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Making Artist Trading Cards - 1001 Techniques

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1001 Ways Of Making ATC's Or ACEO's

How many ways do you know of making artist trading cards? Maybe I have exaggerated a little in the title here ( call it artistic licence) but you will find many different techniques used by artists for making artist trading cards ( ATC's and ACEO's) with examples. But first, what are artist trading cards? They are small but very real works of art within a specific size format, 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Artist trading cards are either traded between artists (and are known as ATC's) or sold (in which case they are known as ACEO's or Art Cards Editions And Originals). In all other respects they are exactly identical. In the remainder of this lens I will refer to one or the other, as appropriate, for convenience.

This page is about broad techniques, giving ideas for making artist trading cards, within each section / technique there will be many variations on a theme and I can only suggest that you visit some of the references to get a fuller picture if required. I have used the word "making" very deliberately in this page, since there are so many ways of creating them. Artist trading cards are often painted, drawn or sketched but they can be collaged, etched, made on a metal or ceramic base. They can be /www.squidoo.com/making_aceos#module131071701">photographs or prints (often as limited editions) or they can be pieces of altered art ( which I will explain later if like me you are bemused meeting this term for the first time) or mixed media. They can be woven, felted or made from textiles, even embroidered, using needlework in some way. They can made made using not only paper but also clay or papier mache and even wood. The list is endless... and below you can add your own method / technique if I have missed it off this initial list.

I will explain the rules for making artist trading cards as accepted by the artists that make them and point you in the direction of lenses and web sites (from artists more experienced than myself in specific techniques) which will give help and instruction in all the various techniques which can be utilised. This actually seems a tall order now that I have written it down - but, I will add as much as I can over the next few weeks and months. I have recently added links to pages with useful words and phrases for using on your artist trading cards. If there is a specific technique or methodology which you would like to see included then please let me know and I will do all I can to comply.

Note, Most of the material here refers to one-off original artworks, I have explained about series and editions in another page here on Squidoo.

Please note; all photos unless specified otherwise were taken by myself and are of my own artwork, and should not be copied in any manner without express permission in writing from myself. Those by other artists are used by permission and that artist holds the copyright and all rights therefrom.

Table of Contents

Rules for making Artist Trading Cards

The Easiest Part Of This Lens

Remember:

Rule number 1 - the size of an Artist Trading Card (as it is often called) is 3.5 x 2.5 inches

Rule number 2 - the size of an Artist Trading Card is 89 x 64 mm ( if you prefer metric measurements)

Rule number 3 - these are the only rules

size for atc aceo art card



Rule number 4; optional - you can also make them 2.5 X 3.5 inches ( 64 x 89 mm), just to make things complicated. Portrait or landscape format, you choose the layout to work with.

Some people regard the thickness as important for the reason that many collectors like to save their art cards in plastic sleeves or loose leaf pages with sized pockets . I am of the opinion that this factor is not a defining one. The thickness is defined by the technique used; see below for art cards made from paper sculpture and stained glass techniques. Many art cards now have three dimensional embellishments used in their creation, especially in the mixed media collage technique. Here is an example of one I did earlier:-

mixed media collage atc africa theme



Also many mixed media artists are making ATC's with threads or embellishments overhanging the basic shape of the backing card. Whilst this also prevents the standard trading card pockets being used, I personally feel this use of "danglies" as I have seen them referred to can be a positive step. They may be simple threads or metal charms / beads / faux gemstones hanging off chains or threads, etc and I believe they add a very definite character to the art card.

Follow these four simple rules and you cannot go wrong when making Artist Trading Cards.

What Base Material Should You Use?

Many articles written on this subject will advise on purchasing ready made/sized card for making your art cards. You can buy acid-free archival card with all the trimmings but why? It is expensive and there is no need. Use what you probably have at hand, as did many of the early 20th century masters when necessary.

* I use 300gms watercolour paper for painted art cards. At the size of 2.5 x 3.5 inches these are rigid enough for any normal usage.
* I use offcuts of matboard from framing my own paintings, these will take pen and wash or mixed media and are very stiff at this size.
* I also use card cut from cereal boxes. I glue two pieces together and surround them with a backing paper. No problems at all for mixed media and collage work - and very inexpensive.
* I sometimes make art cards from photographs, in this case I have been known to layer the photo to any of the above base materials to improve the stiffness of the card.

I have a litle rule that I use when making cards. I hold the base between fingers and thumb and if It bends easily then it is not stiff enough. Consider thickening it up somewhat. The feel of a stiff card adds to its appeal for me and I think for the people I sell and trade with. The best advice is to use your common sense. Buy ready prepared backing card if you feel the need but I do not believe it is necessary.

Buy Ready made backing card from Amazon

Amazon is a trusted seller and can supply the base cards if you want to use them.
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Signing The Art Card

Using the Reverse Side

There is one other thing ( there is always one more thing!) it is usual to put certain information on the reverse of the artist trading card. This is often :


  • The Title of the piece

  • Media

  • Date of creation

  • The artist's name and signature

  • The group or swap information, for convenience

  • Artist's contact information, web-site or e-mail address for example.

Other information can be added such as the edition or print number where relevant, but the above is the minimum one usually sees.

It is possible to buy rubber stamps to create this sort of label on the back of an ATC, The one above was created by myself digitally from a free image from Dover Publications. A book plate in which I blanked out the center and added text and dotted lines . I print them out several sheets of eight (ATC size) at a time so that I have a generous stock to fall back on. Many people just write on the back of the ATC card, a pretty back isn't essential but does add a nice touch I feel.

You can find ready made stamps for the back of an ATC from yourATCstore where you will be able to choose from a wide range of stamps.
Another source of these stamps is The Stamp Connection. But your local craft shop may well have something similar in stock.
Or download a page of multiple backs for Word from Splitcoast Stampers; print out the page cut out one image, and bond to the back of your ATC.
You can always do what I did and design your own backing.

If you are making series or editions of an ATC then this information should also be available on the back of the piece. Any recipient, wether by trading or selling needs and desserves to know this information. Read more about ATC series. open editions and limited editions on my page, "Artist Trading Cards; Limited Editions and Series".

Making Ultra Artist Trading Cards

Unusual Shapes And Styles For Artist Trading Cards

hinged artist trading card - why me?Before looking at examples of the many techniques, let us consider the ATC superstars, Ultra ATC's. This is a term that I have seen used by Berni Berlin in her ATC workshop book which seems to be a good description. There are many different shapes and concepts which may be created within the basic size parameters of an ATC as given above, and I have created a page here on Squidoo, Making Ultra-ATC's, which gives example of these. The latest addition to the display of ultra ATC's is an example of an ATC with drawers that open. How good is that? Why not check out these little marvels in mixed media from artist couleurdarcenciel.

But of course, the basic rectangular shape and format is the lifeblood of the ATC movement so feel free to enjoy yourself and make whichever variant you want to.

If you are new to the format or just want to stick to the rectangular shape then that is cool. Please don't feel that there is any issue. I make 99% of my ATC's in this way, it is just fun to sometimes vary the backing for my attempts at making art.

Do You ATC?

Do You Make Artist Trading Cards?

Before we get too far I would love to know if you have come here to find out what artist trading cards are all about or to broaden your knowledge and understaning of them.

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Painting And Drawing ACEO Art Cards

Technique number 1

This is where I started with artist trading cards, so I thought I would start this lens here. There is no limit to the media which can be used for ACEO's. If you can think of a mark making technique then it probably has been used to produce an ACEO.

The full range of media and grounds are available to the artist providing that the size rules are kept to. My own preference is watercolour on bockingford paper


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but I have used heavy grade cartridge paper

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and even mount board left over from making mounts for my paintings.





I have used pen and wash

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and pastel pencils

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Oil, acrylic, tempera, watercolour, soft pastels, pencil, charcoal, are just a few of the more common media.All types of paper and card, bristol board, canvas, simulated canvas, often one or more layers may be glued together to provide stability; or you may even bond a facing paper (cartridge paper or thin watercolour paper to an acid free card); the choice is endless and entirely up to you - the artist! Just one word of warning, it is wise to select a surface which will work with the drawing/painting media.

One other thing ( again?), it is permissible to create art cards with other than landscape paintings and drawings. I am a committed landscape artist and seldom indulge in any other form but I have been known to do so in certain circumstances, examples are:-

and



You may like to see some of the watercolour ACEO's that I have sold on Ebay.

AnI have also included a number of videos ( or slide shows) that I have posted to You Tube with examples of my artist trading cards.

More Examples Of Drawn/Painted Artist Trading Cards

From around The Internet

To give you a more rounded view of what is being done in the wider scheme of things, I have selected a fairly random set of links to provide more examples of drawn and painted art cards. Most of these are much better than the examples of my work above.
Gouache paintings
A set of paintings posted onto a forum at Wet Canvas
Acrylic paintings
Some very good examples of what can be done with acrylic in this miniature format.
Ink / coloured pencil
A set of art cards by artust Dee Overly
Oil on board
Wow, see what cen be done here, Amanda berry shows us some wonderful artwork in oil.
pastel pencil
A set of art cards created in pastel pencil
Watercolour
Some elegantly simple watercolour art cards from Europe

Learn From Amazon

Books On Painting And Drawing

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Collaged Artist Trading Cards

Technique number 2

I selected this technique at number two, because I did not know the first thing about it when I started writing this lens- but I believe I have learnt over the past few years or so and now I actually do more collage and mixed media work than painting.

COLLAGE
This demonstration of collage is very definitely worth a look and I am sure that you will be as inspired by it, as I was, to try my hand at this technique which is more often associated with crafts than with art. However the results can be wonderful and very creative. Think of Matisse and the snail, an oft-quoted example of the use of collage in fine art. There are now many more examples in my lens, Collage In Fine Art and it has become main stream.

I have recently added a simple collage demonstration on Squidoo for those who may be new to this art form. Because this has been well received, I have added a second example, with further thoughts on composition . I have now added a third demonstration, a slightly more advanced design. I think that this will be the last, they say that three is a crowd.

I have also framed and exhibited collages including ACEO's/ATC's, see my lens on Thoughts On Framing ATC's.

FREE COLLAGE IMAGES

I re-did this after a little experience with collage and wonder if I have improved it, what do you think?

collage atc remembrance



MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE
Of course, I titled this module, Mixed Media Collage. Because many artists in this media will use more than one technique to create the art card. For example; painting a background adding stamped images or cut-out paper images collaged to the background and maybe one or two embellishments.

Here are a couple of examples of art cards using more than one technique:-


good fortune lookover your shoulder


Both backgrounds are actually stamped using household bleach ( be careful with this) to produce patterns and then an image is collaged together with various embellishments. I will say more about stamping below.

Using Mixed Media And Collage

To Create Artist Trading Cards

mixed media atc chinese girlIt is often the case that many different techniques are used in conjunction with collage, referred to as mixed media collage. In this image on the right for instance, a coating of an acrylic texture compound forms the background of the card. This has been scraped with a black acrylic paint over some of its area to emphasise the texture. Paper images have been cut / ripped and bonded to the background to provide the basis of the design. Other elements have then been added including a chinese coin, a paper flower, buttons, wire and faux gems.

Painting and stamping are also used in conjunction with collage or on their own to create mixed media art cards.

The next example has a random stamped pattern for a background. The main element here is a stamped sillouette on a piece of balsa wood (actually from a model aeroplane kit) and other three dimensional elements have been added to complete the design, including metal stars, a paper flower and glass charms from fashion jewelry.



See more examples of my mixed media collage work on You Tube as shown below

Sites With Examples of Mixed Media Art Trading Cards

Here are a selected few web sites showing example of mixed media artist trading cards mostly with details about the technique used in their creation. They are by no means the only ones available but do offer a good browsing experience.
Shelly Stanton
Original collage art using old photos, greeting cards, postcards, glitter, glue, ribbons, fibers and various other items-
Art-E-Zine
3 big pages of Artist Trading Cards is the amazing response to this exciting art collecting phenomena. Ranging from the accomplished to the beginner.
Art in your pocket
The artist's favorites among her creations, with a note about the technique used.
Art in your pocket-2
Additional information on techniques used by this artist
ATCs For ALL
All mediums are allowed--stamping, painting, drawing, collage, mixed media, fabric, clay-

Mixed Media Collaged ACEO's For Sale

Now Selling Via Bonanza.Com

Artist trading card, inchiesI have recently opened a booth to sell my art on Bonanza.com, mainly mixed media and collaged artist trading cards so far. It is an alternative for me, to selling my designs on Zazzle.com. I am hoping that the two outlets will complement each other since they deal with rather different products.

By the way, the image on the right is an ACEO available on Bonanza, just click on the image to go to the booth.

I used to sell ACEO's on ebay but found that the listing fees, etc, no longer suit my small business requirements. Bonanza does not charge until an item is sold, with obvious advantages.

You can read about my experiences on Zazzle in my lens, "My First Steps With Zazzle". This page is telling how I get on throught the first year. I have sold several items and more rewardingly have earnt through referring people to Zazzle who go on to make a purchase. Read my story, and here is a card on Zazzle which originated as an ATC.

birthday card, a message by owl delivery, HAPP... card
birthday card, a message by owl delivery, HAPP... by artyfax
See other Birthday Cards

More Help From Amazon

Mixed Media Collage Techniques

You should be able to find here a selection of books on the topic of collage and mixed media.
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Ebay Is A Great Source For Mixed Media Materials

One of the problems for me in making mixed media collages is the amount of craft supplies that you need to have at hand. MAny artists have large "stashes" comprising many different items. One inexpensive place to start collecting is Ebay. In time you will become addicted to collecting just like the rest of us. Other sources are thrift stores, markets, pound stores (in the UK) and such places which sell a wide variety at low prices. Or just raid your garage, it is surprising what you can find.
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Encaustic Wax Painted ACEO Art Cards

Technique number 3

Another technique which I am not conversant with ( you could get tired of me saying this). This is a technique which utilises hot irons to shape and paint with wax directly on the substrate. I have recently purchased two aceo's made by this technique for my own collection. It can produce some really stunning work. If you are not familiar with this technique, then please do visit the links below. The images will amaze you.

Fantasy Wax by Caroline Senior, whose painting 'Moonlight Castle' accompanies this module.Carolines work on this site is larger than ACEO size but does show what can be achieved. The photo is used by permission of the artist.

Look here for a demonstration of encaustic painting.

Learn About Encaustic Wax Painting From Amazon

Books About Encaustic Wax Painting

If you need to delve deeper into this art then here are a few books which you may find useful.
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Textile / Embroidery ACEO Art Cards

Technique Number 4

This is one area which I have not really experimented with. So here again I am simply offering an example of this technique which can be used to make ACEO's. A number of links to further reading are highlighted below.

An example of embroidery that I can offer you is the following

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see more of this kind of work at Threaded needle creations The photo is used by kind permission of the owner of this site.

find examples of simple embroidered aceo's on ebay from Helen Drewett's ebay shop

Here is an example on Flickr of a woven ACEO

Various fabric and quilted ACEO's can be found in this blog by Cynthia Guajardo.

Information on textile art can be found at answers.com

A tutorial on needle felting can be seen here but this is not a craft for young children as the needles are barbed and will be extremely sharp. Read the safety notice on the tutorial.

Use Of Fabrics And Textiles In Collage

There are as many ways of using fabrics as there are crcafters, here is a selection of videos from YouTube to give some insights to this artform.
Kayla Kennington's Abstract Fabric Collage
by DavidCoffin | video info

14 ratings | 5,681 views
curated content from YouTube

Learn From Amazon

Textile / Fabric Arts

Here are a couple of books which may help if you are interested in finding out more about this enticing technique for ACEO's
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Stained Glass ACEO Art Cards

Technique Number 5

This is a fairly unique method ( unless you know better, and can let me know)it is called Dimensional Mixed Media Stained Glass ATC ~~~ ACEO's
by its developers, "Dimensional Visions". It is a way to combine the creative use of paper and glass. The technique for creating these multi-layered, soldered, cut glass and paper cards requires careful planning and exact cutting.
I'm sure you'll agree that it is a worthwhile addition to the range of techniques used to make aceo's.The photo is used by kind permission of Dimensional Visions.

Another technique using fused glass and special glass paint is used by Stephie (see her on ebay )to create wonderful works of art including aceo's. Here is an example of a recently auctioned aceo:

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The photo is used by kind permission of the artist.



Beautiful workmanship I think you will agree!

More Information From Amazon

Working With Glass

There are many ways for an artist to work with glass here are some ideas for anyone with a hankering to try them
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Paper Sculpture ACEO Art Cards

Technique Number 6

Since starting this lens I have come across so many wonderful artists working in media/techniques that I was unaware of. One of these is paper sculpture, which is actually a very varied technique. One artist that I can recommend is Matthew Ross, - see more of his work on Etsy.He describes the work as low-relief ACEO-sized Paper Sculpture. It is the result of many hours of work. Starting from a detailed drawing, which he uses as a template for creating all of the parts for the paper sculpture. It is then brought to life using high quality art papers that were meticulously cut, formed (scored and folded, curved, embossed, etc...), and then carefully and cleanly glued together to create the final image.

Mathew also sells images of his work on products on Zazzle, for example:-

The Troubadour Mousepad mousepad
The Troubadour Mousepad by PaperMatthew
Browse other Troubadour Mousepads
Creature in the Trees Postcard postcard
Creature in the Trees Postcard by PaperMatthew
More Fantasy Postcards
Crow Tote bag
Crow Tote by PaperMatthew
Create a bag at zazzle.co.uk



Although not ACEO's, if you would like to see more paper sculpture for inspiration or just enjoyment then this is a great webpage to visit.

The photo of the castle sculpture aceo is used by kind permission of Mathew Ross

Books On Paper Sculpture From Amazon

Learn About This Technique

The first is a book recommended by Mathew Ross, If you however want a very simple beginners book then try the last in this series. I have started with this book myself and hope to have a few examples of my own to show in the near future.
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Easy Paper sculpture techniques

From You Tube

Sometimes it is difficult to see how easy it can be to use simple techniques. These few videos ( more to be added) demonstrate a number of very easy techniques which for making two dimensional art cards. The media itself is used by experts to produce fascinatingly complex structures but they are of course outside the scop of this page.
Paper Sculpture - Part 1
by emscottarttube | video info

12 ratings | 5,399 views
curated content from YouTube

Digitally produced ACEO Art Cards

Technique Number 7

Digital art is a story in itself. Here I want to specifically mention collage by digital means. This usually means taking digital images and manipulating them in some way, possibly extracting foreground images from a background, and then recombining them in some way to construct a collage. Also sometimes called a photomontage, but this to me suggests simply using a collection of photos adjacent to each other. Collaging usually involves software with layering facilities. It is only my definition but it is one I work to.

The photo here is very definitely a collage, in my opinion, with altered images and layers.. The coloured background has been overlain with text and a lampost. the three girls are all taken from the same photo. Coloured and flipped horizontally to give the impression of three.

Digital cards do have one extra step however, they have to be printed. My own preference is to print on matte photographic paper and then to layer the image to a prepared card backing in the usual way. You can see how I make the backing for an ATC in the lens Simple Collaged ATC's For Beginners. I explain on another page how digital prints may be created as limited or open edition prints.

Perhaps I should take a moment to mention the use of digital ( or vintage) photographs to create aceo sized prints. These have become quite common on Ebay as photographers start to take notice of this art format. You can find these as straight photographs or digitally altered photographs. They may be on glossy or matt photopaper and often layered to a thick card base. The use of tools such as Photoshop, can be used to alter the photographs in any of the ways that this software allows. Although manipulation of the colours is a favourite ploy. Using transparent layers, textures and borders and text, etc, can be combined to give very artistic images. Manipulating photographs is a major subject in itself and I do not intend to cover it in any detail in this lens.

I have shown how the use of layers and digital effects can be used to manipulate images and give some interesting results in another page on Squidoo.

However, I will say that I have used photoplus for a few years now and it does most things that I want it to. Considering that you can download versions for free it is well worth getting a copy if you want to try this technique for yourself.

Another alternative which can be used on-line ( no downloading or use of memory) is an on-line alternative such as Sumo Paint, or see this lens for a run down of several free tools.

An interesting forum post on original versus copies with specific reference to digitally worked atc's, is given on the artist trading cards forum. I do not agree with all that is said there but there are some points which you can form your own opion upon.

A Journey Into Digital Art

How I Became A Digital Artist

This video takes you through from the very early days of my experiments with digital art, through using the painting programs and onto creating digital collages using layering techniques. Great fun and not quite so easy as many people think. Certainly no quicker when everything is taken into account.

Digital images can be extracted from a background but it is far from easy and one needs a very careful touch to outline the image, often requiring touching up afterwards to make the image seem as if it belongs on the new background. Of course one can always delete and start again or move images around or re-size them relative to each other. But this simply mean that you have far more choices.
my journey into digital art
by shadfan66 | video info

1 rating | 260 views
curated content from YouTube

Learn From Amazon

Digital Art

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My Series Of Lenses Featuring Artist Trading Cards

ACEO and ATC

This particular lens is the second in the series on Art Cards Editions And Originals (ACEO ) and is specifically about making the ACEO art cards. There are so many techniques; do not limit yourself to one or two, read, learn and have a go. If you try the less specialised techniques it shoudn't cost very much to enjoy trying most of them. Or if you are simply a collector, try another artist who uses a technique which is outside the scope of your current collection. Be different, expand your horizons.

Others in the series and related lenses are:-
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Doodling ACEO Art Cards

Technique Number 8

Doodling and especially Zentangles (TM) are becoming more and more popular as creative art forms. And of course people making ACEO and ATC art cards are also making use of these techniques. Although they can look so difficult, taking simple steps can create some fabulous designs. It is something that can be done for relaxation whilst in a semi-meditative state or simply to create that extraordinary pattern for your latest work of art. Use the techniques in conjunction with other techniques to add to the effect. Doodle a border, fill in a blank space, add a point of interest. It is entirely up to you. The first image here is of probably my first art card created with some additional doodling, just a little, and some hand written text.

The following image is of one of my early zentangles
the web

The Zentangle® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.

Zentangles And Doodles

Right Here On Squidoo

You can find many fine example of this art form right here on Squidoo:-
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More Information From Amazon

Art Doodles And Doodling

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Rubber Stamping ACEO Art Cards

Technique Number 9

One technique which I am surprised I have left this long is the use of rubber art stamps. Basically a very simple idea, a prepared rubber stamp is tapped onto a foam or felt pad which has been soaked in ink, paint or other fluid for making marks on the paper. The stamp is then inverted and used to make a mark onto the paper or card. Some very detailed and fine stamps are available from suppliers. Or it is possible to make a stamp for oneself. This does require a little skill but ca be quite easy for simple background patterns.

As an example see the image (right) which shows an image, from a commercially available rubber stamp, on a background comprised of a page of text. The images below show simple home-made stamps used to produce a repeating background pattern. This pattern can then be used as a background for further mixed media work.

home-made rubber stamps

repeating patterns from home-made rubber stamps

excerpt from a poem



There are several different types of ink and many colours in most suppliers ranges, but simple acrylic paints can be used or even household bleach to stamp light images on coloured paper. Take care with bleach if you are trying this technique!

Links to Rubber Stamping Tutorials

And Making Your Own Inexpensive Stamps

There are many, many pages on the web with information about stamping and all its myriad techniques. Most are very easy, but as you become more expert there are some very clever techniques which can give very exiciting results. These are a few of the former, easier and more general techniques tutorial sites. As you get to know the basics then you will undoubtedly find you want to progree to the latter sites. These will often be referred to in the links I have given.

I also include a few site which describe several ways of making very easy and inexpensive stamps yourself. These will not match the commercially available stamps but can provide a great feeling of satisfaction to the crafter.
Simply Rubber Stamping Techniques
A video showing rubber stamping techniques
More Simply Rubber Stamping Technique
Part two of the above video
About.com
tecniques and tutorials from the About .com site
Further Tips And Techniques
Another link to a site offerring lots of useful tips about rubber stamping
Make Your Own Stamps From Craft Foam
Use craft foam to make stamps with bold designs
How To Make Homemade Rubber Stamps
MAke your own stamps using materials that will have around the home
homemade rubber stamps
A short blog article taking you step by step thru the process of carving a rubber stamp

Help From Amazon

Rubber stamping

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Other Techniques For Making ACEO Art Cards

A Pot Pourri Of The Rest

ATC - created from metal componentsI mentioned trading cards made from clay and papier maché in the introduction above;. To these two I could add:-

use of tissue paper (in this example items are embedded in tissue layered in a manner similar to papier mache.)
ATC's from metal. See the image on the right.
origami ( is this paper sculpture?)
cross stitch ( textile?)
use of craft pens (drawing?)
embossing powder (stamping?)
use of embellishments ( ribbon , buttons, rhinestones, charms, etc)
use of pressed felt and textiles
use of paper quilling
Use of wood from cigar boxes used as a base for ATC's
Use of masking tape and acrylic paint to create textured backgrounds :Claudine Helmuth - Collage Workshop
Of course no list would be complete without the mention of vintage ephemera used to make mixed media or collaged cards. I have used both images and backgrounds in many of the above examples, without specifically mentioning the fact. A good place to find free vintage stuff is the collage images group on Flickr .

I am sure that the list could be longer but how far should I go, any technique available to an artist / crafter may be used to make artist trading cards. As you see with some of these, they can merely be specific incidences of a more general topic. So I will stop for now and maybe if anything else rears up I will add it to this list. If you can think of anything please use the comment box below to let me know. I have not been able to find a link to the papier maché ACEO that I read about but I will keep on looking. A mention of the possiblity of making trading cards out of this material is given in Art In My Pocket but you will have to scroll way down and look for the section headed, "Paper Only".

Of course as mentioned above, mixed media ACEO artist cards can have many different techniques utilised in their creation, Search for ACEO or ATC on Flickr and see just what is possible.

Using Text On Artist Trading Cards

To Text Or Not To Text

text on an atcYou may have noticed that some artist trading cards display text in one form or another, this can be in one of several forms. One of my favourite ways is to use individual letters cut from newspapers as in the photo here. This is quite a slow way of doing it but does allow you to mix and match fonts and sizes if required, this sometimes looks good on particular collaged art cards. Other ways of adding text are:-
  • rubber stamps ( from single letters to whole phrases) which can be embossed if required

  • cutting words or phrases from papers or magazines

  • use a word processor and print, then cut out as required. This can give tremendous variety with fonts, colours and sizes.

  • cut from an old book or a photocopy if the book is wanted

  • write by hand either on craft paper or direct on to the art card

  • download pages of usable words or quotations from web sites including some lenses here on Squidoo

  • If a page from a book is used as a background then selected word can be emphasised by painting over the rest of the page

  • or use any source of text that you can think of, greeting cards, wrapping paper, ephemeraetc, the choice is yours


I tend to inject a little humour into my cards by the added text but it could be anything at all. The world is your oyster. Many artists will use text to reflect the subject of the card, and it may be humerous but could be sentimental, express feelings, say hello or thank you, or just sound good. As I intimate in the list there are a number of sites which have collated quotations and sentiments for greeting cards makers, which can be used for artist trading cards. Don't forget the use of foreign languages to add a little pizzaz to your artwork. And you can even use the text without knowing its meaning - a little artistic licence.

The use of scripts such as Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek and some ancient pictographic languages can all be considered for their pictorial value rather their meaning. Although of course if you know the meaning, you can apply it in the correct way. Again web sites abound which give meanings of many of these symbols. For example :-

meaning of japanese kanji symbols
more japanese symbols
meaning of chinese symbols

Here are a few examples:-


hand written


the symbol here means good fortune


rubber stamped

Quotations For You Artist Trading Cards

From Squidoo

You can find quotations for your artist trading cards right here on Squidoo. You may need to search around a little for either short quotes or excerpts from quote, which you can use to good effect.
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More Quotes For You Artist Trading Cards

From the World Wide Web

There are many sites which you can find by googling the word quote or quotation and the subject which you are interested in. manu of the bigger sites have pages catalogued by subject, making it easy to browse for inspiration. Either way, try to keep it short on the art card. If it is a longer piece that you are interested in why not use it as a background? Some of the text may be hidden but you may be able to find a ay around that.
The quote garden
Quotes on art
About.com
Quotes on love and pain
Famous quotes
Quotes on love and lovers
Inspirational quotes
Lots of quotes by subject
Loving words and quotes for grandparents
And why not? If you want a few loving words gor Granma or Grand pa,find them here

A Selection Of Videos Showing Artist Trading Cards

Made Using some of The Techniques Descibed Here

Here are a selection of videos showing ACEO's made by different techniques:- do you have a favourite technique?
ATCs and ACEOS by Lesley
by flatwoodsfolkart | video info

27 ratings | 6,486 views
curated content from YouTube

Artist Trading Cards on eBay

Lots Of Cards Waiting For Bidders

These examples are on the ebay.com site. You can find more on ebay.co.uk which interestingly (or maddeningly depending on your point of view) no longer shows on the .com site unless you elect to search worldwide specifically.

Try for yourself searching ebay.co.uk for aceo's you may be pleasantly surprised.
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Do You ATC?

Has This Lens Changed Your Mind?

Now that I have shown you so many wonderful ways of making artist trading cards, will it change your mind about becoming an ATC'er?

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Which Would Be Your Favourite Technique For Making Art Trading Cards?

flowers in pastel on a black ground

Wether you are an artist or not ( let's play pretend) which technique would you say was your favourite for making ACEO art cards?

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Choosing A theme For Your Artist trading Card

a fantasy themed ATCChoosing a theme is obviously up to the artist but there is no limit to what can be selected. It may be your own interests that supply a theme or maybe you belong to one of the many groups set up on the internet for trading ATC's. In which case you may take part in the challenges which are issued regularly, to make cards with refererence to a specific theme. I will be adding links to a number of these groups and also some of the blogs where the writers regularly set challenges.

The card I show here is obviously based on a fantasy theme, I used an image of a Magician casting a spell as the main visual component and made up some words ( latin sounding) for the spell itself. Just for refernce the backing is cut from a watercolour abstract.

Here is a list of 100 themes to get you started, the trick is in the interpretation. If necessary brainstorm a few words or ideas around the theme. Find images or sketch out a few ideas that will interpret the theme. Once you have the ideas coming then you can start to actually create the art cards. Here is a selection from the listing:-
68. Hero
69. Annoyance
70. 67%
71. Obsession
72. Mischief Managed
73. I Can't
74. Are You Challenging Me?
75. Mirror
76. Broken Pieces
77. Test
78. Drink
see the other 90 themes at this forum on Crafster.

Another listing is given by Lisa Vollrath on her web site Go Make Something, again a selection is given here:-
60's
70's
80's
Abstract
Africa
All about me
Alphabet or dictionary
Altered photos
American fifties ads
Anatomy
But there are easily a couple of hudred or more, These are more objective than the first listing and many people will find them easier to work with. Lisa Vollrath is also writing here on Squidoo on various art subjects.

Although I am sure that there are more than enoough ideas to keep even the most ardent crafter/artist busy for a while, more will be added here in the next few days, please visit again.

Artist Trading Cards, Jams

Another Way To Enjoy Making Artist Trading Cards

If you enjoy making some forms of artist trading cards, you might enjoy what is called "Jamming". There are now groups on the internet specifically to facilitate this joint creative process. I guess for a non-specialised group then it will be mostly mixed media work but drawing painting is also possible.

A jam is where a group of artists agree to jointly create a set of trading cards. Three is the commonest number of artists involved in a jam. The first artist will create three similar backgrounds, how similar is open to discussion, but they should be reasonably the same. That artist will mail (or pass) the three cards to artist number two who will add a number of elements which suitably match the background. Again they should be substantially the same. The cards are then passed on to a third artist, who will complete the card, by adding further elements. At the completion of each stage the artist will write their contact informatiion on the reverse of the card. When the cards are complete, artist number 3 will retain one of the atc's and mail one each of the others to the other contributing artists.

Here is an example from Flickr contributor Carolion, which she has published under a creative commons licence:-
Jam, I added the heads and two small hearts on each
As you can see in this case the three cards were created substantially the same.

Each artist is free to add suitable elements at their respective stage of the creation of the cards but these could be considered to be the three stages I describe in my tutorial, "Simple Collaged ATC's For Beginners". Namely the background, the main image and the finishing or embellishing elements.

In The News

From Google

Trade you for that Picasso
The idea stems from artist trading cards that artists had created to promote their work. It has turned into swaps through which people can exchange their cards, and now it has filtered down to schools. Elgin West Elementary School reading teacher Julie ...
Demonstrations Continue at Stars of Texas Juried Art Exhibit
Monday featured Jean Hensley- tatting, Shirley Minzenmayer-paper beads and Maryellen Strinni-artist trading cards. More demonstrations throughout the remainder of the exhibit will focus on a variety of art mediums and styles. The Stars of Texas Juried ...
Five Things to Know Today: Feb. 1
... sponsors a free gallery presentation by Tony Williams tonight at 7 at Univest, 521 W. Main St., Lansdale. ?Functional Art Furniture? is a canvas for solid wood inlaid pictures Williams creates. A business meeting will follow with Artist Trading Cards.
Artsy abode: Residence puts homely spin on art school
Some of Hubner's students this week were creating their "artist trading cards" with collages and water color, pencil and acrylic designs. They'll trade their cards with other MAH regulars in February. The Art House is also organizing a pottery sale and ...
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Any Questions About Artist Trading Cards?

Or Maybe A General Comment About ACEO Cards?

I encourage readers to ask for information on any specific technique - no trick questions, puleese. E.G. I do not think that sculpting has ever produced an ACEO, but if you can prove me wrong please let me know. But seriously, what would you like to read about?

Addendum: Actually, I have now come across art cards made from air-drying clay. Perhaps I should add a section to say a little about this technique. And I have also seen cards created from sand, bonded to a backing card and with shells and found items from beaches on the cards. The more I search and read the more I find. Now there's an inspiring thought.

Of course within these broad categories there are so many different techniques, I would encourage you to read about the methods and look at some of the links which I have dropped throughout the lens. I will be adding more pages with specific information on various techniques as time allows.

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This lens was blessed

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howtocurecanceron 20th Nov 2010,
by MomwithAHookon 26th Jan 2011,
by 2muchtrashon 4th February 2011
by JJNWon 10th April 2011
and by EditionH on 29th August 2011

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My Top Ten lenses

If you have enjoyed this page, then you might also enjoy reading more of the same, why not visit my lensography (a directory of lenses) where you will see my lenses grouped according to topic. Groups about Art and Crafts, Artist Trading Cards, Home Cooking, 60's Music, Digital Art and Photography, Painting and Sketching, Song Writing, Quizes, Zazzle and an eclectic collection of miscellaneous lenses.


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Some Early Artist Trading Cards

By Artyfax

I used to put a lot of my early trading cards into videos ( show-reels) and post to You Tube as a way of getting my work seen. These are a few examples. I do not do this now, but I keep thinking I should at least show some of the better ones, in a similar manner. Interestingly most of the soundtracks are my own work.

More Papercrafted ATC's
by shadfan66 | video info

8 ratings | 2,639 views
curated content from YouTube

More Of My Artist Trading Cards

I have selected a number of my own artist trading cards from Flickr which will be rotated every other day. There are watercolour aceo cards ( many of which were sold on Ebay) and also mixed media collage atc's. I hope that you will like them.

walk on the wild side by shadfan66
norfolk_lakeside (not available) by shadfan66
birds - no longer available by shadfan66
open door_lr by shadfan66
quiet water (not available) by shadfan66
seascape1 by shadfan66
seascape2 by shadfan66
the blackbird by shadfan66
sitting on a log by shadfan66
300_titan by shadfan66
curated content from Flickr

by

artyfax

I am a largely self-taught artist with a long time interest in the creative arts. A few years ago I found out accidentaly about artist trading cards, I... more »

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Amazing ideas for your Art Cards 

1000 Different Art Cards

1,000 Artist Trading Cards: Innovative and Inspired Mixed Media ATCs (1000 Series)

1,000 Artist Trading Cards: Innovative and Inspired Mixed Media ATCs (1000 Series)

by: Patricia Bolton

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Even the best of us get a little blocked at times, there are of course many ways of overcoming an artists block. One of them is by studying other artists' work. This book is filled with ideas. Many are from textiles but the colours and patterns are there to inspire, go on you know it makes sense.

An Amazingly Inspirational Book  

Never Be Stuck For Ideas Again

Artist Trading Card Workshop: Create, Collect, Swap

Artist Trading Card Workshop: Create, Collect, Swap

by: Bernie Berlin

Amazon Price: $4.80 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

One of the first books I purchased on the subject of Artist Trading Cards and I have never regretted it. There are so many great ideas to get you out of a rut, and making the sort of cards that you really can be proud of.

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