About Artist Trading Cards ACEOs
Long ago, in the days before business cards and the internet, artists would give a miniature painting to prospective customers. In today’s times, these small originals are commonly known as Artist Trading Cards, or ACEOs which stand for Art Cards, Editions and Originals.
They are sold by artists as either Art Card Original miniature works of art or Art Card Editions which are miniature prints of other original works of art.
The rule is they must measure 2.5” x 3.5” inches (6.3 x 8.9cm) whether originals or a limited print edition. Limited print editions are normally a maximum of 9 prints, so for example you may have an Art Card Edition which says 1 of 9.
Artist Trading Cards are miniature works of art that can be created in many ways, for example, painted, hand pulled as a lino print, collaged etc. I’ve even seen some beautiful artistic examples of sewn cards. Whatever the creative process though, they are usually on a quality, sturdy paper or card that can fit comfortably within the display sleeves that collectors use.
Avid collectors use display sleeves which hold 9 Artist Trading Cards per sleeve, used for storing in ring binders that can be leafed through. They also swap and trade the cards amongst themselves. They are extremely popular in the USA and are becoming more popular here in the UK and Europe as more people become aware of them.
Art preference is very personal which makes it fun to collect original works from particular themes or styles that you love. They also look great mounted in single or grouped frames either on a shelf or on the wall.
The Artist Card Originals that I create can be in watercolour, acrylic or oils, on heavy weight papers or card. They are all freehand painted one off original miniature paintings. They are sent in a protective single clear sleeve in a sturdy cardboard backed envelope.
There is an additional optio
n of purchasing a mount for the card so that it can be easily framed. The mount will fit a standard 5” x 7” (12.7 x 17.7cm) frame. You can trim it down to a smaller frame size if you wish to a 4 x 6” frame. All mounts I provide are in a neutral light cream or white colour. The mount and the art card will be shipped in a sturdy cardboard backed envelope to ensure safe and pristine delivery.
My Art Card Originals are signed with initials on the front or signed on the certificate on the back of the card, or both. Each card is also uniquely numbered and recorded. All Art Cards, whether Originals or Editions will come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity attached to the back of the card.
Why not start your Artist Trading Card collection today! I'm adding new art cards regularly in my SHOP.