Molly Sjerdal
Molly Sjerdal • Communication Design
This set of standard playing cards was inspired by the traditional roots of the suits systems. Historically, playing cards had been used for divination, similar to tarot cards (which also have four suits, number and face cards). Further research rev

Four Elements Playing Cards

This set of standard playing cards was inspired by the traditional roots of the suits systems. Historically, playing cards had been used for divination, similar to tarot cards (which also have four suits, number and face cards). Further research rev

This set of standard playing cards was inspired by the traditional roots of the suits systems. Historically, playing cards had been used for divination, similar to tarot cards (which also have four suits, number and face cards). Further research revealed that each suit was linked to a specific element: hearts to water, spades to air, diamonds to earth, and clubs to fire. To express this connection I used animals as my face cards: ocean creatures, birds and flying insects, forest creatures, and nocturnal animals.

This project tested my skills in illustration and workflow, with many repeating icons and creative challenges. Research is fundamental to any design, but here it was made visible to me in a way that carries through the rest of my work.

This project tested my skills in illustration and workflow, with many repeating icons and creative challenges. Research is fundamental to any design, but here it was made visible to me in a way that carries through the rest of my work.

Playing Cards Mock-up 03.jpg