For this project, our class was tasked with presenting a creative, affordable, unique ‘commemorative gift’ which the University’s Executive Board could present to visitors, guest lecturers and VIPs. We each presented our ideas to the Board; my idea, to create a deck of custom playing cards was accepted.

As with many IDE projects, our background research uncovered a fascinating history. This helped to create guardrails /parameters for our project in terms of organising and designing the court cards, the suits/pips, box dimensions, and overall design. We knew there would have to be a balance between staying true to traditional design while also coming up with a unique deck. It needed to be not only be a functional gift but would also be a work of art which represented the university and its signature international character.

Deep into the conceptual design process, we visited the production warehouse and print studio of local printing company which would eventually produce the cards. This was a key step for this assignment because in addition to the design, we also needed to work out the budget and financing so that the project stayed on track with the design brief. Our deck needed not to be a concept piece but a practical and feasible real-life final product.

We chose "Explorers" as a theme to connect the unique characters and held a university-wide art competition for the court cards to best represent cultures across the school’s international character and to end up with a project that represented the student body. The lighthouse is a symbol of both THUAS and The Hague. In addition to internationally-inspired designs, the card box would also include descriptions of popular card games from around the world.

‍I took a leadership role in this project and enjoyed leading creative decisions, and creating a positive, open and fun team environment. My other roles within the project were primary graphic designer, designer of the front of the cards, poster design, prototype creation, printing, video creation and photography.

The project also inspired a new InHouse Design product: Safari Cards. Prototypes and a small print run of the Safari Cards poker deck were initially produced by our supplier in the Netherlands; the spin-off cards are is now in full production in South Africa and is being sold in retail outlets across Zambia. (See Below) Furthermore we are working on a second deck design which will go into production in 2025.)

Lighthouses which inspired the design on the back of the cards: Speakers Corner Lighthouse (THUAS) and the Scheveningen Lighthouses