01
Forums & groups
Long-running art forums and dedicated ACEO/ATC groups are where techniques, sales tips, and swaps get organised.
You're not making tiny art alone
The ACEO community.
ACEOs grew out of a swap movement — connection is baked into the format. Here's how artists and collectors find each other, trade, take on challenges, and cheer each other on, online and in person.
Where the people are
Find your corner.
The community is spread across a handful of friendly places. Pick one and say hello.
02
Social media
Instagram and Pinterest are full of WIPs and finished cards. Hashtags like #ACEO and #ATC gather the work in one feed.
03
Marketplaces
eBay and Etsy aren't just shops — buyers and sellers form real relationships, follow favourite artists, and chat.
04
In-person meetups
Local art groups, libraries, and card shows host trading sessions — the original ATC tradition, alive and well.
The heart of it
Trades, swaps & challenges.
Beyond buying and selling, the community runs on generosity and gentle competition.
- Swaps — trade ATCs hand-to-hand or by post; everyone goes home with new art
- Themed challenges — a prompt a week or a month keeps you making
- Series & collabs — group projects where each artist contributes a card
- Show-and-tell — sharing finished cards for feedback and encouragement
New here?
Getting started selling
- Make a small batch of consistent, well-finished cards
- Photograph them well and write honest descriptions
- List a few, price modestly at first, and ship like a pro
- Share your process online and engage with other artists
- Be patient — a following grows one happy collector at a time
Play nicely
Etiquette & encouragement
- In swaps, send your best — match the effort you'd hope to receive
- Credit techniques and inspiration; don't copy others' work to sell
- Be kind with feedback; everyone started with a wobbly first card
- Honour your commitments — ship swaps and sales promptly
- Celebrate beginners. The community grows when newcomers feel welcome
Grow with us · Free
Join the community newsletter.
Tips, inspiration, new how-tos, and the next swap or challenge — a friendly note in your inbox, never spam.
Keep going
Make something tiny today.
The best way into the community is to make a card and share it. Need a refresher? Our how-to has you covered.