Artist Trading Cards

What is an Artist Trading Card?

An Artist Trading Card (ATC) is a miniature 2-Dimensional piece of art (2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches) that can be swapped, traded, or gifted to someone. It's a great way to build community through connecting and sharing art. Take a look at this video by Nic Hann.

Some of you have already done this project but we'd thought you'd like to do it again. It's a great way to connect during this challenging time.

Ms. Hann set up the Global Artist Trading Swap our 5th graders participated in this two years ago. They have received cards from students across America, Australia and Italy. If you are a 3rd grader here's your chance to create one as-well and send it to someone special. Check out the project brief below.

UPPER PRIMARY ARTIST TRADING CARD PROJECT BRIEF

If you are in Hong Kong you will be shortly receiving two blank cards 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches and letter from Ms Kirk and Mr Woo. These are for you to create two Artists trading cards to swap or trade with friends, or to gift to a friend or relative in another country, who would love to hear from you! If you are not in Hong Kong, you could use any paper and cut to this size.

Theme

'Positive moments in challenging times' is the theme for your cards. Your response can be a pictorial , or abstract and made up of lines, shapes and colour. (examples : family time, games you've played, hikes you've walked, plants you've grown and so on).

Top Tip: Self expression is important, however, always remember who your audience is and ask yourself - 'is this appropriate?'

Materials :

You can be creative with this project and work with any 2- dimensional materials. You can draw, paint, collage, print. Remember the paint brush award is about looking after materials and working with them carefully. Think about this when you use your materials. Please make sure you ask you parents if you are cutting anything up.

Your ATC's Pledge :

It's important when creating artwork of any kind to take pride in what you do (I know I don't need to tell you that but I've missed telling you). If this artwork is going to be traded, swapped or gifted it's really important to care about what you do. Please take a look at the pledge at the bottom of this page - say it in front of the mirror with your hand held high and do the best YOU can do. Be proud!

TAKE A LOOK BELOW at some of the successful examples of different materials from students around the world. You may get inspired.

Mixed Media and Collage

What have students used to create these artworks? *Please check before cutting up mums special book!

Pencil Crayon

What do you notice about how these students have used their pencil crayons?

Markers and water colour pencils

Students have taken great care in creating their lines and filling in their colour. What are some differences you observe in these?

Simple Successful layer

Simple but effective. How many layers can you see? Sometimes starting with a background and then working on top with other papers or just with pen can give you a lot of success.

Paint or print

You can paint your image or create a print plate and print your image. Your image can be abstract or pictoral.

Interactive

You could make your cards interactive as long as they stay 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches you can fold them, make them into pockets. Get creative!

Aelas ATC's.mp4

Check It Out!

Take a look here at Aela's mini video of her awesome little ATC's collection. She has used multiple layers in her work as well as different tools and materials. She has also included thoughtful words on some of them. I love how she's turned them into little books, to keep them safe.

There are so many materials you could use. Papers, glue, fabrics, buttons, sequins, paint, old magazines, the list is long. I cannot wait to see what you come up with. Before you start, take a look at The ATC pledge.