King of Spades is not your average deck of cards; it’s an exploration of hip-hop culture through the lens of traditional playing card design. Pope Phoenix, using Affinity Designer, translated the four pillars of hip-hop—MCing, DJing, Breaking and Graffiti—into a stunning visual narrative.
The project began with extensive research, leading to a concept that combined Afrofuturism and Wakanda-inspired symbolism. Each face card represents one pillar, with the 10 serving as the only number card, creating a unique visual system.
Challenges arose in balancing traditional card design with expressive illustration. The mirrored structure ensured readability, while vector tools helped refine each piece until they interlocked perfectly when flipped. The colour palette was carefully crafted to reflect the vibrant energy of hip-hop culture, using rich reds and deep purples as the backbone.
This project showcases how traditional mediums can be reimagined with modern design techniques, offering a tangible way to explore complex cultural concepts. A fascinating blend of art, history, and technology on a single playing card.
