Card design is based on recently deceased typeface designer Hermann Zapf, the German artist responsible for Palatino, Optima, Zapf Dingbats, Zapfino, and hundreds more typefaces. He was a cartographer in World War II, and the backs of the cards are based on old war maps and compasses.

The front three cards are, from left to right: Zapfino type specimen, quote about Hermann Zapf, a reason that differentiates Zapfino from other typefaces and why it should be used.