How to Make Artist Trading Cards

Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: February 11, 2022 Approved

Artist trading cards, or ATCs, began in the tradition of hockey trading cards, with a personal, artistic twist. They can be any medium that can be worked in a suitable size. ATCs are traditionally the size of hockey, baseball, cards and other trading cards,. You can use the old paper playing cards. New playing cards are plastic and not workable and not the correct size.. They're a fun way to exchange your own one-of-a-kind artistic flair with other ATC traders you meet. You don't have to be an artist.

1

Choose the Size

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Start with the size in mind. Artist trading cards are generally 2 ¹⁄₂ inches (6.4 cm) by 3 1/2 inches. This allows them to fit into the plastic sleeves in which they are stored.
- You can then use the plastic card holders in a binder to bring to a trade and store in your own binder collection.
- This is the size of hockey cards and other trading cards. You can even start with mismatched playing cards as a base for collage or altered item artwork.

2

Cut Material to Size

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3

Choose Your Media

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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 Your Style

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, using your preferred medium or media. If you can do it inside of 3.5 x 2.5 inches, you can make an ATC.
- 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 Quickly

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ATCs should be simple pieces that you're willing to give away when you're done. It is suggested 15 minute per card so you will want to trade them.

6

Make Multiples

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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

Show Your Style

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8

Sign and Date Your Cards

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An email address or website is a good compromise if you'll be giving these cards to strangers, or mailing them.

9

Title Your Work

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Or leave it to the people trading, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

10

Share

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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. The idea is to trade in person.
- 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 might wish 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.

11

Collect Other Cards

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ATCs should be as unique as the artists who create them, so enjoy the selection. Start a collection of ATCs and try to get as many as you can.

Community Q&A

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Question

What do I put on the reverse side?

Community Answer

Usually this would include: Your name, a website/ blog or email address, A name for the collection or piece of art if it is just one card and a number (say if you have a set of five, you can put 1 of 5, 2 of 5, etc.).

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Question

How do I find someone to trade with?

Community Answer

If you can't find a place in your community or nearby there's always The International Card Deck Swap. Look it up - they're always welcoming new people.

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Question

Can an artist trading card be made with rounded corners, or must they be square?

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Community Answer

ATCs can be made with square or rounded corners. It's really up to you and your personal preferences.

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Tips

Always try to exchange trading cards. It's up to you if you want to give some away without receiving any in return, but never take ATCs without permission, and try to give one anytime you receive one.

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If you find yourself with a card or cards you especially like, you could scan them before trading them, or simply keep those for yourself and make more.

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Because ATCs are small, they are an easy and fun way to try a new medium or technique.

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