Have you heard of ATCs or ACEOs? They are a fairly popular art form that have been around for several years now, and I’ve been a little obsessed with them lately. ATC stands for “Artist Trading Card” and ACEO stands for “Artist Card Editions and Originals”. It’s basically two different names for the same thing- a tiny piece of art that is 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches (6.35 cm x 8.9cm). The main difference is that an ATC is meant to only be traded or gifted, while ACEOs are sold for a profit.
When I first started making ATCs, I wondered what all the different ways of making them were, and how people categorize the types. This post features just a few of the types I have come across. Hopefully this list can help out some new (or experienced) traders know what to call their types of cards.
1) Collage:
These ATCs feature images, labels and colored papers. These cards may incorporate lace, ribbon, buttons, brads, or other embellishments. One of my favorite terms for this method is “Gluing stuff to other stuff”… but I may have used a less family-friendly word in place of “stuff”.
2) Stamping:
These ATCs are made by layering or arranging stamped images onto a solid background. I like to use multiple colored inks for interest and dimension. Very little to no hand drawn or hand inked elements
3) Digital Art / Pixel Art:
These ATCs incorporate digitally created artworks and are printed, then cut to the correct size. Usually this type will use one sheet of paper for the entire card. That paper is then affixed to cardstock or other sturdy backing. (Please note that this is different from FOUND IMAGE cards, explained further below)
4) Hand painted / hand drawn:
All elements on the card are ones the artist will make entirely by hand, including words.
5) Mixed Media:
In my experience, the majority of ATCs fall into the mixed media category, where they implement parts of multiple methods into one card. For the most part, these are collage cards with a hand painted or hand stamped element. I have also seen cards with a painted background and printed label, shapes, or words. Cards that use sewn edges, thread, or fabric along with the paper would fall into mixed media. Mixed media cards may also incorporate the use of unusual materials. I’ve received cards that use nuts, bolts, glass, metal, shell, bone, recycled packaging, etc. Any items used should be free of food residue and dirt. It is very important in my opinion to avoid things that may cause issues with pests or allergies.
Less common types of ATCs:
Less common types of ATCs may include carved relief in stone or wood, clay sculptures, laser cut metal, wood burning, completely created from fabric and thread, needle felted, leather stamping, and more. In summary, if it can fit into a 2.5″ X 3.5″ (6.35 cm x 8.9cm) size and is less than 1/4 inch thick, It qualifies as a “card”.
I hope this helped peak your interest in the world of tiny art. Check back soon for a tutorial for ATCs in the next few weeks!
