Notorious Gambling Frog - Green (2021)

In my portfolio and catalog, there was a conspicuous absence—a regular deck with standard faces, without being a limited edition, and beckoning with an appealing price range.

In 2021, the Notorious Gambling Frog project emerged, marking the opportune moment to create a deck of cards adorned with standard faces, exuding a timeless allure. The genesis of this project was drawn from ‘The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,’ a short story penned by Mark Twain and first published in 1865. 
The Notorious Gambling Frog isn’t connected to that story; it was the title that drew me in. In this project, an anthropomorphic frog takes on poker.  It’s a blend of poker cards, a notorious gambling frog, a title reminiscent of an 1865 tale, and an overall classic ambiance.

I began with the number cards, ensuring a clear and legible index in all corners for ease of use, even for left-handed players. The font is classic, bold, elegant, and highly legible. Colors were chosen to maintain strong contrasts, with dark green for black cards and a pale coral red for red suits. A subtle warm pattern graces the backdrop, adding a touch of classic elegance.

The court cards mirror the design of the 52+Joker Club Deck, the official and proprietary standard court cards at Stockholm17. Minimal adjustments were made, mainly involving color tests and a final color change.

The Jokers added a fun touch. This deck boasts three Jokers, with the Notorious Gambling Frog taking center stage, illustrated and colored in a style reminiscent of etched illustrations from the past.