Whimsical: A New Spin on Traditional Playing Cards

Oksal Yesilok's Award-Winning Design Reimagines the Classic Deck

Yesilok's inspiration for Whimsical came from an extensive study of the history of playing cards. His research, which included examining various game card brands and designs, led him to reinterpret the known playing card symbols in a distinctive style. The deck, which includes 54 cards and 2 information cards, features narrow lines, a single color, and hand-painted edges, creating a minimalistic yet striking aesthetic.

The design process for Whimsical was carried out using Adobe Illustrator. The cards were printed on 320 gr. Maia Paper, with matte gray, black, and metallic pantone used in the design. The packaging is embossed with the logo and some design details, and the edges of the cards are painted fluorescent yellow for a unique touch. The back of each card is adorned with a 3D diamond texture, adding to the deck's visual appeal.

Despite its unique design, Whimsical is not just a collector's item. The deck includes an annotation card that explains the different symbols, making it suitable for playing games other than poker. Users can also create their own card games, adding a layer of creativity to the product's use.

The project, which started in February 2016 and concluded in September of the same year, was carried out in Izmir. It was featured in Elle Decor Italia, Design Milk, and many other design blogs. The most challenging part of the project was the printing phase, with the first 200 decks printed incorrectly due to an unsuitable paper selection. However, Yesilok overcame this hurdle, and a new set of 200 decks were printed successfully.

Whimsical is a testament to Yesilok's innovative approach to design and his ability to transform a traditional item into a unique, collectible piece. The deck, with its distinctive design and high-quality production, is a perfect blend of form and function, making it a worthy winner of the prestigious A' Design Award.