The MLP Arena

Creativity => Arts & Crafts Corral => Topic started by: xkelpiex on January 23, 2012, 07:43:05 PM

Title: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: xkelpiex on January 23, 2012, 07:43:05 PM
Hi all! New to this subforum, but I recently bought some supplies to dive head first into getting back into art after....years. I noticed you guys seem to do a lot of trades with "atc" cards. What constitutes as an "atc card"? Cause if that's what you guys are trading with, I'd love to get me some  :biggrin:
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: SourdoughStomper on January 23, 2012, 07:45:34 PM
Artist Trading Card. :) Always has the same dimensions, the same size as a baseball card. The sky's the limit when it comes to what artwork you put on it, using whatever medium you like. You draw them and trade them with others. :)
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: kittybethy on January 23, 2012, 08:18:33 PM
I didn't know either.
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: rayechu on January 23, 2012, 08:22:35 PM
ATC cards are 2.5" x 3.5". AmberMarie hosts swap almost every month. Almost everything in my gallery here is an ATC. http://rayechu.deviantart.com/gallery/25847981
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: Dibbles on January 23, 2012, 08:27:45 PM
I wondered what it stood for too. Now I just have to get better at drawing ponies...XD
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: rayechu on January 23, 2012, 08:29:52 PM
Join the ATC swaps and practice practice practice!
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: ZennaBug on January 23, 2012, 08:57:57 PM
ATCs are a lot of fun, I've made bunches!
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: RandomPony on January 24, 2012, 07:51:51 AM
Yeah! They are little trading card sized pieces of art ^^; There REALLY fun to do too :P
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: Brightglowpony on January 24, 2012, 06:06:03 PM
I'm glad someone asked, I always wondered that too  :P  Looks like fun
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: Arkillian on January 25, 2012, 01:30:57 AM
http://www.artist-trading-cards.ch/ (http://www.artist-trading-cards.ch/)


They're a specific size though. This site may clarify it better :)
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: xkelpiex on January 27, 2012, 09:22:55 AM
Anyone know where I could possibly find cards of this size?
Rayechu--So much detail for such a little card! You're very talented!
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: Griffin on January 27, 2012, 09:38:38 AM
^ I just use an MtG or Pokémon card to trace the outlines on any type of paper I want to use... :) Like watercolour or marker paper, or anything else special. In any case the cards should be relatively sturdy, so I usually glue mine on a piece of cardboard or some other sturdier material; the calligraphy paper I mainly use for ATCs is quite thin.

ETA: Actually I remember seeing readymade blank cards for ATCs in some craft stores, but those aren't necessary by any means, you can just use a ruler to get the measurements right if you wish.
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: ZennaBug on January 27, 2012, 10:51:03 AM
I use a ruler to draw a grid for the cards on some heavy paper, then use a papercutter to cut them out.  I usually make like 20+ at a time and then make more when I run out.
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: AmberMarie on January 27, 2012, 02:30:10 PM
I make a lot of my own ATC cards with random scraps.

You can pick up pre-made canvas, paper or just about any type you want at any arts and crafts stores.

If you are also interested, there are some great sites to trade on besides the little swapping we do here:

ATCS for All. A site where anyone can sign up and trade. (http://www.atcsforall.com)

Illustrated ATCs. A site where your art is juried to get in. (http://www.illustratedatcs.com)

There is also a little other portion to an ATC, there is another name- ACEO. This stands for Art Card Editions and Originals. The terms ACEO is usually applied to one that meant to be sold. The ATC name is used when the sole purpose of the card is to trade it.

I've been doing the ATC trades monthly since October and have no plans on stopping. So I hope to see some more! They are a lot of fun. :)
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: Arkillian on January 28, 2012, 03:14:15 AM
My art supplier cuts card to a card size I specify when I get it. I need to do some ATCs at some point actually...
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: Griffin on January 28, 2012, 05:39:58 AM
(Shameless advertising but I've recently put up a forum for all kinds of mail artists, so anyone interested in discussing ATCs, decos, altered books and such are welcome to join. :) I know it's mainly decos as the name suggests but it'd be great to get some ATC people there, too. Link in my sig - Deco Swappers.)

Flickr is also good for ATC trades, there are a lot of ATC groups there. Some of the groups might arrange organized swaps but I guess most of them are meant for showing off your art so that you can find people interested in private trades.

Lol, I applied to Illustrated ATCs once and didn't get in because I linked my whole DA gallery instead of sending a few pics. I don't think it was said anywhere that you were only allowed to link a certain number of pics (seven or so, I don't remember)... I only got to know this when they e-mailed to inform me that my application was turned down. :'D I could've applied again after six months or so but I never did, I do my trades on Flickr, DA and here. But they sure do have some fantastic art on Illustrated ATCs, I sometimes go there just to look at the beautiful artwork.
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: AmberMarie on January 28, 2012, 10:24:19 AM
LOL Griffin. That cracks me up that they turned you down. You just never know what will be a little thing to get that response, eh?

That's one of my favorite things out there- there are tons of groups and tons of artists that are willing to trade. There is no one way to do it.

The work is amazing and fantastic. Blows my mind so many times. :)
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: xkelpiex on January 28, 2012, 11:43:41 AM
Oh, hreat! I bought watercolour paper a little while ago. I guess I'll start on some soon! I'd also love to join an atc swap at some point!
Title: Re: So, uh, what exactly is an ATC card?
Post by: rayechu on January 28, 2012, 07:50:34 PM
I personally find using the precut ones work bet for me, but I work with watercolors and I like the feel of the thicker paper. I just try to purchase them when there is a sale!

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