Spotlight on Artist Trading Cards
The joy of owning something rare is something we can all probably relate to.
While you’re probably thinking of things like baseball cards or mint comic books, we gather here today in the year of our lord 2022 to discuss Artist Trading Cards (ATC).
They’re rare because there’s only one of them in all the world. Take that, baseball cards.
So what are they, how do you make them, and what do you do with them?
Beautiful work by @thistleandthimbles (I'm so glad I own one of her pieces!)
What are Artist Trading Cards?
Artist trading cards (ATCs for short) are miniature works of art about the same size as modern-day baseball cards (or Instax photos. 64 x 89 mm (2.5 inches by 3.5 inches).
They camle into the world in 1997 thanks to the the Swiss artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann. He saw it as a conceptual art project, and a Collaborative Cultural Performance.
The standardised size of ATCS is the most important rule. This is so that all the art pieces have at least something in common, no matter how wild or wonderful the art itself is.
They’re made to be traded with other artists. Artist Trading Cards are not for sale.
You can see from M. Vänçi Stirnemann's description below that ATCs have a big impact on the world of zines:
…they are originals, small editions and, most importantly, self-produced. anybody can produce them. the idea is that you trade them with other people who produce cards, either at TRADING SESSIONS or wherever you meet another ATC trader in person. it is important that you meet other people in person to trade - i.e. it is ok to trade by mail or to participate in editions but the main purpose of this performance is the trading session and the personal meeting. It‘s not about money: ATCs are not to be sold (ATCs and money don't mix). participants in trading sessions and editions should not be charged any money: the point of the project is the exchange of cards as well as the personal experience. - Artist Trading Cards
Artist Trading Cards are about community
There’s a lot of online communities dedicated to ATCs where people swap addresses so that they can send each other cards.
I’ve also seen cards posted on an online art gallery where you can buy them from the artist directly. It’s not strictly within the bounds of what an ATC should be, but whatever floats their boat.
Online communities are a great way to find more people who share your interest in art. Here are some I float around in:
Kakao Karten: the largest German-language website about self-created trading cards.
Neon Mob: cool idea, but digital
#atcswap or #a3atcswapgroup on Instagram
Art Cards, Editions and Originals: made with the intention to sell
Art Cards, Editions and Originals (ACEOs) are the same as Artist Trading Cards. The difference is that these are sold by artists as either originals, or limited editions.
Like Artist Trading Cards, ACEOs can be made with any materials or methods. They just need to be the same size as Artist Trading Cards.
Check out the eBay small art community here.
ATC clubs exist offline too
Clubs have been established in real-world communities too. Gasp! They meet up regularly for the purpose of getting together for chats and snacks, and trading or making cards.
I really like how community-focused this medium really is. Artists trading cards are a neat way to meet other artists and learn about new art techniques.
Maybe you’ll find your next creative inspiration in an ATC club, who knows.
Some places encourage the cards to be created according to a particular theme
For example, different communities have monthly themes. So one month might ask for ATCs with a creation story or the theme might be "works inspired by Monet." Themes can be general or specific. They can also be seasonal or occasion-specific. Themes can also just be fun. Some swaps I’ve participated in have had themes like...
Sea glass
Mountains
Patchwork
Also a great idea:
Because artist trading cards are not as well known outside of the ATC community, it’s fun to give away cards to those who aren’t familiar with them, hopefully inspiring them to start their own collection with this spontaneous present. I like to place mine in my Little Free Library for patrons to take and encourage them to replace the ones they take with those that they create. I also put them inside holiday and birthday cards, especially for kids. - Felt Magnet
More Artist Trading Cards, also made by me.
Small format art = huge creative playground
I hope that I've fired you up enough to go make something small and mighty. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun! As I said before over on the Art Journaling article: I find that my favourite and most fulfilling creations are born out of limitation.
The books & art journal pages that I’ve been creating in recent months have been smaller and smaller…and smaller…
Email me if you want to trade ATCs. I’m always up for an art swap.