US Playing Card

Product Ideation

In late 2018, I ideated a couple rounds of deck concepts for US Playing Card. My concepts included a theme board of inspiration, 4 digital sketches of card designs with description and call-outs and a comp of the cards on a gaming table. We aligned to concepts that benefitted from my illustration and design ethos, incorporating history and intricate detail:

1885

The first deck we developed was “1885” celebrating the Bicycle brand’s origin when the newfound invention of the bicycle took the world by storm in the late-1800s. I drew inspiration from many of the classic Bicycle brand elements from their formative years between 1885 and 1895. The Ace of Spades merges a few of the first cards into one, combining Lady Luck with the bicycle wheel and some Victorian-era banners.

I redrew the court cards referencing a 1890s deck; updated with bicycle parts incorporated into their clothing. The ad card features their historic home from 1909-2013 in Norwood, Ohio. I developed custom typography inspired by lettering on old Russel and Morgan advertisements and a logo merging styles from several decks; created custom pips and numerals inspired by 1890s lithographic posters.

I created several pattern options for use on advertisement cards and inside of the tuck packaging. The pattern on the card back is a combination of elements from the cupids that have are a standard of the brand with a border inspired by the 1895 cards.

As a cyclist, I was inspired to merge their current King on the Joker card with the 1885’s best bower card featuring a Penny Farthing. For the second joker, I was inspired by history to feature the Queen riding the “Safety” Bicycle that we know and love today. In the late 1800s, these bicycles allowed women to freely explore their world far beyond the domestic spheres they were typically constrained to.

Architectural Wonders of the World

This deck was developed as a collectors’ pack with key international markets in America, Asia and Europe in mind. Developed a theme board, color palette, pips and blueprint-inspired typeface. Researched key landmarks throughout history from six continents and illustrated 54 landmarks. Designed a pack design, elevating the offering by using foil accents, embossing and a patterned interior.

Deck premiered as an Amazon Exclusive then later distributed to national Walgreens and Targets. Sold internationally to Bicycle fans via their website.

Photo credits: Deck photography provided by the US Playing Card marketing team.

Bicycle Brand Collector’s Poster

Following the release of the 1885 deck we adapted the ad card from the deck into a metallic gold and black 18” x 24” art print for sale online and at trade shows.