Here are the rules as I know them for Artist Trading Cards:
1. They must be 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ in size.
“The Pirate Ship”
That’s it. Anything else goes. The deal is to make small pieces of artwork to trade with other people, while letting your imagination run wild. Wonderfully open-ended, and small enough so you can experiment with TONS of different materials and techniques easily.
“A Pickup Truck”
You can make your own cards or buy them pre-made at art stores, or on Amazon. (You can also use playing cards, which are the same size.)
Usually they’re more than a simple sketch, and can be really beautiful pieces of art. They don’t have to be made with traditional materials- I’ve seen some on polymer clay, metal, and wood. Cool.
If you like, you can seal the finished card with acrylic medium or Mod Podge, and the back is usually finished simply and labeled with basic info, like the artist’s name, email, date, and perhaps the name of the swap if it was an organized one.
Catslife Press has a super collection of Artist Trading Card rubber stamps for the backs of the cards.
I found two kid-specific ATC sites with more information covering the history, techniques, and swaps:
Atcsjr.com- All for kids who want a place to trade.
Student ATC- This free site helps teachers organize classroom to classroom swaps.
Inspired by the Spiderwick Chronicles
As far as how to store your collection, the size fits into standard baseball card storage sleeves. I found Your ATC Store that sells pretty much everything you could possibly want in regard to ATC’s, including plastic sleeves, envelopes, pockets, albums, boxes, and all sorts of other items.
Following are some links to even more ATC stuff! This book looks extremely inspiring, and you can also buy an introductory kit for making cards. I smell a Christmas present coming on…
Hey, fellow creative kid-lovers. Why don't you join me on Facebook?
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Such a need concept! Especially the trading part.
Ann recently posted…Perfect Beach Day
neat, not need
Ann recently posted…Perfect Beach Day
I had no idea these were out there. Very cool!
twisterfish recently posted…I need another vacation
Love these! My daughter made a batch in an art class and we framed them in a double sided glass frame so we could still read the back. It is now hanging up but for a while it was propped on the counter. Such a good idea!
capability recently posted…What to do on the Fourth
We found a single pack of Artist Trading Cards at Newbery Comics and I bought it for my oldest who is an artist but it didn’t hold her interest though I thought they were great.
I LOVE the idea of making your own. You are kind of genius like that!
PragmaticMom recently posted…Graffiti as Street Math? Or as History?
Yep, I wish I had more energy to get into something like this. How fun to do with adult artists!
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Kid Room Eye Candy
Ta-Da! Did you run out and get some? Show us your mini art if you did!
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Tiny Portrait Project
What an awesome idea to frame them so you can see both sides! I love that she made these in art class- I love art teachers that don’t just dwell on the older artists, but bring in some modern stuff as well.
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Are there S’mores at Art Camp?
That;s funny. I guess like with everything, you’re going to choose what interests you within your calling. And you are too, too kind with your compliments!
Jeanette Nyberg recently posted…Kid Room Eye Candy
I have never done ATC’s but always found the concept fascinating and fun. You should arrange a kid’s ATC swap through the blog. I would have Simon make some!
Krista recently posted…The Good
I’ve seen these on blogs before & always wondered about them. Thanks for the info!! They are super cute, this looks like a fun idea
Linda recently posted…Hello December Daily 2012!
Thank you for defining these. My friend is constantly posting on facebook that she’s just finished her ATCs and I had no idea what she meant — something artsy, I knew. This helps.
misssrobin recently posted…Trust the Forward Path