Greek Mythology Playing Cards

zoomed in header image of the playing cards; detail showing Hera, Zeus, and Hermes

Greek Mythology Playing Cards

ILLUSTRATION | INSTRUCTION: KEITH WARREN GREIMAN | PROCREATE, PHOTOSHOP

Within one week, I illustrated a set of playing cards that included the King, Queen, and Jack, as well as a design for the back of the cards. I chose to do this set based on Greek mythology, with Zeus, Hera, and Hermes being my inspiration.

layout of playing cards showing the King card, Zeus, the Queen card, Hera, and the Jack card, Hermes. above and below the row of cards are more rows showing the Greek-inspired pattern on the back of the cards.

zeus card stacked on top of another card showing the back. Zeus is pictured as the King, with a white toga, an eagle, a lightning bolt, and a golden scepter

Zeus: King of Spades

Hera is the Queen card, shown with a pomegranate, peacock feather, golden crown, intricate earrings, and a lotus scepter

Zeus is known as the God of the Sky, Father of All Gods and Humans, and the King of Mount Olympus. The Spade is associated with the sword and the military, and Zeus is characterized by:

A strong and imposing regal body
Long curly hair and beard
The scepter, lightning bolt, and eagle

Hera: Queen of Diamonds

Hermes is the Jack card, shown with a golden winged helmet, a messenger bag, and a golden staff called the Caduceus

Hera is known as the Queen of the Gods and the Goddess of Women and Marriage. The Diamond represents worth and stability. Characteristics and symbols of Hera include:

Big, captivating eyes
Beauty, height, and elegance
A golden crown
Expensive jewelry and pierced earlobes
Pomegranates, peacock feathers, the lotus, and a scepter

Hermes: Jack of Clubs

Hermes is the Herald of the Gods and the Divine Trickster. With the Club representing youth and recklessness, Hermes was the perfect fit for this card. Symbols and characteristics of Hermes include: