Discovering Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)

Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs, are tiny pieces of art with a big creative punch. Measuring just 2.5 x 3.5 inches—about 6 x 9 mm —ATCs are designed to be swapped, collected, and shared with other artists.
 What makes them special is their accessibility: anyone can make them, and there are no rules beyond the size. You’ll find ATCs created with paint, collage, printmaking, photography, fabric, or even mixed media.

The charm of ATCs lies in the community they foster. Artists often trade cards in person at meetups or online through swaps, which creates a fun, supportive network of creativity. It’s not about selling but about sharing—an exchange of ideas and styles captured on a miniature canvas.

For beginners, ATCs are a perfect way to experiment. The small format makes them less intimidating than a large canvas, and because they’re meant to be traded, they encourage playfulness and freedom. Many artists use them as a way to test out techniques or repurpose scraps and leftover materials from bigger projects.

Why not use them as a business card? Each one will be different but that's what makes them a bit special - more personal. 

 Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, making ATCs can spark inspiration, build connections, and add a new dimension to your creative practice. 
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This was made using gel printing and finished with collage strips

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