Whispering Imps (Workers Edition) Playing Cards

Timeless. Practical. Enigmatic.

Originally released in 2013, Whispering Imps quickly became a favorite among magicians, cardists, and collectors. Created by Chris Chelko and illustrated by Mark Stutzman, the design takes inspiration from Harry Kellar’s classic “Whispering Imps” poster... an enduring piece of magic history.

The Workers Edition refines the originals with simplified Jokers, a streamlined Ace of Spades (plus a Gamesters variation), and improved handling. The mirrored back design is beautiful and has a great classic feel. The jet-black tuck features metallic silver detailing and the signature red imp, sleek, functional, and still full of character. A polished evolution of a modern classic.

Creators: Jonathan Bayme on Designing Licensed Playing Cards

Jonathan Bayme, founder of theory11, has mastered the art of turning global brands into collectible works of art.... one deck of cards at a time. This interview was originally conducted by Deej Johnson for Brands Untapped. Read full interview here! We’re sharing it here on our first Creators feature of 2026 because Jonthan’s insights into designing licensed playing cards are pure gold for anyone who loves cards, design, or both. 

From reimagining classics like James Bond, and The Beatles to immersing himself in the worlds of Harry Potter, The Avengers and Lord of the Rings, Jonathan reveals how theory11 turns licensed brands into intricate, collectible decks that fans treasure for a lifetime.

Each licensed deck begins with a blank slate. Bayme’s team never reuses existing artwork. Instead, they immerse themselves in the brand’s world for months — sometimes over a year — studying its history, style, and fan culture.

The goal is to create a deck that super-fans will see as the ultimate collectible, packed with hidden nods, easter eggs, and tributes that reward close inspection.

The process is meticulous. Style guides from licensors are only a starting point. There’s no “King of Clubs” template in a movie brand’s design bible. Every ace, court card, joker, and tuck box is custom illustrated, produced with premium printing techniques like letterpress, foil stamping, and embossed detailing. 

In some cases, licensors have even asked theory11 to provide a “cheat sheet” to decode the sheer number of references embedded in the artwork.

Over time, theory11 has earned the trust of major licensors by making their brands look not just good, but “better than they ever thought they could look.” Bayme insists on working only with properties he’s passionate about, ensuring authenticity in every design choice. 

That passion, paired with an obsessive commitment to detail, has made theory11 decks a benchmark for how licensed products can be elevated into high art.

Read full interview here!

The Limited Edition Flare Playing Cards

Flare Playing Cards is a striking collaboration between Canadian cybersecurity company Flare.io and Thirdway Industries. The deck is inspired by hackers, digital threats, and the hidden layers of the internet. Designed by Giovanni Meroni, this deck serves as the official playing cards of Flare.io and stands out as one of the most concept-driven releases in recent memory.

Like all Thirdway's deck, this custom deck features a lore where the four suits represent opposing forces in cyberspace. Hearts and Diamonds embody threats such as social engineering, malware, and automated attacks, while Spades and Clubs symbolize the analysts, researchers, and defenders working to stop them.

Each court card is thoughtfully illustrated as a specific role within this digital battlefield, transforming familiar figures into phishers, ransomware operators, SOC analysts, CISOs, and cyber law enforcers.

The Jokers continue the theme with clever symbolism. One represents the onion, a nod to the Tor network and the anonymous, unpredictable nature of the dark web. The other reimagines Telegram as a vintage communication device, referencing its central role in modern cybercrime networks. 

The luxury tuck box is finished with custom paper and silver foil, reinforcing the deck’s high-end feel.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company, Flare Playing Cards feature pure silver metallic ink on the cards themselves, adding a sleek, technical sheen that complements the theme. Limited quantities available on Thirdway Industries for $28.

Exit Playing Cards by TCC Fashion

Taking inspiration from the iconic “Little Green Man” of emergency exit signs, TCC Fashion's Exit Playing Cards reimagine this universal symbol as a striking new design language for cardistry, magic, and play. The running figure, urgent and unmistakable, brings instant recognition and bold visual impact to the deck.

Inside, the cards themselves blaze with a vivid neon green that bursts under UV light, making every flourish or shuffle feel alive. Indices are bold and functional for smooth gameplay, while the pips feature the running figure in motion. 

When fanned, riffled or cuts, these animated pips create a surprising sense of movement, adding a dynamic element to every performance.

The tuck case shimmers with shifting green foil, glowing at different angles like a beacon in the dark. Available for $9 from TCC Online Store.