Two Rules to Follow When Creating Art Cards and ACEO

There are only two very basic rules to follow when you wish to create and art card or ACEO. Once you familiarize yourself with these standards then you can have a lot of fun creating and either trading art cards or selling your ACEO.

The standard accepted size of an art card and ACEO is 2.5 x 3.5 inches. The size of an art card follows the standard size of a baseball card which became common in the 1800’s. Any other size would not be recognized as an art card. This size allowed for uniformity in packaging and handling. When storing an art card or ACEO it is common to use baseball card sleeves and folders. The paper itself can be purchased very inexpensively. It is already cut to the correct dimensions.

When producing an art card or ACEO, the size format is not the only rule to follow. Copyright laws must also be followed and obeyed. An image like art or a photograph is automatically copyrighted for a period of 50 years beyond the artist’s or photographer’s death. Photographs also require a basic model release. This release allows a user to incorporate an image into a publication only if he or she abides by the specific usage terms in the model set by the photographer. Some model releases do not allow for republication at all.

Brand names and logos are strictly forbidden for unauthorized reproduction. Do not attempt to use one with out express permission. An attempt to do so most often results in a lawsuit.

Create your own art tiny treasures of art cards or ACEO. Often these tiny pieces of artwork are referred to as pocket art. It is art that conveniently fits in your pocket just as a baseball card would. Feel free to experiment with different media. You can color with crayon, cut and paste scrapbook materials to an art card or show your skills with watercolors. The range of expression is vast and only adds to the allure of art cards.

Now that you have these rules to follow, supplies to create artist’s trading cards and ACEO are easy to find on the Internet and in many fine art supply stores. Remember that plastic sleeves and storage containers or folders can be found under baseball card supplies online. Often, a product advertised as an art card supply will cost you twice as the same product that is retailed under baseball card supplies and storage.

Here are some of my favorite supplies to use when I create ACEO:

This small artistic movement has taken on a faithful following. You can buy original and print editions of ACEO on eBay. Many popular themes seen for sale are animals, sport player portraits, portraits of actors, holidays and landscapes. The movement is a fun activity to get involved in since it costs very little and ACEO can be stored in minimal spacing.

Groups for trading art cards and ACEO are common on Facebook. Many times a group will announce a theme for ACEO and you can create a card based on the theme, mail them into to the moderator and the moderator will mail one back to you. Again a fun way to add to your art card collection and to meet many new friends and enthusiasts.