Reentry Royale is an innovative deck of playing cards designed to provide critical reentry resources to the formerly incarcerated. Each card features a different service provider, offering support for housing, employment, education, healthcare, and other essential needs. The deck transforms a simple game into a powerful tool, ensuring that individuals returning to society have easy access to vital resources. Unlike traditional pamphlets or brochures that may go unread, Reentry Royale uses an engaging and familiar format to educate and empower those on their reentry journey.
The Story Behind the Deck
This is our first playing card project, and it was born out of necessity. Far too often, incarcerated individuals struggle to access the resources they need upon release, simply because they don’t know what’s available. Traditional methods of distributing information—such as handouts or posters—are often ineffective. We needed a creative, engaging, and fun way to connect individuals with the support systems that can help them successfully reintegrate. Thus, Reentry Royale was created.
Inspiration and Development
The inspiration behind Reentry Royale comes from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those impacted by incarceration. Many returning citizens are unaware of the services that exist to support them, making their transition even harder. We wanted to find a way to bridge that gap—something accessible, easy to use, and engaging. This deck is a collaboration between organizations, advocates, and individuals who believe in second chances and the power of information.
Design and Creation Process
The deck was designed using Canva, allowing us to create visually appealing and easy-to-read cards. We focused on clarity and accessibility, ensuring that each card delivers essential information in a straightforward manner. The process of collecting and verifying accurate information from numerous service providers was one of the most challenging aspects, but we were committed to ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability.
The Impact of Reentry Royale
Every time we introduce this deck to people, we witness a moment of realization—“Why hasn’t this been done before?” The innovation behind Reentry Royale leaves people excited and hopeful. It transforms what could be an overwhelming process into something familiar and approachable. One of the most rewarding moments was seeing a formerly incarcerated individual flip through the deck and say, “This would have changed my life had I had it inside.”
Challenges in Bringing Reentry Royale to Life
One of the biggest hurdles in creating this deck was the sheer number of organizations involved. Each service provider had different information, and cross-checking accuracy took significant time and effort. However, the challenge was well worth it—ensuring that the information in Reentry Royale is up-to-date and reliable is what makes it such a valuable tool.
Our Motto
“A collaboration between our resources and your determination.”
Reentry is not just about having access to services; it’s about the drive and determination to use them. This deck serves as a bridge, but success comes from the individuals who take the next step toward their goals.
Advice for Future Card Creators
To those considering a similar project, our biggest piece of advice is: It will take longer than you think. Whether it’s gathering accurate information, designing, or securing funding, every step requires patience and persistence. But if your project has the potential to create real change, it’s worth every second.
Where to Get Reentry Royale
Unlike commercial card decks, Reentry Royale will not be sold. Instead, it will be donated free of cost to correctional facilities, ensuring that those who need it the most have access to this critical information.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Our goal for 2025 is to raise more funding for future editions of Reentry Royale. We aim to update the deck with new service providers, refine the information, and even create specialized decks that cater to specific needs—such as mental health resources, employment training programs, or family reunification support.
Manufacturing with Shuffled Ink
We chose Shuffled Ink as our manufacturer because of their reputation for high-quality custom card production. The durability, design precision, and overall quality of the decks exceeded our expectations, making them perfect for repeated use in correctional facilities.
Reentry Royale is more than just a deck of cards—it’s a tool for empowerment, a bridge to critical resources, and a step toward a successful reentry journey. We’re excited to see how it continues to impact lives and look forward to expanding this initiative in the years to come.
I became seriously ill three years ago. Nobody was able to help me until I came upon a community of people dedicated to healing through healthy foods. Several books were written by the man that started this community, and in them he described various Angels that help with healing.
Creating beautiful images feeds my soul. I wanted a visual representation of each Angel, so I created the Healing Angels card deck. Friends liked them and asked me to share them with the larger community.
When deciding on a company to work with, I choose Shuffled Ink because of their quality, reputation, outstanding customer service, and because they print in the United States. I’ve been very pleased with how my cards have turned out. The colors are vibrant, the text is clear, and they are packaged carefully to protect them during shipping.
It’s been a little over four months and people have purchased from the US, Canada, Australia, and Sweden. All my customers have been pleased with their Angel cards.
Lawrence Group commissioned a custom playing card deck as a gift to clients in 2024, with each of the 52 unique face cards primarily featuring original artwork from designers at the firm. Inspired by the firm’s guiding LIGHT Values, designers were encouraged to work in any medium of their choosing. Original art submissions are supplemented with selected photos of Lawrence Group projects, celebrating the firm’s 40+ year history with its closest clients and partners.
The Idea Behind the Deck
When proposing the playing card concept, Graphic Designer Chris Unterreiner had one key idea in mind: encouraging his peers to let their imaginations run wild.
“A long time ago I bought a bag of photography gear and a set of custom playing cards was included as a bonus,” Unterreiner said. “The deck became a favorite for how cool the idea was, and made me interested in making custom cards of my own at some point. When I started at Lawrence Group and saw the creativity in our organization, it immediately reminded me of those cards and made me want to make a deck utilizing all the creativity of our team.”
Guided by LIGHT Values
Chris received enthusiastic buy-in from the marketing team and firm leadership, quickly refining the parameters around the firm’s LIGHT Values before sending the request for submissions out to the firm. These five values—Legendary, Innovation, Heart, Growth, and Trust—provided a framework for designers, reinforced by the company’s existing branding and the deck’s unique template.
“I wanted it to be as simple as possible,” said Unterreiner. “With the front of the cards being individual and unique, the back of the card needed to sing LG… with the LG Green all over the card and then the brand spark in the middle made it simple but very much defined as an LG product.”
Collaboration with Shuffled Ink
Working with Shuffled Ink, the team was able to quickly develop the concept and review samples, working on an aggressive schedule to meet the holiday deadline. The responsive collaboration between the two parties was essential to the success of the project, which made its mailing deadline in time for the holiday season.
Thoughtful Packaging Design
Further enhancing the strength of the package is the packaging itself; the cards are stored in a refined cardboard package and a custom mailer box designed for clients receiving the cards as a holiday gift.
“The unifying element between the cards themselves, the box they come in [the shipping box], and the explainer card is the colors and the simplicity of design,” Unterreiner explained. This modular packaging approach allows for the cards to remain an evergreen item throughout the year, encouraging new future revisions thanks to the streamlined design language.
“I think that’s the tying element and, you know, harkening back to our LIGHT Values,” said Unterreiner. “We strive to do everything legendary and realize it as well as we possibly can.”
Connect With Lawrence Group
Learn more about LIGHT Values and Lawrence Group by visiting their website today!
Communication is at the heart of all relationships, yet many individuals struggle to express themselves openly. That’s where L.O.V.E Edition comes in—a unique card game created to foster deeper conversations and understanding. Standing for Listen, Observe, Value, and Experience, this game encourages players to pull one card at a time, listen intently, and respond without interruption. Designed to bring families closer and reinforce the importance of being heard, L.O.V.E Edition transforms communication into a powerful bonding experience.
The Story Behind the Deck
L.O.V.E Edition is more than just a game; it’s a personal mission born from lived experience. The creator herself has put her own experiences in the creation of this deck.
She says, “Growing up for the most part myself and others around me had no voice. We weren’t allowed to speak how we truly felt or that would be trouble for us. This style of communication trickled over into my parenting as well. I was a teen mom and a run away with little knowledge of the world. Like they say there is no blueprint to raising a child and I did my best. What I did recognize as I continued to raise him that my communication with him wasn’t great. My son and I had a really rough time in 2023 that lead to him getting in some trouble. I said to myself I have to do something about this to help others. Communication is the key to successful for EVERYTHING in life and I wanted to help make that change. My son and I have grown so much within the year using this same concept.”
The game’s design is intentional and deeply symbolic. Yellow, representing love and positivity, takes center stage. Sunflowers, the creator’s favorite flower, are incorporated as a visual reminder of growth and warmth. The deck features three distinct color themes: pink for females, navy blue for males, and black and white as a universal set for all individuals. This thoughtful design ensures that every player feels included and represented.
A Communication Game That Makes a Difference
Introducing L.O.V.E Edition to others brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose. One particularly touching moment involved a psychologist and mother who lost her son to suicide. During an interview, she expressed appreciation for the game, recognizing its potential to support meaningful conversations within families. She now plans to use L.O.V.E Edition in her support groups, highlighting its ability to encourage healing and understanding.
A Motto to Live By
At its core, L.O.V.E Edition embodies a simple yet profound philosophy: “Treat others as you want to be treated.” By promoting active listening and mutual respect, the game upholds this guiding principle in every interaction.
For those looking to bring their own card deck to life, the creator’s advice is clear: “Do whatever your mind inspires you to do. Anything is possible.” Passion and patience played a significant role in developing L.O.V.E Edition, proving that personal experiences can fuel incredible creations.
Where to Purchase & Special Offers
L.O.V.E Edition is available for purchase athttps://loveedition.us/, with orders shipping within five days. As a special promotion, customers can receive 10% off by subscribing to updates!
With the game now available, the next goal is to increase its reach and introduce L.O.V.E Edition to as many individuals and families as possible. By spreading awareness, the creator hopes to make a lasting impact on communication dynamics within households and beyond.
Why Shuffled Ink?
When selecting a manufacturer, the decision to partner with Shuffled Ink was driven by positive online reviews and exceptional customer service. From the first interaction, the team treated the creator with respect, and the final product met the highest quality standards. You can request a quote here.
Connect with L.O.V.E Edition
Stay updated and follow the journey on social media:
L.O.V.E Edition is more than just a game—it’s a movement toward better communication, stronger relationships, and lasting change. Get your deck today and start the conversation that matters!
The Veteran Workbook has partnered with Irreverent Warriors to create a unique and impactful resource for veterans. The Veteran Workbook is a journal-style book designed to help veterans reflect on their service and transition successfully into civilian life. Irreverent Warriors, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health and fostering camaraderie among veterans, provides the perfect platform to introduce this initiative.
This is more than just a card deck—it’s a tool for connection. Designed specifically for veterans participating in Irreverent Warriors hikes across the U.S. and internationally, the deck encourages meaningful conversations through reflective questions about service. These prompts serve as powerful icebreakers, sparking deeper discussions and fostering bonds among those who have shared similar experiences.
Influences & Motivation
With years of experience working alongside veterans, it became evident that many enjoy reminiscing and discussing their service when given a comfortable space. This project was developed to provide just that—a structured yet open-ended way to initiate discussions that might not happen otherwise. Each card has the potential to unlock those conversations.
Introducing this card deck to veterans brings a sense of pride and hope for a better future. Seeing veterans engage with the prompts, share their experiences, and strengthen their sense of community is incredibly rewarding. With a spirited motto like “Let’s get veterans talking!”, it is easy to see how clear their goals are.
The Irreverent WarriorsDesign Process
The deck’s design remains true to both brands, utilizing Canva to create a clean and simple layout in alignment with their signature color schemes. This minimalistic approach ensures accessibility and ease of use while maintaining a professional look.
Fortunately, the creation process was smooth, with minimal obstacles along the way. Simplicity was key, ensuring that the final product would be both functional and engaging.
Advice for Aspiring Card Creators
For those looking to create their own decks, one piece of advice stands out: always ask for constructive feedback. Iteration and improvement based on input from your target audience can make all the difference in refining your final product.
How to Get the Deck
Rather than being sold, these decks are distributed for free at Irreverent Warriors hikes. This ensures that they reach the veterans who will benefit most, reinforcing the mission of fostering connections and supporting mental health.
The primary goal for this year is simple but significant—getting these decks into the hands of more veterans. Expanding their reach will help strengthen the bonds among those who have served and continue to support each other.
Choosing Shuffled Ink for Manufacturing
Selecting the right manufacturer was a crucial step, and after extensive searching, Shuffled Ink emerged as the perfect fit. Their high-quality production exceeded expectations, making the final product both durable and visually appealing. You can request a quote here.
Connect with Them
Follow along on social media to stay updated on future projects and events: @irreverentwarriors @themillennialveteran.
At Initial Capacity, problem-solving is second nature—whether it’s tackling complex software challenges or deciding who gets the best hand in Euchre. As a team that travels the world teaching software workshops, they know the value of making the most of their downtime. That’s why they decided to create a custom deck of playing cards—a perfect blend of work, play, and brand representation.
A Deck Inspired by Travel & Team Bonding
For the Initial Capacity team, playing cards are more than just a pastime. Whether they’re at an air
port, hotel, train, or bar, their deck is never far away. Card games have become a tradition during their travels, providing a way to unwind and connect after a long day of workshops. With their love for Euchre, it only made sense to design a deck that reflected their passion for the game (even if it’s just a standard deck with a humorous nod to their favorite pastime!).
Bringing the Idea to Life
When it came to manufacturing their custom deck, Shuffled Ink was their top choice. The final product? A high-quality, branded deck that perfectly fits their needs. The cards recently made their first big trip to Mumbai, where they got plenty of use during the team’s travels.
Looking Ahead for Initial Capacity
Initial Capacity continues to innovate, whether in the tech space or at the card table. As they move into 2025, they’re excited to keep solving hard problems—and maybe even create another custom deck along the way.
Every holiday season, the creative minds at Warehouse 21 put together custom gift boxes that reflect a unique theme, industry, or milestone. For 2024, they set out to craft something that would not only delight their clients but also stand the test of time. Enter their first-ever custom playing card deck—a stunning tribute to Wyoming’s wildlife and W21’s guiding principles, the Big 8.
A First for W21: The Story Behind the Deck
While this was W21’s first custom deck of playing cards, their team is no stranger to storytelling through design. The deck’s face cards showcase beautifully illustrated animals native to Wyoming, while the back design is a seamless blend of W21’s branding and core values. This creative concept extended beyond just the cards—it inspired their digital holiday card, custom shipping boxes, and holiday social media posts, creating a cohesive and memorable seasonal campaign.
When brainstorming the perfect holiday gift, W21’s goal ‘was simple: create something that people would cherish for years. The theme this year was “games”. Many of their team members associate playing cards with holidays and family gatherings, making a custom deck the perfect choice. A custom playing card deck would be the perfect addition to the gift boxes. To ensure a premium feel, they selected a luxurious linen stock that closely mirrors the texture and quality of casino-grade cards. The result? A tactile and visually stunning deck that left a lasting impression on everyone who received it.
Designing with Purpose
The design process was a labor of love. W21’s graphic designer digitally sketched each animal, incorporating the brand’s signature neutral tones with a pop of color. A fun coincidence? W21’s headquarters sits on 21st Street, and their signature brand color is Pantone 21—talk about a perfect match! The entire deck was created using Adobe Suite, ensuring each element was polished to perfection.
One of the standout features of W21’s deck is its dark front and back design—a sleek and modern departure from traditional playing cards. This subtle but impactful touch resonated with both clients and team members, adding to the deck’s premium feel. Those who received the cards immediately noticed the quality, particularly the heavier linen stock, which provided a satisfying hand feel.
A Seamless Production Experience
Creating a high-end custom deck requires a top-tier manufacturing partner, and W21 found just that in Shuffled Ink. Recommended by Clove St. Press in San Diego, another leader in premium print production, Shuffled Ink exceeded expectations with their high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The final product was
everything W21 envisioned—and more.
W21’s Advice to Future Card Creators
When asked what advice they would give to new designers looking to create their own deck, W21’s response was simple: “Go big!” Whether it’s through bold designs, quality materials, or thoughtful branding, investing in a custom deck is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
A Gift to Remember
The theme this year for Warehouse 21’s was “games” – including various gifts that related to the theme. Their inclusion of Shuffled Ink’s custom playing cards was one of the many wonderful gifts. W21’s custom gift boxes were truly one to be remembered!
Though not available for resale, W21’s custom decks were shipped out to their valued clients and internal team members as part of their annual appreciation gifts boxes. The overwhelmingly positive reception proved that their goal had been achieved—creating a gift that wasn’t just seasonal but truly memorable.
Looking Ahead
As W21 moves forward into 2024, their creative spirit remains as strong as ever. While there are no immediate plans for a new deck, their commitment to high-quality, meaningful design continues to drive their work. Whatever they dream up next, one thing is certain: it will be bold, thoughtful, and uniquely W21.
For those looking to create their own custom decks, W21’s journey is an inspiring example of how creativity, storytelling, and craftsmanship can come together to produce something truly special. And with partners like Shuffled Ink, bringing those visions to life has never been easier.
The artwork of the court cards in a regular deck of playing cards is very firmly established in tradition, and deviation from this familiar look is considered to be a novelty, even today.
But where does this traditional look originate? It is sometimes claimed that the figures of our modern playing court card characters are in fact based on historical personages. For example, you may sometimes hear the suggestion that the four kings in a deck of playing cards represent historical leaders Charlemagne, David, Caesar, and Alexander. Is there any truth to this?
Fact: False
It is certainly the case that there was a period in history where court cards were closely connected with specific personages. There’s a long tradition with French playing cards, dating back to the 16th century, that every court card be associated with a particular figure in history and literature. In this time period, there was a popular trend to associate each court card with a different figure from the past, so that particular heroes and heroines from antiquity and literature became connected with playing cards. The source material for these popular characters includes mythology, theology, and history.
But this practice of assigning identities to the court cards was a later development in the history of playing cards, which only began in the mid-15th century, long after playing cards had already been used throughout Europe, using court cards that had no such connection to any individuals in particular. So this was only a temporary practice that was eventually abandoned, and was never adopted to the point where the entire set of court cards was associated with a commonly accepted or standard set of characters. Scholars are not even in complete agreement about which characters exactly are represented by which court cards, and this is in part because there was not always unanimity or consistency on this point in 16th century French decks!
Common characters
But while it is not true that the characters of the court cards originated in representations of important figures from literature and history, at least for some time in France this identification was a common practice, and is still sometimes evident in modern French decks today. Here is a list of common characters that were typically used in 16th century French decks, including four kings that represent the four great empires of Jews, Greeks, Franks, and Romans:
Kings:
● David, Biblical king (Spades)
● Alexander the Great, Greek leader (Clubs)
● Charlemagne, king of the Franks (Hearts)
● Julius Caesar, Roman leader (Diamonds)
Queens:
● Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess (Spades)
● Argine, an anagram of the Latin word Regina meaning Queen (Clubs)
● Judith, from the apocryphal book of the same name (Hearts)
● Rachel, the wife of the Biblical Jacob (Diamonds)
Jacks:
● Ogier the Dane, legendary knight of Charlemagne (Spades)
● Lancelot, legendary knight of King Arthur (Clubs)
● La Hire, French military commander Étienne de Vignolles (Hearts)
● Hector, the mythological hero of Troy (Diamonds)
Not all these identifications can be certain, nor were they universally accepted. Some argue that Judith was in fact an obscure reference to the wife of Charles VI. Others suggest that Rachel is actually Ragnel, the wife of Sir Gawain of the Round Table, and that Argine should actually be Argeia, legendary princess from Argos, and that both have suffered an unfortunate fate at the hand of poor copyists and artists. The Jack of Hearts (La Hire) could also be Caesar’s comrade Aulus Hirtius, while the Jack of Clubs is also sometimes associated with Judas Maccabeus, an important Jewish leader.
In some cases these names were even printed on the cards themselves. But this tradition is a later development that is unique to France, and was not practiced prior to the 16th century. Playing cards were in common use in Europe for well over a hundred years before historical and literary figures were identified with the court cards for the first time. And even in the time when this practice became more common, many different identities were used prior to any kind of standardization, with early choices for the Kings also including historical personages like Solomon, Augustus, Clovis, and Constantine.
Modern tribute decks
Several beautiful modern decks have been produced that commemorate this period of rich designs in France, by deliberately taking court card designs inspired by the personages commonly seen in 16th century French decks. Here are three relatively recent examples:
Memento Playing Cards (Legends Playing Cards)
The Memento deck takes its name from the word “memento”, which refers to a keepsake or object kept as a reminder of an event or person or place. Illustrated by Valerio Aversa, it is intended to help us remember and reminisce about the roots of card design. This deck offers a unique interpretation by arranging the characters featured in the deck according to the symbolic meaning sometimes ascribed to the four suits. The historical characters selected to feature on the court cards are in line with what theme each suit traditionally is associated with: Spades (Death), Hearts (Love), Clubs (Knowledge), and Diamonds (Ambition).
In this deck, the character names are also mentioned on the cards. As an example, the King of Spades depicts the Biblical king David with a harp and a sword, reflecting his different roles as a warrior, musician, and poet. The Queen of Diamonds depicts Rachel, as she is called on the French deck, likely a reference to the Biblical figure who was the wife of Jacob, and seen below holding a flower. Since she was a shepherdess, a lamb is often found in works of art depicting her.
Voltige Playing Cards (Art of Play)
Another example is the Voltige deck from Art of Play. This deck derives its name from the French word for “aerial”, and is in part a tribute to the art of card flourishing. It was designed as a collaborative project with French designers Henri de Saint Julien and Jacques Denain, and is a homage to a vintage French deck court cards. Even the colours that this deck is available in give a nod to its French origins, with Deep Parisian Blue and Moulin Rouge Red being the two colours of choice.
Henri and Jacques drew upon a classic French court card design as their inspiration, giving it their own hand-drawn reinterpretation. The commonly accepted names of characters are actually printed on the cards, just as was sometimes done with French designs centuries ago. The French origin of these playing cards has been made into a central theme of the entire deck, and the deck also draws inspiration from Baron Haussmann’s 19th century urban renewal program which saw new boulevards, parks and public works emerge as part of the reconstruction of the streets of Paris.
Nouveau Playing Cards (Bona Fide Playing Cards)
A final example is the series of exquisite Nouveau decks produced by Karin Yan from Bona Fide Playing Cards. Karin has opted to employ an artistic style that has its origin in the philosophical and artistic Art Nouveau movement, which was popular in France in the late 19th century. But more importantly, the court cards depict the characters that have been traditionally featured in French-style playing cards since the 16th century, and goes back to original images of these heroes and heroines as the inspiration of its artwork.
To enhance the sense of authenticity, Karin has drawn on actual sculptures and famous art works depicting these characters as the basis for the designs of her court cards. This adds an extra sense of historical realism, and connection with the past. There are several different theories about the meaning of the four suits, one being that the original French suits represented nobility (Spades), clergy (Hearts), merchants (Diamonds), and commoners and the peasantry (Clubs). This is the theory Karin has adopted, and used as background for her artwork choices for the four suits in her Nouveau decks.
Where does today’s court card artwork come from?
While there was a temporary 16th century trend to identify the court cards with historical and literary figures, the artwork of French playing cards was actually quite diverse and rich in variety. But this practice of printing names on court cards also came to end, and the French Revolution was a significant factor in this development away from named court cards. Having figures from the royal court on playing cards wasn’t exactly popular in a time where revolutionaries were beheading the monarchy. Royal figures did eventually return to playing cards, but the practice of identifying specific individuals with the court cards was discontinued, and this happened well before the artwork itself became standardized to any degree.
The standard artwork for our modern deck actually owes more of a debt to England than it does to France. Playing cards first arrived in England via mainland Europe, and especially via Belgium, which had many manufacturing houses of playing cards, and produced a large amount of exports. One design from Rouen, Belgium, was especially popular and influential. But even in England there was a real diversity of designs, due to the large number of different printers that eventually sprang up there. But this all changed with the success of printer Thomas de la Rue, who developed new printing techniques that enabled him to increase productivity and reduce the cost of playing cards, and which eventually enabled him to gain somewhat of a monopoly on the playing card industry. Independent designers and producers were absorbed under his leadership, and his work also led to the standardizing of playing card design in England. The designs of De la Rue’s court cards did receive some modernization at the hands of Reynolds in 1840 and again by Charles Goodall in 1860. But it is the de la Rue design, inherited and updated by Goodall, that is effectively the design still used today.
It is difficult to establish with any degree of certainty the significance of the precise details of the characters, clothing, and accessories seen in court cards today. Why does the Jack of Clubs carry a leaf? Why do Queens carry a flower? Why is the King of Hearts (commonly described as the Suicide King due to the position of his sword) the only one not to have a moustache? Why is the King of Diamonds the only king that bears an axe instead of a sword? Some of these details may be corruptions from royal accessories like sceptres and arrows, but we can’t be sure. But rather than see them as deliberate choices with a singular and clear origin, it is more likely that our playing cards today simply bear the marks of the different cultures that they passed through in order to arrive at the present day. What we see in our Kings, Queens, and Jacks today owes just as much a debt to 15th century rural Germany as it does to 16th century France, and to 19th century England. What remains in our modern deck today are faint remnants of dust from the past, which have a permanent place in standard playing card artwork even while their original significance has long been lost. So next time you’re admiring a court card, think about the hundreds of years of evolution through multiple countries that played a role in shaping it to be what it looks like today!
At Shuffled Ink, we take immense pride in collaborating with artists who bring unique perspectives and deep personal connections to their work – one such artist is Sadiqeh Agah, a talented visual artist based in Richmond, California, whose journey into professional art has been one of rediscovery, healing, and cultural exploration.
An Artistic Journey Rooted in Memory and Emotion
Originally from Northern Virginia and later Brooklyn, NY, Sadiqeh has spent the past decade in the Bay Area, where she lives with her partner and son. Though she once studied art as a young student, it wasn’t until recent years that she fully embraced a professional artistic path. During a personal healing journey following two miscarriages, she returned to painting and drawing, finding solace and identity in the creative process.
Her work, created with watercolor, gouache, ink, graphite, and pastels, is inspired by the interplay of memory—both its delight and its sorrow. While her pieces have always been deeply personal, she has recently begun incorporating the motifs and imagery that shaped her Iranian-American upbringing.
Reviving Traditional Art Techniques Through Printmaking
As a child, Sadiqeh experimented with stamp-making using pink erasers, a technique she recently revisited after seeing other artists embrace it on social media. Inspired by the clean yet intricate work of Studio 825, she set out to create her own carved stamps—this time to bring Persian-inspired playing cards to life.
For this project, she drew inspiration from Persian artistic traditions, including ghalamkar (or qalamkar) textile patterns for the card backs, the fine detail of Persian miniature paintings for the face cards, and well-known Persian symbols for the suits. Each stamp was carefully hand-carved from pink erasers and rubber pads, with graphite sketches laid down before carving. To add a distinctive touch, she opted for gouache paint rather than ink, ensuring that each print maintained a unique, handcrafted quality.
From Hand-Painted Originals to Professionally Produced Decks
The initial deck was painstakingly crafted on Strathmore Watercolor Trading Cards, a trusted favorite sourced from St. Louis Art Supply. While the handmade versions carry an undeniable charm, Shuffled Ink had the privilege of reproducing these playing cards, allowing Sadiqeh to share her art with a wider audience.
Her Persian-inspired deck is a testament to the beauty of blending traditional artistic elements with contemporary craftsmanship. We are honored to have played a role in bringing her vision to life and look forward to seeing where her artistic journey leads next.
Where to Find
You can find Sadiqeh’s art on her website and the cards on her Product page. Both are linked below!
Shuffled Ink is always happy and grateful for having amazing clients like Sadiqeh. Her perseverance and creativity are both inspiring and we can’t wait to see what she will be doing next! To get your story featured or make your own deck, you can contact us here.
The Beginning: A Passion for Cardistry and Writing
Back in 2011, for a very brief moment there was a digital cardistry magazine called “The Cardist” that ran for 3 issues. I was 16 at the time and in love with cardistry and writing, so when I saw that they were looking for talent I instantly jumped at the opportunity. The first and only article that I ever wrote was about the Dynamite Crew, which was a group of teenagers from Denmark that were putting out amazing cardistry videos together. Out of this crew two of the biggest cardistry brands were born: Anyone and Dealer’s Grip – but that’s a different story.
Discovering the Dream: A Cardistry Magazine Idea Forms
This was the moment when I discovered I really liked interviewing people. I knew I wanted to do something with it, like write a book or maybe go into journalism, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I realised putting together a cardistry magazine would be an amazing idea! I began gathering cardists for what would be THE BEST CARDISTRY MAGAZINE to have ever been made or, at least, that was my intention. I had no formal training in design, I knew nothing about layouts, color harmony, cover making or pacing – all I had was a burning passion to create something that was not yet made. Like many artists lost in their own world, I believed wholeheartedly that what I was making looked amazing, edgy and, most important, experimental (but, in a good way).
Rest assured, the final product was crap. Looked worse than a high schooler’s art project. There was no sort of structure between the pages, the pictures were stretched, distorted or altered in abstract ways I thought was fit, the magazine contained personal poetry and photos I took on holidays – I think you get the picture. Nonetheless, the first issue I put out was downloaded more than 2.000 times in the first week. This showed me that there was an interest in this sort of magazine. So, I continued making them but, just like my predecessor, I ended up stopping after the third issue (thank God).
A Second Attempt: The 2018 Revival
It was only in 2018, three years later, during the World Championship of Cardistry, that I would pick the project again and try my best at it once more. Apparently, seeing people compete got my juices flowing. I challenged myself to create a digital cardistry magazine every month, until the end of the championship. I had learned a little more about design and what is beautiful to the eye and what isn’t. Plus, I now had friends
who were artists that could look over the project and tell me if it sucked or not (something which I lacked in 2015). The new revival lasted for 7 issues, from May all the way through November of 2018. With each issue I tried my best to put out something that looked professional. I didn’t come very close, I have to be honest, but it was a very big improvement from my previous try. Now it could pass as a High School project.
These 7 intensive months taught me a lot about what it meant to make a magazine, gather materials from people and clock in the necessary time to put it out in the world. And then I abandoned the project once more. I wasn’t ready for such an ambitious task. Still, I knew I would be one day as long as I kept honing my craft and disciplining myself.
The Turning Point: A Physical Magazine is Born
Fast forward to 2022. I am in Ireland and a powerful passionate fire pushes me to start working on the cardistry magazine that I’ve been wanting to put out all those years. But, this time, it would be the real deal and it would be a physical magazine which people could flip with their fingers. So, I contacted everyone I knew in the cardistry world, and 7 months later, on July 6th 2023, the first issue of The Flourish magazine was done. I cried when I first held it in my hands.
At the time of writing this, it 19th December 2024, and The Flourish Magazine has launched in London at Cardistry Con to raving reviews, we’ve done a issue collaboration with Cardtopia for their 2023 convention in New York, a collaboration issue with Cardistry Experience in 2024 in Hamburg, Germany and all our issues are featured in The Magic Castle Library in LA. The magazine is slowly shaping to become a platform where people that love playing cards and skill toys meet. We’re still not there yet, but mark our words: by 2028 we’ll be the biggest magazine for this. You can quote me on that.
Where to Find
You can find The Flourish magazine and a free link to The Evolution of Playing Cards below!
We are always happy and grateful for having amazing clients like Biz and The Flourish cardistry magazine. His creativity and passion are unmatched and we can’t wait to see what he will be doing next!
To get your story featured or make your own deck at Shuffled Ink, you can contact us here.
A Motto to Live By
Every holiday season, the creative minds at 
who were artists that could look over the project and tell me if it sucked or not (something which I lacked in 2015). The new revival lasted for 7 issues, from May all the way through November of 2018. With each issue I tried my best to put out something that looked professional. I didn’t come very close, I have to be honest, but it was a very big improvement from my previous try. Now it could pass as a High School project.