Atc`s Tutorial Updated!

What is an ATC?

An artist trading card (or ATC for short) is a tiny, original piece of art created with the intention of swapping or trading it with another artist, not selling it. The one rule an artist trading card must adhere to is the size. An ATC must be 2.5 x 3.5 inches or 64 x 89 mm.

On the front of an ATC an artist creates an original work to showcase their art. It can be a one-off, part of a series, or a limited edition. On the back the artist puts their name, contact details, title of the ATC, number if it's a limited edition, and sometimes the date it was created.

Artist trading cards can be made in any medium and using any technique, whether it's painting, drawing, or collage. You are really limited only by your imagination and materials.

Many of you have asked me about the glitter I used in this ATC to the right, it is sold in Mexico city, I am so sorry I cannot mail this due to it´s liquid and liquids are not allowed in the mail but here is a cool easy recipe: 

get some glitter 

add some tiny stars,
maybe you can find tiny flowers
or hearts, moons, etc.
Glue them with some medium,
perhaps a glossy one would be nice! :D

Now the atc´s tutorial!

This time I used this watercolor paper, I love it and it´s a little cheaper than
the others but the quality is wonderful!  You can use any kind of paper you
like, mixed media or your favorite watercolor paper!

I spread different colors in a wet paper, let the colors spread and mix,

splatter for some fun spots!

You can splatter water or alcohol as well to have some textures!

Bring out some watercolor crayons or pencils!

Add some texts, doodles or shapes while the paper is still wet or spray it

a little so it is humid.

While the paper dries, cut some shapes, people, words or any collages

you would like to add, I also used some hand painted papers I made earlier.

You can do this some other day while watching a favorite tv show or music,

then save them in a tin so it´s easier to store and find them, having these 

in advance makes it a lot more easier to work in the atc´s.

Now that the papers are dried, cut them in the atc size,

2.5 x 3.5 inches or 64 x 89 mm.

They are fun to watch like this! I gives me so much inspiration and

ideas, just change the shapes and sizes and you have plenty of creativity!

How about making a tiny book or use them as pockets in an art journal?

You can go a step forward using some rubber stamps, or use your own

hand carved stamps to have a more unique look!

Now work the collages and glue them, I use taky glue or mat medium but

you can use any white glue too.

In this one I used the remains of the papers to create a sweet little cottage! :D

Now more fun comes with adding some drawings with a permanent pen, you can 

doodle, write, add shapes, words and also you can use some markers and inked

sponges to add more colors!

Here are the close ups, I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and make some beautiful

atc´s to trade with your friends and use others to met your favorite artist and have

special little pieces of art from them, this can be a great theme for a special party!

Now here is a last great idea, how about recycling your old credit cards 

to make art? I´ve been saving also all kinds of plastic cards, ask your 

friends to help you, I use them to spread paints, guesso and mediums to my 

artwork so they are all serendipity created and I love how they look!  

They can be great "trading cards" even though they are not 

the exact size as an atc but it´s very close, you recycle and help 

the planet and also can make a great gift for collectors who buy your work,

for friends or use them to attach a bunch of little pieces to a canvas, now you

can add your own creativity using your imagination! 

I hope you are inspired and that this tutorial was helpful!

Thank you for coming! :D