Brad Fulton is a trailblazing figure in the world of designer playing cards, renowned for his innovative approach that seamlessly blends elements of storytelling, cinema, and Americana into his card designs. With a strong background in typography, graphic design, and film, which he studied at USC and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Fulton has developed a unique style that transcends the traditional boundaries of playing card design. His work is deeply rooted in creating immersive experiences, where each deck tells a story and transports its user to a meticulously crafted world.

Fulton’s career took a significant leap forward through his collaboration with Dan and Dave Buck, the masterminds behind the “Smoke & Mirrors” deck, which became a cornerstone of modern cardistry. This partnership eventually led to the creation of Fulton’s own signature line, beginning with “Fulton’s Clip Joint,” a deck that evokes the atmosphere of a 1940s Los Angeles film noir scene. Following this success, he introduced “Ace Fulton’s Casino,” a deck that conjured a fictional Las Vegas casino from the golden era of Sin City. These decks were not just tools for cardistry but were celebrated as works of art that could evoke powerful imagery and narratives.

Throughout his illustrious career, Brad Fulton has collaborated with a wide range of prestigious brands and artists, each of which has contributed to his reputation as one of the foremost designers in the playing card community. Notably, his collaborations include projects with NASA, where he brought the awe and wonder of space exploration into the tactile world of playing cards and the iconic NASA “Meatball” logo. He has also worked with the renowned denim brand Tellason, infusing the rugged spirit of Americana into his designs. Additionally, Fulton has collaborated with iconic skateboarder and artist Jeremy Klein, creating decks that draw on Klein’s Hook-Ups brand and the cult-favorite “Dream Girl” series, bringing a fresh, edgy aesthetic to the world of cardistry.

Fulton’s other notable partnerships extend to working with the New York City MTA, where he reimagined the iconic 1972 Vignelli subway map, merging design history with contemporary aesthetics. His collaboration with the Alfred Hitchcock estate produced a deck based on the classic film “Vertigo,” capturing the psychological suspense and visual style of the movie. Fulton has also created decks for Franklin BBQ, an iconic Austin-based barbecue restaurant, blending culinary heritage with his signature atmospheric design. Additionally, his books with Dan and Dave Buck delve into the artistry, evolution, and intersection of playing cards and magic, further solidifying his influence in the community.

Each of these collaborations showcases Fulton’s versatility and his ability to infuse different cultural elements into his designs, making them resonate with a broad audience. His decks are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, each one representing a fusion of art, history, and personal storytelling that transcends the simple functionality of a deck of cards.

“For me, playing cards are many things. Currency. Art. Calling cards.

Once you can invite an individual to sit down and unwrap a package that captures the atmosphere of your brand—you’ve formed a personal relationship with the consumer not possible through media. 

Playing cards are personal. They force active thought. My goal is to put “atmosphere and ideas in a box.” These are essentially art books with working line pedigree—not just for show.

Playing cards are also completely universal. Marketing is tailored by Language or cultural acceptance. Cards Transcend this and speak an international language based on a unified lexicon. It’s an immediate hello that rings out in thousands of languages at once.”