Originals or copies? Swap etiquette.

Hey Queen Missy:

I have a question about trading ATC's. I have one friend who says its usual to give away the original and keep a copy for yourself. Another friend says most people keep the original and make a copy to swap? What is proper in ATC land?

Thanks, Your Loyal Subject, Lennea

Hmmm. I must admit, you have me baffled here.  I have not heard of either of these "standards" in my ATC swap circles!

Here is what I do know:

The main and only absolute standard is regarding size ( 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"). 

Other than that, many groups have standards in their charters or files, but I am not sure that there is a universal standard regarding originals and copies.

Most swaps suggest strongly that if you are going to be sending out a copy - that you embellish it heavily so that it still have one of a kind artistic touches.  Some swaps state clearly - "originals only."  Others permit copies.  Some don't state a preference one way or the other.  If you are concerned that someone may be dissapointed that they received a copy instead of an original - then certainly - check in with your swap partner or the swap coordinator ahead of time - and ask.

As for keeping copies for yourself - Missy ZNE strongly suggests that you scan or photograph your art and keep it for your galleries and/or portfolio.  A digital or photographic image of your work - at the very least - should be saved, before you send it off into the world. 

Whether or not you opt to create a copy of your swap work to keep for yourself - is up to you.  I have not heard of a standard of keeping a hard copy or the hard copy original - either way.

If others have more information on this topic than that which is provided here - please do comment - we love to hear from you!

And whatever you do - always enjoy creating!

Hey Queen Missy:

I have a question about trading ATC's. I have one friend who says its usual to give away the original and keep a copy for yourself. Another friend says most people keep the original and make a copy to swap? What is proper in ATC land?

Thanks, Your Loyal Subject, Lennea

Hmmm. I must admit, you have me baffled here.  I have not heard of either of these "standards" in my ATC swap circles!

Here is what I do know:

The main and only absolute standard is regarding size ( 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"). 

Other than that, many groups have standards in their charters or files, but I am not sure that there is a universal standard regarding originals and copies.

Most swaps suggest strongly that if you are going to be sending out a copy - that you embellish it heavily so that it still have one of a kind artistic touches.  Some swaps state clearly - "originals only."  Others permit copies.  Some don't state a preference one way or the other.  If you are concerned that someone may be dissapointed that they received a copy instead of an original - then certainly - check in with your swap partner or the swap coordinator ahead of time - and ask.

As for keeping copies for yourself - Missy ZNE strongly suggests that you scan or photograph your art and keep it for your galleries and/or portfolio.  A digital or photographic image of your work - at the very least - should be saved, before you send it off into the world. 

Whether or not you opt to create a copy of your swap work to keep for yourself - is up to you.  I have not heard of a standard of keeping a hard copy or the hard copy original - either way.

If others have more information on this topic than that which is provided here - please do comment - we love to hear from you!

And whatever you do - always enjoy creating!