WHAT ARE ARTIST TRADING CARDS AND HOW TO MAKE THEM LOOK AMAZING

Inside: what are artist trading cards and how to make them look amazing

Artist trading cards (ATCs) is a conceptual art project initiated by the Swiss artist M. Vänçi Stirnemann in 1997. Artist trading cards are 2.5 by 3.5 inches in size, the same format as modern trading cards (hockey cards or baseball cards) or playing cards. They are self-made unique works or small series, signed and dated on the reverse by the artist/producer, exchanged and collected by the people who participate in the collaboration.

WHAT ARE THE RULES OF ARTIST TRADING CARDS

If you're not familiar with ATC's here are the basics that you need to know:

• Size: 2.5" x 3.5" vertical or horizontal
• You can use all mediums
• Create more than one and show your style
• Sign your name and add the card's title on the back
• ATC's are for trade never for sale

HOW TO MAKE ATC's?

1. Cut any material to the ATC's size. You can use cardstock, fabric, metal, plastic, chipboard or any other material.
2. Think of the main design element you want to make on your cards. It can be a word, an image, an element, a pattern or a combination of some or all of them.
3. Decide what color scheme you want your artist trading cards to have.
4. Create your cards.

ARTIST TRADING CARD IDEAS

There are as many ideas as there are artists. Since Artist trading cards are basiclly small works of art you can find them in any design or style.

I created mine in a steampunk vintage style.

To create the cards I used black cardstock which I covered with white gesso. Then I sprayed the cards with some ink sprays to give them a little color and shimmer.

The next step was to start adding the steampunk theme embellishments. I decided to create some weird looking images on some of the cards and on others I just added steampunk embellishments. You might find some of them a little too weird but ATC's are all about art and lately I feel like not creating cute and popular art but something more provoking.

ARTIST TRADING CARDS SWAP

Now... as I said in the beginning ATC's are for trading, so who wants to trade with me?  First five to respond will get one of the cards and will send me one back.

Making ATC's is a great way to experiment with techniques, materials and designs because it's a small space and it's much less intimidating.

Here are some tips:

• Use the same color scheme for the entire set you're working on.
• Pick a focal point idea and apply its variations on the cards. For example if you choose flowers add a different size, shape or color of flower to each card.
• Create unique elements to each card in the details and embellishments you add.
• Get creative and make Artist Trading Coins instead.
• Check out this video tutorial on Artist Trading Cards for Beginners

Have fun creating!