Art cards are pocket size original works of art. They are 2.5 x 3.5 inches, the size of a baseball card. ATC = Artist Trading Cards are artworks to trade with other artists. ACEO = Art Cards Editions and Originals are original artworks, photographs, prints or digital prints to trade with artists or sell to non-artists.Over last summer I painted lots of art cards. They are convenient to transport and work on in locations beyond my studio; on the porch, outside in the yard or on vacation.
Art cards can also be used as a marketing tool to promote your blog or website.
After completing a set of cards photocopy them in color. Staples has a self service center at about 49 cents per copy. I copy four cards at a time and then cut them out. From your computer use adhesive labels to print out your FB fan site address, blog or website with a blurb of copy. Stick the labels onto the backs of the color copies. (as in photo) They are perfect to hand out to friends, family and new people you meet. They are inexpensive and quick to make... kids love to receive them and... since it's only a copy... they can enjoy your art, in their own little hands, without fear of damage or loss.
Since these promo cards are larger than a business card they will not fit into a standard business card case. Near my home happens to be a card collectors shop which carries small hard plastic hinged boxes for baseball cards. (see left side of photo) You can probably find a source online. The thinnest box is about a 1/4 inch deep.
Hard plastic topload baseball card sleeves are great to protect each individual painted art card. Collaged cards may be too thick to slip in. (see right side of photo) Look for these at card collectors shops or online.
Hope you find this post helpful.
19 comments:
This is great! Thank you for the advice, it is a wonderful idea. xoxo
How cool to carry your own personal art samples around like a business card! Saves a multitude of trying to explain when people ask, "So, what kind of art do you do?" (Smile)
You're welcome, Annie.
Shrinky,
People ask that exact question! - "What kind of art do you do?" - Which is not a very easy question to answer using words.
you are so together and organized. great idea I do have a few ATC's left somewhere buried in a box. Maybe I can amuse myself by making a few more. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
I love this idea. While at Joanne fabrics buying Halloween costumes I saw they had watercolor paper for art cards. I certainly would cut my own, but this has inspired me to go ahead and make some. Thank you.
We sell those at our shop! Is that easier than cutting your own cards like you used to do?
They are a "big" hit ... perfect for your little works of art!
I wasn't at all aware of these boxes.
I love the top loaders,,wonderful protection for the cards.
So, works inserted into top loaders then fit into these boxes?
Sorry,,,,I'm blonde. Kinda.
suki,
I try to be organized. I am mostly together... but I am also a little scattered at times. Too many ideas all at once! - Yes! A picture is worth a thousand words and so much easier to understand.
rennata,
Joanne Fabrics has art card materials? Their buyer is on the ball! Michaels Crafts Store DOES NOT! I spoke to one of their sales persons and I suggested they make a section for art cards.
Vel! Your shop sounds like a great place for artists supplies. A friend of mine gave me a stack of pads of watercolor, canvas paper and bristol board. So I've been cutting my own.
My method is; I tape down a larger sheet of paper onto foam core, pencil rule my lines for 3 cards per sheet of paper, then paint over the lines (like a bleed in print terms). Spray them with final fix, then trim to 2.5 x 3.5.
Babs,
um... no. The rigid topload sleeves are for each individual card to mail or give out. (YOU introduced me to the sleeves when I received your card.)
The sleeves are too big to fit in the box.
The box is to hold 2.5 x 3.5 color copied art cards on plain paper. I can fit about 18 into one box. I carry the box with me and hand them out.
Rennata!
I just realized who you are! (smile) Thanks for leaving a comment. I hope you decide to make some art cards. Perhaps it might be a good idea for a class at the gallery.
Very cool way to show folks your artwork Chewy. Have you considered maybe mass-producing some of your work in this format?
Smiles,
Doug : )
what a good post! your art is just perfect for these cards. right now i am looking at my chewy crocus, which is always in front of me on my desk, and i always think how much i love it.
matter of fact, i treasure it.
xo
Hi Doug,
Color copies do not have the best quality to mass produce. I am researching website stores that produce products like T-shirts, mugs, posters, etc.
kj,
Aaaw, the little crocus is cherished. I am delighted it has a warm hearted home.
Chewy, your art cards look so fantastic and I love your ideas of displaying and giving out copies that way!
What a great way to display your work. Are you going to use these for all the critters?
It seems a good idea to have copies to hand out but I have a reservation... I tell the recipients of my art cards that they are one-of-a-kind, I feel giving copies away sort of cheats on that. What is your view?
Artyfax,
You may use the wording "one-of-a-kind" to describe your art cards. I don't. - I refer to my cards as "pocket-size original works of art".
A color copy is not an original work of art. It's a non-archival reproduction on plain paper without my signature.
I had the impression that the cards were for trading with other artists. Usually they are mailed out to a certain address... and then you receive one back.. or however many you send out, you get that many back...
Anonymous, (why be anonymous?)
As I've explained in the post:
ATC's are for trading. (Artist Trading Cards) Signed by the artist on the front or back.
The term ACEO came about so that non-artists can collect them. (Art Cards Editions and Originals) "Editions" means there is a limited number of prints of a card. Signed and/or numbered by the artist. ACEO's are traditionally traded or sold.
I gift some of my original painted cards in small frames to non-artists who display them in their homes or office. In return for the gifted cards my art is seen by more people who may wish to purchase my larger artworks.
A color copy is not an original artwork and is NOT signed because my original cards are painted and signed. When people ask me, "what kind of art do you do?" A picture is worth a thousand words, so I give them an unsigned color copy with a link to my blog and facebook fan page.
Hi, thanks for answering my question.
I wasn't suggesting that colour copies stand in place of the originals; and my art cards which are traded or sold ARE always original ( OOAK is a common nomenclature in the atc/aceo world)which I have picked up on.
I was merely thinking that some people may see them as alternatives, e.g. limited edition prints - which I never do myself. In fact you have answered my question. Like yourself, I only ever sign originals - and that is the deciding factor. I think if I did this, I would also add ( on the rear of the art card where the artist's information goes) that it was actually a colour copy.
As far as destroying the file of digitally created art goes when a print is made, theoretically you may be right, however in the world of altered art it could be used as the starting point for further work. In my case I use them for reference and to maintain a record.
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