Mermaids::ATC

I am so pleased with these ^^ I did actually make ten, but number 01 is crap, so it hasn't been scanned.

These are a mixed media creation, comprising collage (of papers, a gorgeous thread and little decorative hearts and flowers) biro/ball point pen, glitter gel pens and acrylic and water colour paint.

These are ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) created in a single theme for an ATC swap with nine other people on a forum I frequent. After I send these out, I will recieve nine different ones in return.

ATCs were started in the early nineties as a way for artists to keep track of one another - in much the same way that business men swap business cards for the same reason - it took off as artists began swapping ATCs during conventions, meetings and so on. They have become as liked as scrap-booking and are often seen in the same forums and created by the same people.

ATCs are a miniature piece of artwork (this is how all ATC makers think of them - and that is what they are) and they have your name, date and the name of the piece on the back. ATCs are 3.5"x2.5" cards, created out of any material, but almost always flat enough to fit in a trading card pocket (the kind you can buy for Magic Cards and Pokemon Cards) - they tend to comprise a picture and embelishments, though not always. Mostly they are centered around a theme - but again, they don't have too. Sometimes, artists make them just because they want to.

ATCs are generally for trading. It is bad form to sell them. Artists trade ATCs with each other, create them as gifts or create them just for themselves. Anyone can do it - you don't actually have to be an artist - if you want to give it a go, go ahead! You don't have to concern yourself with what anyone else thinks of your creation, that's not the point, if you like it, then it's fine ^^

All images (C) Hannah L King - if you want to give it a go yourself, go ahead. If you want more info - look them up! They seriously aren't that hard to find.