What's an Art Card or ACEO?
Pocket Size Art
An Art Card is a special piece of artwork that is 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size (trading card size). This width by height standard is the only defining rule for these pieces. They can be paper thin or very thick. The artwork can be done in any medium, and on just about any support material. Pieces on paper, paper board and canvas are commonly found. More rare pieces can be made of fabric, ceramic, wood or metal.
These cards originated generations ago, but the current movement started in 1996 (see Art Card History). The movement was then fueled by a group of artists on ebay in the early part of the next decade. These miniature works of art quickly became very popular. Artists all over the world are now creating, trading and selling them. Because of their small size they are much more affordable than normal sized pieces, making them more attainable for the general public. Now just about anyone can own a collection of high quality, original artwork. The Art Card movement is gaining global momentum making these miniature pieces highly collectible.
There are several terms related to this movement:
Art Card: This is a generic, all encompassing term for any original or edition (print) that adheres to the size rule.
ATC (Artist Trading Card): This was the first term on the scene. These are original works (not prints) that are meant to be traded, not sold.
ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals): The term was coined by the original group of artists on ebay. These can be originals or editions. The editions are the same size as the originals, and can be made in limited runs (which makes them more desirable).
An Art Card is a special piece of artwork that is 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size (trading card size). This width by height standard is the only defining rule for these pieces. They can be paper thin or very thick. The artwork can be done in any medium, and on just about any support material. Pieces on paper, paper board and canvas are commonly found. More rare pieces can be made of fabric, ceramic, wood or metal.
These cards originated generations ago, but the current movement started in 1996 (see Art Card History). The movement was then fueled by a group of artists on ebay in the early part of the next decade. These miniature works of art quickly became very popular. Artists all over the world are now creating, trading and selling them. Because of their small size they are much more affordable than normal sized pieces, making them more attainable for the general public. Now just about anyone can own a collection of high quality, original artwork. The Art Card movement is gaining global momentum making these miniature pieces highly collectible.
There are several terms related to this movement:
Art Card: This is a generic, all encompassing term for any original or edition (print) that adheres to the size rule.
ATC (Artist Trading Card): This was the first term on the scene. These are original works (not prints) that are meant to be traded, not sold.
ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals): The term was coined by the original group of artists on ebay. These can be originals or editions. The editions are the same size as the originals, and can be made in limited runs (which makes them more desirable).