This project involved the creation of eight Major Arcana cards for a custom tarot deck, including the design of the cards and their packaging for protection and transport. As someone deeply interested in the history and mysticism of tarot, I chose to approach this project by blending the universal symbolism of the Major Arcana with elements of Portuguese identity.
Each card is reimagined through the lens of Portuguese historical and cultural figures, carefully selected to embody the core meanings and archetypes of the traditional cards. The visual style draws inspiration from azulejos—the iconic Portuguese blue tiles—providing a distinctive, ornamental, and culturally rooted aesthetic.
Subtle national symbols are integrated throughout the illustrations, such as the Armillary Sphere, Portuguese guitar, sardine, and wine, enriching the imagery with layers of heritage and meaning. These references are introduced in discreet ways, encouraging close observation and interpretation—just like the tarot itself.
The packaging was designed to reflect the same spirit of craftsmanship and cultural preservation, conceived as a limited-edition deck meant to be cherished not only as a tool for reflection, but also as an object of beauty and national pride.
Academic Project
E8 Tarot Deck Concept
Course: Communication Design
(UC Digital Laboratory I)
Institution: ESAD Matosinhos
(Escola Superior de Artes e Design)
Professor: André Santos
Academic Year: 2022/2023
Date: April 2023
E8 Tarot Deck Concept
Course: Communication Design
(UC Digital Laboratory I)
Institution: ESAD Matosinhos
(Escola Superior de Artes e Design)
Professor: André Santos
Academic Year: 2022/2023
Date: April 2023