Best Artist Trading Cards of 2026
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Artist Trading Cards, also known as ATCs, are miniature works of art that measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. These unique pieces are created by artists and traded with other artists or collectors all over the world. They can be made from a variety of materials such as paper, fabric, or even metal, and can be painted, drawn, collaged, or mixed media. Often, they are created in a series or theme, making them even more collectible. ATCs are a great way for artists to showcase their skills and connect with like-minded individuals in the art community.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Artist Trading Cards
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Artist Trading Cards
These artist trading cards are made in the USA and come in a pack of 20 sheets with 100 lb. weight and smooth/vellum surface. Each card measures 2.5" x 3.5", providing a convenient and portable canvas for artists to create and exchange their artworks.
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Artist Trading Cards
The Strathmore Bristol Trading Cards offer artists a compact and smooth surface that’s perfect for detailed work. Whether you enjoy using graphite, colored pencils, charcoal, or markers, these cards provide a reliable base to bring your ideas to life. Their smaller size makes them ideal for quick sketches or exchanging artwork with fellow artists. Plus, the smooth finish helps you achieve clean lines and vibrant colors, making your creative process enjoyable and versatile. If you’re looking for a handy and high-quality option for mixed media and sketching, these cards are a great choice.
Strathmore Artist Trading Cards
These artist trading cards from Strathmore come in a pack of 20 and feature vellum surface bristol, perfect for art education and creating unique cards. They are a great addition to any artist's collection and are made by a trusted brand in art supplies.
Pro-Art Artist Trading Card Frame with Envelope
The Pro-Art 62105912 Strathmore Artist Trading Card Frame with Envelope includes six acid-free cards and envelopes. The cards feature a cutout window and measure 3 1/2 x 4 7/8. The cards slide easily into the pocket, providing a great way to display or send trading cards. The envelopes are 3 1/8 x 5 1/8. The product is ideal for artists who want to showcase their trading cards in a professional manner.
Cover-It 580 Creative Chipboard Shape ATC
The Cover-It 580 Creative Chipboard Shape Artists Trading Card is perfect for those who want to express themselves in a small format. Made from sturdy chipboard, this pack of 52 cards is popular with artists and students of all ability levels. It is a great project for students to trade among themselves or with "sister schools".
Artist Trading Card Workshop
Artist Trading Card Workshop is a budget-friendly and user-friendly kit that provides scrapbooking, art, and crafting enthusiasts with simple tools to create miniature works of art for swapping. The kit is perfect for those who want to be inspired by floral designs, antiques, and junk treasures. With this kit, you can let your creativity soar and innovate using paint, sculpture, and embossing techniques to invent original pieces. The kit is suitable for both beginners and experts and is a great way to add to your collection or start one.
Loungefly Artist Trading Cards December 20
The Loungefly Artist Cards are a unique collectible that lets you enjoy exclusive designs from the popular Loungefly brand. These cards are perfect for fans who want to expand their collection with special items. As part of the December catalog, this item offers a chance to own limited-edition artist trading cards. You can use them to trade with friends or display as part of your art collection, making it a fun and creative way to engage with Loungefly’s artistic style.
Insprinity Drawing Idea Cards Set
The Insprinity Drawing Idea Cards offer 72 unique prompts to help you boost your creativity and explore new drawing themes. These cards are perfect for artists of all levels, giving you fresh ideas to develop your skills or simply have fun sketching. Each card includes a hashtag, making it easy to share your artwork online and connect with others who are working on the same challenges. Whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift, these cards suit adults, teens, and art students, making them a versatile addition to any creative space.
Strathmore Artist Trading Card Frames 3x5
The Strathmore Trading Card Frames are designed to fit artist trading cards perfectly, measuring about 3.5 by 4.9 inches. These frames come in a pack of six, giving you enough to display multiple cards or share with friends. They are specially made to protect your artwork while making it easy to showcase your cards neatly. If you create or collect artist trading cards, these frames help keep your cards safe from damage and give them a professional look. The size is ideal for standard trading cards, so you can be sure your pieces fit well and look great.
Crescent Artist Trading Cards, Black
Crescent Black Trading Cards are perfect for creating miniature art. These cards provide a sturdy base that won't warp, unlike traditional paper cards, giving you peace of mind while you work. The rich black background enhances your collages, making colors pop and designs stand out. With ten cards included, you have plenty of opportunities to experiment and express your creativity. Made in the United States, these cards are designed specifically for artists like you who appreciate quality materials for mixed media projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the point of Artist Trading Cards?
Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded globally. Artists create, trade, and collect these small artworks at organized swap events, both in-person and online. The main purpose of ATCs is to foster creativity, connection, and collaboration among artists. The only official rule for ATCs is their size, which should be 2.5" x 3.5".
2. What is the only requirement for Artist Trading Cards?
The only requirement for Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) is their size, which must be 2.5" x 3.5". This size is approximately the same as a baseball trading card. It is important to note that ATCs are meant to be traded and exchanged among artists, never sold. This emphasis on trading rather than selling promotes a sense of community and sharing within the art world.
During our artist trading card research, we found 24 artist trading card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,074 customer reviews through our big data system to write the artist trading cards list. We found that most customers choose artist trading cards with an average price of $9.67.
The artist trading cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of artist trading cards, including Strathmore, Cover-It, North Light Books, Loungefly, Insprinity. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.