Our latest interview is with Danielle from Danielle Trudeau Studios, the creator of The Joyseeker Oracle - an oracle deck that is a love letter to all things animals, plants, nature, and the beauty of life.
Each card was hand-painted & inked by Danielle, with a focus on the magic and beauty of the natural world. Packed with symbolism and positivity, this deck will serve to remind us that there is magic in our daily life, we just have to allow it to shine.
Kickstarter - The Joyseeker Oracle
Where in the world do you call home?
Born and raised in the prairies of Manitoba, Canada! I was surrounded by nature throughout my life, so animals and plants were always at the top of my inspiration list.
What was your first experience with tarot/oracle and when did you fall in love with it?
Symbolism in art was always something that felt magnetic to me, so when I discovered the world of tarot & oracle it was love at first sight. In a way, it felt like a language that was so fluid and personal and gave me the opportunity to see my own life in a different way.
What made you want to create your own tarot deck? What was your inspiration?
Creating my first deck, the Joyseeker Tarot, can only really be described as being a vessel to help bring something greater to life. The idea for the deck came on so suddenly, and I let myself be swept up in that energetic flow. What was truly bizarre was that so many of the details of the deck like the design, art style, and overall theme were already formed in that first burst of inspiration, and I continued to add my own spin on things.
What would you say is unique about your deck?
The colour palette blended with the subject matter definitely gives it a unique feel! Plus it was super fun to create so many pink animals!
How long have you had the idea for the deck for and how long has it taken you to create it?
The moment I wrapped up the Joyseeker Tarot deck, I knew I had to explore the idea more and the Joyseeker Oracle thoughts began.
We are living in such crazy times. How has the pandemic affected your creativity?
As a deeply introverted person that loves to spend time creating art, I appreciated the extra time indoors but the struggles of the world definitely made it hard to really fall into a deeply creative experience. I learned to take better care of myself as a result which is always a blessing!
What have been your challenges in creating this deck?
The brainstorming phase was definitely the trickiest - having created the Joyseeker Tarot first, I got used to having the structured flow of a Rider-Waite tarot-inspired, but when I really sat down to start planning the Oracle, I was overwhelmed with the sheer openness of everything.
How do you combine shadow with light in each card?
The balance of light & darkness, both visually and emotionally, has always been incredibly important to me. Dualities give life spice and also context, so this definitely has a factor in the Joyseeker Oracle. The message behind this deck as well as the Joyseeker Tarot isn't about ignoring the dark, sticky parts of life. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
Instead, it encourages us to embrace and accept that darkness & pain, forgive it, and allow it to make the beauty & brightness shine that much more radiantly.
How will you celebrate when the deck is finally published?
A spa day and a brand new tattoo :)
What is on offer for people who pledge?
Backers can get their hands on the brand new Joyseeker Oracle deck, and can also bundle their pledge with the sister deck, the Joyseeker Tarot! There are also prints available of any of the cards so you can embrace more of that pink animal love within your favorite spaces.
If you absolutely have to have these gorgeous pink animals in your collection, click here:
Kickstarter - The Joyseeker Oracle
Website - https://www.joyseekertarot.com/