Quick answer
For your first tarot deck, choose a Rider-Waite-Smith style deck with illustrated scenes on all 78 cards — the imagery makes learning far easier. Pick artwork you genuinely connect with, and ignore the myth that a deck must be gifted; you can absolutely buy your own.
Start with a Rider-Waite-Smith style deck
The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system is the most widely used in the world, which means nearly every book, course, and guide — including this site — is written around it. Its greatest advantage for beginners is that all 56 Minor Arcana cards have illustrated scenes, not just pips, so the meaning is easier to read from the image.
You do not need the original artwork. Countless decks follow the RWS structure with different art styles, so you can find one that feels right while still learning a system everything else references.
Choose art you actually connect with
Beyond the system, the most important factor is whether the imagery speaks to you. You will spend a lot of time looking at these cards, and a deck whose art you love will pull you back to practice. Browse the full card images online before buying — especially the Minor Arcana and court cards, which vary the most.
The 'gifted deck' myth
A persistent superstition says your first deck must be a gift. There is no basis for this — buying your own deck is completely fine and, for many readers, more meaningful because you chose it. Learn the way that works for you.
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