For my digital independent study, I wanted a project that would improve my illustration skills, so I chose to redesign 4 tarot cards into a Zodiac sign concept. This project is still in progress since I've only completed 4/12 Zodiac signs. I also chose to do this project because of my interests in constellations and space.
SKETCHES
The aim of this project is to create illustrations that follow design consistency while maintaining originality in the creation of the cards. The first row of the gallery displays the front side of the card, while the backside is represented in the bottom row.
The front design showcases each of the Zodiac signs, along with their names and symbols. Each Zodiac sign is associated with an element, and the triangles represent the four main elements of the earth.
DRAFTS
The draft of this project was all about trying to get the right colors and font for the illustrations. I chose a bold and decorative font because it adds a sense of mystique and allure, complementing the mystical nature of tarot cards. I was going for a minimalistic approach so choosing dark-toned and subtle colors complemented with the style I was aiming for.
FINAL DESIGN
Upon finishing the drafts I thought that the design of the cards looked a bit dull and plain so I decided that gradients would add some characteristics for each card. Below is the final design of the cards. The gradients added more depth and texture to the cards, which I believe enhanced their overall appeal.
CARD ANIMATIONS
The next challenge for this project is to enhance interactivity with the cards. To address this, I've opted to animate the front side of the cards, adding a dynamic element to the user experience when shown on a digital screen.
I began by sketching out my ideas and then proceeded to create a storyboard illustrating the planned animation for each card. This process helped visualize and refine the animation concept before implementation. I used red arrows to indicate each elements' animation.
I incorporated significant elements from each astrological sign, such as the horns of Aries or the crab of Cancer, and emphasized them through 2D animation to enhance their prominence and visual impact.
The most challenging aspect of this animation project was meticulously cutting out essential elements and organizing them into individual layers. This meticulous process ensured precision and smooth animation flow. Overall, the project consumed approximately 30-35 hours of work, with the transition from Illustrator to After Effects demanding the most time and attention to detail.