Michigan Playing Cards is a fully illustrated, Michigan-themed deck inspired by my own experiences growing up in the state. Each suit represents a different aspect of Michigan life, its landscapes, seasons, landmarks, and everyday moments blending personal memory with regional storytelling. The deck was developed from initial hand sketches through final vector artwork, with a consistent folk-inspired visual language throughout.
Michigan Playing Cards
Process
I began the project with pencil sketches, focusing on composition, symbolism, and how each illustration would fit within a traditional card layout. From there, I refined the drawings digitally, translating them into clean vector illustrations while preserving a hand-drawn feel.
Each suit was designed around a distinct Michigan theme, allowing the deck to tell multiple stories within a unified system:
Spades — Snowy activities, traditions, and cold winters
Diamonds — Forests, wildlife, and inland nature
Clubs — Summer activities, travel, and outdoor recreation
Hearts — Lakes, water life, and shoreline experiences
This structure helped guide subject matter while keeping the deck intuitive and readable as a standard set of playing cards.
