A couple of months ago my husband Cliff was shopping around for fun and unique business cards. While I tended to be a fan of miniature Moo Cards, he was more drawn towards translucent plastic or metal. Somehow while helping him search around for more options, I discovered the world of Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs).
With dimensions of 2.5″ x 3.5″, Artist Trading Cards are slightly larger than the traditional business card. They always contain original artwork, or are part of limited editions. The idea of ATCs was originally conceived as a way to network with other artists, and use each other’s work as inspiration. Their history according to ATC Quarterly is as follows:
In 1996-97, a new art culture sprang up which rejected the tradition of critiquing and pricing art. Swiss artist M. Vanci Stirnemann is hailed as the father of the Artist Trading Card movement. Stirnemann, inspired by hockey trading cards, created and showcased 1200 similarly-sized cards-his original works of art-in his gallery in Zurich, Switzerland. He told people who wanted one of his cards to come back and bring one of their own in trade.
The most important concept to observe is that the cards are never sold.
As for materials, most trades will specify media to be used, but it can range from paper to fabric to resin and metal, but basically can consist of anything that will fit with the size restraints. Graphic artist, Joumana Medlej, has wonderful visual examples of pushing the boundaries of these little cards.
The discovery of art cards has resulted in finally breaking out of the creative block in which I was stuck for much too long. A little creativity is better than nothing. Especially if the result can fit into your pocket.
Click here to visit my own ATC album.
