Artist Trading Cards Commemorate Hawaii's Artists

Artist Trading Cards, also known as ATCs, are 2 ½ x 3 ½ inch (64 x 89 mm) miniature works of art which artist/designers trade with one another, similar to the way people trade sport cards. ATCs are a relatively new art form which formally began in September 1996. The concept was created by Swiss artist M. Vanci Stirnemann.

These artist trading cards by Hans Loffel capture the essence of his full scale prints in a unique venue for collection and interaction with other artists.

ATCs can be in any art media: textile arts, pencil, oil, acrylic, watercolor, collage, scratch board, mixed media--anything an artist would use to create art. ATCs are produced as single originals, in a series, or in limited editions (Not more than 25 copies to any edition)

Among certain art and crafts movements, ATCs are about exchanging art WITHOUT exchanging money, and without the interference of the business side of the art world. Artists trade their work in face to face trading sessions as well as via mail. Artists who trade by mail often make their arrangements online and/or by email. In some artist opinions, trading by mail is a diminished experience when compared to the face to face experience at an ATC trading session. Some artists insist on mailing their cards open through the mail, causing a higher collectible value for their officiated stamp mark.

Some rules for modern Artist Trading Cards:

• The dimensions of the cards must be 2.5 x 3.5 inches (64 x 89 mm).

• The cards are traded, NEVER SOLD. Cards sold are referred to as ACEO.

• The artist should sign and date their cards, and number them if they are part of an edition. Contact information can also be included so other artists can get to know them and their work. (Some artists like to make a personal calling card with a self portrait on the front with their contact information on the back to give out with their trades).

Established guidelines for the creation and distribution of the cards like Hans Loffel's "Nude 2" create protocols to enhance the value of the cards as well as the experience they afford.

Artist Trading Cards are typically made on a base of card stock. However, ATCs have been created on metal, stiffened fabric, polymer clay, plastic, clay/ceramics, wood, leather, embroidery canvas, acetate, heavy watercolor paper, and many other materials.

Various techniques are then applied to the chosen substrate: collage, textile arts, assemblage, digital art, calligraphy, beadwork, watercolors, rubber stamps, carved soft block stamps, pen and ink, colored pencils, airbrush, photography, and many others. The back of the cards typically includes the artist’s signature, the date and sometimes the number (if the card is part of a series or edition), and title. If part of an organized swap, it is common for people to add the name, date of the swap, sometimes including the name of the swap host or venue.

A highly debated offshoot of the ATCs is the ACEO – ART CARD, EDITIONS AND ORINIGALS. ACEOs were founded when some artists began creating cards to sell on eBay, in addition to trading among themselves. The selling of these cards is a sore point to ATC purists; the practice is not unprecedented: trading cards in some areas such as sport cards are also traded and sold. Many artists continue to sell them on eBay. This practice is meant to augment their incomes and to increase their patronage.

Here in Hawai’i, we created an additional twist to our ATCs & ACEOs and created greeting cards with ATCs attached; selling them in fine art galleries in Hawaii. With this concept – sky’s the limit and it promotes varies designers & artists and fine arts in the 21st century. Our name is also Hawaiian, called “ Oihana ” translated means A special business; an occupation; or a trade. We have created a hui or association for artists & designers to trade and sell their mini works of art in a venue in Chinatown, Honolulu – the Louis Pohl Gallery.

Join us at the new ATC trading sessions on Second Saturdays from 12:00 - 3:00p.m. at the LOUIS POHL GALLERY

Space is Limited – Call Sandy Pohl at 521-1812 for more information.

For more information on Hawaii's own artist trading cards, check out the Oihana Newsletter...

Click here to Download a pdf of the Oihana Newsletter.

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