Two Editions, One Magical Tarot Deck

A closer look at the 1st and 2nd Editions of the Art Chica Marcum Tarot Deck

After nearly ten years of illustrating, designing, and bringing my tarot deck to life, I'm excited to share the differences between my 1st and 2nd Edition Tarot Decks!

Although both editions feature my original 78 tarot illustrations, their artwork, size, packaging, finish, typography, and production differ significantly.

The 1st Edition was a labor of love, handmade and assembled by yours truly. The 2nd Edition takes everything I learned from that experience and turns it into a professionally printed deck that's more affordable, easier to use, and includes a few artistic updates.

The Artwork: A Few Changes Along the Way

After spending nearly ten years developing this deck, I had the opportunity to revisit some of my earlier illustrations. I decided to update a handful of cards, refining details and making adjustments to artwork that I felt could use a little extra attention.

I also moved a few illustrations around within the deck, changing which artwork appears on certain tarot cards.

These changes allowed me to revisit some of my original creative decisions and make adjustments that felt right for the finished deck.

So while the two editions share much of the same artwork, they're not entirely identical!

The 1st Edition preserves my original vision, while the 2nd Edition reflects how that vision has evolved over time.

The Boxes: Handmade vs. Professionally Printed

One of the most noticeable differences between the two editions is the packaging.

1st Edition: The Tuck Box

The original deck comes in a traditional tuck box, similar to what you'd find with a standard deck of playing cards. Each box was handmade and assembled by me, making the 1st Edition a particularly special part of this project's history.

2nd Edition: The Rigid Box

The new edition features a sturdy, two-piece rigid box that offers a more substantial presentation and better protection for the cards.

The updated packaging gives the deck a beautiful, finished appearance while making it easier to store and display.

The Cards: Size and Finish

While many of the illustrations remain the same, the cards themselves have undergone a few changes.

1st Edition: Smaller and Holographic

The original cards measure 59 × 102 mm (2.32 × 4.02 inches) and feature a holographic finish.

The holographic effect gives the illustrations a magical shimmer as they catch the light. The smaller size also makes the deck easier to hold, particularly for those who prefer more compact tarot cards.

2nd Edition: Larger and Smooth

The new cards measure 70 × 120 mm (2.76 × 4.72 inches), making them noticeably larger than their predecessors.

Instead of a holographic finish, these cards feature a smooth surface that allows the colors and details of the illustrations to shine without the additional reflective effect.

The larger format also gives the artwork more breathing room, letting you appreciate the details in each illustration.

Typography: A Little Easier on the Eyes

One of the smaller but important updates is the typography.

The 1st Edition features a smaller script font that complements the whimsical nature of the illustrations.

For the 2nd Edition, I switched to a larger sans serif font.

While I loved the decorative appearance of the original lettering, readability was an important consideration for the updated deck.

The new typography is cleaner and easier to read, particularly on the larger cards.

The Guide: Insert vs. Booklet

Another significant change is how the information accompanying the deck is presented.

1st Edition: The Folded Insert

The original edition includes a folded reference sheet containing information about the cards.

This compact format was designed to fit neatly inside the smaller tuck box while providing a convenient reference for readings.

2nd Edition: The Booklet

The updated edition includes a printed booklet!

Rather than unfolding a large sheet, you can flip through the pages to find the information you need.

It's a more traditional tarot deck experience and makes referencing the cards a little easier.

Production: A Handmade Beginning

Perhaps the biggest difference between these two editions is how they were produced.

The 1st Edition was handmade by me.

From printing and preparing the cards to assembling the packaging, this edition required a tremendous amount of hands-on work.

It was a rewarding experience, but also incredibly time-consuming. Every deck represented hours of additional work beyond the years spent creating the illustrations.

The 2nd Edition is professionally printed.

Moving to professional production allowed me to improve the packaging, increase the card size, and create a more consistent finished product.

It also means I no longer have to individually manufacture and assemble every deck!

As much as I love making things by hand, this change allows me to spend more time doing what I love most: creating new artwork.

The Price: Making Tarot More Accessible

One of my biggest goals with the 2nd Edition was to make my tarot deck more affordable.

1st Edition: $79

Because each deck was handmade, the original edition required significantly more time and labor to produce. The higher price reflects that additional work.

2nd Edition: $55

Thanks to professional printing, I've been able to reduce the price by $24!

That's a significant savings, especially considering the larger cards, upgraded packaging, and included booklet.

I'm thrilled to offer a more affordable version of a project that has been such a huge part of my artistic journey.

Already Own the 1st Edition? Let's Trade!

If you purchased my original handmade tarot deck but would prefer the updated 2nd Edition, I have good news!

I'm offering an exchange program for anyone who wants to trade in their 1st Edition for the new deck.

Simply return your original deck, and I'll exchange it for a brand-new 2nd Edition and refund you the $24 difference in price!

And don't worry, your original deck won't go to waste. I plan to give these handmade decks a second life by offering them through my tarot vending machines.

This way, you get to enjoy the updated artwork, larger cards, and new packaging while your original deck finds a new home.

It's a little way to reduce waste, make the updated edition more accessible, and keep these handmade decks circulating for years to come!

If you're interested in exchanging your deck, just reach out to me, and we'll work out the details.

Which Edition Is Right for You?

Whichever edition you choose, I hope these cards bring a little magic, inspiration, and creativity into your life.

Thank you for being part of this ten-year adventure!

Michelle

Art Chica Marcum