theoretically used in a reading there would be no telling if the card was reversed or not. I also wanted to do it in black and white because I knew I wanted my illustrations to be full of color and I didn’t want any colors to clash with the frame of the cards. I tied in my continuous music staff lines and musical notes into a cosmic illustration that encapsulates everything about this project!

THE EXECUTION

All Cards in this series are interpreted through their upright meaning.

#0: The Fool is a card that represents new beginnings and going into situations with an open mind not knowing or caring what the consequences might be. The Fool is a very free-spirited card.

#1: The Magician is a card that represents unearthed potential and ambition. It is a card for those looking to channel the greatness already inside of them in order to achieve their goals.

#2: The High Priestess is a card that represents letting one's instincts take over and learning to trust what you know over listening to outside influence. It encourages you to trust yourself.

#3: The Empress is a card that represents new and beautiful things coming into your life. This card speaks of an abundance of magical opportunities and creations for you.

#4: The Emperor is a card that represents unyielding power and authority. It is a card about control and doing everything in your power to get what you deserve.

#5: The Hierophant is a card that represents upholding tradition and standards. It is a card about seeking council and following spiritual guidelines in order to achieve greater knowledge.

#6: The Lovers is a card that represents hard decisions and commitment. Knowing that everything you do has a consequence and how those actions will affect others.

#7: The Chariot is a card that represents confidence and triumph. It shows how believing in yourself can lead you to achieve any goal you set your mind to no matter what obstacles you may face.

#8: Strength is a card that represents being able to overcome your fear in order to be stronger. It is one about self-betterment and being courageous and recognizing the greatness within yourself.

#9: The Hermit is a card that emphasizes being alone and introspection. The answers you need in your life will come from within with a bit of soul searching. Your inner illumination will guide you.

#10: Wheel of Fortune is a card that represents change whether it be for the better or for the worse. It is a card about opportunity and luck and being willing to welcome whatever life will throw at you.

#11: Justice is a card that represents cause and effect. Everything you do you will face the consequences of. Do unto others what you would have done unto you.

#12: The Hanged Man is a card that represents sacrifice and forcing yourself to be okay with things coming to an end, being able to surrender yourself to what will come next.

#13: Death is a card that represents the end of one thing so that something new can take its place. It is about being ready to welcome the unknown with the possibility of something better.

#14: Temperance is a card about staying calm in times of adversity, and looking for the path of least resistance. It reminds you to go with the flow and remain a moderate voice in times of stress.

#15: The Devil is a card that represents temptation and reverting back to old ways. Its about holding yourself accountable and pushing yourself in order to get out of the bad place you're in.

#16: The Tower is a card that represents an omen of imminent destruction. There is no way to avoid the things that are happening, it is just a matter of how you pick up the pieces and rebuild.

#17: The Star is a card that represents the guiding light of hope despite what you have been through. Its a sign of good things ahead and it will shine brightly for you when you need it the most.

#18: The Moon is a card that represents doubt and not seeing things clearly. Things aren't what they seem so you must look deep inside to understand. The Moon knows your secrets, don't hide from her.

#19: The Sun is a card that represents warmth and freedom. Don't be afraid to accept what you're given, you deserve all the success you have. Feel joy in everything The Sun will shine on you.

#20: Judgement is a card that represents facing the decisions you have made in life and being able to redeem yourself for bad things you've done. Taking accountability and opening yourself up to judgement.

#21: The World is a card that represents the acknowledgement of everything that has happened and will happen and recognizing your achievements while still being open to change. The World is never-ending.

In order to connect my playlists with their card illustrations I decided to embed the Spotify QR codes directly into the frame of each card so that they can be scanned with a smartphone camera and listened to!