“Where can I even start? Navada’s flair for character illustration is sensational. She really takes the time to study her subject, and that care and attention comes through beautifully in the final work. What impressed me just as much as her talent was her professionalism and the thoughtfulness of her process. Every stage of the project was clearly and carefully outlined, so I always knew what to expect and where we were up to. That gave me so much confidence throughout the whole experience. The artwork itself is brilliant, but having the project managed in such a professional way made the experience even better. I’m absolutely thrilled with what Navada created and couldn’t be happier with the result.”
A cheeky card game about cranky magpies.
Swoopy Season is an Australian card game about cranky magpies and sneaky swoops. Players collect critters to keep their magpie families happy, then swoop on each other and raid nests to get ahead. It's built for ages 8+ and just as fun for grown-ups, which makes it a great game for the whole family.
Client
Swoopy Season
Year
2026
Scope
Illustration

Card game packaging design
The client arrived with a prototype of the game illustrated with AI-generated artwork. It never quite captured the essence of each magpie, and the birds didn't look like they belonged together. The work here produced original characters that exist nowhere else in the market. Each is designed with its own personality, warmth and humour to appeal to its target audience – children.

Magpie character design sketches
Each character was sketched first, so there was room for feedback and adjustments before the final artwork. Breaking the project into stages meant the client had a say in the direction the whole way through.

Magpie character design

Magpie character design
The magpies sit front and centre on every card, with overlapping circles behind them to tie the pack together. The bright, playful colours were chosen to resonate with children, and they alternate from card to card so the set never feels repetitive.

Card game design

Card game design
A playful look at how far the brand could stretch across merchandise. Zooming in on the magpies' faces brings out their expressions and highlights each one's personality. Each is paired with a cheeky, slightly menacing catch line written from the magpie's point of view.

Branded Badges

Bucket hat design

T-shirt design

Card game design
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