78 Tarot Carnival

The 78 Tarot Carnival, subtitled "Cirque du Tarot," is the third collaborative deck from The 78 Tarot Project, founded and directed by Kayti Welsh. This project brought together 81 international artists from over 15 countries, each contributing a unique interpretation of a tarot card within the overarching theme of a circus or Venetian Carnivale. The goal was not only to create a functional tarot deck but also to serve as a portable art gallery, showcasing the diverse talents of the participating artists.

The deck maintains the traditional 78-card structure, comprising 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, and includes three bonus wild cards for expanded readings. A 44-page companion guide, written by Trish Sullivan, provides interpretations for each card. The project emphasizes a cohesive storyline and adherence to traditional tarot symbolism, despite the varied artistic styles, achieved through a collaborative development process where artists shared progress and received feedback.

Notable features of this edition include a borderless card design, a departure from previous 78 Tarot decks, allowing the artwork to extend to the edges. The cards are printed on 350gsm cardstock with a smooth finish and a blue core center for enhanced vibrancy and reduced transparency. The deck is housed in a durable two-part hard cardboard box, an upgrade made by popular demand to protect the cards and booklet.

This deck is ideal for tarot enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate collaborative art projects and diverse artistic styles. It particularly appeals to those drawn to themes of circus, fantasy, and Venetian Carnivale. Readers who enjoy a deck that offers both traditional tarot functionality and a rich visual experience will find this appealing. It's also suitable for those who value supporting independent artists and discovering new talent, as each card credits its creator.

Kayti Welsh is the Founder & Director of The 78 Tarot Project, a global art collaboration. The 78 Tarot Carnival is their third collaborative deck, following previous successful Kickstarter campaigns. Welsh and her team aim to not only produce high-quality tarot decks but also to provide a platform for artists to gain exposure, with each card displaying the creator's name. The creation process involves a secret Facebook group where artists collaborate, share progress, and receive feedback, fostering a supportive community that contributes to the deck's cohesive yet diverse artistic vision.