Black-and-white illustrations always come first. This initial stage is crucial; it is the moment when you decide whether to proceed or if additional days and weeks of work are required. The goal is not perfection—since perfection is an endless pursuit—but rather to uncover the true intent behind the creation.
Concept and execution are often separated by a significant amount of time. True perfection in realizing a concept arises from persistent effort and a gradual accumulation of experiences—grain by grain—that may be unknown and even incomprehensible to the creator; nevertheless, these experiences contribute to the final outcome.
For those who are observing and unfamiliar with the concept, this process may seem magical. However, as time progresses, the concept becomes clearer, leaving only admiration for the final result.
In today’s world, we often lose sight of our roots as our habits evolve and our work processes become increasingly dependent on advanced technologies. While there was no goal to fight windmills, this project was created the old-fashioned way—on paper—before the images were digitally colored. The unique charm of the hand-drawn lines remains evident, adding a distinctive touch and style to the work.
You can find some of the illustrations used in the Legendarium Tarot decks, along with those that were either excluded or modified in the final version. Enjoy!