Alebrije Card Deck
The objective for this project was to design a concept for an original deck of playing cards, including 52 cards divided into four suits of thirteen ranks. The task also included designing a joker card and packaging to further develop a cohesive visual system.
Roles: Illustrator, Designer
Concept
“Alebrije” playing cards take inspiration from traditional Mexican wooden carvings of animals and other fantastical creatures. The cards employ both the style of patterns found on alebrijes, as well as illustrations of creatures themselves.
The Aces
To differentiate the suits from traditional card suits, similar shapes were illustrated, and employ the style of another Mexican handcraft: Papel Picado. Papel Picado, perforated paper, is a traditional Mexican craft made by cutting designs into tissue paper. In order to maintain cohesion across the suits, the same base shapes were cut out of the primary suits and placed in different ways, creating patterns.
The Faces
Alebrijes are carvings made out of animals and other fantastical creatures, which is why it was so important to highlight these in the face cards. Choosing some of the most popular animals alebrijes are made out of -- chihuahuas, jaguars, and armadillos -- the energy of these were matched with the jacks, queens, and kings.
The Full Deck
IRL: In the studio
This project holds a very special place in my heart, as it helps me connect further to a part of my culture. Along with that, it was one of the projects I worked on and presented in Copenhagen during my semester abroad in Fall 2024.
Having the opportunity to not only live there for 4 months, but also take a graphic design class there was truly an incredible experience. I was able to bring what I knew to the table, as well as learn aspects of design from a new perspective. From museum visits, to workshops, and simply sitting in studio working alongside my classmates, it became something I will never forget.
