Artists: Why Trade Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)?

Why should artists make and trade Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)?

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), are small pieces of original artwork that measure 2 and a half inches by 3 and a half inches, the same dimensions as a deck of playing cards, and of other commercially-produced "trading cards."

Artists can actually use a card from a traditional deck of playing cards to make ATCs.

I was recently reminded of why making and trading ATCs is so enjoyable, when I started a social network dedicated to mail art, specifically to exhanging Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). I have traded hundreds of original cards with just as many artists, all over the world.

Making artists cards is not a new idea, in fact, these cards have been around since the 16th century. (Various sources)

In 1996 it was Swiss artist m. vanci stirnemann who first exchanged hundreds of handmade cards (Richmond Art Gallery). Like Picasso in his blue period, Strineman's reason for creating the cards by hand was more financial than artistic.

Here are eight very compelling reasons to trade cards.

1. Getting Started with Artist Trading Cards is easy

Artists probably already have the all the materials they need to make Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). It's just a matter of sitting down and deciding to try your hand at
making and trading Artist Trading Cards (ATCs).

2. When you trade ATCs you get some really cool mail.

There are very few times as an adult that you may actually look forward to what's in your mailbox. Those rare instances include the weeks before your birthday, or the holidays, or if you've ordered something cool and are expecting it through the mail.

When you actively trade (ATCs), each excursion to the mail box is an adventure. You may be waiting on cards for a planned exchange, or you may receive surprise ATCs or mail art from someone.

3. You Meet Artists You May Never Have Met if You Did not Trade Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)

Through the global trading of Artist Trading Cards, I have met an incredible number of quality artists and people. Some I would even call "friend," even though we only know each other through our art and our related art exchanges.

4. Making and Trading ATCs Keeps Your Art Fresh

When you are actively involved in trading ATCs, you need to keep making art. You already know that it will find a home, and this also a motivating factor to keep your art fresh.

5. Trading ATCs Can Lead to Other Opportunities

Due to my participation in the mail art community, I have been invited to yet another art show. The art shows which I have been involved with because of my ATCs have been rewarding on a personal and artistic level. Some of have been profitable.

6. It Combines Old World and New World Forms of Communication

Exchanging Artist Trading Cards can be done in person, although it is just as popular to use a combination of the Internet an the postal mail to trade art. The dichotomy of the new world-old world communication methods is a satisfying combination.

As much as I love the Internet and my cyber life, there issomething to be said for seeing art in person. It's the same satisfaction avid book readers get when they hold and read a book.

What could be better than art that you can actually touch and hold in your palm?

7. The Small Size of the Canvas Encourage Experimentation

A traditional card is so small, that the artist is not afraid to work on it. If it gets ruined, it doesn't matter. Make more. The size invites experimentation of method, technique, and of subject matter.

8. Exchanging ATCs Encourages Focus and Perspective

Before I began creating such small works of art, I never felt a canvas was big enough for the images I wanted to portray. Working on such a small piece of canvas was a true challenge to my artistic sensibilities in the beginning.

It taught me to focus on what was truly important about the image I was attempting to express. Working so small taught me to slow down, stop, and re-focus my perspective on my art, and on the world.

Artists, what are you waiting for? host your own exchange or start exchanging cards online with other artists.