ACEO FAQs and ANSWERS - PART 1: As an artist and collector of ACEO's, a moderator in the first and largest ACEO group on eBay (ACEO ~ Art Card Editions and Originals) and a member in several other art groups on eBay, I've spent the last few years asking, researching and answering questions for other ACEO artists and collectors. ACEO FAQs - BEST ANSWERS guide will continue to grow, so it will be in several parts (Part 1, Part 2, etc.) to accommodate space limitations for eBay guides. Please view all parts to see if your question has an answer. If not, contact me with your question, and I will do my best to provide you with an answer!

And a special thank you to members of ACEO ~ Art Card Editions and Originals who are helping me hone these guides with their suggestions and additions! We're now planning a BEST ANSWER series with detailed information on many aspects of creating, displaying and selling ACEOs!

What is an ACEO?

The acronym ACEO stands for Art Card Editions and Originals.

Basically, an ACEO is a 2.5" x 3.5" work of art (an original or a print edition). It is always this size. No exceptions. Anyone listing a work that is any other size who uses the ACEO acronym is misrepresenting their work.

Historically, Artist Trading Cards (Art Trading Cards) were 2.5" x 3.5" original works of art traded only amongst artists. An ACEO is exactly the same thing, but is intended for sale rather than trade. This acronym was created to respect those artists who are passionate about ATC's being trade only works of art. ACEOs provide a venue for artists to sell their miniature work and for the public at large (including non-artists) to collect these wee masterpieces.

What is the difference between an ATC and an ACEO?

ATCs are traded. ACEOs are sold. That is the only difference.

Who started the ACEO Movement? How did it happen?

In October 2004, artist Lisa Luree, in response to her awareness of an unserved market, created a group (ACEO ~ Art Card Editions and Originals) on eBay to promote the creation and sale of art cards. ACEOs made it possible for anyone to collect original art or print editions at reasonable prices. It also opened an entirely new venue for art sales to starving artists (and those who aren't starving!). Now there are almost 4,000 people in this original group, and on any given day one can find thousands of ACEOs to browse and buy!

What Size is an ACEO?

Always 2.5" x 3.5" Always. Any other size is not an ACEO, and if billed as such is done so erroneously.

Are there any guidelines to creating ACEOs?

1. ACEOs must adhere to the 2.5" x 3.5" rule. Other than that, anything goes!

2. Artists should consider creating a somewhat durable piece of art, since these are considered "cards". Creating on or mounting on a sturdy base, like thick cardstock, heavy watercolor papers, etc., is a good idea. (Watch for another ACEO BEST ANSWER Guide offering more specific information and details on this topic!)

3.  Generally, collectors like to store their ACEO's in a flat display such as a frame, an album or a scrapbook. However, many mixed media ACEO's are thick and sometimes 3-dimensional, sometimes even small books, and this beautiful work is still considered to be ACEO.

What medium(s) are used to create ACEO's?

Paper, canvas, fabric, metal, wood... oils, pastels, pencils, watercolors, crayons, pen and ink, ephemera for collage and altered art, and even polymer clay... these are just some of the mediums I've seen used to create ACEOs. ACEOs can be original paintings, drawings, collage... and they can also be photographic and digital art. ACEOs can be prints of original art that are offered in a limited edition run or as open edition pieces. The only limitation is your imagination!

Please see Part 2 for more FAQs and Answers!

For an invitation to join

ACEO ~ Art Card Editions and Originals

please contact me!