Artist Trading Cards
What Are Artist Trading Cards? (ATCs)
Artist trading cards (ATCs) are small pieces of art you can create and trade with artists around the world. Swiss artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann began creating them in 1997 as part of what he called a “collaborative cultural performance”
They can be one-offs or a series and are often signed and dated on the back by the artist.ATCs can only be traded and never sold.
What Are the Dimensions?
Artist trading cards are 2.5 by 3.5 inches which is the same size as Pokemon cards, baseball cards or playing cards.
What Mediums Can You Use?
ATCs can be made in a variety of mediums like:
- collage
- watercolor
- acrylic paint
- colored pencil
- pastels
- charcoal
- pen
- pencil
- linograph prints
- and so much more!
Terms
- Trade - When two people agree to trade cards, in person or online.
- Swap - A swap host announces a theme and a deadline then multiple artists mail cards to the host who decides which cards go to whom.
- Blind - Artists trade without knowing what card they will get.
- RAK - When cards are gifted instead of traded it’s a Random Act of Kindness.
- HD/HP - Hand drawn or hand painted.
- ACEOs - Art Cards Editions and Originals. Art cards that are sold instead of traded.
Where to Trade
Online
Search for “Artist Trading Card Groups” to find social media groups or websites you can trade on.
You can use a PO Box to avoid giving out your mailing address.
In Person
Organize an in-person trade with your friends at someone’s home or your local library!
Resources
- atcsforall.com
- tinyurl.com/startATCgroup
- artist-trading-cards.ch
- wikihow.com/Make-Artist-Trading-Cards
- sites.google.com/view/pepperwood-atcs
Facebook Groups
- The oldest active ATC group: facebook.com/groups/ATCpage
- My FAVORITE ATC group: facebook.com/groups/atcartisttradingcards
