So... What Do You Do with MTG Art Cards?
If you've cracked open a Magic: The Gathering set booster in the last few years, chances are you’ve come across one of those sleek, borderless art cards. You know the ones, gorgeous full-art prints of cards from the set, sometimes with a shiny gold-stamped signature, sometimes not. They don’t go in decks, they don’t tap for mana, and they sure don’t help your life total. So what are we supposed to do with them?
Step One: Appreciate the Art
Let’s not forget MTG art cards are basically mini masterpieces. You're holding a collectible print of some of the best fantasy art in the game. That’s something to be celebrated! Take a second to admire the brushstrokes, the lighting, the little details you might miss on the actual card version. It’s like Wizards slipped you a tiny art print for free. Not bad.
Step Two: Choose Your Destiny
Now comes the big question, what do you do with them? Here are a few ideas for giving your art cards the spotlight they deserve:
1. Frame the Full Set (Signed or Otherwise)
Some art cards come stamped with a printed "signature", those little gold or silver doodads near the bottom right. Why not challenge yourself to collect all the signed versions from a set and mount them in a single big frame? Instant office or game room decor, and it doubles as a flex when friends come over.
2. DIY Deck Box Decoration
Cut to size and paste them onto the sides of a deck box for a custom look. Bonus points if the art card matches your commander or theme. Want your Simic Merfolk deck to look like it's run by deep-sea royalty? Stick some aquatic art on that box.
3. Bookmarks with Style
You're a Planeswalker and a reader? Snip a corner or keep it whole — MTG art cards make gorgeous bookmarks. Plus, they’re perfect for marking your spot in the latest lore novel.
4. Mail Them to Friends
Write a little note on the back and mail one to a friend. It's like a postcard, but nerdier and way more personal. Spread the art love.
5. Turn Them Into Tokens or Score Counters
With a bit of creativity, you can use them as custom tokens, reminder cards, or even +1/+1 counters (cut-up art card confetti, anyone?). This is especially fun if the art happens to look like the creature you’re summoning.
Or… Just Collect Them!
There's also absolutely nothing wrong with tossing them in a binder, a shoebox, or a dedicated "miscellaneous cool stuff" drawer and letting them accumulate. Some players even trade them casually, especially the signed ones or those with particularly striking artwork.
No Wrong Answers Here
At the end of the day, MTG art cards are one of those fun little bonuses, like getting a toy in your cereal box, but for card-slinging adults. Whether you treat them as mini collectibles, crafting material, or just a happy surprise in a booster pack, they’re yours to enjoy however you like.
So what do you do with your MTG art cards?