Esme Baker Tattoo 78 Card Tarot Deck!

The Esme Baker Tattoo 78 Card Tarot Deck is a complete tarot set, meticulously hand-illustrated in black ink by UK tattoo artist Esme Morgan Baker. Each of the 78 cards, encompassing both the Major and Minor Arcana, features a unique, detailed illustration. The deck was created as a fundraiser to help the artist's tattoo studio, Granny's Attic Tattoo Parlour, survive the COVID-19 crisis, successfully raising over $52,000 from 771 backers in 2021.

The deck includes a custom-illustrated box and a brief instruction manual, making it accessible for both experienced tarot readers and newcomers. The aesthetic draws heavily from traditional tattoo flash art, characterized by bold lines, intricate patterns, and a monochromatic palette. This approach gives the deck a distinctive, edgy feel while still adhering to the core symbolism of tarot.

Beyond the deck itself, the Kickstarter campaign offered various merchandise, including limited edition prints, enamel pins, and temporary tattoos, all featuring Esme Baker's signature blackwork style. The project highlights a creative response to adversity, transforming the artist's craft into a unique divination tool that resonates with a specific aesthetic preference.

This deck is ideal for tarot enthusiasts who appreciate a bold, graphic, and monochromatic aesthetic, particularly those with an interest in tattoo art or alternative art styles. It appeals to collectors looking for unique, artist-driven interpretations of tarot. Both beginners and experienced readers can use it, as it includes a brief instruction manual and follows the traditional 78-card structure, making it compatible with standard tarot reading practices.

Esme Morgan Baker is a tattoo artist from the U.K. who launched this tarot deck project to save her tattoo studio, Granny's Attic Tattoo Parlour, from permanent closure due to COVID-19 restrictions. Unable to work for nearly a year, she channeled her artistic skills into creating and selling artwork. Her self-description as "right good with a felt tip" reflects her humble yet confident approach to her hand-drawn black ink style, which is evident in the deck's design.