What are Artist Trading Cards?

Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs, as they're known, are quite simply trading cards made by artists, instead of being mass produced by companies like sports and other trading cards are. Since they are handmade, they are typically one of a kind, although some artists will make prints.

Initially, it seems that artists would make tiny, original works of art for the purpose of trading them with other artists, and that they should never be sold -- only traded. But as with most great ideas, this one has spread and now ATCs are sold, reproduced, and collected by non-artists as well.

Again, as with most great things, this has created some controversy. Some people still believe that the cards should only be traded and not sold, as was the original idea. While I get this concept, I of course, believe that people should do whatever the hell they want, and let others do the same. But, this is just all my opinion, and I digress.

Back to the point - Artist Trading Cards are big news, and they're very cool. Whether they are originals or reproductions; traded or sold; paintings or collages - they are great fun to make, and even greater to collect. There is a big market for trading cards, and ATCs are the ultimate.

Categories: Artist Trading Cards | Art