Why I Love Making Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)

I started making ATCs a few years ago, and I was instantly hooked. There’s something so fun about working on such a tiny surface—just 2.5 x 3.5 inches. It feels manageable, almost like a creative sketchbook page, but in miniature. I could try out new techniques, play with colour, or collage scraps I didn’t want to throw away, all without the pressure of filling a big canvas.
I started with oil paint. I rolled the paint onto a small sheet of glass and pulled some prints. The oil work well as it’s thick and sticky, so you get an instant rough surface, which prefer to a flat acrylic surface. 

What I love most, though, is the spirit of sharing. ATCs aren’t meant to be sold—they’re made to be traded. I’ve swapped cards through the mail with people from all over the world, and it’s such a joy to hold a little piece of someone else’s creativity in my hands. Each card feels like a tiny gift, a personal expression that connects you with another artist in a really genuine way. I have also dreamed the little cards in small inexpensive frames.  They look great hung in groups and make super gifts. So much better and personal than a bought gift. 

ATCs have also taught me to loosen up and enjoy the process. Because they’re small, I don’t overthink them—I just dive in and see what happens. Sometimes they’re experiments, sometimes they’re little gems I’m proud of, but they’re always fun.

If you’ve never tried making ATCs, I can’t recommend it enough. You can cut card to size or buy ready made card. They are not expensive. Use whatever paints you have to hand and see what you get. You ad enhance your work with collage, ink, Posca pens or found objects before framing.  

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 ATC made using oil paint

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