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Monday, November 9, 2020

Artist Trading Card Basics


Artist trading cards are miniature pieces of art

Artist Trading Card Basics

There are a few things that all artist trading cards have in common. They are often referred to as ATCS. Each of the cards are 2.5" by 3.5".  They are a similar size as a baseball card or a playing card.

Each card is a unique piece of art that is titled, signed and dated by the artist.

There are three recognized types of ATC cards:
  • One-off – an individual one-off card
  • Series – a few cards that are on one theme, usually numbered – 1 of 3, 1/3 or similar.
  • Edition – two or more cards that were created to look the same.

Any technique that you could do on an art journal page, or a junk journal page can be done on an ATC
Think of techniques that involve paint, stamping, embossing, foiling and a lot more. There is so much that you can do with artist trading cards. The sky is the limit and best of all there is no rules.

Yes, you can trade them. There are groups on Facebook and on the internet. It is fun to get an envelope with a piece of art that someone has created. If you plan to trade them, you will want to put in the back of the card your name, email address, what you used on the card. 

You can also use them in envelopes and as tuck in on your art journals, altered books and junk journals.

You will want to use a good sturdy cardstock to create your trading cards. I would suggest using 80 Lb cardstock or higher. That way the cards will last.

If you are planning to do anything with watercolors, you will want to use a semi-smooth watercolor paper.

You can also purchase them in a pack cut to size.

Generally, an ATC should never be sold, only traded or given away. In practice many artists have embraced the small format as being ideal for affordable examples of their work. When sold the piece is called an ACEO, not an ATC (but they are otherwise the same thing). ACEO stands for “Art Cards, Editions and Originals“.

What Is On The Back Of An Artist Trading Card?

There are a few things that are common to artist trading cards. These are details that make your collection more personal. While there are some common things to all ATCs, some swaps may require other details. Make sure that you know what is needed for any swap that you participate in. 

  • The name of the artist who made the card.
  • The date that the card was created.
  • The title of the card (most people title their art)
  • Notes on how or what technique was used to make the card.
Many people hand write the information on the back of their cards. You can also purchase stamps to fill in the information or stickers for the back of your ATC cards.




Artist Trading Card Bases

Lik most other paper crafts, it all starts with a base to build on when you are creating artist trading cards. After all, to create them you will be adding a lot of other mixed media to them. 


Wet Techniques

Any time you are using a wet technique, you are better off sticking to watercolor paper or mixed media paper. If you are using spray inks, stick with glossy photo paper or yupo paper.


Dry Techniques

If you are using dry techniques, you have a few more options. 
  • Cardstock-90-110lb.
  • Old cereal or pantry boxes
  • Playing cards
  • Mixed media paper
  • Buy them pre made

What Kind Of Techniques Can You Use On Artist Trading Cards?

  • Distress and Oxide Ink Techniques
  • Watercolor Techniques
  • Stenciling
  • Embellishing
  • Embossing
  • Heat Embossing
  • Glittering
  • Die Cutting
  • Painting
  • Drawing – in pencils, pen and ink, marker pens, pastels, charcoal etc
  • Art styles – Zentangle®, stamped and colored etc
  • Collage and mixed media – well, pretty much anything you can imagine really.
  • Printing, such as with gel plates or lino blocks
  • Rubber-stamped images, often colored with alcohol markers or brush markers.
  • Calligraphy and other types of word-art are becoming very popular lately.
  •  Paper crafting techniques – die cuts, embossing, decoupage, iris folding, paper weaving 

Choosing A Background

The first thing to consider is if you will need to add some gesso to your card base. Adding gesso strengthens your base. If you are reusing cardboard, you will want to cover the print on the cardboard with some gesso. 

There are so many options for your background. Here are some of the most popular:
  • Acrylic paint
  • Patterned paper
  • Book pages
  • Cardstock
  • Watercolors
  • Spray inks
  • Distress and distress oxide inks
  • Stamps
  • Embossing
For many of the backgrounds, I used distress ink oxide. It is a great ink that gives you lots of options. You apply the ink with a special ink blender or a brush, The inks blend with no seams. And you can mix and layer as much as you want. They leave a creamy texture. If you sprinkle water on them and allow it to dry on the paper, you get a water splotched effect.




Adding Texture And Layers

There are a whole range of options when it comes to adding layers and texture. 

Texture Paste And Embossing Paste

Generally, these pastes are used with stencils to create a raised pattern effect. The paste is applied evenly and allowed to dry. The color is added with any medium you enjoy working with. 

Embossing Folders

Consider using embossing folders to add dimension to your ATCs. Look in your stash to see what you might be able to use. I like to use small patterns to get an even effect.



Embellish Your Cards

Another way to add dimension and design to your ATC cards is with embellishments. Use what you have. They can be sequins, half gems, buttons, lace, and a lot more. 



Some ATC Card Ideas

Here are a few ideas from cards that I have made 





These are examples that were actually done on photo paper. The paper was cut to size. It was then stenciled with dye ink and allowed to dry. Then it was re-stenciled using embossing paste. The dots were added as a last step.


This artist training card was also made with photo paper as a base. It was stenciled with dye ink and allowed to dry. Then it was stenciled again with embossing paste, When that was dry the gems on both sides were added. 
Keep your cards simple. This background was made with a distress oxide blending technique. Then a flower was added to the top of the page. A simple saying was added on top. The leaves had some glitter gel added for a little bling.
Once again a distress oxide background was used on this artist trading card. Gold embossing paste was added with a stencil. A card sentiment and some gems completed this card.
Loved the colors in this artist trading card. The same background technique was used. A diagonal line of glitter embossing paste was added on the diagonal. Flowers and a sentiment were added once the project was dried,

Trading ATC Cards

While making ATC cards is fun and relaxing, the real fun is in trading them. 

When trading online there is usually a host who coordinates the event. You submit the required number of cards (often 3-sometimes more). Then you would receive the same number of cards back. Often you are asked to send an amount for postage or a pre stamped envelope. A full detailed explanation is usually available so you can easily join in the fun. 

Some websites also have one-on-one swaps where you can display your creations in a gallery and other members can request a swap for a particular one they like.






  • The back of your cards should contain your name, any contact information
you wish to provide, and the number or series of the card.
  • Dimensional embellishments are nice, but remember, they must be able to fit in a card sleeve.
  • Use proportional embellishments. Oversized embellishments will call attention to that and not the design.



Here are a few more resources to help you get started:






Have we inspired you to give Artist Trading Cards a try? We hope you think about all the lovely little pieces of art you can create just using a few supplies that you already have!

Till next time, Happy Crafting!

Linda





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