Jackie Torres Art : How to Make Artist Trading Cards: 11 steps (with video)

Hello Friends!

Have you ever wonder how to create an ATC??? I think this article and video will be able to help start it!!

Artist trading cards, or ATCs, began in the tradition of business cards, but with a personal, artistic twist. Most ATCs are created on paper, but they may also be any other medium that can be worked in a suitable size. ATCs are traditionally the size of baseball cards and other trading cards. They're a fun way to exchange your own one-of-a-kind artistic flair with other artists you meet. You can also use them as business cards.

Here some easy steps ..so you can create your ATC's

1. Start with the size in mind.

Artist trading cards are generally 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches. This is the size of playing cards and other trading cards. You

can even start with mismatched playing

cards as a base for collage or altered item artwork.

2. Cut the background material to size

3. Choose your media. You may start by cutting card stock or heavy paper to size. If you work in another medium, such as leather or fabric, you may either cut it to size or work so that the finished result is the correct size.

4. Express yourself or show your style, using your preferred medium or media. If you can do it inside of 3.5 x 2.5 inches, you can make an ATC

Note: Drawing and painting are easily done at this size, but so are plenty of other arts, including quilting, photography, crochet, leather work, metal work, and collage.

5. Work somewhat quickly. You don't need to be careless when making an ATC, but there's no need to work your masterpiece in miniature, either. ATCs should be simple pieces that you're

willing to give away when you're done.

6. Make lots. You'll need a selection of cards. Remember that you will be giving your cards away. "Lots" can be relative. It could be half a dozen or a few dozen, depending on how many

you expect to trade.

7. Share. The whole point of ATCs is to trade with other artists, so once you have a selection of cards, trade them.

Find artists or groups in your area that trade cards.
Attend gatherings of artists in your area, and remind them to bring ATCs to share.
Carry them with you as you would business cards, so that if you find an occasion to trade or give away a card, they are with you.
Spread the word. If your local artist community is unfamiliar with artist trading cards, you may have to give away a few cards or offer them with a request for one in return before you get many back.
Organize a gathering to swap ATCs. Let people know what ATCs are about, and get together to try trading some.
Look on-line. There are on-line groups that will match you up with others the world over who can mail cards in exchange for yours.

8. Collect others' ATCs. Because they are the size of other standard trading cards, most will fit in trading card sleeves. ATCs should be as unique as the artists who create them, so enjoy the selection. Start a collection of atc's and try to get as many as you can.

Here is a video !! Hope you like this art and create some ATC's