Essence of India
Packaging
Graphic Design
The goal of this project was to design a complete deck of playing cards around a self-selected theme, allowing for creative exploration while maintaining a cohesive visual system across the entire deck.
Requirements & Constraints:- The deck included all standard playing cards, from numbered cards to face cards and Aces. Card faces were limited to black, white, and red, with only two additional colors allowed, while maintaining ample whitespace for clarity. All artwork was created in vector format, with full color reserved exclusively for the card backs. Typography could be customized to support the theme while remaining legible.
Inspiration
This deck of playing cards is inspired by the rich traditional art styles of India. The primary influence comes from Phadchitra, a storytelling art form from Rajasthan that features mythological figures, gods, and royalty. I also drew inspiration from Pattachitra and Madhubani, known for their intricate patterns and folk narratives. My goal was to celebrate these art forms while reinterpreting them in a modern, minimal way that still feels authentic.
Colour & Typography
To reflect the richness of Indian heritage, I chose burnt orange and gold as accent colors. These shades are often associated with royalty, rituals, and festivity in Indian culture and pair well with the mandatory black and red palette. For typography, I created custom numerals and letters that blend Latin characters with elements of Sanskrit script.
The Common Back
The card back was the only area where I could use full color, so I took the opportunity to reflect the vibrant and artistic nature of my theme. The design features a floral border, a lotus trim evoking a serene garden, and a Sun God motif inspired by Madhubani art. It’s slightly abstract but carries a clear sense of storytelling and warmth.
Consistency is key
Each card was designed to feel unique yet part of a cohesive system. Blending multiple Indian art styles meant carefully adapting elements to work together. This is especially clear in the suits and aces, where the aces serve as more detailed versions of the suit symbols.
