The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸
The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸ The Desert Oracle Deck ✸
Role
Creative Direction
Product Design
Illustration
Writing & Editing
Packaging Design
Vendor Sourcing
Production Management
Year
2019
Industry
Spiritual Wellness
Project Overview
The Desert Oracle Deck is a self-initiated project that began as a spark of inspiration and evolved into a fully realized product: from concept to creation, design to delivery. What started as a personal creative exercise became a 53-card illustrated deck and printed guidebook, blending desert archetypes, spiritual insight, and visual storytelling into a tool for reflection and connection.
I handled every aspect of this project: creative direction, product and packaging design, content writing, sourcing and managing vendors, and setting up the eCommerce experience. I built the visual identity from scratch and developed custom layouts for the cards, box, and guidebook, all designed to feel rich, warm, approachable and intuitive.
This project represents the magic that can happen when design, strategy, and spirituality come together. It’s also a testament to my ability to see a vision through from ideation to execution, something I bring into every project I touch.
The Challenge
The Desert Oracle Deck began as a deeply personal creative project. There was no client, no roadmap, and no guarantee it would work. I set out to create something that blended design, spirituality, and storytelling in a way that felt both meaningful and tactile. But the vision was only part of it, the real challenge was figuring out how to bring it to life.
The biggest hurdle was printing and production. I had no prior experience manufacturing a product like this, and finding a vendor that could balance quality, cost, and sustainability was overwhelming. I spent months researching printers, requesting samples, and navigating confusing spec sheets. After a long search, I finally found a printer in China that could match my vision and deliver the quality I needed.
Beyond production, I had to write, design, and layout all 53 cards, a guidebook, and custom packaging, making sure every element felt aligned with the tone and intention of the deck. It was a true test of creative endurance, but one that proved how much magic can come from trusting the process.
My Approach
This project began as a creative experiment rooted in intuition, but I approached it with the same level of strategy and structure I bring to client work. I started by mapping out the concept: a simple oracle deck designed to offer clarity and connection through grounded, intuitive messages. I wrote all 53 card meanings first, using language that felt accessible, soulful, and non-dogmatic, anchored in reflection, not prediction.
For the visual direction, I drew inspiration from Joshua Tree, a place that has always felt sacred, expansive, and otherworldly to me. I wanted to create a design language that felt simple but still held wonder. The card backs feature a custom abstract geometric pattern layered with psychedelic-edited desert photography, designed to evoke movement, light, and liminal energy. That aesthetic carried through into the packaging and guidebook as well.
Once the creative direction was in place, I moved into production, navigating the steep learning curve of printing and manufacturing a custom product. After testing multiple vendors and overcoming cost, and quality, I partnered with a printer in China that could bring my vision to life with gorgeous, consistent results. I also managed timelines, coordinated shipping, and built a Squarespace eCommerce site to house and sell the deck.
This project pushed me to trust my creative instincts, follow through on my vision, and hold both the magic and the logistics of making something real.
The Outcome
Since its release, the Desert Oracle Deck has reached hundreds of individuals, through a combination of sales and heartfelt gifting. The deck has garnered consistent 5-star reviews on Etsy, with customers expressing deep appreciation for its quality and resonance:
"Beautiful oracle deck, shipped rapidly and securely. Many thanks and blessings, would be happy to purchase one of your lovely creations again."
— Jill Sophia, Etsy review
"Deck of great quality and very beautiful! I find the messages so uplifting! I'm really happy with my purchase! :)" — Marie-France, Etsy review
"I live in the desert, but even more so these cards are so wonderful. I like all of the words and the summary given to the word. I have found these to be powerful." — Karla, Etsy review
What began as a personal creative endeavor has blossomed into a cherished tool for many, facilitating reflection and connection. The deck has been featured by various creators in the wellness community and continues to gain recognition through organic word-of-mouth.
This project exemplifies the transformative power of intentional design—creating spaces for insight and beauty in everyday life. It also underscores my capability to shepherd an idea from its initial spark to a fully realized product, harmonizing artistry, logistics, and purpose throughout the journey.
