PORTFOLIO PREP: Artist Trading Cardsname:______

PORTFOLIO PREP: Artist Trading CardsName:______

LESSON FOCUS:

This lesson focuses on creating a series of 17 original Artist Trading Cards.

VOCABULARY:

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs): Miniature works of handmade art. ATCs are usually created on a cardstock base, but could also be created on materials such as fabric, wood, plastic, leather, canvas, acetate, and watercolor paper. The art on the cards is typically mixed-media and can include any number of materials including but not limited to: textiles, paints, pencils, ink, collage, assemblage, digital media, calligraphy, beading, stamping, airbrush, stencils, pastels, and colored pencil.

Mixed-media: The use of several different materials in one work of art.

PROCEDURE:

Look at a variety of Artist Trading Cards and think about what styles appeal to you. Think about your own artistic style and how you might be able to incorporate it in the miniature ATC format.

Examine the list of themes on the following page. Choose one that inspires you and create an ATC with this theme in mind. Your card might interpret the theme very literally, or it might be more abstract – it’s entirely up to you.

Finish your card using any materials of your choice. Feel free to experiment with new techniques or unfamiliar media combinations. Remember that your completed card must measure 2.5”x 3.5”.

Don’t forget to sign and date the back of the ATC, and to include the title or theme. This information could be written simply, or could be as artistically involved as the face of the card.

Complete a total of 17 cards. You can explore as many, or as few, themes as you wish. For example, all 17 cards could be variations on one theme, all 17 could be different, or you could make 2 or 3 individual cards for one theme. Again, the choice is yours.

Number all ATCs in the series (1/17, 2/17, etc.) and exchange with classmates. You will eventually have a complete set with one ATC from each person in the class.

ATC RULES:

Cards MUST measure 2.5”x 3.5”.

ATCs must never be bought or sold, only traded among artists.

ATC artists should sign, date, and title the back of each card.

MATERIALS

17 – 2.5”x 3.5” cards (oak tag, Bristol, or watercolor)

Open medium

ARTIST TRADING CARDS LIST OF THEMES:

Lovefamilyall that I have

Lightcreationlast hope

Darkchildhoodadvertisement

Break awaysportin the storm

Innocencekeeping a secretpuzzle

Drivetowersolitude

Memorywaitingrelaxation

Smilesacrificeaura

Silencefairy talejuggle

Questioningmagicremnant

Rainbowdo not disturbpromise

Vacationtrapshome

Mother Natureplaying the melodyshare

No timeheroripples

Tearsobsessionshadows

HappinessI can’tvoyage

Flowersmirrorjoy

Nightbroken piecesspark

Expectationstestlyric

Starswordspower

Hold my handpen and paperhope

Eyeshealbooks

Dreamsspiralfiction

Two roadsthrough the firenew beginnings

Illusion trianglechildren’s books