ACEOs and ATCs

Art Cards Editions and Originals 

and

Artist Trading Cards

 A quick history lesson; these little cards go way back to the 16th century. They were usually portraits done by painters and sold. They have been referred to as the first wallet “photos”. Many times a painter would do a family portrait, and then a miniature one of the mistress that the man could keep easily without the wife knowing. Other ways in which these were useful was when there were pre-arranged marriages. With a portrait done in miniature, both parties of the intended marriage could have a peek at their future spouse. 

Today to qualify as an ATC or an ACEO they  have to measure 2 1/2" by 3 1/2". ATCs were on the scene first as a way for artists to exchange and collect other artisans work. ATCs are strictly traded, they are not bought or sold.

Some artists realized that there was interest from the general public wanting to be able to purchase some of these miniature works of art. That’s where ACEOs come in, they can be sold.  These can be made out of any medium, even fabric.

Quilt ACEO by SharonArt57

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/41144110/free-shipping-wheres-the-mermaid-art

ACEOs are open to many styles, mediums and methods by many artists. They are an inexpensive way to collect original or special editions of artwork.

ACEO by goodgosh

ACEO by peppercorns2

These can be fun to do and create, and they can be as simple or as involved as you want them to be.  If you want to collect them, you can choose just about any type or style you like.

Then you also have the fun of how you display them. Some people frame them individually or as a group. Sometimes they are kept in an album.  You can decide your own way how you want to show off your miniature works of art.

You can get supplies for ACEOs, or ATCs here;

http://www.dickblick.com/products/strathmore-artist-trading-cards/

You can also use playing cards, trading cards, whatever is handy as your base, as long as it measures no bigger than 2 1/2” by 3 1/2”.

Here is a link for ATCs;

http://www.atcsforall.com/index.php

and one for ACEOs;

http://www.art-cards.org/about.html 

(jj)