I’ve been painting for a long, long time, but painting really big things are still more than a little intimidating. If you’re not into creating massive masterpieces, there’s a class of artwork that’s perfect for those of us who want to keep it on the small side.
Artists’ Trading Card (ATC ) is a standardized size of support that’s used by painters, mixed media artists and collage crafters. The uniform size of 2-1/2” x 3-1/2” can be paper, card stock, Bristol board or canvas paper, so no matter what medium you use, there’s something for every artist and crafter.
Books To Get You Started
There are loads of publications that focus on ATC art, for both hobbyists and professionals. Whether you paint or craft, check out the variety of books that are devoted to creating ATC works of art.
Artist Trading Card Workshop: Create, Collect, Swap
Artist Trading Card Workshop teaches you to design your own cards and shows how to incorporate the 25+ techniques demonstrated in the book. It also explains trading, card swaps and how to trade with other ATC artists around the world.
Discover how to create colorful collage, use fabric and incorporate stamping and stenciling into your designs with this popular and informative book by Bernie Berlin.
1,000 Artist Trading Cards: Innovative And Inspired Mixed Media ATCs
Curated by Patricia Bolton, this book is a compendium of all things ATC. From the formation of the ATC movement to tricks and tips for creating your own artwork, you’ll find answers to all your questions, as well as 1000 examples of ATC art from around the world.
Check out some of the other books that will have you creating your own ATC art in no time!
Choose Your Support To Create Your Own ATC Artwork
Whether you’re a watercolorist, paint with acrylic, enjoy stamping, mixed media or even fabric and collage, there’s an ATC support that’s right for your medium and style.
Not only will you find the right paper or board, but you can also discover protective sleeves, envelopes, frames and pre-cut mat boards to display and protect your tiny treasures.
Strathmore Artist Trading Cards, 2.5 x 3.5 Inches Vellum Surface Bristol
This 20-pack of vellum surfaced Bristol board is perfect for working with pencil, pen or charcoal or pastel. The board is acid-free and pre-cut, so it’s ready for your next art adventure.
Strathmore Artist Trading Cards 400 Series Acrylic
Although the paper is from Strathmore’s Acrylic series, these ATC cards are well suited to other mediums. This 246 lb (400 gsm) paper has a toothy surface and has a cream-colored linen finish. Acid-free and thick enough to stand up to some serious painting, this comes as a set of six 10-packs of cards.
Strathmore Artist Trading Cards 400 Series Watercolor Paper
Your favorite weight watercolor paper that’s the perfect size for creating ATC paintings, this package of 140 lb (300 gsm) acid-free cold pressed cards is perfect for quick sketches or completed paintings. The listing includes six 10-packs of paper.
Browse through all types of paper, board and supplies for creating your own petite pictures. A great thing about going miniature is that you don’t need a lot of room, and costs are far less than buying large supports!
