ARTIST TRADING CARDS

Before last week I knew nothing about Artist Trading Cards. A local artist talked to me about these miniature works of art and I was instantly intrigued. So I did my due diligence via the Internet and found an abundance of information regarding this art genre. Artist Trading Cards are a contemporary phenomenon that is attracting collectors.

Known as ATCs, this is an idea born out of baseball and other trading cards by the Swiss artist M.Vanci Stirnemann in 1997. Artist Trading Cards are original works of art that meet a precise dimension. There are rules.

The qualifying dimension of an ATC must be 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. They cannot be sold, only exchanged. The exchange must be made at a “trading session”. The trading session is a face-to-face meeting between 2 or more artists to switch a minimum of 2 cards. More cards can be made and traded as called for in the trading session.

The real meaning of these tiny works of art is about artists meeting other artists. Not only is it meant to exchange works but also ideas. Over a period of time Artists create a working network that can become worldwide. Because ATC’s are original works of art, they also expose artists to different artistic styles. This movement has made a positive impact in the world of miniature art and has increased interest in it from art patrons.

Cards can be made using any media, but the card must be sturdy. It is recommended that the artist use card stock or a simple playing card as its base. Balsa wood, metal, heavy watercolor paper, and clay can also be used, so long as the size requirements are met. This small canvas is then covered in artwork. Cards can be completed in collage, fabric, colored pencils, stamps, beadwork, watercolor, acrylic, string, airbrush, and many others. Traders want unique cards that are made with care and that will last.

The back of the ATC must show the artist’s name; preferably in signature; artist contact information, and it’s title. If the art is part of a series, the card must also to be identified by the edition number. Although by definition ATCs are one of a kind, sets of identical ATCs are called editions and so are ATCs made in sequence.

Trading sessions can be between 2 or more artists with 2 or more cards to trade. Sessions are meant to be face-to-face because of the underlying purpose to get artists together, but because of the growing popularity of ATCs, trading sessions are also conducted via mail. Since it’s origination, several hundred people are trading ATCs. In essence, this is a form of performance art.

Themed trading sessions can be fun. Artists who participate in themed sessions are required to meet topic restrictions. Famous Musicians Past and Present was one theme identified on the Internet. I would like to see this ATC collection.

The Internet is loaded with sites pertaining to this art form and offers templates for making ATC cards and envelopes, tips on storing cards, and ATC display suggestions.
There are also post and trading sites (ATC swaps), art galleries that specialize in exhibiting ATC collections, and quarterly magazines. ATCs are even showing up on Ebay!

Anyone can call an Artist Trading Card Session. Try it, you’ll like it.