Artist Trading Cards, also known as ATCs, are miniature works of Art and as their name indicates, ATCs are collectables.

There are few rules of ATCs but the important two are:
• An ATC must be 2.5”x3.5” or 64x89mm.
• An ATC must not be sold, only exchanged.

The whole idea of these tiny works of art is about meeting and exchanging creations, being exposed to many personal styles.  Trading by correspondence or online is very popular since people do not always get to meet up in person.  On the back of each ATC the artist must provide part or all of the following
information:
• Name
• Contact information
• Title of the ATC
• Number (1/8, 2/8…) if it’s part of an edition

By definition ATCs are made in limited numbers, often no more than one of a kind. Unique ATCs are called originals; sets of identical ATCs are called editions and are numbered; sets of ATCs that are based on one theme but that are all different are called a series.  At the end of the day, the collector looks forward to a beautiful piece of art, made with care.  You can store you ATCs in either ready made ATC transparent sleeves, or create your own ATC envelopes to suit your style or needs.

ATC Techniques
Triptych definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triptych

The traditional meaning of Triptych is a work, which is divided into three sections, or three carved panels which are hinged together and folded. The middle panel is the larger one, and flanked by two lesser, related works. The triptych form arises from early Christian art, and was the standard format for altar paintings from the Middle Ages onwards.  The meaning of Triptych nowadays in the world of Art and Craft, is usually, three ATCs, having one theme and working beautifully together.

You can use the original method to do this, and use ribbons to attach the two panels to the middle one. But bear in mind that if you use this method, then the two side panels, would be smaller in size so that when you fold them on top of the middle panel, they do not overlap. You would basically halved one ATC.  So each side panel would be 1.25”x3.5”, or 32x89mm OR you can create three ATCs which will then be called Triptych.

The three panels will be swapped as one work. So swapping Triptych means swapping three pieces of work that has one theme and they also have a  continuous design but you can choose how to do that. You can work on the middle panel, then create some matching or continuous, or mirror image designs on the right and left panel. The sky is the limit!

Why not have a go at creating an ATC Triptych? Take a photo of them and send them into us here at PCJ
submissions@papercraftjunkies.com

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

Tags | Artist Trading Cards, ATC's, card, paper, Tassy, Triptych