Artist+Cards

 **There are only a few basic rules for Artist Trading Cards.** 1. They must be __free__. 2. They must measure __2.5 inches x 3.5 inches__, or __64 x 89 millimetres.__

1. You may use **any media **! 2. You may use **both sides ** of the card or only one side. 3. You can create a **single card ** or a **small edition**.
 * This leaves many options!**

1. **Sign your card. ** You may also include your printed name, date, school name, city, country and contact information. You may also name your card and note if it is a part of a series or numbered edition. //Note to teachers//: you may want to consider safety issues before allowing students to include e-mail addresses, Facebook names, etc. One option to consider is to create a class TappedIn group, Facebook group or an e-mail address that can be used by anyone in the class.
 * It is traditional to:**

2. **Protect your card **. You may want to visit a local comic book or collectors' store and purchase card sleeves (also known as deck protectors) to protect the cards before you send them. One company that produces archival safe sleeves is: [|www.ultrapro.com]. Card sleeves are available in a size that is slightly larger than Artist Trading Cards, so they can accomodate collages and thicker media. Some artists also create their own evelope for the card, a way to extend the project.

3. **Card surfaces**. The size of an Artist Trading Card is the same as a standard playing card. If you don't wish to cut your own cards, use a playing card (measure it to be sure!). You will probably want to lightly sand the surface as most are coated. A thick paper, such as watercolour paper or posterboard will work well. Be careful that the size of your card is not too thick to fit in a plastic protector.

**Design Advice:** Some common wisdom that I've read is that because ATCs are so small, artists should limit their design elements. 1. **The background** - prepare this first, especially if you are planning to use collage. You may want to limit this to no more than two designs or background papers. Consider text a well as images. 2. **Focal point** - the most important design element, usually related to the theme. Draws the eye by being larger, brighter or darker or some other form of contrast to the rest of the card. 3. **Embellishments** - images or objects which enhance or complement the focal point. Keep these to a minimum, perhaps two or three. Some artists like to include handwritten or collaged text, but can be any material desired.