Silver and Gold | The Normal Tarot

The Normal Tarot, created by Publishing Goblin, is a visually striking deck characterized by its monochromatic artwork accented with metallic foil. This Kickstarter campaign, launched in 2020, served as a reprint for the original silver foil edition and introduced a new gold foil version, referred to as "Normal Tarot 2." The deck features detailed, hand-drawn illustrations with a strong emphasis on line work and texture, set against a dark background that makes the metallic elements pop.

The campaign successfully raised over $131,000 from 1,674 backers, indicating a strong demand for this unique aesthetic. While the campaign story is brief, the visual evidence suggests a deck that prioritizes artistic expression and a distinctive visual mood over strict adherence to traditional tarot iconography. The use of foil is a central design element, enhancing the intricate details of the illustrations and adding a luxurious feel to the cards.

The deck's title, "The Normal Tarot," might be a playful subversion, as its dark, detailed, and highly stylized art is anything but conventional. It appears to offer a fresh, modern interpretation of tarot, appealing to those who appreciate a gothic or fantasy aesthetic combined with high-quality production values. The imagery, as seen in the provided visuals, includes figures like "The Spring Queen" and "The Autumn Lady," suggesting a connection to seasonal or elemental themes within its unique framework.

The artwork is characterized by highly detailed, intricate line drawings in black and white, with metallic foil accents. The style is reminiscent of woodcut prints or detailed engravings, featuring fine cross-hatching and textural elements that create depth and shadow. Figures like "The Spring Queen" and "The Autumn Lady" are depicted with flowing hair, elaborate headdresses, and rich drapery, all rendered with meticulous precision. The use of gold and silver foil is not merely decorative; it integrates into the illustrations, highlighting specific elements like foliage, jewelry, or mystical symbols, making them shimmer against the dark background. The overall mood is dark, elegant, and slightly gothic, with a strong emphasis on the interplay between light (foil) and shadow (black ink).

This deck is ideal for collectors and experienced tarot readers who appreciate unique, art-focused decks with a dark, elegant, or gothic aesthetic. It will appeal to those who value intricate line art and premium production features like metallic foil. Readers interested in non-traditional interpretations or those who enjoy a more intuitive reading experience based on evocative imagery will also find this deck compelling. It may be less suitable for absolute beginners seeking a deck that strictly adheres to Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism.