What are they?

Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs as they’re more commonly known, are a new way for artists to get to know each other and share their creativity. The only rules are that the cards must be 2.5″ x 3.5″ (6.35cm x 8.89cm), and the cards should be traded with other artists rather than sold – however, some cards are sold, and these are known as Art Card, Editions and Originals or ACEOs for short.

How are they made?

Basically, you take a 2.5″ x 3.5″ card, and decorate it according to your desire and whim. Anything goes – paint, fabric, punching, sewing, printing, calligraphy or plain and simple drawings. The card is the canvas, you’re the artist, it’s entirely your call.

Have you made any?

Yep! And here they are…

Work Kills!

An appeal on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Artists:

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Affirmation

A bit of a personal one here. Trying to use my art to lift my spirits on a low day:

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Calling Card

Known in ATC circles as a ‘signature card’. Everything you need to know about me on one small card:

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Message to the Artist

Because all us creative types need a lift now and then:

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More ATCs

Check out these great ATC sites:

• DIY Planner – innowen on ATCs – all about ATCs and creative uses for them.
• Crissi’s Craft Room – a great UK-based eBay store stocking all manner of pre-cut craft bits, including blank ATCs. I bought some blanks from here recently and they come highly recommended.
• ATC Quarterly – a Canadian ATC print zine.
• Art In Your Pocket
• Emberlexi’s ATC Set
• Artist Trading Cards – A Collaborative Cultural Performance