ATC Newbie or Not x2

I remember when I first signed up for SwapBot I wasn't even sure of what an ATC (Artist Trading Card) was and was afraid my first efforts wouldn't be good enough. So -- here's a swap for newbies (and no-so-newbies) to try out ATCs and get over that initial fear.

First of all - What is an ATC? it is not a card in the traditional 'note card' sense. It is more like a business card (standard ATC size is 2.5 x 3.5) with a design, collage, drawing, etc. on the front and info as to the maker, etc. on the back. Frequently the swaps have themes - for example a Cat ATC swap would probably be for an ATC that had a cat somewhere on it. Most swaps have a theme - this one is open, though, so you can create an Artist Trading Card (ATC) of whatever you want. The Glossary here at Swap-Bot does a better job than I am http://blog.swap-bot.com/swap-craft-term-glossary/

When I found out that it had the word artist in it - I was even more afraid! I have made a good amount of ATCs and still don't consider myself an 'artist'! Crafty - yes - an artist, no! So give it a go! Make sure your card is something you would be happy to receive. Don't just slap a sticker on a background and call it an ATC.

Make 1 ATC for each of 2 partner. The theme is up to the sender - sender's choice - so you can pick anything you like - or even try a new technique. I am thinking many who sign up will be newbies and would love anything you put time and effort into making.

You will be assigned 2 partners just after the Sign-Up date has passed. You can find out who your partners are by clicking on the link at the top right in the light pink box that says 'See the partners you send to'. You probably won't see this until after the partners are assigned. Then you send your ATCs to those 2 people by the Send date.

Rating is important!! - Don't forget to rate the cards you receive as soon as you get them. Again, you will find the link for this in the top right corner. The rating scale is 5 or 3 or 1. For this swap, since it is for Newbies, if you get your swap in a timely manner you should rate it as a 5, even if it isn't the quality you expected. Remember 'life happens' and it is better to get a swap sent a few days late - than something thrown together quickly to satisfy a time line. Sometimes I get my best ideas from seeing ATCs others have made, so until you build up your collection - you might not have an idea what a 'really good' ATC.

Many of the swaps here at SwapBot require you to have 5 or more swaps completed and rated in order to sign up, so please rate quickly, if possible.

Don't forget that on the back you should at least have your name, your swapbot name, the swap name and a date (I usually just include the month and year). Generally, it also includes a title (one you make up) for your specific ATC, and your email address. If you search for ATC back online you can find many examples.

Hope you'll join and help welcome some new Swap-botters!

Leave any questions you have here just below so others can see them, too.