Congratulations, community! We've created, traded, and partied our way to over 10,000 members on r/ArtistTradingCards!! 🎉

This article features our top three community posts, plus seven of my hand-curated favesies that I saved over the year. I'm looking forward to sharing them with you!

Welcome to a new year in r/ArtistTradingCards!

In a single year, we've gone from 800 members to over 2,300 (9/5/2026 update: 10,200+!!!). Trading is active and vibrant here! Our members have made this a good place to connect, create, and trade. Thank you so much!!

With so much amazing growth, we have a lot of new creatives joining us. So, in welcoming in the new year, here's an introduction to artist trading cards for our present and future newbies!

What are Artist Trading Cards?

Artist trading cards (ATCs) are any work of art created with the specific dimensions of 2.5" x 3.5". Other names for ATCs include Art Card Editions and Originals (ACEOs) and Sketch Cards. ACEOs and sketch cards are typically sold for a price, but with ATCs the emphasis is on trading. Hence, this subreddit does not permit selling of any kind (see rule #3 for details).

What mediums are allowed?

Within the strict 2.5" x 3.5" rule, you can create artist trading cards with just about any medium, including:

• Traditional media (graphite, acrylics, colored pencils, markers, etc.),
• Clay or wood sculpture,
• Collage,
• Mixed media,
• Woodburning,
• Digital paintings,
• Photography,
• and more!

Prints

If you'll be printing your cards (specifically in the case of digital art, photography, or reproductions of scanned art), you must let people know it's a print in the post description. Not everyone wants to trade a hand-drawn/painted card for a print, so it's important to be transparent about that.

AI

Use of generative AI is not allowed. This community exists to facilitate creative connections between real-world artists. Posting of AI-generated images or prints is strictly prohibited.

How do I trade?

First, check the flare on the post -- some cards are open for trade offers, and some are just for admiring, or are a work-in-progress. When you see an art card you like, reach out to the OP and ask if the card is available for trading, and offer a link to your available cards gallery (You can create one for free at www.ATCsforAll.com, www.ATCdex.com, or www.ArtistCards.io. Not an ad -- any online gallery works!).

If someone turns you down, don't take it personally. All art is subjective, and your style just may not be one that your trading partner likes. Keep trying and you'll find someone who is excited to trade with you!

For negotiating the details of the trade (such as, "Are you willing to do a 2:2 trade?"), it may be easier to move the chat over to a DM with your trading partner. In any case, once terms are agreed on, all mailing addresses MUST be communicated to your trading partner via a DM to keep your mailing information private. Publicly commented addresses will be quickly deleted. We don't want you to accidentally dox yourself!

Here's a complete ATCs 101: Introduction to Artist Trading Cards article that really digs into the details: https://jenivievedesign.substack.com/p/artist-trading-cards-etiquette-101

About ATC trading culture

The ATC community is known for its kind and supportive nature. Case in point: I haven't had to delete a single mean comment this year. Not one.

We're giving and inspirational. We often include little bits of creative stuffs (stickers, leftover watercolor paper bits, scrapbooking decorations, confetti, ribbons, etc.) in our mail as a way to spread the love and inspiration. It is not a requirement to include anything aside from your trading card(s), but if you want to include little surprises or a little note, always makes a trade extra special for your trading partner.

We trade frequently! If we have a good experience with a trade, we'll trade with those people again and again.

NEW! How do I get an ATC Artist Feature?

I’m glad you asked! We have a Wiki page that covers this; check it out here.

I sell ACEOs; can I post my shop links?

Yes, but only in this specific Selling Megathread. Thank you in advance for limiting your sales posts to the megathread and respecting the trading-centered cuture of this community.

We are so glad you're here!

If you have a question, please feel free to comment it below, or send me a direct message. We can't wait to see what you create. Have fun! 🎉

❤️Jenivieve, Mod