ATCs, ACEOs and Sketch Cards:

What Are They?

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the terms ATC, ACEO and Sketch Card, they are all miniature pieces of art. There is only one rule: that they measure 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. After that, anything goes! Oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, graphite (pencil), ink, collage, pyrography (wood burning), jewels, fabric, glitter - a whole world of art in one tiny package! The only real difference between them is how and where they are exchanged.

ATC stands for Artist Trading Cards (ATCs is plural). ATCs are traded to other artists, usually for another ATC. There are groups set up for trading ATCs; each group has its own rules and regulations, although most are quite similar. Most groups welcome newcomers or 'newbies' and are very helpful in getting you started with this hobby. Explanations, advice and techniques are all shared freely and the communities are warm, welcoming and friendly.

ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals (ACEOs is plural). ACEOs are generally sold. ATCs have been restricted historically to artists, but ACEOs allow everyone to join in the fun, whether or not they have artistic ability! There are many websites offering them, and they are quite popular on eBay as well as other online auction sites. There are groups for buyers and sellers.

Sketch Cards are usually sold. Sketch Cards began when trading card companies started inserting 'special' cards created by artists in with their commercial packs of trading cards. (In case you're really behind the times, trading cards are no longer for sports cards only!) The special cards were a big hit and artists began creating their own unique sketch cards and offering them. There are a lot of groups for Sketch Card fans, and the subjects to be found vary as widely as the commercial trading cards.

Why bother with such tiny things?

They are fun--and addictive! They are an affordable way to collect original art. They can complement larger art on walls, fill in odd areas where a 'regular' larger piece of art won't fit, and can be displayed in many different ways. They make lovely gifts. They can also serve as previews of an artist's larger works. Like all original art, many of them will appreciate in value over time, some considerably. A large collection can be kept in a relatively small area, and they seem to fascinate all sorts of people. No matter how you display your collection, it will attract interest!

But what can I do with them?

Just like the artists who created them, your options are only limited by your imagination. They can be matted and framed like 'conventional' sized artwork. When displayed on mini-easels or stands they can be placed on shelves, counters, desktops and many other areas. They fit readily in a standard trading card album and use readily available display and storage products. You can make your own album using readily available materials because they are a standard size. There are frames available that will hold single or multiple cards, some designed for hanging and others designed to be free-standing. There are even magnetic card holders available (and you thought you couldn't hang original art on your refrigerator!)

Purchasing and Trading

A well made card will be made with quality materials, the same materials used in a larger piece of art. The material it is made from (the stock) should be of archival quality, made specifically to last a long time. Inks, paints and other materials used should follow the same standards so that the art created will last for a lifetime and still remain as it was when the artist created it. Like any piece of fine art, they should be handled with respect! (Try not to spill a cup of coffee on them, for an example...)

When purchasing or acquiring a card, if the artist doesn't specify the materials used and you'd like to know, ask! Any reputable artist will honestly tell you what it is made from. You certainly can buy or trade for one NOT made with art-quality materials, but be aware that it can change quite dramatically over the course of a decade or so - colors will fade, paper will yellow and darken, collages may disintegrate.

Be sure that you understand what it is that you are purchasing - some terms you may find are original, copies, reproduction, series, altered and prints, to name the most commonly encountered. Original should mean just what it sounds like - art created entirely by the artist, from the artist's mind and talents. A copy or reproduction should mean that the art has been made using another piece of art (photograph, painting, etc.) as a model. A series usually refers to a number of cards produced with a common theme. A print is a mechanical copy made from another piece of art - which may or may not be limited in the quantity produced. A piece of art referred to as altered usually means that the artist changed another item to create their piece (such as painting over a photograph or print). There is a difference in the terms used from place to place, the terms are not standardized. Again, if you're not sure what the item is or if you don't understand the terms used, ask!

How Do I Know If It's Good?

There is no 'good' art or 'bad' art - there is only individual taste. If you like it, then it's good. If you don't, then don't buy or trade for it. The wide variety of cards available virtually guarantee that you will find some that suit you! New artists, if you are nervously contemplating your work and trying to decide if it's good or bad or even good enough, do keep the above statement in mind!