Create the next Pokémon

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are small, original pieces of artwork created by artists specifically to be traded.

After school activity

Create the next Pokémon
~20-30 mins

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) began in Switzerland in 1997 as a fun way for artists to share their work. Each one is a tiny piece of art — just 2.5 × 3.5 inches, the same size as a playing or trading card.

They can be made by anyone, of any age or ability, in any style: drawing, painting, collage, photography, digital art… whatever you enjoy.

The only rule is they are traded, not sold.

How to try it:

  • Cut your own cards to size or you can buy a pack of blank ones (a pack of 100, costs about £5).

  • Create your mini masterpieces on the front — they can be stand-alone or part of a themed set, like different characters, creatures or scenes.

  • Optional: borrow a few learn-to-draw books from the library for inspiration and to pick up some new drawing skills.

  • On the back, write the artist’s name and the date.

  • Then start swapping with family and friends.

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