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New to ATCs Swap and Critique (Int'l)

Launch gallery slideshow

Swap Coordinator:mortaine (contact)
Swap categories: Challenges  Artist Trading Card (ATC)  Newbie 
Number of people in swap:30
Location:Other
Type:None
Last day to signup/drop:September 29, 2007
Date items must be sent by:November 5, 2007
Number of swap partners:2
Description:

Well, waterpixie got me started on ATCs, and I've decided I want to swap some, but all the ATC swaps are pretty specific right now, and what's more, I'm not convinced that I'll do a great job.

So! Here's a newbie-friendly ATC swap. You can be new to ATCs, or just new to swap-bot, or a grizzled veteran-- doesn't matter. This is a world-wide swap, because an ATC is fairly small and lightweight to send.

The ATCs must meet "standard ATC size" (2.5" x 3.5") They can be made of any medium, any method, etc. The only constraint is size.

You must include somewhere in the swap your username and the name of this swap: "New to ATC Swap."

When you receive your ATCs

When you receive an ATC from your partner, you will PM them privately with your critique of their ATC. The critique will take this format:

  • Something you like about the ATC.
  • Something you think could be improved about the ATC. Could be technique, materials, aesthetic, whatever. Try to be as specific as you can about how to improve (ex: "It's not that a 2-sticker ATC can't work, but I think this one would work better if you really composed those stickers, and use a straight edge to make sure they're perfectly lined up, so the card has a more elegant, and deliberate look to it.")
  • Something you like in general about the swapper (their profile, other swaps, forum activity, their hometown, whatever).

Note that: TWO positive things, one "needs improvement" thing. The critique should be sent privately, so the swapper doesn't get publicly embarrassed.

To Recap:

  • You will send one ATC each to two partners.
  • Your envelope or swap will have on it your username and the name of this swap.
  • You will be open to critique.
  • You agree to critique the ATCs you receive.

If you make an ATC and are open to public critique, feel free to post a picture of it in the swap gallery and a comment that you'd like critiques. Again, if you critique the publicly-posted ATC, please be specific and highlight both positive and needs-improvement things.

I really hope that some experienced ATC makers will also join this swap, because it would be nice to have a good pool of experienced and inexperienced ATC'ers to share ideas.

[Edited 9/20 to clarify International and for formatting issues.]

Discussion

Rillaith 09/20/2007 #

Love the idea - good on you for starting this, and in such a considered manner.

wendymc 09/20/2007 #

Neat idea! I'm in.

dancingDog 09/20/2007 #

Is it international?

FingersInc 09/20/2007 #

Hi, I'm not new to ATCs, or Swap-Bot, but I just love trading ATCs and since this is only 2 ATCs, I can handle that ! I like your idea of privately letting the person know the information. I am open to "positive feedback" and sometimes I make ATCs that I know could use "something" but don't quite know what it is. Thanks for hosting this one.

mortaine 09/20/2007 #

Dancing-dog: Yes, international is OK. A single ATC should be fairly small and flat and relatively lightweight.

mortaine 09/20/2007 #

Colleen: Exactly! Especially when just starting out, it can be hard to know what would really make an ATC a work of art, as opposed to something that, well, isn't quite "there." Knowing that moment when something turns from craft into art is part of the artistic experience!

luvcatzzz 09/20/2007 #

oh this is great, seriously. i love my polymer clay atc's but haven't branched out and would love to try something new. this is just wonderful! i'm in!

geneinthebattle 09/25/2007 #

This is really nice. I haven't tried making ATCs and I this is the best thing to test my skills. I'm both excited and nervous!

pahasiga 10/ 6/2007 #

OK, as I am really new in this.. what am I supposed to write on the other side on my ATC? Something like "paha siga, ATC No.1"?

And as there are sever photo ATCs going on - does the same hold for them?

mortaine 10/ 8/2007 #

Pahasiga: From what I understand, you put your name and the date on the back. I also put my email address. I don't know how the photo ATCs work, but I would assume they work similarly.

pahasiga 10/ 9/2007 #

Is it that we need to make 2 ATCs total, sending one to one and other to another partner? Or have I misunderstood?

I'm asking because I see in flickr that magicjessnrach has sent 2 to each and now I wonder whether I should start panicking now or a bit later.

mortaine 10/12/2007 #

Pahasiga: 2 ATCs total, one to each partner. Anyone sending two ATCs is just being extra generous and kind! :D

pahasiga 10/13/2007 #

If one's first tries at ATCs are extra ugly, sending two ATC's would be extra mean and cruel. ;) I think I'll rather not risk being that.

Lindy 10/13/2007 #

Where it says to PM your partners, what does PM mean exactly?

pahasiga 10/17/2007 #

Lindy, I have been supposing it means to write a message in swap-bot.

Lindy 10/18/2007 #

Thanks Pahasiga. I didn't take too much notice when I signed up but now have an ATC to critique. I thought I would just check out the details on the swap and wasn't sure what PM meant. But I'm sure what you have supposed is right as it seems the most logical. Thanks for the help. Lindy

mortaine 10/24/2007 #

Yep, sorry-- Lindy, you PM your partner by sending a private message to them (linked from their profile).

mortaine 10/24/2007 #

OK, I've posted two of my ATCs to the Swap Gallery for public critique! I'm putting it on the line, folks-- feel free to PUBLICLY tell me what you like or dislike about them!

dancingDog 10/24/2007 #

Where is the Swap Gallery? thnx

dancingDog 10/24/2007 #

LOL, never mind - I found the link (just never noticed it before!)

pahasiga 10/25/2007 #

And where would this public critique take place, here in comments?

mortaine 10/25/2007 #

Pahasiga: Yes, right here. In the comments. Critique away! :D

pahasiga 10/26/2007 #

No way... I was wondering whether I would dare to put my own ATCs. :P I'm not even sure whether one of them is an ATC... although, if it is 2.5"x3.5" and reasonably flat, it should be, isn't it so? Even if medium used for making it is rather, well, childish.

mortaine 10/26/2007 #

Heh. I saw a very artistic ATC online that was made with melted crayons. Medium is much less important, I think, than heart! :D

geneinthebattle 10/30/2007 #

Sent mail to:

  • peridoticparadox
  • dancingDog
geneinthebattle 10/30/2007 #

Sent mail to:

  • peridoticparadox
  • dancingDog
dancingDog 11/ 1/2007 #

FingersInc & earthtobella - I've sent my ATCs to you today. Please see my profile - I will be traveling & offline a while so I may not read your PMs or respond right away - please be patient - I am looking forward to your critiques! Thanks :=D

Rillaith 11/ 6/2007 #

I'm really sorry (and am about to PM partner), but I am a couple of days behind on this and two other swaps due yesterday - work has eaten up much of the last fortnight including precious crafting time, so I haven't yet got something ready to send. Should be in the mail by Thursday at the latest.

goblinbrodie 11/ 7/2007 #

Just letting karuma and ixazalvoh know I sent my ATCs off on the day of the deadline, sorry it was such a last-minute thing! Looking forward to your feedback.

Rillaith 11/ 9/2007 #

Finally, just to let you know - they're off to the post office. Phew.

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