Into Artist Trading Cards?

If you've ever done any ATCs before, you know how tedious it is to measure and cut your cards from the paper of your choosing.  Well, I found the most awesome solution in Artist's Magazine. There was an ad for strathmore blank trading cards. They're already cut perfectly, and are available in alot of paper choices. I don't even know what media to use with some of the paper! AAAND...they have some really cute lil envelopes to go with. Anyway, I'll quit rambling even though its TOTALLY cool. Here's a link to the first website I found to buy them:

http://www.allartsupplies.com/item.php?articleId=2818&gclid=CPiPooXI4JMCFRKpxgodLB16WQ

Enjoy.

I had never heard of trading cards for artists.... Is this a new craze?

Just get business cards printed, they are the same size and probably cheaper in the long run to produce.

... I kinda agree with Fable... I don't hink the're new, but you can buy the boards and cut them up yourself. it'd be cheeper. I see the point though. Seen a heap of them at DA. I wonder what started this new meme?

My friend is into these cards big time.  She uses old playing cards and paints, them and then glues all kinds of stuff to them.  The turn out pretty nice most of the time.

Yeah- I've seen a few people on DA make a heap. Most don't have that much effort put into them :< I like the 9 card ones. The ones that make a big picture ^^ I'd hate to sell them thoguh. Little miniture peices of art :<

We used to do those in my art classes in High School every year and trade them with other high school art kids. They're pretty popular I guess, the student store at the school I'm going to right now sells already premade blank cards. They're kinda like artist baseball cards XD.

Actually, it's kind of a neat idea when you put it that way- I'm always asked for original art at cons, and if I did some on little cards, they're quick, affordable, and less likely to be thrown away... I might look into the card dimentions. I know the stores I go to don't have them.. I'll see if others might...

i just like the idea of tiny little bits of art, and trading them. I personally believe every piece of art has a bit of the artist's soul in it, so in effect, they're spreading themselves. Like, I inherited a painting my grandma did before she got alztheimer's. I keep it with me because she's there. She can't remember who I am, much less see me anymore, but I have her with me anyway. That's why I love the idea of trading cards. Little pieces of space and time that will never happen again. preserved. I like to concentrate on that, not trying to cut out my paper. I don't mind paying extra for that. btw: the link up at the top is where you can buy them. I don't think the price is that bad, but I spend more on my art than anything else. and I really really hate measuring and cutting.

I can't get them in NZ, but I'm getting some cut for me- I'm gonna give it a go for cons ^^

did you try the website I linked to?

Yeah, but its not available in NZ. It's ok. I think I've found a similar card

Speaking from working at a printshop There is a difference between printing your own and getting things done at a shop. Thou it might be cheaper to do them in home on these prefforated <sp>  index stock, you get what you pay for. Index stock is not as thick or as heavy as cover stock. As micro as the Prefferation may be you will still notice it. The shop can cut on a cutting machine., which is a smooth  sharp edge.  Of course there is the price which for most will seem steep.

But Personally what I would do, is look online and find a place that prints Playing Cards. The stock is great  all cut with same edge. You can get 54 per pack, later split them as you see fit. Groups ten or so. I've looked you have three options. 

1 -    Do back of cards, and use regular playing deck on front.

2 -    Have their back, and personallize the face of cards.

3 -    Do your own front and back.

I've been trying to get Dennis to do a tarot deck with me.

I'm not printing on them ^^; this is for painting water colours and stuff. Not repro work ^^; I've found some nice 600gsm water colour card that's  hot pressed. The company is gonna cut it down for me too ^^ I'll see how it goes. It'll make me 16 cards for $1 somethign each.

Sounds good. Make sure you post them so we see what they look like.

On Jun 10, 2008 8:01 pm, WildeKarde said:

Oh yes! I'd hate to not share art I hate it when people don't post stuff cause they want to be "special" or something. Art is to be enjoyed in my eyes

Character cards have been the rage in Japan for years...  At Comiket most artists tables sell some form of card.. Most introduce you to the character with stats and such others are just eye candy.  I've always thought they were the best way to get people with little money to concider buying my art.  They run from $2.50 to $10.00 depending on how they are made.  I've seen some quality fan-work done on cards as well as original characters.  They're fun to collect. 

I have a small collection myself.  One came with a little heat-rub sticker that turns in to a heart when you press your finger on it.  The ones I'd really love to make are the kind that are 'clear' and the sleeve it's sold with adds a pretty design to the background around the character.  Very cool!

How much would you pay for an original one though? Like... one drawn by hand?

Good question... I've seen those go for as much as $20 US dollars.  But this was a bit larger than a normal card. It was hand drawn....colored with marker and laminated.  Depending on how enamored I am with the image/character and quality of production I'd pay $20.  I've paid more for less.  That's the fan girl in me.

That may not be the average response.  $5 -10 for hand made would be more realistic perhaps?

Ok- Cause I'm gonna do some for an upcoming con, and am looking for ideas of things to draw, but prices kinda stumped me. If you have any thoughts, the forum is here. So far, no one has responded... I donno if I should be worried or mortified that no one seems to care ^^; T.T