Making your own artist trading cards may seem a bit pretentious if you are just getting back into creative habits, however they offer a great way to try out new techniques in a small, non-threatening format.
Although they haven’t been around for very long, these cards, or ATC, have become popular amongst artists of all skill levels. They can be traded with other artists to show a particular skill or talent, or to give an insight into who the artist really is.
There is only one rule for making them, and that is the size. There is only one size, 2 1/2″ by 3 1/2″ or 64mm x 89mm. Beyond that you can use them in any orientation, make them out of any material, decorate them with anything and include any contact information you wish.
Since having so few rules can make the process feel stressful, begin by cutting out pieces of card or paper to size. Cut out a bunch of pieces – and not just plain white paper! Use old greetings cards, pages from damaged books, fabric, cardboard reclaimed from the recycling bin. Cut straight lines or cut using pinking scissors, or tear the edges – you get the idea!
Now pull out art supplies you haven’t used in a while – or ever. Pick one of your pieces of card and start to use the stamps, paper cutters, ink, wax or whatever medium you have chosen. When the surface is covered, put the card aside and move onto the next.
As the cards dry, add another layer of something different – or remove parts of the layer you first created. Add lettering or stick on small items or images – you get the picture.
Because the cards are comparatively small it is possible to finish several in a short period of time – and find out the ground rules of an unfamiliar art medium in the process. If you like the results and think the cards represent you in a positive way, develop the idea further or create a series of related cards. Unlike business cards there is no expectation that you will create 500 identical copies.
If on the other hand you have a strong sense of what you like to do and want to use it to represent yourself, go ahead and work with just one concept and rework it until you have a set of cards you like.
In case you are wondering, I created this ATC card using Photoshop. I wanted something easily reproducible to use as a hang tag for handmade items I sell online.
What do you do with them now you have a bunch you like? Use them like business cards when you meet another artist, and ask if they want to trade cards. You can also use them as tags if you sell your work online, for example if yo have an Etsy store, or in person at craft fairs. There are also a variety of online ATC exchange programs you can look into and register for. Generally each artist sends a set of cards to the coordinator, who then sends the same number of different cards back to you, and sends your cards out to six other people. You may also find people in your area on Meetup who get together periodically to make and exchange artist trading cards.
As I see it artist trading cards serve three purposes. The first is to let other artists know more about you and your work, the second is to share the cards themselves with other ATC creators. the third is to use the size to experiment with art media in a small form if the idea of a huge canvas is just too intimidating. However you decide to use them, go and try making your own artist trading cards.
