Today we head out to Seattle to talk with Nakisha Elsje VanderHoeven of BlueDogRose.

How and when did you first hear of The Game Crafter?

I first heard of TGC through the tarot forums.

What games have you published through The Game Crafter and what is the name of your game design label?

Right now I just use TGC to publish my TaRat (Rat Tarot). I work under the name BlueDogRose.

Had you ever published a game before using The Game Crafter?

In 2009 I self Published the Rabbit Tarot, which was very successful.

How long had you been designing games before using The Game Crafter?

Five or six years at least. The Rabbit Tarot was my first published game, although I had designed a card deck before it that was just words, and never published. When I first made the TaRat I never intended to (or budgeted for) creating an actual playing deck from it, but there was such a demand for the cards I started looking around for the most efficient way to print a short run of decks. TGC fit the bill.

How much time do you spend on designing and playing games?

For the tarot decks they have 78 unique images, and it takes a lot of time to create the artwork for each one. It can take over a year, but for the TaRat it was much less since the actual artwork is much smaller. I am currently working on a new deck, and it’s only about half done, but I have been working on it on and off for over a year.

What keeps you motivated to continue designing games?

I am an artist first, and the tarots are just a wonderful way to explore ideas and imagery. 

How would you describe yourself?

Artist, writer and crazy dog lady.

Do you have any pets?

I have four rescued dogs, two cats and three goldfish.

What do you hate?

Cruelty and ignorance.

What do you love?

More things than I can list here.

What’s the last CD/MP3 you bought (or downloaded)?

I actually bought a cd from the local Seattle band The Bend. They are my current favorite band, and this is their best album yet.

What’s the last movie you watched?

Bunny and the Bull, - I highly recommend it.

You’re stuck on a train/plane for 6 hours and bored out of your mind, how do you pass the time?

If the ride isn’t too bumpy, I’d probably draw in my sketchbook. Otherwise I’d read, watch Dr. Who on my laptop or write.

Any last words?

Visit my website for more about me and my art.