Facebook Groups

There are Two BIG Groups

I discovered the biggest, oldest Facebook group in February, 2020.

The name of the group is ATC Artist Trading Cards. I now refer to this group as the "Dragon Eye" group. Zoom in on the right side of the ATC shown here and you will see the dragon eye logo.

The Dragon Eye group was established in 2012. The original admin of the group has not been active for years. As of March 2026, the Dragon Eye has 27.8K members. (in 14 years)

My friend Emily Houtz established the second main ATC group on February 8, 2024. She intentionally named her group with the same name as the older group: ATC Artist Trading Cards.

I usually refer to the group as "Emily's Group." It has 22.0K members as of March 24, 2026. (in just two years....but we are not comparing....)

Getting Started in a Facebook Group

If you are just starting out making ATCs, I highly recommend that you go to Emily's group and read ALL of the background information.

Members new to the group frequently ask very basic ATC questions "on the board." Established members are very good about answering these questions, but it would be SO much better if members would read through the background information. It is interesting. It is well-written. It is fun to be "in the know."

Featured

There are two different links that take you to helpful information about hte group.

The first one is called "Featured."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/atcartisttradingcards/announcements

I find it very interesting the Featured = announcements

and

Guides = learning_content

Check both of them out. It's a fun read, and a good way to start getting to know people.

Guides

This link https://www.facebook.com/groups/atcartisttradingcards/learning_content will take you to the help files section of Emily's group.

There is SO much helpful information here.

Your First Trade: Which way will you go?

There are two different ways to get starting.

See a card that you like. Request a Trade

If you see something you like, the usual process is to write a comment to tell the artist "I am interested in this card. I will be sending you a Direct Message (or DM).

Then use Messenger and send the artist a few choices and politely request a trade.

If both parties agree, exchange addresses through Messenger. NEVER put your address "on the b oard."

Mail your card promptly. Wait to receive your first "Happy Mail."

Post an image of your card or cards. Wait for someone to Contact You.

You can post your card directly on the "main" board. I find that there are many people who enjoy being the "first" person to trade with new artists.

Hopefully, you will soon receive a message, and then...."If both parties agree, exchange addresses through Messenger. NEVER put your address "on the board." Mail your card promptly. Wit to receive your first "Happy Mail."

Taking Part in Group Discussions

I seldom post or request ATCs on Facebook. But I frequently read through the messages in Emily's group, and send comments whenever a topic interests me.

I also click that "Like" or "Love" button a lot.

Certain topics come up frequently:

The HD (hand-drawn) vs. Mixed Media (colláge, gell print, craft cards, etc) debate comes up often. People have strong feelings about this issue.
The Digital or AI debate. (No, they are not the same.) People have strong feelings about this issue.
Political cards. (Yes, they are allowed.) People have strong feelings about this issue.
Why won't people trade with me. (Or some variation of this question...) People have strong feelings about this issue.
Originality, copyright, copies or prints or series or other ways of producing similar cards. People have strong preferences on this issue too.
The importance of ATCs, or this group, or art in general. Some comments on this topic are just delightful.

Personally, I love the discussions.

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