Art Cards: The ABCs of ATCs and ACEOs

All art cards are basically one of two "flavors":

1. ATC (artist trading card)
2. ACEO (art cards, editions and originals.)

The method by which one obtains an art card is the distinguishing factor:

· Generally, ATCs are only traded, never sold.
· ACEOs are sold by artists.

There has been much controversy over the emergence of the ACEO, with many artists believing that art cards should never be sold.

ACEO artists argue that any form of art can be sold, and trading amongst artists excludes the public at large (non-artists.)

No matter which side of the acronymn issue you prefer, the popularity of both ATCs and ACEOs is undeniable. Both collectible and affordable, it looks like art cards, in either flavor, are here to stay.

Art cards can be dated back to the 16th century when artists created miniature portraits. ATCs didn't emerge as an art movement until the late 1990's, however.

The modern version was born when Swiss artist M.Vanci Stirnemann, inspired by watching sports fans trade hockey cards, produced 1200 art cards by hand in 1996. His handmade cards led to the first exhibition and swap of artist trading cards in Zurich, in 1997. Visitors were encouraged to make their own cards, and they were traded during the reception. A monthly trading session has continued to take place at INK.art&text since that show.

One of those in attendance of the exhibition in Zurich was Canadian artist Don Mabie, who subsequently brought the ATC movement back with him to North America.

ATCs have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity since then and are now created and traded globally.

ATC Rules
1. An ATC must be 2.5" x 3.5" in size.
2. An ATC must be traded, never sold.
3. There are no other rules.

This new book from the publisher of Somerset Studio includes over 500 images of artist trading cards. The book features cards of many different styles, materials and themes.

Purchase the book for $18.95 directly from the publisher, or see a list of stores that carry the book.

Lisa Vollrath is a well-known, prolific mixed media artist who shares a wealth of information from her art expertise via her web site, published articles, and (wouldn't you know it?) Squidoo.

Check out Lisa's:
lenses | website | how-tos | ATC how-tos

In late 2004, the eBay ACEO Group was born. Artist Lisa Luree started the eBay group and invited members of the Art & Artists dicussion board.

Immediately joined by about 100 artists, the ACEO group has flourished as the movement took on a life of its own. Today there are over 3,000 members!

Essentially, the ACEO was born on eBay. As the movement has gained in popularity, ACEOs are now being sold on artists' individual websites, as well as several other online venues.



ACEO Rules
1. ACEOs must be 2.5" x 3.5" in size.
2. ACEOs must adhere to copyright laws.
3. There are no other rules.

(Not a rule, but generally ACEOs are sold, whereas ATCs are traded only.)