✦Three Fundamentals to Know Before Printing Your Original Tarot Deck

1. Paper choice determines quality

Tarot cards are built for durability — they get shuffled and cut thousands of times. Ordinary paper creases almost immediately, so the golden rule is to choose coated stock of at least 350gsm, or dedicated card stock. Surface finishes such as UV coating or PP (plastic) lamination also make a huge difference to water resistance and tactile feel.

2. Choose a size that fits how you'll use it

The standard tarot size is 70×120mm. There's also a pocket size (60×100mm) and a large size (80×140mm). Pick based on usability, portability, and how easy the cards need to be to read during a session.

3. Deciding on card count

A Major Arcana-only set is 22 cards, while a full deck is 78 cards. Oracle decks typically run 30–50 cards. Many creators start with a 22-card Major Arcana prototype before committing to a full deck.

✧5 Points to Check When Choosing a Print Company

1. Small-lot capability

For an independent project, you need a company that will handle small runs of 10–100 copies. Many large printers require a minimum of 1,000 units, which isn't practical for individual creators.

2. Dedicated card stock on hand

Choose a company that keeps coated card stock in inventory, rather than business-card or generic cardboard stock. Requesting a sample is the surest way to check the actual feel of the paper.

3. Box and packaging production

Companies that can handle the presentation box, sleeve, and guidebook alongside the cards themselves save you a lot of hassle. Splitting these across multiple vendors tends to drive costs up.

4. Flexibility with submission file formats

Check what file formats the printer accepts — Illustrator, PSD, PDF, and so on. Some printers will even handle CMYK conversion on your behalf.

5. Sample proofs and pre-print checks

Choose a company that offers a color proof or physical prototype from your final files. Colors on screen and colors in print can differ dramatically, so always build in a confirmation step.

☾6 Recommended Print Companies for Original Tarot Decks

1. Manzendo Printing

A long-established printer based in Kyoto with a strong track record in card game and tarot production. Accepts orders from as few as 10 copies, with pricing that's friendly to independent creators. Well regarded by professionals for its balance of paper quality, color reproduction, and durability.

2. Print-On

One of the major on-demand printing companies. Unit pricing stays stable even for small runs, and its easy web-based submission process is a plus. There's no dedicated tarot plan, but it handles card printing broadly.

3. MIZUYA

A company specializing in card game production. Offers an extensive range of finishing options such as PP lamination and embossing, making it popular with creators who care about tactile quality. Capable of producing decks with professional-grade specs even in small batches.

4. Crowdfunding-linked print services

An increasing number of print services now integrate with crowdfunding platforms like CAMPFIRE and Makuake. Their pre-order model reduces inventory risk, making them well suited to first-time creators.

5. HAS Printing

A printer based in Shenzhen, China, aimed at creators who want to minimize costs as much as possible. Be mindful of the language barrier and longer lead times, but the price advantage becomes significant at larger volumes (500+ copies).

6. International options: Printful and MPC

On-demand services abroad such as Printful (US) and MPC (Canada) can produce a single deck at a time, making them ideal for prototypes or gifting. Factor in shipping costs and lead times when choosing this route.

☀Price Guide

22 cards, 100 copies

The typical market rate is ¥1,200–¥2,500 per deck. Premium paper stock with a presentation box can push this into the ¥3,000+ range. If you're selling to the public, pricing at 2–3 times this production cost is a reasonable target for turning a profit.

78 cards, 100 copies

A full 78-card deck typically runs ¥2,500–¥5,000 per deck. More cards means higher printing and assembly costs, and box quality can swing the price significantly.

Runs of 500 or 1,000

Per-unit cost drops as volume increases — at 1,000 copies, prices can fall to nearly half the small-batch rate. That said, larger runs carry inventory risk, so a solid sales plan is essential beforehand.

⧗A Closer Look at Print Specifications

Paper types and characteristics

• 350gsm coated stock — A glossy, standard card paper. Delivers vivid color reproduction that makes illustrations pop. Good balance of price and quality, and a solid choice for a first production run.
• Matte coated stock — A refined, low-glare finish. Pairs especially well with muted designs or delicate illustration work.
• Snow-white stock — A paper with slightly reduced yellow tint for a truer white. Makes modern designs stand out.
• Specialty card stock — A premium card paper made by laminating two sheets with a black core layer. Vastly improves opacity and durability — the choice for a truly professional-grade deck.

Finishing options

• PP lamination (gloss/matte) — The standard finish, coating the surface with film. Improves water and abrasion resistance for long-term use.
• Embossing — Raises selected areas into relief. Giving titles or logos a 3D texture adds a premium feel.
• Foil stamping — Presses gold, silver, or holographic foil onto the surface. Effective for highlighting special elements.
• Holographic finish — Shimmer that shifts with viewing angle. Popular for decks designed with collectors in mind.

Rounded corners

A process that rounds off the card corners. This eliminates snagging during shuffling and prevents corner damage, making it essentially a must-have for tarot decks. A corner radius of 3–5mm is typical.

Balancing the card backs

The back of every card typically shares a single unified design. A symmetrical layout is recommended so that front and back aren't easily confused during shuffling. Placing your brand logo or a signature motif on the back adds to the deck's overall appeal.

✦Choosing a Sales Platform

Shopify

Ideal if you want to build a full-featured online store. Offers a high degree of customization for branding, though it comes with a monthly fee. Scales well as your business grows.

BASE / STORES

Free to set up with no initial or monthly costs — the appeal is being able to launch a shop immediately. Well suited to independent creators producing small runs.

minne / Creema

Large handmade-goods marketplaces where even beginners can attract buyers relatively easily. Good for creators who want to present their tarot deck as a "work" of craft.

Crowdfunding

Lets you take pre-orders before production, resulting in zero inventory risk. Pre-order sales via CAMPFIRE or Makuake have become a standard launch method for new decks.

Amazon / Rakuten

Listing on major marketplaces gives you significant exposure, but comes with higher fees. Worth considering once you're producing larger runs and your brand has grown.

♡The Production Process, From Concept to Finished Deck

Step 1: Concept and planning

Clarify what you want to express and who you're making it for. Defining your theme, world, and target audience keeps the rest of production on track. Spending 1–2 weeks putting together a proper concept document cuts down on indecision later.

Step 2: Illustration

Decide whether you'll draw the cards yourself or commission an illustrator. For a 78-card deck, the going rate is roughly ¥10,000–¥30,000 per card, which can add up to a total of ¥1–2 million. If you commission a professional, be sure to formalize the copyright transfer in writing.

Step 3: Writing the guidebook

Compile the meaning, usage, and sample spreads for each card into a guidebook. A typical length is equivalent to 20–50 manuscript pages. If you don't have time to write it yourself, hiring a professional writer is also an option.

Step 4: Preparing print-ready files

Adjust your files to match the printer's required format, including CMYK conversion, crop marks, and bleed. Basic proficiency with Photoshop and Illustrator is necessary here.

Step 5: Color proofing and prototyping

Before running the full print, check a small sample batch. Confirm any discrepancies between on-screen and printed color, as well as how the paper reproduces tone, and revise and re-proof if needed.

Step 6: Full print run and assembly

Once everything checks out, move to the full print run. Lead time is typically 2–6 weeks — build a comfortable buffer into your schedule.

Step 7: Preparing to sell

Set up your online store, take product photos, and write your listing copy. Choose your channel — easy storefronts like Shopify, BASE, or STORES, or handmade-focused marketplaces like minne and Creema.

⚖Common Mistakes When Making an Original Tarot Deck

1. Missing card numbers

Producing 78 cards and discovering one is missing — this is a mistake that happens even to seasoned creators. Always run through a checklist before submitting your files.

2. Colors turning dull

Vivid colors often lose vibrancy during RGB-to-CMYK conversion — a very common issue. Always check this at the color-proofing stage, and consider switching to a paper stock with better color reproduction if needed.

3. Text too small to print clearly

Text at 6pt or smaller tends to lose fine detail when printed. A minimum of 8pt is a good rule of thumb for legible guidebook text.

4. Copyright trouble

Using free stock assets or someone else's illustration without permission can lead to a sales injunction or legal issues. Always use original artwork, purchased assets, or material with a proper commercial license.

✧Building a Concrete Production Budget

Plan A: 100 copies, Major Arcana only (22 cards)

• Illustration (outsourced): 22 cards × ¥20,000 = ¥440,000
• Guidebook (self-written): ¥0 (excluding the value of your own time)
• Printing (100 copies): ¥150,000–¥250,000
• Box and packaging: ¥50,000–¥100,000
• Photography and store setup: ¥30,000–¥50,000
• Total: ¥670,000–¥840,000 (suggested retail price: ¥5,000–¥8,000 per deck)

Plan B: 300 copies, full 78-card deck

• Illustration: 78 cards × ¥20,000 = ¥1,560,000
• Guidebook (outsourced): ¥100,000–¥200,000
• Printing (300 copies): ¥600,000–¥1,000,000
• Box and packaging: ¥200,000–¥400,000
• Marketing and advertising: ¥100,000–¥300,000
• Total: ¥2,560,000–¥3,460,000 (suggested retail price: ¥8,000–¥12,000 per deck)

Ways to cut costs

Drawing the illustrations yourself, using AI-generated art (with commercial-use rights confirmed), releasing the guidebook only in digital form, and timing your order around a printer's promotional campaign — these approaches can all help cut your budget by more than half.

✦Marketing Strategy for an Original Tarot Deck

Sharing progress on social media from day one

Rather than waiting until the deck is finished to promote it, sharing the production process from the very start builds a following. Sketches, rough drafts, and even moments of creative doubt resonate as story content when shared along the way.

Pre-orders and crowdfunding

A way to reduce inventory risk while bringing early fans into the process. Running a pre-order campaign through Makuake or CAMPFIRE also tells you in advance whether you'll hit your funding goal.

Collaborating with influencers

Providing sample decks to tarot-focused YouTubers and Instagram creators in exchange for review videos. Word-of-mouth marketing is especially effective for decks with a niche or distinctive aesthetic.

Exhibiting at events

Exhibiting at Design Festa, handmade markets, or fortune-telling events gives people a valuable chance to see and hold the physical deck. Direct feedback from users at these events is also a great source of ideas for your next production run.

Ongoing content after launch

Continuing to share customer feedback, real reading examples, and behind-the-scenes stories after launch builds brand value over the long term. A deck's story shouldn't end at the sale — encouraging people to keep using it matters just as much.

✧Frequently Asked Questions

☀Summary

Producing an original tarot deck is now entirely achievable for individual creators. By understanding how to choose the right printer, following a clear production process, and watching out for common pitfalls, you can experience the joy of bringing your own unique deck into the world.