The Crimson Eye Tarot Deck

The Crimson Eye Tarot Deck is a 78-card tarot deck created by Baltimore-based freelance illustrator Evangeline Gallagher. This deck is a reinterpretation of the classic Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, aiming to offer a fresh artistic perspective while retaining the foundational symbolism that makes the RWS accessible to many.

The deck was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2021, raising over $15,904 from 406 backers. It is presented as a complete set of 78 cards, ensuring that both Major and Minor Arcana are fully represented. The physical production emphasizes quality, with cards printed on premium stock and featuring a linen texture, designed for durability and a pleasant tactile experience during readings.

Each deck comes housed in a custom tuck box, providing protection and a cohesive presentation. While specific thematic details of the artwork are not elaborated in the campaign story, the creator's general artistic style, which includes "skulls and flames," suggests a potentially darker or more edgy aesthetic for this RWS interpretation. The deck is intended to be a functional tool for tarot readers, offering a familiar system with a unique visual twist.

The artwork for The Crimson Eye Tarot Deck is by illustrator Evangeline Gallagher, who describes her general style as involving "skulls and flames." This suggests a potentially gothic, dark, or edgy aesthetic for her interpretation of the Rider-Waite-Smith system. While specific visual details of the cards are not provided, the mention of these motifs implies a departure from traditional RWS imagery, likely incorporating elements of the macabre or intense. The deck is a reimagining, indicating that while it follows RWS structure, the visual execution will be distinct and reflect Gallagher's signature style.

This deck is suitable for tarot readers who appreciate the foundational Rider-Waite-Smith system but are looking for a visually distinct, perhaps darker or edgier artistic interpretation. It would appeal to collectors of indie tarot decks and those who follow Evangeline Gallagher's illustration style. Readers who enjoy themes of skulls, flames, or a more intense aesthetic will find this deck particularly engaging.

Evangeline Gallagher is a freelance illustrator based in Baltimore. She describes her artistic style as often involving "skulls and flames." The Crimson Eye Tarot Deck represents her reimagining of the classic Rider-Waite-Smith system, bringing her distinctive visual approach to the world of tarot. When not drawing, she enjoys spending time with her dog.