Last Monday, we had our monthly Artists' Guild meeting and I gave a little talk on Artist Trading Cards. I thought they were a cool little art form since I discovered them some odd years ago. I thought the Guild would appreciate it since we work in different media and artist trading cards can be made in any of them. The only rule, if you didn't know, is that they have to be 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches. Below, I've included my notes from that night in case you're unfamiliar with the movement and would like to know more about it. If you've already done some, let me know. I'd love to see them! Comment your link below!
What are Artist Trading Cards?
Artist
Trading Cards are miniature works of art that measure 2 ½ by 3 ½ inches and fit into a standard
trading card sleeve. They can be done in
a variety of media and on a variety of surfaces. Artists create them individually, in a
series, or limited editions and trade them among other artists. They are a great way to share your work.
The
movement began when Swiss artist M, Vanci Stirnemann created 1200 cards as part
of an exhibit. When the exhibition was
over, he encouraged others to make their own cards and trade with him. Since then, there have been numerous swap
meets organized all around the world.
How can I make one?
ATCs can be done in just about any
media. Start with a 2 ½ by 3 ½ inch
card. You can buy them premade by
several art supply brands such as Strathmore.
They sell 20 card backs of Vellum and Smooth Bristol board. These are great for marker, pen, and
pencil. You can also get a 5 pack of
thicker illustration board which is sturdier and better for collage and
painting. They also offer assorted packs
that contain a little bit of everything: the Bristol Board and illustration
board, but also cards made for acrylic, and watercolor.
But you’re free to cut your own. They don’t even have to be made out of
paper. People have made them out of
fabric, wood, and even clay.
What do
I do with them?
Once
you’ve made some artist trading cards of your own, you can trade them with
other artists or give them away. Some
artists even sell them as miniature art.
In this case, they are called ACEOs Art Card Editions or Originals.
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