Confused?
I can tell you what's going on.

What are ATCs?
ATCs are Artist Trading Cards. They’re trading-card-sized pieces of artwork that can be traded like… trading cards. You can make your own, personal cards, and trade for someone else’s.

How do you make ATCs?
It’s really very easy. How much time you put into it is up to you. I’m sure yours will look amazing when you’re finished.
Step One: Make the card. Find some cardstock, posterboard, cardboard, whatever you want your card to be made from. Cut the paper into little 2 ½ inch by 3 ½ inch rectangles. They must be this size! That is the only requirement! (here is a pdf to help you get the most out of your paper)
Step Two: Create your art. You can collage, decoupage, paint, draw, whatever! You might want to keep it a little flat-ish, though to make it easy to send in the mail or to display in trading card protectors. You can spend as much time as you want on it. It can be something simple or something elaborate, whatever you want to do. Just make sure it would be something that you would like to get! Have fun!
Step Three: Take credit! Put your name, the date, a number, your e-mail, etc on the back! That way everyone who ever sees your card will know who made it, and if they like it- they can ask you for more, or even full-scale pieces. Find a format that fits you! I’ve seen some that have been printed out on the computer, hand written ones, some just with a return address label.
And you’re done! Congratulations! You’ve made your own personal, original artist trading card! Be proud of yourself!

What do you do with ATCs?
You can collect them, trade them, display them, whatever you want to do with them. You can trade off card you’ve had for a while for new ones instead of trading ones you’ve made yourself. There are plenty of swaps on the internet to participate in, and even ones in real-life to attend! Have fun with it! I’m sure your collection will grow!

Where can I learn more about ATCs?
The ATC website
Some great examples
How to cut
The ATC wikipedia
The ultimate ATC community
There are plenty of ATC swaps

(c)Peas and LOA