Cardscreators

Cardscreators is a designation used to describe individuals, studios, or collectives that design and produce cards for games, entertainment, education, and related media. The term covers a range of outputs, including physical playing cards, collectible or trading cards, tarot or oracle cards, and digital card assets used in video games or online platforms. While not tied to a single organization, cardscreators share a focus on card-based concepts, from artwork and layout to underlying game mechanics and rules.

Work typically begins with conceptual development, followed by illustration, layout, and typography. Designers may collaborate with writers for flavor text, with game designers to balance interactions, and with licensors to ensure proper rights. Prototyping and playtesting are common steps to refine balance, readability, and aesthetic impact before production or deployment.

Production methods vary by format. Physical cards involve stock selection, finishes, and packaging, often produced through traditional printing workflows or specialty printers for card games. Digital cards are crafted as game-ready assets and distributed via app stores, digital marketplaces, or in-game editors. Tools commonly include graphic design software and, for interactive formats, game engines or modulation tools.

Communities, markets, and services support cardscreators through commissions, collaboration networks, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Artists and designers may sell templates or art packs, participate in conventions, or publish tutorials. Intellectual property considerations, licensing, and attribution are important in projects that adapt existing characters or brands.

See also: card game design, trading card game, card art, print on demand, tabletop game development.