So, you think you might want to participate in an Artist Trading Card Swap? When you join in a group activity, it's always good if everyone follows the proper etiquette and guidelines for the activity, so everyone is pleased with the end results. For my monthly ATC (Artist Trading Card) swaps, here are the guidelines I ask participants to review and consider before signing up for a trade. Thanks for your cooperation!
The size of an ATC is 2.5" x 3.5" (64 mm x 89 mm).
Cards can be made as one-of-a-kind pieces (each card is a unique composition), as a series (all cards in the set are similar in style or materials) or in a limited edition (all the cards look virtually identical).
The front of the card can be done in any media: fabric, stitching, textile arts, paper, rubber stamps, colored pencil, paint, ink, calligraphy, beadwork, digital art, mixed media, collage, etc.
On the back of the card, the artist writes part or all of the following information: artist's name, contact information, city, state, title of the ATC, date, and number (1/8, 2/8, 3/8 ...) if it's part of an edition.
Bonus! Previous traders enjoyed learning about the techniques and materials used in the ATCs. If you like, you can include information on the back of the card about the materials or processes you used to make your card.
Due to allergies and other sensitivities, please do not add perfume or scent to your cards. Create and keep the ATCs that are traded in a smoke-free environment prior to sending.
If embellishments are added, keep the overall thickness of the ATC to a maximum of 1/8" in thickness so they fit nicely and easily in trading card sleeves and album pages.
Follow the Golden Rule: Give what you would like to receive! Whether you are new to making ATCs or you have years of experience, do your best. What most collectors really want are cards that were made with care.
When you sign up for a trade, you are on the “honor system” that you will participate. Realize that the other participants will be making a card to trade with you, so please respect their investment of time and materials.
After the swap registration closing date, I will notify you via email with the total number of participants (so you’ll know how many cards to make). We'll be trading ATCs one-for-one. Please send a card for each participant—including yourself.
Cards are due 4 days prior to the swap if you are mailing your cards. After the swap, I will mail you the ATCs you receive in trade. When you mail in your cards, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope (or a SASE). If you want me to use the USPS package tracking service, please include the extra cost.
I often post pictures on this blog of the ATCs received in the swaps. By participating in the swaps, I have your permission to post a picture of your ATC. If you don not want pictures posted, you must notify me specifically. All artwork seen on the blog is for inspiration only and the copyright remains with each individual artist. Reproduction without consent of the artist is not permitted.
