Alien Trade

Here is a card that I made for an alien themed trade.  It is colored pencil and markers on bristol board.  The scan washed out some of the details and blending, but you can still get the gist of it.   I am still working on figuring out the settings on my scanner.

What are ATC's?

Artist trading cards have become a popular phenomena. They allow artists and non-artists from a variety of backgrounds to create and trade original works of art. There are only two criteria which artist trading cards must conform to. They must be 2.5 by 3.5 inches, and they should be created for trade rather than for sale. There are many art and craft stores on the internet that sell artist trading card supplies, but if you want to get started, you should just use what you have. Found items are part of the fun when it comes to creating cards. Just use a sturdy cardstock and cut it to size on a paper cutter. Some artists are even creating fabric art trading cards, but that is a topic for another time.

If you are interested in trading art cards, it is easy to search for a group. Beginners can sign up for artist trading card groups on Yahoo, such as ATC Connection, and Artist Trading Cards. This was how I originally started trading cards. I am now trading on ATC's for All, and really like that site. I find that the website is just easier to use, and I like the format of it. And, there are artist trading cards displayed all over the website, which are irresistible. They make you want to rush home and make art.

I encourage everyone to join an artist trading card group. You sign up for themed swaps, which are great in giving you a starting point. Most trades specify what media are acceptable, although drawing, painting, and collage are widely accepted. Digital and three-dimensional artist trading card swaps are a little rarer. So, if you like to make art, and have some supplies sitting around at home that aren't getting used, make artist trading cards! They allow you to make small-scale art, and you get to trade them and receive original art in the mail. It is great fun.