Beginner's - ArtTrader Magazine

Art TRADER
m a g a z i n e
Stickers, Stamps and Ink
There are infinite paths to an attractive,
informative ATC backside. I dabble in Photoshop
and graphic design, so I like to create custom
backsides and print them at home, either on name
badge stickers (perfectly sized!) or on cardstock
trimmed to ATC dimensions and run through my
Xyron, to add adhesive, then attached.
WRAP IT UP
Several more great ideas for creating ATC backsides:
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Hand write info on each card back individually
Create a custom rubber stamp containing general info,
and hand-write specifics
Design a graphic, and print or copy onto ready-made
stickers
Design a graphic, print or copy onto paper or cardstock,
hand-trim to ATC size, and attach with adhesive
A custom backside, attached to your ATCs, also allows crosspromotion
of your other sites, talents and interests, if you
reference them in your design. For example: In addition to
being an ATC trader, I also create high-end teddy bears, so I
feature my bears in some of my backside designs. This brings
the full scope of my art offerings to the attention of the ATC
community, and hopefully, helps spread the arty goodness
around.
You worked hard on your art, right? To guarantee safe arrival, protect it during transit.
Plastics
Start with a clear plastic sleeve. Sleeves aren’t mandatory, but they ARE appreciated and usually, expected.
Certainly, their use is currently the norm. You can buy protective plastic sleeves on eBay, through online retailers,
at WalMart, or just about anywhere trading cards (like baseball or Pokemon cards) are sold. Costing roughly a
penny each, sleeves protect cards from scratches, unintentional color transfers, smudges, and sticking.
For a stiffer, more protective option, use a rigid toploader. Available in a variety of weights, toploaders can be
especially useful for fabric ATCs and cards created on thick paper or canvas. They’re pricier than clear sleeves
and add weight (and cost) to your envelope, so they’re not for every card and every trade. I use toploaders for
ACEOs (art cards that are sold vs. traded,) and for the rare “masterpiece” ATC; for cards I worked especially
hard on, am especially proud of, or that were purchased by my wonderful customers and need guaranteed
safekeeping during transit.
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