Artist Trading Cards: What Are ATCs Used For

picture of an artist trading card or an act with a crow on it and the words "artist trading cards aka atc" for a blog post featured image

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)

If you, like me, are new to Artist trading cards, or ATCs, here’s a definition: ATCs are cards made by artists and often swapped with other artists. To my understanding, the purpose is to connect with other artists and make art more accessible to everyone. 

8 ATCs on my desk on green and brown background cards all handmade with a book page behind flowers, crows, or both and sentiments on the cards

I’ve heard artists insist they are never sold only traded, but just like art there are no rules. 

Personally, I’d buy an ATC if it meant having a piece from an artist and supporting their work. 

The idea of these being accessible also implies that if sold, they are very affordable.

I believe that is actually a great thing to offer especially if a person is not inspired to create an ATC but wants to collect them. If I weren’t an artist, that would be me.

They are often 2.5 by 3.5 inches and at this size they can be collected and kept in a plastic page like the ones used to store sports and other collectible cards.

paper and cut out pieces on a desk for my atcs work in progress
crow with two lilies on an artist trading card with green and brown paper with a background of a book page with the words "all great things have small beginnings"

I’ve been practicing drawing faces and crows so I can make my own pieces for collage ATCs and other art projects. Do you ever do that? Practice drawing or painting so you can make your own pieces for something? I also have photos I can use. Thinking of my crow friends that fly around my neighborhood.

Most of my journals come with an ATC or similar for a little extra piece of something. 

crow and flowers on a green and brown background with sentiment "do what you love"
one act above other atcs, the one is on a green and brown paper background with storybook paper topped with pink and black flowers, key, and words "you can do anything but not everything"

Making ATCs helps me practice the playfulness of creating with little pieces of beautiful colors and whatever I feel drawn to at the time. These were made for my first swap I participated in and I’m looking forward to my next one. 

I’d love to make one (or several) using colors I’m not usually drawn to but making it my own style. Maybe a dark pastel combo?

What do you think of ATCs? What’s your take on them? Tell us in the comments!

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