Ladies Who Launch...Again!

It's been a year since Carrie and I launched a kickstarter for The Spacious Tarot deck, and we just released a presale of a second run. This project has blown our minds as to how much people love it, want it, and so kindly support our work. It's really a dream project come true.

Carrie has recently posted a great article about using the Celtic Cross, which is great way to clear your mind and reflect on a current situation. It can be intimidating, but the cross gives you multiple points to ponder, and it's a classic spread as well so...gotta try it!

Carrie writes, "For better or worse, this was the first spread I learned when I began studying tarot. Mostly for worse, because this spread truly is a beast. Ten cards is a lot to grapple with when you’re a beginner! It was a bit like diving into the deep end before I’d learned to dog paddle. Due to memories of my own overwhelm when I was a beginner, when I’m teaching tarot I advise starting with smaller, three card spreads. But when you’re ready for it, the Celtic Cross can be a great source of insights and illumination!"

You can read more about how to use it on her website.

I've been getting back to some writing, especially poems. For a while there I didn't do much creative work beyond drawing for a couple clients. Personal creative time is NECESSARY and I know something's wrong when I don't make time for it. I'm glad to say I've moved through the anxiety to this new place of acceptance. I will say Tarot has helped. Friends and family have helped. Feeling all the feels has helped the most.

Here's to allowing and moving through!

-Annie

I Missed March!

The whole month flew by and I didn't post. You know why. The world had gotten a little weird, but after a week of messy-mind, I decided to lean into it and dig deeper. This time reminds me a lot of the hermit (especially the one we made for the Spacious Tarot), and what's better right now that nuturing your inner light and seeing what needs to be tended to?

Speaking of Tarot, Carrie and I are well into prepping the 2nd edition of the deck for a new print run. We will be adding some fun goodies to the site, like stickers and deck bags, and prints. I've very excited to share!

I've been recording some episdoes of The Backside of Water with Al, Mike, and Freddy, who are lovely folks. This feels social and creative so, BONUS the fun. And beyond that, I'm making cards with "sun paper", which you can buy online, and painting new pieces as I develop my new book pitch.

All of this is helping me stay sane. What about you? What are you up to?

P.S. the Backside of Water is a fun podcast about the Disneyland attractions. You can listen on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher

Spacious Process

Some have asked about how I go about illustrating the Spacious Tarot cards, so I thought I'd give an insider's look into the process. Until a month ago, I strictly used a Wacom cintiq, but I've since switched over to an ipad. I continue to work in Photoshop, however, so I recommend downloading astropad so you can work PS on your tablet.

Here's how I start. A sketch!

I love working with fake, digital pencil brushes because my heart flutters over texture. From there, Carrie and I talk about the composition and make sure it's clear what w'ere trying to communicate with each card.

Next I "ink" it and drop in basic color. I use Kyle Webster brushes, usually the "rough inker comics" brush and the "big wide softy" and "big fat spongy" thing to add a little sumin' sumin'.

As you can see, there's not a lot happening at this point, so from here I start adding darker tones and some lighter tones to create contrast.

We're getting somewhere! Once I can get here, then the rest feels like frosting a cake. I usually play with tones for a bit, but after that I add details and texture, focusing on strong lighting.

Believe it or not, this almost the finished card. After adding a couple more highlights and darker shadows to give it that "pop", I do a watercolor overlay, which ever card has, so that it feels organic and deep.

This is always where the magic happens for me. I love this particular overlay and the slight pink hue it gives to the card, bringing out the purples.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the 4 of cups in its many stages. See you soon!

-Annie