Artist Trading Cards: Size, Rules, ATC vs ACEO Explained

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are tiny original artworks made to trade, gift, or tuck into junk journals. If you have seen 2.5×3.5 inch collage cards on social media, you have seen ATCs.

Standard ATC size

The agreed size is 2.5 × 3.5 inches (about 64 × 89 mm)—the same footprint as a traditional trading card. Stay close to this size for swaps so cards fit sleeves and storage books.

ATC vs ACEO

• ATC: Made primarily to trade or share; usually not priced as fine art.
• ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals): Same size family, but often created to sell as originals or small editions.

In practice, many artists use the terms loosely. For junk journaling, make ATCs for pockets and swaps; list ACEOs only if you intend to sell.

Swap etiquette (simple rules)

1. Original work—not a raw printout of someone else’s art.
2. Firm base (cardstock, blank ATC, or laminated collage).
3. Sign and date the back; optionally note medium and series name.
4. Mail in a rigid mailer; protect with sleeves when possible.
5. Trade fairly: finish what you promised.

Best bases for beginners

Start with pre-cut blanks from ATC supplies—matte, glitter, or clear plastic. Clear cards look stunning over patterned journal pages. Add dimension with 3D PET stickers.

Five easy first cards

1. Washi stripes + one focal sticker
2. Torn dictionary page + botanical PET sticker
3. Gothic silhouette on black cardstock — browse gothic-dark
4. Mystery-pack challenge: only use what you pull from a mystery pack
5. Mini scene from a journal kit leftover scraps

Using ATCs inside junk journals

Corner-mount them, slide into pockets, or sew a clear sleeve onto a page. One ATC per journal theme keeps your deck and your book in conversation. More collage fuel lives in junk journal supplies.

Want process videos? Visit Shop the Videos for ATC tutorials you can recreate with matching kits.

Shop the supplies

Browse curated junk journal supplies, ready-made junk journal kits, ATC blanks, 3D PET stickers, gothic & dark themes, and mystery packs.

Happy journaling — from Mumuarts at Goodiesforsoul.