If you’ve never heard of Artist Trading Cards, you’re about to fall down a very enjoyable rabbit hole.
ATCs are miniature works of art, exactly 2.5 x 3.5 inches — the same size as a hockey card. They can be painted, drawn, collaged, stamped, stitched, or made from just about anything you can get your hands on. The only rule is that they are traded, never sold. You make one, you find someone who wants it, and you get something back in return.
That’s it. That’s the whole thing. And somehow it’s one of the most generous and connective corners of the art world.
I got into ATCs because they force decisions. When you only have 2.5 x 3.5 inches to work with, you can’t overthink it. You pick an idea, you work it out, and you let it go. For someone who paints watercolours and occasionally argues with them until they behave, that’s a healthy exercise.
Explore ATCs with me:
And if you want to see ATCs in action, check out some of my themed ATC projects on the blog.
ATCs on the Blog
Check out some of the blog posts just about ATCs
