🌙 Introduction
Some creators build tarot decks.
Others build entire worlds.
Jen Sankey does something even more remarkable. She reminds us that wonder never truly disappears — it simply waits for us to notice it again.
Best known for the beautifully imaginative Stardust Wanderer Tarot, Jen creates decks filled with curiosity, warmth, and unforgettable characters that encourage readers to reconnect with their intuition through joy rather than fear.
In this edition of The Creator's Voice, Jen shares the story behind her magical worlds, the importance of keeping our sense of curiosity alive, and why tarot should always leave room for a little wonder.
🌙 The Beginning
Your decks carry such a strong sense of wonder and imagination. What first drew you to tarot, and how did your creative journey eventually lead you to designing your own decks?
I started tarot, or became interested in tarot, when I was about 12 years old and got my first deck shortly thereafter. As far as designing my own decks, that just happened! My first deck, Stardust Wanderer Tarot, is my only self-published deck. Mena is the Fool in the deck and she just kind of appeared one day — I had toyed around with the idea and actually had some other working stories going, but she just pushed her way right through and off we went and I just followed. As I started creating more decks, I realised how much I enjoyed becoming a part of the world of 78 cards and putting my spin on it.
🌟 The Magic of Wonder
There is a whimsical, adventurous quality that runs through much of your work. Why do you think wonder and imagination are such important things to hold onto, even as adults?
Unfortunately, as we become adults, our whimsy is beaten out of us. I feel like when I create my decks, I'm trying to bring that back — because when we were children, everything was magical and we didn't question that. So I want to bring that sense of wonder and joy back to whoever reads my decks so that they can tap into their intuition more easily.
🗺️ Building Magical Worlds
When you're creating a deck, do the characters and worlds reveal themselves gradually, or do they arrive with a clear vision already formed?
For me, Mena just kind of showed up one day. I always feel like I want to be structured and come up with themes and ideas, but to be honest, they just kind of appear in my head and I just have to start writing them down.
✨ Creativity & Curiosity
Many people lose touch with their creative spark as they get older. How do you continue to nurture curiosity, creativity, and play within your own life and work?
As a child, I had to be more of an adult than a child, so once I was old enough to see that and the difference — and a lot of people had similar situations in their childhoods — I made a promise to myself to always practise curiosity and creativity, weave them into my adult life, and show others they can do the same.
🌙 The Heart of Your Work
What is the core feeling or message you hope people experience when they work with your decks?
I want people to embrace tarot. If they see an image of one of the cards in my cat deck and pick up a tarot deck and start reading, my job is done! I want everyone to be able to experience divination, tap into their intuition, and see how magical they really are.
🎨 Artistic Process
Your decks feel full of movement, colour, and personality. You connect with artists to bring your decks to life — what part of the creative process brings you the most joy, and what challenges you the most?
When I create the descriptions for each of the 78 cards, I am very detailed. I can see it in my mind and I try to get everything out as clearly as possible so the artist can render that into a card. Sometimes my brain thinks bigger than a card, and the artist has to say "Sorry, this doesn't make sense" or "There are too many things going on here for this small scale" — and in my head it looks great! So I suppose that's the challenge. Also, I wish I were an artist. I wish I could draw, but I do love the collaborative effort when creating a deck with my artists.
⭐ Stardust Wanderer Tarot
Your upcoming Stardust Wanderer Tarot has already captured the hearts of many readers through its successful Kickstarter campaign. What inspired the creation of this deck, and what can readers expect when they begin their journey through its world?
I am so excited that Stardust Wanderer Tarot will be coming out in a mass market edition by US Games, and I am so thankful to them for seeing my vision and my quirky little world with space pirates, gods and goddesses, and how different types of beings are all just doing the same thing — we're just trying to get through our day. We're trying to grow and learn and be better. In Stardust Wanderer Tarot, I wanted to make sure people reading with the deck had a lot of imagery to pull from. I wanted to make it very inclusive and showcase all the beautiful people in this world, and I just wanted it to be relatable, easy to read, and fun.
🚀 The Wanderer's Journey
The idea of a wanderer suggests exploration, discovery, and trusting the path ahead. Is this a theme that resonates with your own life, and if so, how?
Absolutely, because we are all always learning, and there are so many things out in this world that are ready to teach us lessons, realisations, and things about ourselves. I think by keeping that wandering mind and always seeking bigger and better things can only benefit all of us.
🌈 The Characters We Meet
Many of your creations feel filled with memorable characters and personalities. Do you see your cards as storytellers, guides, or companions for the reader?
I see my cards as whatever the reader needs at that moment. Sometimes it can be a storytelling situation, and that's great for a question you really need to work through scenarios for. If you are looking for a deep answer, reaching out to your guide using tarot can be so helpful. Or it's your everyday questions — should I do this or that — and you just need to pull a card quickly. It's like phoning a friend. Really, it meets the reader where they're at and what they need.
🖤 For New Readers
For someone discovering your work for the very first time, what would you love them to know before opening one of your decks?
For anyone opening my decks for the very first time, I just want them to know that I made this for them. They are opening this particular deck for a reason, and to trust that. Also, I super appreciate the support — which helps me create more.
🌟 Looking Ahead
Are there any future projects, dreams, or creative adventures you're excited to explore next?
There are so many floating around in my head right now! There are a couple of things happening in real life that I can't quite announce yet, but if you follow me, you'll get first dibs on all that good stuff. Goblin Whispers Tarot is being created — we are a little more than halfway through, so another year or two for that one, and that will be with Llewellyn, so I'm excited for that. It's super fun and I love goblins, so that makes it even better. Hopefully another book on the horizon too, so working on all of that stuff.
⚡ Quick Fire
- Sun or Moon? ☀️🌙 Moon
- Fantasy or Fairytale? 🏰✨ Both
- Coffee or Tea? ☕🍵 Both
- Create or Explore? 🎨🗺️ Both
- One word to describe your work? Practical
Jen's Decks
