What is a "medium" when referring to artist trading cards?

Every time I am making an ATC (artist trading card), I am asked about a "medium". What does that mean?

What is a "medium" when referring to artist trading cards?
Most likely you're being asked about which "material(s)" you used in making it because so many things can be used to make "cards." Some possibilities would be paper, cardstock, polymer clay, ink, paint, glitter, rubberstamping, etc... or wilder things could be used too --as the card base itself, or as whatever is used to embellish it-- as long as the final result fits the size requirements of an "artist trading card."





However, another common way that the word medium is used is short for "acrylic mediums"... those are clear acrylic based liquids and gels sold in small bottles at craft and art supply stores that are used to change the characteristics of acrylic paints especially to allow them to be glossy or matte, be thinner or thicker, take a longer or shorter amount of time to dry ("open time"), etc. They are basically clear acrylic finishes, most of which have been tweaked a bit to create those characteristics when mixed with paints. They can also be used as clear sealers and adhesives.


Mediums come up in that way often when talking to painters and rubberstampers.





Next time you're in Michaels, etc., check out all the different acrylic mediums they have (...some common *brands* of acrylic medium are Liquitex and Golden since they also make acrylic paints).





HTH,





Diane B.
Reply:All of the above is correct !





Have you looked into Zantangles if you love ATC's you will love Zentangles because it allows you to express your drawing abilities..............there is 1 or 2 groups out now and I say to you, be one of the first !





The medium would be pen and paper
Reply:I think it just means what you've made it with - watercolour, pencils, ink and so on.
Reply:Hi, The 'medium' means what type of artwork you choose to use, be it paper collage, painting, beading, rubber stamping etc' etc', hope that helps. I am an atc nut as well.





all the best





Chris
Reply:I have never heard of artist trading cards.. But certain artists are known for working with certain"Mediums" such as Oil, Pastel, Pencil, charcoal...Etc


So, Either they are asking what medium you did the card with, or what medium the artist is most know for using or working with.
Reply:medium is the materials an artist works with, i.e. pastels, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, marble, etc.