For artists & collectors: The ABCs of ATCs and ACEOs

Big title for a small piece of art!

Art cards are small format, miniature works of art. They are paintings, drawings, collages, handmade prints, altered art, assemblages… they come in most any medium, in any style, from anywhere in the world. And they all have only one thing in common… art cards are 2.5″ x 3.5″ (64 x 89 mm) in size, just like baseball (and other sports) cards.

Some artists create cards for trading with other artists only. These are referred to as “artist trading cards” or ATCs. They are never sold. Other artists create and sell their cards to the public. These cards are referred to as “art cards, editions and originals”, or ACEOs. So basically, ATCs and ACEOs are the same thing, with one exception: the method by which one obtains the card.

Art cards are everywhere, and the ACEO variation provides an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in collecting art to do so quite affordably. While some cards have drawn over 200 bucks at auction, most sell for between $5 and $25.

For more info on the art card phenomenon, check out my Squidoo lens on the subject: The ABCs of ATCs and ACEOs, where you’ll find more details, resources, and helpful art card links.