I first discovered Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) back in high school during a painting course. One of our assignments was to create an ATC for each person in the class. At first, the idea of making so many tiny artworks seemed like a daunting task, but I quickly realized how enjoyable it was to craft these pieces of art in such a short time. The real fun came when we swapped our cards and I got to see the diverse art styles my classmates brought to life on these small canvases.

Fast forward to today, and ATCs are still one of my favorite forms of creative expression. While the process of making them is incredibly satisfying, the true joy lies in the act of swapping. There is something so magical about flipping through my collection and seeing the unique perspectives of other artists, each card a tiny window into someone else’s world. Plus, the freedom to get my ideas out quickly, without a lot of planning or production work, keeps the creative spark alive.

What Are ATCs

So, what exactly are ATCs? Simply put, they are small works of art meant to be traded with other artists. There’s just one rule: the card must be 2.5 inches x 3.5 inches (6.35 cm x 8.9 cm), the same size as a standard trading card. Beyond that, the sky’s the limit!

You can use any media, style, or technique you like – whether it’s paper collage, hand-drawn, illustrations, photograph prints, or painting – as long as the card stays relatively flat. ATCs can be one-of-a-kind or part of a themed series, making them as versatile as they are fun to create.

A close cousin to ATCs is the ACEO, or Art Cards, Editions, and Originals.  The main difference? ACEOs are typically made to be sold as original pieces of art, whereas ATCs are all about the joy of trading. If you’re curious, you can find ACEOs for sale on sites like Etsy and eBay.

Why Make ATCs

For me, ATCs are the perfect artistic escape. They’re less time-intensive than larger pieces, meaning I can whip out several ATCs in the time it would take to complete one big painting. And because they’re so small, they’re an easy way to experiment with different styles and techniques. For example, if I want to try out a new medium like watercolor, but don’t feel ready to commit to a full-sized piece, I’ll start by making af ew ATCs to get the hang of it.

But the real magic happens when it’s time to swap. There’s something so fun and exciting about receiving a swap in the mail, opening it up, and adding new cards to my collection. Each ATC is like a little piece of the artist who made it, and looking through my binder of collected cards never fails to spark new ideas and inspiration.

Where To Swap

Online

• Swap-bot: This site isn’t just for ATCs, but it has some fantastic groups dedicated to ATC swapping. Each swap typically comes with a set of guidelines, and after you’ve created your cards, you’ll send them off and receive something in return. The community is active, with regular themed swaps and plenty of participants, and Swap-bot’s automated system makes it easy to manage partners and ratings.
• Facebook Groups: I’m also a part of a couple Facebook groups where we swap ATCs. It’s a great way to connect with other artists, share tips, and of course, trade cards.
• ATCs for All: This is another active site with regular themed swaps. Similar to Swap-bot, you create ATCs based on a theme and mail them to your partner, who will send you some in return. (Note: I have not personally used this site, so I don’t have much experience with how the swaps are structured).

In person

While I haven’t swapped in person recently, I’ve heard that my local craft store hosts a monthly ATC swap. In-person swaps are a great way to connect with fellow artists face-to-face, see a wide variety of art styles up close, and even pick up some new ideas for your next batch of ATCs. Depending on the group, you might be asked to bring ATCs to trade or spend time creating new ones together.

Tips and Recommendations

• Cut Your Own Backgrounds: You can buy pre-cut cardstock or thicker paper for ATCs at any craft store, but I prefer to cut my own. I often use papers I’ve found or sourced from junk mail, old books, vintage papers, and more. Cutting full sheets down myself allows me to have properly sized backgrounds in a variety of textures and materials ready to go at any time.
• Use a Sturdy Foundation: A flimsy ATC just won’t do. I like to use heavier-weight paper, watercolor paper, cardstock, or bristol board as my base. This gives the cards a solid feel and makes them more durable.

• Personalize the Back: I print out templates on cardstock that I glue to the back of my cards. These templates include my name, contact ifno, the title of the piece, and whether it’s part of a series (1 of 7, etc.). Not only does this add a professional touch, but it also adds some structure and thickness to the card.
• Add Finishing Touches: One of my favorite tricks is to ink the edges of my ATCs. It gives them a vintage look and helps to tie the design together by getting rid of the often stark-white edges. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the finished product.
• Protect Your Work: I always send my ATCs in individual clear sleeves. This keeps them protected in the mail and prevents the art from smudging or rubbing off. You can find these sleeves at most hobby stores or online.

Just Get Started!

ATCs are all about creativity, experimentation, and fun. They’re not meant to be perfect, so don’t be afraid to dive in and see where your imagination takes you. Whether you’re trying a new technique, creating a themed series, or just playing around, the possibilities are endless – and that’s what makes ATCs so special.

Do you create and trade ATCs? What do you enjoy about them? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Miche