jean
06-12-2008, 03:33 PM
Welcome to the fun and pleasure of trading ATCs at ATCsforALL!
Because we welcome all levels of skill and experience, AFA is home to many new traders as well as experienced and professional traders. In order to help members have positive experiences in our trades and swaps, we offer this little primer of sorts as a guide to making and trading ATCs here at AFA.
1. Select your backing. Make sure it is actually card of some kind, not just paper. It may be art, but unless it’s on a card, it’s not an Artist Trading Card.
2. Cut it carefully. That is, make sure the edges are straight and neat with squared corners. Some artists choose to round off the corners, while some use punches to add decorative finishes. ATCs, by definition, are 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (or 6.4 x 8.9 cm). If you’re a hair off, no one will complain, but if your cards are measurably off, they fail to meet the size requirement and may be returned to you. Purists would say that if your cards vary too far off the size requirement, they cease being ATCs, so double-check the size of your cards!
3. If you are using glue, be neat. Wipe off the excess neatly and completely. Also, be sure that your glued items are securely affixed. When the card is placed in a sleeve or pocket, any edges that aren’t securely glued may catch and tear, possibly ruining the card. Be advised that most gluesticks are not suitable for our purpose.
4. Be sure all glue, paint, ink, sealer, etc., is completely dry before placing the card into a sleeve for mailing. Package storage is not generally climate-controlled, and heat can ruin slightly sticky items.
5. If you are using brads, eyelets, or other embellishments, make sure they work as they should. I once got a beautiful art doll atc which, as I removed it from the sleeve, lost a leg b/c the brad had been placed on the edge of the body section. A look at the reverse by the artist would have revealed the flaw.
6. Keep your card clean. Distressing is one thing; dirt is another. If your card falls and gets soiled, either clean the card or keep it. Cards with smudges and soiling on them are not often appreciated.
7. If you come from a household of smokers or pets, be sure your card does not indicate that by reeking of ashtray, wet dog, or litter box. If you are using vintage materials that smell musty, eliminate the odor by setting them in sunlight and fresh air for a time. Some traders use dryer sheets to cover the odor, but eliminating them is better since some traders are allergic to fragrances as well as smoke or pets.
8. In decorating your card, take care. Work neatly, for one thing. Do your nicest work. When a technique is new to you or perhaps a stretch (and we’ve all been there - some of us live there!), PRACTICE! Send in your best effort, work that you are proud to show off as your own. When you put your best effort into a card - or when you don’t - it shows.
9. If you are making cards for a swap, check the theme carefully. Be sure your card is clearly on theme. If the viewer can’t tell immediately how your card relates to the theme, it’s probably a better to trade through your gallery. Many artists enjoy rather oblique approaches to a theme, but swaps are not generally structured for that unless the host has stated so. When in doubt, scan the card and ask the host if it is acceptable.
10. Also, when making cards for a swap, check to be sure that you have followed the guidelines carefully. Many swaps have specifications regarding the medium or technique desired, the level of embellishment, etc. Remember that if you send bulky cards to a swap, the postage will be doubled for EACH of your cards that is traded; if you send me (in Canada) three heavy cards to be swapped out, it will cost double postage times three for for me to send your returns to you. It is a good idea to read the swap guidelines every time you make cards for an organized swap.
By following these guidelines, you can be sure of creating cards that show you at your artsy best!
Because we welcome all levels of skill and experience, AFA is home to many new traders as well as experienced and professional traders. In order to help members have positive experiences in our trades and swaps, we offer this little primer of sorts as a guide to making and trading ATCs here at AFA.
1. Select your backing. Make sure it is actually card of some kind, not just paper. It may be art, but unless it’s on a card, it’s not an Artist Trading Card.
2. Cut it carefully. That is, make sure the edges are straight and neat with squared corners. Some artists choose to round off the corners, while some use punches to add decorative finishes. ATCs, by definition, are 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (or 6.4 x 8.9 cm). If you’re a hair off, no one will complain, but if your cards are measurably off, they fail to meet the size requirement and may be returned to you. Purists would say that if your cards vary too far off the size requirement, they cease being ATCs, so double-check the size of your cards!
3. If you are using glue, be neat. Wipe off the excess neatly and completely. Also, be sure that your glued items are securely affixed. When the card is placed in a sleeve or pocket, any edges that aren’t securely glued may catch and tear, possibly ruining the card. Be advised that most gluesticks are not suitable for our purpose.
4. Be sure all glue, paint, ink, sealer, etc., is completely dry before placing the card into a sleeve for mailing. Package storage is not generally climate-controlled, and heat can ruin slightly sticky items.
5. If you are using brads, eyelets, or other embellishments, make sure they work as they should. I once got a beautiful art doll atc which, as I removed it from the sleeve, lost a leg b/c the brad had been placed on the edge of the body section. A look at the reverse by the artist would have revealed the flaw.
6. Keep your card clean. Distressing is one thing; dirt is another. If your card falls and gets soiled, either clean the card or keep it. Cards with smudges and soiling on them are not often appreciated.
7. If you come from a household of smokers or pets, be sure your card does not indicate that by reeking of ashtray, wet dog, or litter box. If you are using vintage materials that smell musty, eliminate the odor by setting them in sunlight and fresh air for a time. Some traders use dryer sheets to cover the odor, but eliminating them is better since some traders are allergic to fragrances as well as smoke or pets.
8. In decorating your card, take care. Work neatly, for one thing. Do your nicest work. When a technique is new to you or perhaps a stretch (and we’ve all been there - some of us live there!), PRACTICE! Send in your best effort, work that you are proud to show off as your own. When you put your best effort into a card - or when you don’t - it shows.
9. If you are making cards for a swap, check the theme carefully. Be sure your card is clearly on theme. If the viewer can’t tell immediately how your card relates to the theme, it’s probably a better to trade through your gallery. Many artists enjoy rather oblique approaches to a theme, but swaps are not generally structured for that unless the host has stated so. When in doubt, scan the card and ask the host if it is acceptable.
10. Also, when making cards for a swap, check to be sure that you have followed the guidelines carefully. Many swaps have specifications regarding the medium or technique desired, the level of embellishment, etc. Remember that if you send bulky cards to a swap, the postage will be doubled for EACH of your cards that is traded; if you send me (in Canada) three heavy cards to be swapped out, it will cost double postage times three for for me to send your returns to you. It is a good idea to read the swap guidelines every time you make cards for an organized swap.
By following these guidelines, you can be sure of creating cards that show you at your artsy best!