Hi Corina and Theo,
Thank you so much for participating in this interview with Tarot Stack for self-published Tarot artists. Cosmic Whisper Rune Deck is a truly unique work of art for everyone in the tarot community, and we wondered how you made it all happen.
- For those new to Runes, can you explain briefly in your words what they are and their significance in divination?
The term “rune” means secret, representing the secret magic these symbols hold and the power of knowledge as runes, first and above all, is an alphabet. The Norse and Germanic tribes used them from around 150 AD until almost the end of the Viking era in the 15th century. There are many myths, sagas, and facts surrounding the runes and their use throughout the years, but today, it’s common to use them as a means of divination. There are three runic alphabets, and the Cosmic Whispers rune deck uses the Old Norse Line or Elder Futhark, the oldest alphabet, dating back to 150-800 AD. The Elder Futhark is composed of 24 letters / symbols, and each represents a sound and holds a deep meaning going back in time and to a different life. While our lives have changed since the runes were used hundreds of years ago, the essence of it, the things that trouble us and genuinely matter, have stayed the same. This is what the runes talk about and what makes them so unique. They were relevant to people living in 150 AD as much as they are relevant today.
- What inspired you to create the Cosmic Whisper Runes deck, and how did you conceptualize its unique theme and design?
I was introduced to runes, just like many people my age, from Harry Potter. I was about 14 when I discovered a dusty old book in a dusty and forgotten bookstore. It was a guide on how to read the runes, and I instinctively picked it up. I soon learned how to read the runes, handmade my wooden set, and learned as much as possible about them. Fast forward to 2018, we were already a year into our Cocorrina store and were brainstorming about what I should create as our debut divination deck. It was a no-brainer to make something with runes as it was a topic I was very familiar with. Back then, you could only find runes carved on stone or wooden sets, but as a designer working with paper, I decided to take a leap and create the first rune deck made of paper.
- The deck features 1000 gsm card stock and vegan leather card backs, which are quite impressive. Can you share more about the process and challenges of selecting and working with these materials?
This is our 3rd edition and the first time we’re featuring vegan leather on the back side. However, even in our first edition in 2018, the deck was 1000gsm and had beautiful golden textured material on the back. Today’s edition was easy to produce as we’ve done the production a few times already, but back with our first production, I knew that this first rune deck must be unique. With only 24 cards to work with, I wanted it to feel rich and remind me of my wooden set. As paper is practically wood, I was pretty close to the natural element, which was why we chose such a thick stock.
The first production took several takes as different techniques were involved in its creation. The faces are hot stamped with foil on a thin layer of paper and then glued on the heart of the card, which is the thick stock. The back is also glued on it, and this technique is called a sandwich. Today, with our 3rd edition, it’s the first time we’re using gold foil on the edges, and I have to say my heart has never been happier with something I’ve created.
- Your deck combines various stunning elements into a cohesive whole. What was your artistic process for bringing these different features together seamlessly?
While it seems like a lot of work, it never was with the Cosmic Whispers. The faces were designed with the first go in a few hours, and the decisions were made effortlessly. I do have a theme I love with black and gold, so the balance is easily held there. With our third edition, I wanted to push the unique aspect of the deck even further, which is why we aimed for the gilded edges. After visiting the Jamtli museum in Östersund, Sweden the past winter I saw so many runic elements, among them leather pouches, so it was natural to add the leather effect on the backs to bring in an element from the old.
- As artists known for your exquisite gold foil artwork, what advice would you give to other creators looking to produce beautiful tarot decks with this intricate art form?
Personally, gold foil is never enough and I could use it absolutely everywhere. It just reflects the light so perfectly and adds the wow factor everywhere you put it. Not all decks require gold foil of course, and one of my favorite decks doesn’t even have it. But when using gold foil, make sure to have it in contrasting colors because that’s when it shines the birghtest! Gold foil is quite difficult to capture in videos and pictures so when there’s contrast between a darker color and gold foil for example it will make your life so much easier when sharing it and wowing your audience.
- The Cocorrina team has created several famous and beautiful decks. Can you share any tips or insights on what makes a tarot deck stand out in terms of design and usability?
That’s a great question! There are so many beautiful decks out there that I absolutely adore and own in my collection. What makes a great deck I believe, is the story it says. With so many decks already in existence, the creator must think what story, atmosphere, their deck should translate to the user. Treat your deck as you would read a book, there must be a theme, a cohesive style and a cohesive color palette. All the graphic elements but also materials used, need to reflect the story and transport your audience into that world you have created.
Interview with Corina and Theo | Cocorrina.
