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On April 1, 1853, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the first professional fire department in the United States was created and just a few years later in 1885, the first Bicycle playing cards were printed.
The aim of this deck was to blends two key parts of American history into a one of a kind limited release tribute designed by an American firefighter. It contains hidden elements and “tips of the helmet” to firefighter culture as well as Bicycle’s tried and true design.
I’ve always had a love for all things playing cards, magic, and art. The Bicycle Firefighters playing cards began as a simple project for myself to simply scratch that creative itch that always seemed to find its way into my thoughts. For the past 3 years I’ve have been designing and redesigning and it was the push of family , friends, and being inspired by creatives on the internet (CR – if you know you know) to take the designs to the next level and actually get them printed.
Some of the design elements on these cards speak for themselves while others are more a whisper of their true meaning. I will try to explain most of the style choices I made but I’ve added many Easter eggs and tend to forget sometimes that they are even there… old age i guess .
DESIGN CHOICES
BICYCLE FIREFIGHTERS PLAYING CARDS BACK DESIGN
We’ll start with the back design of the cards since that, for a long time, has been the most noticeable change for custom themed playing cards. The color scheme was chosen for the immediate recognition that the color red has with the service of firefighters as well as with the historical Bicycle design which uses red and white.
Many of the elements I wanted them to feel as if you were playing with an original Bicycle deck but at the same time I needed it to be its own. Most may take a look at the center of the designs and notice the 3 circles. At closer examination the 2 outer lying circles are actually designed around the locking system (Storz) that is used in most large diameter hose (LDH) for water supply from hydrants to the fire apparatus. Within the circles the more obvious hydrant and flames are easily recognizable and self explanatory.
The wheel in the back , much like the bicycle wheel in the original design, is created from the old wooden wheels used on the first horse drawn carriage pumpers. The decorative swirls belong to one of the original hose and nozzle designs with flowing water in the style of acanthus foliage, which adorned some fire apparatuses and stations. The Maltese cross has always been a symbol recognizable with sacrifice and the fire department . Pike poles were also a simple choice due to their continuous use in the industry.
BICYCLE FIREFIGHTERS PLAYING CARDS TUCKBOX
The tuckbox keeps the aesthetically pleasing familiar layout of the original Bicycle decks but of course with the addition of the fire engine and the flames. If you focus your gaze on the reflection in the windshield of the fire engine you’ll find the city skyline and bridge that can be seen in my fire department’s city as a tribute to all my brothers and sisters.
BICYCLE FIREFIGHTERS PLAYING CARDS COURT CARDS
With the art on each card I wanted to depict the wide variety of individuals who belong to the fire service family. People from different backgrounds, cultures , genders and sexual orientations all working together are what make up our fire departments in the true sense of what America is as being a place for all.
As you peruse the artworks you will find all types of tools. Most of the tools are still used today with some taking their now forever home in museums. Another tip of the helmet with the courts that are seen holding radios you can look into the neon green screen and find the text “CH4”. This stands for Channel 4 which was the structure fire channel for my fire department. On the King of Clubs he has fire grenades on his chest with the text “SR STOP”. This is shorthand for a historical vintage fire grenade named Suhr-Stop.
The Jokers are dalmatians ,which have been widely seen as a symbol for fire departments, putting out the flames in their own special way. Also I’m an avid dog lover so that that’s why as well . They are carrying a halligan ( another tool used everyday in the fire service) and in their fire helmet bands you can find a dog treat sticking out.
BICYCLE FIREFIGHTERS PLAYING CARDS SUITS
One of the biggest problems with custom decks is how the suits may be changed to incorporate the overall theme into their design. I’ve always liked the idea of custom suits but most of the time the change makes it harder for users of the cards to tell which card is what suit. At that point the cards end up in the drawer with the socks you don’t like to never see the light of day instead of being played like their original intent. I aimed to fix this problem using negative space as my focus. I figured I could keep the overall shape and resemblance of each suit while letting more of theme drip through.
The HEARTS being the most easily recognizable for the flames that lie within followed by the DIAMONDS that contain the Maltese cross. The CLUBS show the bugles which were historical tools used and now symbolize those in command. Finally the SPADES with their distinct points show the pike pole once again for its historical significance and continues use today.
ACES
Beginning with the Ace of Spades we have a chainsaw. Chainsaws are significant in their use in many scenarios in firefighting which is why it made it onto a card. The Ace of Clubs contains the K-12 which is used in rescue situations, ventilation, extrication and much more. Ace of Hearts has a fire alarm and for the Ace of Diamonds I wanted to do something special. It is based on the original fire alarm telegraph stations that were once used in most fire departments. The number on the station is 343 which is a small tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11.
EXTRA FUN (not sure what to call this)
If you’ve looked through this post thus far you’ve read of the main focuses design elements and decisions that were chosen. With my appreciation for all things magic and illusions, no joke, special reveals were put into 2 of the cards which you will have to find yourself as well as a blank face card. If you are magician you will know what to do with them. Another extra card was also added as a tribute to whomever has served or will serve and this card can be used as a decor for a firefighter’s helmet. For those who acquire the 1st edition printing of this deck , the seal on that deck will be special. “1st Due” is on the seal and is a term for the first fire apparatus to make it on scene before the rest and for this I am greatly appreciative for the for those who supported my efforts 1st.
Thank you for making it to the end of this. I’m not an avid writer so this was actually very hard for me to get this out on paper.. meta-paper?? Whatever you call it, its done.. sort of. If there was something I missed , which is very likely I will definitely be updating this post as I remember. I hope everyone enjoys the Bicycle Firefighters playing cards as much as I did designing them. Much love.
-Daniel Rivera-