In my last “ways for writers to play” post, I suggested that writers create ATCs (artist trading cards) based on their own fiction. Fellow writer Megs was so enthusiastic about the idea that now she and I are doing an ATC swap, and we’re inviting you to join us! If you’d like to participate, drop me a comment or use my contact form here. I’ll add you to our list and email you with the name and email address of the recipient of your ATC. Email her to say hi, and get her mailing address, and someone else will contact you to do the same. You can start working on your own ATC May 1st, and please have it out the door by May 29th.
There are few rules for ATCs, but here they are:
1. ATCs must be 2.5″x3.5″ or 64x89mm. You can purchase blank ATCs or you can cut them out of cardstock or other heavy paper yourself. On the back, write your name, website or contact info if you wish, and title or number of the piece.
2. ATCs can be completely original, part of a series or editions. Feel free to use any medium: collage, photography, watercolor, stamping, crayons, pencil, pens, whatever strikes your fancy. Check out the following sites for more information and inspiration:
3. For our swap, please base your ATC on your own fiction or poetry. For example, if inspired by your poem Snow, you can do a wax-resist snowflake; if your novel is set in Rome, you can create or use images of the Colosseum. You can also create an ATC based on a story idea you’re just playing with, if doing so will help those creative juices flowing.
4. This is not required, but once your intended recipient gets your ATC, please post a picture of what you sent so we can all ooh and aah and admire it.
5. And most of all, have fun! ATCs are perfect for experimentation and playing with. I’ve never made one before and neither has Megs. Don’t be intimidated!
Oh, but I am intimidated! Very much so! But it sounds different and fun and creative, and since it’s nothing I’d ever try on my own without a push, I’d love to join you guys! Eep.
This sounds like a lot of fun, however, even though I can draw, I don’t draw often. So I can approach this from the pov of an artist-writer and a non-drawing writer. So why not adapt the approach?
Instead of a drawing of your character (or scene), why not include a short snippet from your WIP that describes it? Or, you can do this as an alternate in case you can’t/don’t draw.
Awesome, Deb! I’ll add you to the list. 🙂
Tia, calligraphy is definitely an option for the ATC. 🙂 Me, I think I’ll do something collage-y.
Okay. I DO exist, I swear. I just FINALLY got over being sick from Monday (we’ll see how today goes :glowers ominously at allergins in area of car dealership:, we’re refinancing), so I’ll do proper promotion and updating myself soon! (Hopefully later today, but tomorrow if time doesn’t permit.)
And if it’s any consolation, I CAN’T draw at all. Give me a ruler and a pencil and you might not get a straight line. Words will probably figure largely in my design. That or plain paper. :rubs hands in anticipatory glee:
Glad to have you all along! And thanks, Rabia, for the idea! 😀