Friday, April 6, 2007

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)


I've volunteered to host an Artist Trading Card Swap (my first ever) with a group of 20 participants (really 21 with me) who need to mail the cards to me by April 20. I'll have a few days to coordinate and randomize distribution of what will be 210 cards among the participants and send 10 each back to them (I get to keep 10). Not unlike baseball card collectors, we artists (and non-artists) delight in Artist Trading Cards (which in theory are only traded and NEVER sold) or ACEOs (art card, editions and originals; these cards can be traded or sold). I've completed the first layers for my cards, and need to continue working on this side of the card (my mixed media side) and on what I'll be putting on my digital side.

Each 2.5 x 3.5 inch (64 x 89 mm) card is either an original, digital original, or a limited (or open) edition print of the contributing artist's work. For the safest postal delivery, I've asked that the cards included in this swap be sturdy--the consistency of a playing card, watercolor paper, or a baseball card--but thinner than 5 mm. Designs can be created in any medium. Each card should include your signature, a date, and edition number (if part of a limited edition). Card can also include contact information.

I'm certainly not an expert on this topic. There are plenty of places to learn more:
http://acetsy.blogspot.com/
http://www.atcards.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artist_trading_cards