lizziecat
I've been following some of the self-publishing threads, and it seems that most, if not all, self-publish using computer technology. I'm curious as to if anyone has every done or attempted a deck using traditional printmaking techniques - etchings, woodcuts, etc. Looking at some of the old (very old!) fragments of woodblock card sheets, I was thinking that etchings (22 major arcana) on one copper sheet would print up rather quickly (just one color - multiple colors would be time consuming to print or could be hand-colored).
The only downside I can see right now is finding the right paper, although the finished prints could be laminated. Cutting would be fairly simple if one does not object to square corners. Of course, one would need access to the equipment, but even a "low-tech" method like lino blocks or woodcuts would be easily printed at home (I've done it for years - just need a big table!) although not as quickly.
I majored in printmaking for my undergrad degree, and I'm beginning to think that this could actually be a viable method of producing a limited edition "Print Portfolio" in the form of Tarot Cards - an artwork and practical!
Just for interest's sake, several years ago I did have big dreams about producing a Trumps only Tarot deck on genuine vellum with egg tempra paintings and raised gesso gilding, but although I could do it, the problem was the completed cards would not be very practical. One could never "shuffle" the cards without worrying about the gold flaking off, and even if the cards were mounted on a thin acid-free board, they would never be slick enough to shuffle. Laminating genuine vellum is out of the question, so the few cards I made ended up in frames hanging on the wall just like any other artwork!
Has anyone ever tried printmaking for producing a self-published deck? I'd be very interested in your thoughts.
Lizziecat
The only downside I can see right now is finding the right paper, although the finished prints could be laminated. Cutting would be fairly simple if one does not object to square corners. Of course, one would need access to the equipment, but even a "low-tech" method like lino blocks or woodcuts would be easily printed at home (I've done it for years - just need a big table!) although not as quickly.
I majored in printmaking for my undergrad degree, and I'm beginning to think that this could actually be a viable method of producing a limited edition "Print Portfolio" in the form of Tarot Cards - an artwork and practical!
Just for interest's sake, several years ago I did have big dreams about producing a Trumps only Tarot deck on genuine vellum with egg tempra paintings and raised gesso gilding, but although I could do it, the problem was the completed cards would not be very practical. One could never "shuffle" the cards without worrying about the gold flaking off, and even if the cards were mounted on a thin acid-free board, they would never be slick enough to shuffle. Laminating genuine vellum is out of the question, so the few cards I made ended up in frames hanging on the wall just like any other artwork!
Has anyone ever tried printmaking for producing a self-published deck? I'd be very interested in your thoughts.
Lizziecat