Description
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Creative Cue Cards Abstract Face Deck?
A: The Abstract Face Deck is a set of 40 printed art prompt cards created by Brisbane artist and arts educator Jenny McNamara. The cards are designed to help artists explore abstract portraiture by combining face shape prompts, pattern prompts, colour prompts, and extension cards. Rather than teaching realistic drawing, the deck reframes faces as a compositional challenge — making it accessible to artists of all levels.
Q: How many cards are in the Abstract Face Deck?
A: The Abstract Face Deck contains 40 cards: 8 abstract face shape cards (in yellow, so they’re easy to identify and separate), 8 pattern cards, 8 colour cards, 8 extension cards, plus an information sheet. All cards come packaged in a hard plastic case.
Q: Do I need to know how to draw faces to use the Abstract Face Deck?
A: No — that’s the point of the deck. The cards guide you to think about faces as a collection of shapes, patterns and colours rather than as a technical drawing task. The result is expressive, abstract portraiture that’s entirely your own. Beginners and experienced artists alike find the deck removes the intimidation of drawing faces.
Q: What makes the Abstract Face Deck different from the Still Life Deck?
A: The Abstract Face Deck focuses on portraiture and abstract faces, while the Still Life Deck focuses on flowers, vases, and still life subjects. The face shape cards in the Abstract Face Deck are yellow (rather than purple) so they stand apart and can be used alongside future themed Add-On Decks. Both decks share the same pattern and colour card format and are interchangeable.
Q: Is the Abstract Face Deck suitable for art therapy?
A: Yes. The structured but open-ended nature of the deck makes it well suited to therapeutic art settings. Portrait-based prompts can be particularly meaningful in therapeutic contexts, and the abstract approach removes the pressure of realism, making participation accessible for a wide range of clients.
Q: Can the Abstract Face Deck be used in a classroom?
A: Yes — it works well for abstract portraiture units or any lesson exploring faces as a design element rather than a realistic subject. The card format ensures every student starts from a different combination, producing a diverse range of work from a single activity.
Q: Can Abstract Face Deck cards be mixed with other Creative Cue Card decks?
A: Yes. The Abstract Face Deck is fully interchangeable with all other Jenny McNamara Creative Cue Card decks. Mixing face shape cards with Still Life pattern cards or Universal colour cards creates unexpected new combinations — this cross-deck mixing is one of the key strengths of the whole system.
Q: Is the Abstract Face Deck available as a digital download?
A: Yes — the Abstract Face Deck is available as an instant-download digital version as well as a printed physical deck. The digital version can be purchased, downloaded, and printed at home or at a local print shop straight away.
Q: What card stock are the Abstract Face Deck cards printed on?
A: Cards are printed on 350gsm card stock with a cellosheen coating, giving them a smooth, durable finish. They are playing-card sized and come in a hard sealed plastic case.
Q: Who is the Abstract Face Deck designed for?
A: The Abstract Face Deck is designed for beginners who find faces intimidating, practising artists exploring abstraction and portraiture, classroom teachers running portrait units, and art therapists wanting expressive face-based prompts for group sessions. Anyone curious about abstract faces as an art form will find the deck a practical and inspiring starting point.
