Artist Trading Cards
Rules and Fun Facts
Artist Trading Cards are often referred to as ATCs. An Artist Trading Card (ATC) is a miniature work of art that fits into a baseball card sleeve. Trading cards have evolved to help artists connect with each other using small scale samples of their artwork. There are few rules overall, but all ATCs must be the size of traditional trading cards (2½ in. by 3½ in.) and handmade (not mass-producible). Series are commonly numbered and may consist of as many as the artist is willing to put the effort into making. Within a series, cards may all have the same design or explore variations on a central idea. ATCs may have three-dimensional elements but still must fit into sleeves made for traditional trading cards. Swaps are often organized among small groups of artists. Each swap usually has a theme (such as clowns or sea life) and/or imposes additional rules, such as restrictions on colors or materials. The participants create cards specifically for the swap. In general, ATCs should always be traded, never sold.
Swap gallery to receive, but not these!
Below are thumbnail galleries. Click on an image to see full size!
Meri Affranchino
Nathan Ascher
Marcela Brina
Elizabeth "Bitsy" Cherry
Elizabeth "Bitsy" Cherry is a self-taught origami artist in Upstate New York. She has been folding paper since she first got her little fingers on a sheet. She discovered the art of origami at the age of 10 in an import shop in Santa Clara, CA. She enjoys learning and teaching origami. Her current passion is modular forms, especially based on the Sonobe unit. She is also starting to learn about tessellations. She can be contacted at bitsy00005@gmail.com.
Lisa B. Corfman
As a flat origami model enthusiast, ATCs are perfect for me. I like to try out many mixed-media outlets, connect them to origami and be recognized and appreciated. The swap provides me with a creative, personal connection to new friends. I hope my cards inspire you to join a swap!
Lus Fleming de Pessoa
Shelly Handen
Kathy Knapp
I enjoy origami and in Girl Scouts we trade SWAPS (small meaningful items that are hand made). I like to collect things, and traded ATC's accomplish notebooks of sets of ATC's. Almost all of the ones I have, have been traded through the mail, rather than in person. I prefer person to person trading, however, snail mail allows for trading that is also special.
Giulaine Mendes
www.facebook.com/giulaine
Madeline Read
Marc Sky
Leyla Torres
I have participated in origami ATC exchanges because it combines several things that are meaningful to me: origami, small-format artwork, play, barter, and the opportunity to connect with others who have similar interests. www.OrigamiSpirit.com
Margaret Wong
I love ATCs because they are little works of art "Miniature Masterpieces" It's not the same as having a postcard or a print of a famous painting. Origami ATCs are special in that they are dimensional, they have texture, an added sense of enjoyment. I love origami ATCs because you don't have to have great artistic ability, just paper and a willingness to try.
Linda Yau
ATC’s are an aspect of origami that I fell into from the recommendations of friends. Since my first trade, I have been hooked, since I love the idea of trading and receiving trading cards. I have been doing origami on and off since I was young. I like to make modulars. If interested, I can be reached at animemiz@gmail.com.
As we proudly open ATC Swaps to the public, you can learn about participation here.
We hope you enjoyed the Artist Trading Card (ATC) gallery!