Original collage art using old photos, greeting cards, postcards, glitter, glue, ribbons, fibers and various other items--my computer and my printer.

The Rules Of Artist Trading Cards

Some common rules to modern Artist Trading Cards:

1. The dimensions of the card must be 2.5 x 3.5 inches (64 x 89 mm).
2. The cards are traded, never sold. Cards sold are referred to as ACEOs.
3. The artist of the card should sign and date their cards, and number them if they are part of an edition. Contact information can also be included so other artists can get to know them and their work. (Some artists like to make a personal calling card with a self portrait on the front and contact information and anything else they'd like to include on the back, to give out with their trades.)

Artist Trading Cards are typically made on a base of card stock. However, ATCs have been created on metal, stiffened fabric, polymer clay, plastic, clay, balsa wood, leather, embroidery canvas, acetate, heavy watercolor paper, and many other materials. Various techniques are then applied to the chosen substrate: collage, textile arts, assemblage, digital art, calligraphy, beadwork, watercolors, rubber stamps, carved soft block stamps, pen and ink, colored pencil, airbrush, and many others. The back of the card typically includes the artist's signature, the date, and sometimes the number (if the card is part of an edition or series), and title. If part of an organized swap, it is common for people to add the name and date of the swap, sometimes including the name of the swap host or venue.