Collecting and Trading ACEO Cards

ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals".  These cards are a spin off of ATC which stands for 'Artist Trading Cards'.  Both ACEO and ATC have the same size requirements.  Each are 2 and one half by 3 and one half inches (64 x 89 mm).  

ATC: Artist Trading Cards

ATC is a new art form which began formally in September of 1996.  Swiss artist M. Vanci Stirnemann is credited with the creation of the ATC art form concept.  This art is not limited by medium, you can use pencil, watercolor, acrylic, oil, collage, scratch board, mixed combination, pretty much anything a creative mind can think up!  These can also be produced as original, limited editions, or as a series.

The ideal behind ATCs was to exchange art without involving either the art world or money.  Artists trade their cards via email as well as face-to-face trading sessions.  These cards are to be traded, never bought or sold.

ACEO: Art Cards, Editions and Originals

ACEOs were founded when some artists began to create cards specifically to sell on eBay as well as to trade among themselves.  ACEO having been founded on eBay continues to supplement many of eBay artists by drawing new buyers to their work. 

ACEO share the same size requirements as ATC as well as the same "anything goes" attitude when it comes to creativity and mediums.  ACEO differs from ATC in that they are produced especially to sell and attract new people to the artists work.  This selling of the cards in ACEO is a bit of a sore spot for ATC purists.

Card Creation Tips

• The back of the cards should be used for information on the artist.  This can be anything you'd like to include such as your name, eBay Id and contact information.  Most artists also use the back to number their work. 
• Remember that your finished card must fit into the standard trading card sleeve. There is a little forgiveness concerning the 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 dimensions, but stepping too far outside these standards may make your work less desirable by collectors.
• Small dimensions of the ACEO requires smaller designs.  Be sure to select an appropriate design or in the case of a collage, use materials small enough for the ACEO canvas.

ACEO Samples

Whether you are creating or collecting be sure to have fun and follow your heart.  Here is a collection of Nine ACEO created by Artist SharEliz.  This series plus a Bonus ACEO are currently available for purchase.

ACEO by Folk Artist SharEliz Black Cat Nautical Series

Please feel free to drop me an eBay message or email if you have any questions or comments, I welcome your feedback.  Thanks for visiting our Guide.  If you have found it to be helpful, Please provide your feedback.

Thanks,

Brad, (Bishop1963) bradbishop@eastlink.ca