ATCfanatics

ABOUT ATC FANATICS

This is an informal group account, created as a shop window Gallery for deviants of all persuasions who are interested in making, displaying and possibly exchanging Artist's Trading Cards.

If you are new to ATCs there are really only two basic rules:
(1) Size is 2½ inches × 3½ inches / 64 × 89 mm (either portrait or landscape orientation)
(2) Cards are never sold, but always traded

ACEOs are generally identical in format to ATCs. The name stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals", and ACEOs are made for sale, rather than for trade. Visit ACEO-Addict if you're interested. [Just to confuse us, there are also things called OSWOA (Original Small Works of Art) which are generally postcard sized (4"x6").]

Some guidelines:
(1) Cards can be one-off originals, or limited editions (ie you print out a limited number of digital works).
(2) On the back of the card is the artist's name, contact details, title of the card, and the date created. If you have printed a limited series, the card should also have the number on it (eg #1 of 5)

Otherwise, the sky's the limit - any medium (watercolour, oils, acrylic, crayon, pastels, photography, fabric, metal, polymer clay, plexiglass, collage, lithograph, 3D elements etc etc) and any message, topic, or theme. (Although I do reserve the right not to fav and therefore feature unfortunate material.)

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Step 1: Make an ATC (or two or three)
Step 2: Post it to your own DeviantArt page. (Put ATC in as a keyword / tag)
Step 3: Note me here to let me know you've posted it, and I'll fav it so it appears in the Gallery.
Step 4: Visit the Gallery often (You might like to become a formal Watcher so you receive journal entry updates, but because all the deviations are added to the Favorites Gallery, you won't be aware of new ATCs being featured.)
Step 5: If you see a card you like posted by another Deviant, you can comment on their site, asking to trade a card with them, and the two of you take it from there to mail each other the agreed-upon exchange.

TRADING
You don't HAVE to trade if you don't want to. Some cards in this Gallery are not for trade or exchange, but are included for inspiration and eye-candy.

Many artists have specific preferences as to what kinds of cards they prefer to trade for, or are particularly interested in collecting. All of us are free to specify these preferences and to turn down a trade if the card being offered in exchange is not what we want - with no hard feelings either side!

PROTOCOL AND GOOD MANNERS!
If you DO undertake to trade with a fellow deviant, you do need to follow through on your undertaking, and send your card to them as soon as possible. It makes people really miserable if they trade in good faith and receive nothing in return - and it may mean that they withdraw from trading entirely, which deprives all of us of an opportunity to share in their art.