mail exchange proposal

[Grief]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/ninjau1/grief5.gif howdy folks,

i'm making this thread to possibly start an art exchange of involving members of the community, and seeing if anyone is interested. recieving mail sucks, its always bills and junk for advetisements. personally i am very interested in the idea of passing gifts and ideas. there's a lot of awesome artists (you know who you are) whose scribbles i want, and would be willing to offer my scribbles in return. let's reclaim our mailboxes from its suckiness of routine.

basically what it would involve is a swapping of mailing addresses and sending other users small works, doodles, sketches, drawings, etc. i'm not sure what would be the best way to go about doing this (and am open to suggestions of course), but i'll toss out a few ideas of how it could function and see what sticks.

i think all the works should have a standard size and be fairly smallish (5x7" or something) so advanced packaging wouldn't cost some users a substantial amount. (also it'd be easier to store/exhibit the works if they are a uniform scale)

anyway here's one way in which this could work:

let's say 12 people hop on board this idea. each of the users would make an edition of works large enough for everyone in the group to recieve one. i understand not everyone is a print-maker so drawing a dozen identical images would be tedious and wasteful, with that note that i'm using the word 'edition' very loosely. with this setup everyone involved gets a work from everyone else.

however when the number of participants grows to say fifty, it seems like it'd be a full time job just to get works done for all the other users. i think to best solve this all the artists would send in 10 images to a single source (i guess to me for the time being in this hypothetical situation) and then i would randomly distribute 10 images back to each user of other artists submission (making sure they do not recieve any of their own). this is a problem that could have a lot of solutions, as this wouldnt allow for specific other members to recieve personalized images, and that's an aspect i'd like to retain if at all possible in the images. i dont anticipate that many members being interested right away, so the initial sending of art would be very minimal and easy to manage.

there's also other things i haven't thought out such as the frequency of delivery, if people want to just send out images to the 'mailing list' on a whim when they get time, or if it should be a two, three, or four times a year, or even a monthly structure. honestly i think i'd rather just send out stuff to people as i recieved them, almost like a pen-pal but with a small community.

if anyone is interested chime in and lemme know. and if you have suggestions, questions, or on-topic opinions, feel free to drop a line. for now though do not provide personal information (such as mailing address), i'll try to figure out a more secure venue for distributing that sort of details (ie, might be through PM on CA)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/ninjau1/grief3.gif

[edit 06/26/09]

due to the great response here is a list of users actively interested in participating. PM them with your information and requests and get your list of mail-buddies rollin'. (if anyone wants their name added/removed from the list reply in this thread and i'll adjust it accordingly when i have the time)

Meissner
kagemusha22
Hookswords
spaztastic
cmalidore
jeremyg0rd0n
pezzle
muz
Noa K
Smashed_Pumpkin
petitemistress
silvestri99
Jake Kobrin
Asatira
realitychek
Sekino
Ghostbrush
Kilowatt
Slash
Linguini
HunterKiller_
~Faust~
Sorknes
AsaB
kelly x
Aphotic Phoenix
Grief
Sundance
Tangrim
Bill
MichaelNoel
Edward Cherniga
loveandasandwich
wookiedabo
Drin
Mock
Yngling
Troubadour
Kamikazebob
Spirit
PatriciaS
donalfall


be sure to spread the word.

all the best
joe

[Jovian M]

Sounds cool. Mind you, I'm sure anyone who received something from me would be a little disappointed.

[Kagemusha22]

Sounds interesting. The only thing is wouldn't oversea's postage get a little expensive, or would you limit it for an inital period?

[Hookswords]

This could be fun. I hate my mailbox. Rarely does it have something good in it. I'd be up for giving this a try, even if it means Grief knowing where I live :P

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Why not do something like postcards?
Pros:
- As long as it's roughly 6x4 it only costs $0.28 to send.
- No envelopes/packaging required.
- Wear and tear of the postal service can be interesting (or bad)

Cons:
- You have to know how to do the backside properly. Template makes this easy.
- Water-based mediums kinda lose on this one.
- Limits your paper type to something hardy enough to survive mailing. (Postal regulations require something between .007 to .016 in thickness)

I'd be down. ^_^

[spaztastic]

I second the post card idea. :D

[cmalidore]

This sounds kinda fun :)

[Brashen]

Not condemning the idea or anything but this reminds me of DA's 'lets trade art' shit. that's where unknown noob would give you some doodling of his and expect something awesome in return...meh very skeptical about this but not doubting your intentions Grief.

[spaztastic]

oh brashen, wherever have you been :P

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Brashen, art trades are not exclusive to DA, especially in printmaking where part of the art is to create a series of prints. The reason I suggested postcards is because I've actually seen them done before on a national scale via a printmaking course. (You would send in a series of 15 cards + postage and receive 15 random cards back).

[Surzsha]

Well, Brashen does have a point. And yet again, this isn't Deviantart. We're all adults here (and tough ones, at that).

[Ashtonw]

Why not have a free-for-all, everyone posts their addressses and then anyone can mail them whatever, whenever.

[jeremygordon89]

I agree, this seems like a cool idea
I'd be down for this

[Pezz]

I wouldn't mind participating or having like art pen pals or something. It's nice to get snail mail sometimes, especially when all I ever get are bills, crappy credit offers and coupon mailers. Something about the tactile sensation of touching the postcard or artwork instead of seeing it pixel by pixel on the computer.

[Grief]

glad to see there some people interested in giving this a shot.

i'm too lazy at the moment to go through and address every response but here's a few things that came to mind while reading the comments:

1.) you are all awesome.

2.) i like the idea of having the images being a post card size (there's actually a few different post card standards... i think), but i certainly do not want to limit the material to needing to use a post card. different papers, having a deckled edge, canvas, linen, cloth, etc... it should all be fair game i don't want to impose too many restrictions or limitations, as i think the creativity of the artists should be the foremost aspect. even if a work was somewhat three dimensional that'd be fine with me (just don't get too rediculous with breaking into the third dimension). as far as envelopes and packaging i think that'll be up to each individual. i personally like designing that sort of stuff, but it also may add to the tactile nature of the work to get wear-n-tear from the mailing process.

3.) i am basing this off of the cascade print exchange, which an oregon based event for print-makers (which last year got 125 artists from 11 countries), and the results are always top-notch. this, however, is more about any medium. i don't expect anyone to make the same series of images over and over to send out to everyone, just think of them like personalized illustrations for whomever you decide to send to on the list.

4.) i am not sure if i meant 'who' or 'whom' in that last sentence, and am too sleepy to think it through.

5.) we could very well make this an elitist gathering of artists, where artists could be rejected from having access to the mailing list of contributors, it very well could be a high-art sort of thing. but fuck that. if some 12 year old sends me a crayon drawing of DBZ fanart, right on! that's cooler than electric bills, and if he can take the time to send a drawing, then i damn sure would return the favor. i dont want to exclude anyone because of quality, skill level, or their 'name'. i certainly would hate to have pressure on the individuals participating by needing to adhere to a mysterious level of quality. i dont want this to be a burden. i mean if i received a stick figure with a boner, that'd make my day regardless of who sent it.

6.) that said, i also don't want this to be affilliated with conceptart too drastcally. using the forums to communicate and maybe scan in and show what other people sent you will be encouraged, but i dont think making a 'post your mailing address' thread would do the community any favors. a degree of seperation will be had to ensure the personal information of artists. what i'm thinking right now is maybe something like this:
-a new artist seeks to join the art exchange
-they send their request to me (or maybe someone more organized than me) with their mailing information.
-other artists are notified via a group email. ex: "hey guys! so-and-so would like to participate, drop him a line and get the fun rollin!"
-the other artists can then respond to the new artist with their information. this provides the option for some artists to not have to share information with others artists if they so choose for whatever reason.
-'new artist' now has a list of people willing to exchange work with him.

maybe that process is a bit cluttered. i'll need to think it through to see if there's any faults in its logic. it might be easier to just use the 'friends' system of users on CA as being your list of people you have access to. there's a lot of ways this could go, keep in mind that my ideas are by no means the 'best' or 'only' option or way of thinking, as always give your two cents and concerns.

7.) international artists are encouraged to participate as well. you can all afford internet, a few stamps once a month wont kill anyone i hope. stamps are pretty expensive, but is a few dollars worth getting something from a friend halfway around the world, and then being able to send a unique piece back to them? hell yes it is.

8.) i'll check this in 24 hours or so, keep the ideas comin' http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/ninjau1/grief0.gif

[Bill]

Maybe, in a common thread like this one, we could post 5x7's we'd be willing to trade, and individuals could just pm each other over the logistics of it, working their own deals. Maybe in a month, June 24th could be a "Post your Tradeables Day" mini-event?

[Muz]

Sounds like a cool idea :).

Imo the best way to do this is to do a lucky dip. Everyone send in their addresses to you, then you randomly hand out lets say 2 adresses, to each person, keeping it a secret from the person who will receive it.

That way you have everyone receiving something and everyone who sends out something.

If you do that try and make sure that people are sending them over seas as opposed to internally in the country as it is always so much cooler to get something from across the world.

I have done a sketch exchange by mail before and it was a very cool experience. Still have a dozen pwnsome images from that sitting on my wall.

[madster]

Do not post addresses online.
You will be opening yourself up to an entirely different Grief than you intend.

It would be best if you can have someone as "key master," who would collect all the addys. Maybe set something up monthly where IF you have a piece of art to actually send, ready to go, you then 'tag in' and get an addy of someone to send it to. Start at the top of the list, and work down for in>outs.
If you don't send something, your name goes to the bottom of the list. This way, those who participate will get stuff, those who chump out only get away with it once...
Maybe set up monthly "themes," not that anyone needs to follow them, but it can make things a bit more interesting, and helps those struck by "artist's block."

It is always fun to get mail you are not expecting, when it's mail that doesn't want something from you...

Have fun!
~M

[Noa K]

that's a great idea Grief! count me in!

i never thought stamps would cost so much, but i guess if you send to like 12 people at the same time it could be a little bothering... so my suggestion would be to make a circular movemant of the post-cards: A sends to B, B sends A's card to C and so on.. will that work?
hmmm.. on second thought, it might not be cost-reducing that much, maybe it needs a bit of working out..

[Smashed_Pumpkin]

This sounds like a fantastic idea. I live in England but would be more than willing to pay the overseas mailing cost to send some stuff out to wherever.

I suppose the challenge would be to set up a system where the process can continue without landing a heap of work on one particular person who is expected to sort out matching people together.

Say something like this:

Each person is given a number and a letter (lets imagine 10 people opt in) so we have numbers 1 - 10 and letters A - J.

Then those numbers and letters are staggered to match them together making a "send to" and a "recive from" code.

1st Round
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
J A B C D E F G H I

2nd Round
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
I J A B C D E F G H

(for example the person with #1 and Letter-A would send their post to the person with letter-J and recieve thier post from the person with #2)

Then for each "round" of sending post you just stager the letters and numbers along one space resulting in a new sender and reciever each time, until the cycle is complete.

This way all you would need is a thread with a database showing the CA.org profiles attached to each Number-Letter identity and then you could simply contact your "reciever" requesting their mailing address while your "sender" contacts you for yours. This way the ball is in your court as to weather you give out your address and there's no middle man being landed with a bunch of addresses to sort and distribute.

"Hi there,
I've been matched up with you to be my reciver for round x of the CA.org mail exchange and this is a request for your mailing address!. <Link to the Mail Exchange thread so they can check you're not bullshitting>"

Ofcourse these don't need to be numbers and letters at all, Infact it would probably be even easier if the system just used numbers so each month (if it was monthly) a post would be made in the thread with 2 rows of numbers and from that everyone would know who they're sending to and who they're recieving from.

I hope that made sense, please ask if it didn't but as far as I can see it is a system that would work with minimal strain on an individual as long as the comunity work together. Again possibly making it tend towards a more select group of artists but to be honest it wouldn't take long to weed out those who don't want to play ball.

Edit:
Just read it through again and there is infact no need what so ever for the use of letters, especially considering there are only 26 of the buggers. It may as well just look like this:

S = Sender
R = Reciever

1st Round
S:01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
R:10 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

2nd Round
S:01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
R:09 10 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

3rd Round
S:01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
R:08 09 10 01 02 03 04 05 06 07

And so on...

And then referencing the list of Names to numbers you know exactly who you're sending to (who you need to request an address from) and who you're recieving from (who you can expect an address request from). This system also means all future rounds can be set up in advance making for even less work on the organisers shoulders.

[petitemistress]

I love snail mail! ive been sending and receiving stuff from all over the world since i was 14 (my mentor/crush at the time from Kansas' art is still hanging in my room hehehe. he was the bomb!) only problem is since our addie system sucks here, sometimes my mail gets lost. but other than that im all for it! pm-ing of addresses to begin when? :D

[spaztastic]

5.) we could very well make this an elitist gathering of artists, where artists could be rejected from having access to the mailing list of contributors, it very well could be a high-art sort of thing. but fuck that. if some 12 year old sends me a crayon drawing of DBZ fanart, right on! that's cooler than electric bills, and if he can take the time to send a drawing, then i damn sure would return the favor. i dont want to exclude anyone because of quality, skill level, or their 'name'. i certainly would hate to have pressure on the individuals participating by needing to adhere to a mysterious level of quality. i dont want this to be a burden. i mean if i received a stick figure with a boner, that'd make my day regardless of who sent it.

I accept your Challenge :D



How about CA cards similar to (don't kill me but pokemon) playing cards type things. or crap what is it..... ah.... trading cards that's what their called trading cards! and then they can become COLLECTIBLE TRADING CARDS OF AWESOMENESS :D

[iambanana]

Well, these are just my two cents, but personally I would find it way more awesome to recieve an original sketch than a print-out (Although that's pretty awesome as well). I do see how people may be hesitant to send an original sketch though, especially if it's any good.

But still, a signed original sketch is awesome, whether it's from a pro or a newbie.

[Jovian M]

In light of the updates 'n all that, I'd totally be down. O:

[SMILEFACE]

what if someone bought an mailed a sketchbook with a page worked on, to some one else

then repeat

edit ...like a school yearbook' each have there own sketchbook' draw and send to next person 'an when sketchbooks are full return to sender''

[silvestri99]

Very cool idea, i would love to be in on it!

[OldJake666]

I've done quite a few of these on other art websites and I therefore have quite a large collection of other's artwork. I would LOVE to participate in this event as well!!! :D

[Asatira]

Once everything is worked out, I am more than game.

[Aphotic Phoenix]

what if someone bought an mailed a sketchbook with a page worked on, to some one else

then repeat

edit ...like a school yearbook' each have there own sketchbook' draw and send to next person 'an when sketchbooks are full return to sender''

From personal experience this is really great for a localized group, but shipping costs, and higher risk of loss is sort of a factor when sending things through mail. Plus, the first few people get to look at far less art than the last few people who receive it.

We used to pass around a sketchbook during one of our rpg campaigns. Just about everyone contributed something despite only half the group being artists. I moved away, and a few years later got to come back and look through that book with all of my friends. Even the stick figures were precious. If you've got a close group of friends that gets together on a regular basis...do this! It's more awesome than I'd ever imagined.

[OldJake666]

what if someone bought an mailed a sketchbook with a page worked on, to some one else

then repeat

edit ...like a school yearbook' each have there own sketchbook' draw and send to next person 'an when sketchbooks are full return to sender''

I've done this kind of thing too. I can tell you from experience that it is much more difficult because it gets stuck at people's house or whatever and then it becomes greatly delayed. This is how I'd recommend doing it:


We create a theme.

Anyone who wants to be involved makes a sketch based on the theme.

We then post these sketches in a thread.

Someone collects all of the names of those who have posted art.

Someone puts the names in a random order and posts it.

The name above yours is who sends you their artwork.

The name below yours is who you send to.

We exchange address info and such through PM.

We send everything off.

We post the results in another thread.

[realitychek]

I'd definitely be up for something like this. I'd prefer it if it was random- as in you have no clue what you're getting, something about that extra level of surprise makes it more fun for some reason :) If you need any help organizing this Grief, I'd be able to help out

[spaztastic]

how about secret santa with art????
we get assigned a random person as mentioned before, and a random theme? that way every one gets something different. and it keeps it mysterious and fun, then the person who gets the art has to figure out who sent it? so we can make a game out of it, win win? well in my opinion any way.

[Smashed_Pumpkin]

Wow yea, the idea of an entire sketchbook being created is awesome but again, the progress would be very slow and the potential for loss of the project entirely would be high. I think maybe keeping it to individuals sending and recieving amongst themselves is probably the best way to go about it but I would suggest we scan each original image and keep them archived together in a dedicated thread where only the sketches are posted; effectively a digital sketchbook which everyone can look at any time or even print out and have bound.

I do still think it would be brilliant to have this whole activity structured to the extent that people actually put the effort in to creat something really special instead of just a one time thing which would die fairly easily, as I've seen on many sights. CA.org seems to be about doing things properly and it would be nice to see this follow suit.

[Aphotic Phoenix]

While I certainly understand why people like themes, I'd prefer themes weren't mandatory.

Think of all the neat things you could do if you weren't limited to a theme:
- Draw a comic and send each panel to a different person (then post the whole thing together later)
- Draw an animation sequence and send each frame to someone else
- Draw DIY schematics and send the instructions with the image
- etc.!

I mean...I know this is a concept art site, but can we step away from the "everything must have a brief/theme" thing for once?

[Sekino]

That's a brilliant idea and I'd love to participate. I agree that a single sketchbook being sent around seems somewhat impractical. However, I think it would be great to have a thread on the forum where everyone could scan the sketches as they receive them. It would be interesting to see your own sketches being posted and presented by someone else.

I also would rather see the themes and subjects left open to the artists' whims. I feel it would be more spontaneous and personal that way (muck like the spirit of a real letter).

[Smashed_Pumpkin]

Yea I agree with leaving themes out. If peopel are stuck for thought just browse these forums, there's themes and briefs and all sorts flying about. And afterall the spirit of this idea seems to be that of increasing the interest of the contents of the mailbox and what better to recieve than a surprise.

Phoenix, those are fantastic ideas. I can imagine recieving the frame of a comic and dying to know what happend before and after!.

[Kilowatt]

I'm all for it! I guess this means I have to start a sketchbook, huh :P?

[petitemistress]

Im not sure about the direction this is veering in, with organized themes and signing up and such... personally id rather keep a correspondence between art-friends, without the rules and obligations that are being put up. Like let's say I find some cool stickers/postcards at my local library, I stuff a bunch of them in a an envelope for my friend, write a little note and draw something, then send it out for no real reason except maybe making them happy :)

it might be super cheesy but id rather keep it spontaneous and simple rather than organized and an obligation. its cooler to have stuff sent because the other person likes you rather than because they want your doodles or they signed up to an art-trade ._.

[OldJake666]

Yeah but sadly not all of us have any art friends... :( Or at least none of who's address I could easily obtain.

[petitemistress]

I'll pm you my addie if you pm me yours Jake, thats how you make art friends ;) but I warn you, my art is not metal D: (I could probably prode Andreas into pitching in for you tho :P )

I mean, personally, I trust most of those i deem "regulars" on this site, and I consider them friends, and wts the worst that could happen? they send me poop? oh noes :P I wdnt mind pming say, Grief, Kellyx, Clo, Davi, Alesoun, Aphotic_Phoenix etc with my address, and Chaos has been waiting for art trade cards from me in forever (sorry! havent forgotten I swear!!), so I mean, why the hell not? :) but im just gullible like that ._.

[Ghostbrush]

count me in, sounds like fun! only if i am to be trusted however :D

[Smashed_Pumpkin]

Mmhm, I think some level of organisation would be nice in terms of matching us all up. As Jake said, not all of us have these art friends and if anything this would be a nice way to let us less embeded members feel more part of the comunity. Heh, not sure I'm liking the "please be my friend" tone of this post but oh well. :bashful:

I do however think that keeping spontaneity the main seed from which the images grow is good. Applying briefs straight away makes it feel like "work" that needs doing when I think what we should be aiming for is having fun because we want to.

[Slash]

I'd be down. Metal is expencive to ship tho.

[OldJake666]

Ugh, I fucking renounce metal... there's a rare bunch of incredible music within it (which is greatly out-weighed by shit to be honest), but I can no longer stand the stereotypes or ridiculous culture surrounding it. :(

Metal art is cool though. :)

Yeah, if anyone wants to do some sketch exchanges, I'd be up for it. Send me a PM or something.

[Grief]

thanks for all the replies folks!

i assure everyone that this 'event' of sorts will be about making friends.

after reading all the comments i think i have a workable format in mind that will satisfy the general consensus of users who would like to participate. i'll draw up some charts today on what i'm thinking...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/ninjau1/grief3.gif

[Sekino]

I agree that it should remain fun and spontaneous. But I also think there should be a minimum of organization. For instance, I'm sure if people start to randomly PM their adresses to people, some will get way more demand than others (and it might put a lot of pressure on them while leaving out less vocal members).

Maybe we could have a private thread where anyone interested in participating just post their adresses. Whenever someone feels like randomly sending out sketches, they can do so at their convenience (whether it is one sketch or 12). In return, the recipients post the sketches as a courtesy, like a thank-you note. That way, there is no direct pressure but there is also an incentive to participate (public feedback).

I feel that if we just send things to friends, then there is no point doing it as a community activity. I already have people I send drawings to, they're just not artists or CA members ;) But I do like the communial aspect of Grief's idea, mainly because working as a freelance artist (or just being an amateur artist) can get rather lonely and insular.

[arttorney]

The more this veered away from limited edition works the more I lost interest, but then I'm into woodcuts, so I guess if grief got a stick figure in the mail from me it would be missing the boner anyway.

[Linguini]

I want to get in on the fun and make friends. :D I love getting snail mail, but the people I send letters to are usually too busy to reply. I guess that's one bad things about the internet.

[HunterKiller_]

RE: Posting addresses online.

Post an official thread in the CA exclusive forum could provide some security.

I'm interested for sure. Got a stack of stamps sitting here.

[Bill]

and wts the worst that could happen? they send me poop?

... maybe, if you end up trading art with Cy Twombly.

[~Faust~]

I would send you art all day, Grief!

[madster]

Okay, let's address a few concerns here, for those of you who seem to be either somewhat naive, too trusting, or simply clueless...

First, a theme is NOT meant to stifle you. As the Artist, HOW you interpret ANY theme is STILL an individual choice. The ability to "think outside the box" is truly a skill you should be attempting to acquire.

How on earth some of you can whine about this is beyond belief...
Just for example, let's say the theme is "babies." Now, while I personally have absolutely little to no interest in Human babies, this type of theme would still leave any semi-intelligent artist with a plethora of directions to explore. Robot babies, Plant babies. Monsters with Plant characteristics, sprouting "babies" off its body...Baby planets. Baby monsters dressed really cute...For goodness sakes, don't shoot down something just because it doesn't talk to YOU, personally. Think a bit more outside your personal box, and think about the community, which has some members who want to play, but then end up staring at an empty postcard, discouraged from the get go...
WHY this would somehow "ruin" the "surprise" aspect of the idea is also confusing. What, because you know there is a "theme," you know what the art you get will be? Pfah!

A Theme was JUST a suggestion to help EVERYONE play, not to impede any of you...Draw an anti-theme, or don't follow the theme at all. THAT's not the point here...


Now, regarding addys online.

I mean, personally, I trust most of those i deem "regulars" on this site, and I consider them friends, and wts the worst that could happen? they send me poop? oh noes :P I wdnt mind pming say, Grief, Kellyx, Clo, Davi, Alesoun, Aphotic_Phoenix etc with my address, and Chaos has been waiting for art trade cards from me in forever (sorry! havent forgotten I swear!!), so I mean, why the hell not? :) but im just gullible like that ._.Yup, you ARE gullible like that, and so are most of us. I am no longer that trusting, after a fellow artist had a knock on her front door (in a VERY remote, and not heavily populated part of Wisconsin), only to find her very own internet stalker, who decided that her art touched him in a special way, and he felt a "bond" to her, compelling him to go to her...NOT the kind of exchange most of us want...

Nothing wrong with being "gullible," but there is NOTHING wrong with being informed, so that your gullibility is by choice, and not ignorance. While there are people on these boards whom I would trust implicity without having ever met in person, the vast majority of members are, and remain, strangers. People with no external signs or history suddenly lose it and do bad things (the Craigslist guy, the kid who tried to shoot kids in a Jr. high for absolutely no reason, the weird woman who allegedly killed her 8-year old daughter's best friend, etc.). PMing people is fine, because again, YOU make the choice. But to publicly post your addy where anyone, member or not, can read it, is simply taking unnecessary risks with your personal information.
There is NO Internet page that is secure with your address on it, if it is viewable by the Public, even "exclusive" forums, unless everyone registered is somehow "verifiable..." As the old saying goes, "On the Internet, no one really knows if you are a God, or just a dyslexic dog..."
Forewarned is forearmed.


Arttorney, you are TOO funny. You lost interest "The more this veered away from limited edition works the more I lost interest, but then I'm into woodcuts..."
If I'm not mistaken here,
1. Woodcuts, by their very nature, are neither intended, nor designed, for "limited edition works," and
2. Short of every single member of CA signing on for this, just HOW freaking "limited edition" are you wanting? What? Less that 100 copies? 25? One-on-one? You need to expand your awareness of art exchanges. I would MUCH rather have a well-created print that is one of 5,000, and shows true effort, than a one-on-one "quickie" speedpaint stickfigure that looks like the concept took no longer than the speedpaint itself...


Those of you throwing down "roadblocks" here, with your "concerns and personal dislikes" are missing the point, which it merely to make art and send it to someone else.
From "Gee, I like ANYTHING I get in the mail," now we have "Gee, I only like getting THIS type of art in the mail, and I won't play if there are any suggestions that I disagree with..." SHEESH!
Just make something and send it. There are NO grades or points awarded here, and I seriously doubt that anyone (except the most picky and elitist of the participants) will refuse or look down on anything you make. Again, don't let the suggestions stifle YOU, it's for those who may not be familiar with certain Internet protocols that can help protect them, or help them overcome hesitations to even trying.

Swap addys by PM, swap addys by group. Post 'em here, post 'em on DA or Craigslist. Participate on your own standards, or join up with a common theme. No one is trying to stop you. The suggestions are for those new to the idea, that's all, and I posted them for THOSE people, not the rest of you who do or don't want to take part...

Just send Grief something, k?thx.
~M

[Asatira]

I'm very interested. I just want a little organization, so I look forward to what Grief has come up with that may resolve this.

[arttorney]

The woodcut thing is just a boner joke. Sorry if I bothered you.

[petitemistress]

Yup, you ARE gullible like that, and so are most of us. I am no longer that trusting, after a fellow artist had a knock on her front door (in a VERY remote, and not heavily populated part of Wisconsin), only to find her very own internet stalker, who decided that her art touched him in a special way, and he felt a "bond" to her, compelling him to go to her...NOT the kind of exchange most of us want...

Nothing wrong with being "gullible," but there is NOTHING wrong with being informed, so that your gullibility is by choice, and not ignorance. While there are people on these boards whom I would trust implicity without having ever met in person, the vast majority of members are, and remain, strangers. People with no external signs or history suddenly lose it and do bad things (the Craigslist guy, the kid who tried to shoot kids in a Jr. high for absolutely no reason, the weird woman who allegedly killed her 8-year old daughter's best friend, etc.). PMing people is fine, because again, YOU make the choice. But to publicly post your addy where anyone, member or not, can read it, is simply taking unnecessary risks with your personal information.


thanks for reality check Madster :) but I highly doubt any americans would bother coming here to stalk me quite honestly ;p .

I do agree posting it for all to see is not a good idea, which is why I referred to PMs in my post (giving the address to such and such specifically), and I do reserve myself the right to choose who i give out my address too but tbh, bad things can come from any direction and call it naive, but I dont see a reason to be scared of all of humanity because of the few bad apples. I mean im pretty sure the kids who get shot in highschool shootings were being very safe in the first place and protected by their parents.
I choose to take that leap of faith, because I dont want to miss out on the great things that might come out of it. I dont mean to get philosophical on anyone :P and you are right DO NOT POST ADDIES ONLINE, but who's to say that if you PM it, that person wont go and post it online themselves? there's no way to know, and everyone's a stranger before you get to know them.

Personally, I think opportunity wins over fear for me on this issue :)

[Sorknes]

I *was* supposed to join in a kind of circle swapping small cards, making ten each and send them through snailmail, but I never got around to it. I'd be up for this as long as time permits.

When it comes to the snailmail and giving out adress thing, I don't have a problem with that whatsoever. I happen to have a lot of people from CA as friends on facebook just to mention one place which most people know about, and when you know my full real name and all that whackamabob, I know quite a few things more scary than sending my adress to Grief in a PM, hehe. Hell, my username here is my middle name which I'm not shy to say, and also, if I'm ever gonna hit it big in the future at some point, my name has to get out there, and as probably the only one worldwide with my particular name, it won't be hard to find my adress in the first place, it's called phone books ;)

Also, I'm going to the WS this summer, and I'm seriously not gonna just say "I'm Sorknes" there, so yeah, bring it on, lol!

*crosses fingers for being able to participate*

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Since this hasn't been touched on much...how do people feel about receiving prints of digital paintings?

*Edit* Personally, I'm like Grief in the sense that I don't really care what is sent. It's a really fun and friendly idea that I support 100%, and have already started brainstorming for. Really it just seems sensible to figure out what people expect from the get go, and to keep things simple. I'd prefer addresses not be posted online, but exchanged in a more private matter simply due to some problems I've had before, but like Petitemistress I consider the risk worth the experience.

[OldJake666]

It'd be fun to have it in certain groups... then again it would be way cooler to have some pros in on this! :D

[AsaB]

This sounds like great fun, I'd definitely be interested, so count me in! Considering all the free time I'll most likely have this summer (given that I'll stay unemployed all summer, which is very plausible), I don't see a reason why not to join. :)

I'm also all for keeping this simple and fun, but I still wouldn't mind it we'd be throwing in a theme occasionally where people could choose to participate or not. It's been ages since I got anything worthwhile via snail mail, so I'd be thrilled to get any art-related pretties from you guys :D

[Grief]

hey folks, sorry about the delay of updates. i spent the last few days occupied by other distractions and it gave time for me to mull over ideas about this project.

this most likely wont be a full-fledged community event, in the sense of having a fixed timeline or theme. however some periodic seasonal goodies may be in store (ie winter holidays / valentine's and maybe some others), but certainly don't expect weekly/monthy topics.

i made a structure that could theoretically simplify the mailing process if a vast number of people hop aboard. this would involve making each user participating become the monthly 'theme' where all of other users only have to send letters to one user per month. this would cut down on the amount of mailing while giving people the opportunity to be the 'spotlight' and recive mail from everyone else in a flood at once over the course of their month.

but to set up something like that would require a chart of users working their way up the ranks, so that the users who do contribute the most are bumped on the priority list to be the focus for the month. this would create incentive for users to participate and send letters to others as a means of getting in line for their turn.

but the whole thing becomes inefficient and cumbersome when the community of participants is close and small. (and im not sur ei did a very good describing it, and im sur ei lef tout some of the smaller aspects which protect users privacy)

on the topic of privacy i can't act as an overlord protecting everyone. so everyone involved will have to use their best judgement discretion in providing their personal mailing information. if some of you are shakey and uncertain, then feel free to sit this out. its not mandatory and if you feel uncomfortable for any reason its probably better just to follow your gut feelings. i do not want to scare anyone away, but at the same time my intention is not to dupe or scam anyone into joining. i'm sure there are a lot of people that would liek to see this up and running for awhile before they dip their toes into the pool, so to speak.

that said, i'm certainly down for this, and ive recieved a couple PMs over the past few days inquiring about when this is gonna get fired up. i would appreciate if people would give a sound answer (yes i'll participate, no thanks i'm just a curious observer, etc). to those of you who have already voiced interest and want to join in on the soon-to-be-fun i'll send a PM your way sometime this weekend.

[Bill]

So when would the first piece be 'Due' ? and would we expect pieces being exchanged to be (hopefully) posted in a thread?

[spaztastic]

count me in.... (60 other people go: decide to not join now) :( ahhhh crap you sure you want me to participate? I will.... I promise no religious posts and only good clean art.

[kelly x]

I saw my name in here but I didn't even know about this thread, I would love to do this if it's still on, but I'm with Grief and Phoenix that it should be fun... maybe some kind of lottery, (keep in mind I'm not to be trusted;), hahaha)
I'll sign up for this thread...

[spaztastic]

hehehehehe I trust you kelly :D

[Grief]

So when would the first piece be 'Due' ?

there won't be any real deadline or theme to begin with. for now i think it would be best for everyone to take it at their own pace deciding to send whatever they are comfortable with to people they choose. sort of like how the 'draw from the what does everyone look like thread' has no real structure, but people participate and overall the experience is enjoyable. this if more of a cummunal gift exchange than a contest really. if people get comfortable enough and want to spice things up, deadlines and themes can be introduced as well as guidelines and such.


and would we expect pieces being exchanged to be (hopefully) posted in a thread?

absolutely. i'll make a thread to house all the posts of people showing off who-sent-them-what (i suppose it could just be this thread). that should generate some more interest in the activity if people share their cards. i would suggest that everyone documents their cards prior to sending them (photo/scan/whatever) just in case the mail-monster eats it and it gets lost in the abyss you can have a backup digital file to share with the other users. but naturally, it'd be best if you didn't post the work until after the person recieves the letter (dont wanna ruin the surprise)

i know members like madster and brashen are a bit on edge about the idea of sharing mailing information online, and their alarm is understandable and should be taken seriously. i do not want to dismiss the concerns some people have, and for that no one should feel obligated to participate.

so far the users who are on board and ready to go are:
Meissner
kagemusha22
Hookswords
spaztastic
cmalidore
jeremyg0rd0n
pezzle
muz
Noa K
Smashed_Pumpkin
petitemistress
silvestri99
Jake Kobrin
Asatira
realitychek
Sekino
Ghostbrush
Kilowatt
Slash
Linguini
HunterKiller_
~Faust~
Sorknes
AsaB
kelly x
Aphotic Phoenix
Grief
Clort
Sundance

not a bad turn out! i'll continue sending PMs (as stated earlier) in the next few days with my information (be patient and don't think i'm snubbing you if you don't recieve it right away). i encourage everyone to send out PMs to users you feel comfortable having your mailing address, so be sure to hit up other people on this list! don't feel you have to PM everyone on that list, if that grief fellow rubs you the wrong way, you don't have to give him any information (same goes for anyone else). also you may request information from people on the list, but this does not entitle you to automatically get a response. if someone doesnt want to share mail with you, do not harass them.

and if any of you stalk each other i'll scissor-kick the both of you.


the following is a list of users who replied to this thread but did not give a confirmation of participation:
Brashen
Surzsha
Ashtonw
Bill
madster
iambanana

if you wish to just left out of the whole business, that's perfectly acceptable.

to anyone else reading this: if you wanna' join in, drop a line and let us know. i'll try to keep a list or participants relatively updated.

i'll probably start this week in my free time, so the first wave of cards might hit as early as next weekend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/ninjau1/grief3.gif

ps: i told a few people 4x6 (inches) for the standard size, but 5x7 or 3x4 are fine, i'm not even sure what size i'm going to use yet. also i'm not sure what is available in other countries as a standard (for those of you cool enough to use the metric system) so i dont want to make this a pain in the ass to meet some american size regulation.

[Asatira]

Just to be official, yes I'm in.

[Aphotic Phoenix]

For those who want to send postcards: US Postcard Requirements (http://postcalc.usps.gov/PopUps/pop_up12.htm)

[kelly x]

I want to send post cards!!! Was it established if the cards would be in any medium we want to use, I'm a digital artist solely at this point... I could maybe use crayon???? haha I could try gouache or can I do it and print it kick ass in my medium of choice which is digital????? Please.

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Just as a warning Kelly...gouache can crack if the paper is bent, and may bleed if it comes in contact with rain. Trying to think of a non-digital work around for that since I love watercolor and gouache. I used to have a fixative spray that actually worked for watercolors, but I wouldn't be surprised if that actually shortens the life of the work, and I can't find the stuff anymore. :/

[Sundance]

Sign me up Grief.

[Tangrim]

Sounds like awesome fun! I've gathered a few of these little things over the past years and man, they are a treasure. I'm definately in, sign me up Grief.

[Hookswords]

Looks like things are coming together. Should be fun!

[Ghostbrush]

Who would like my details then? please dont send me a severed head, I will enjoy it too much :P

[Sekino]

Just to confirm, I'm still interested! :)

BTW, I'm going to send mostly traditional sketches (ink, watercolour, etc) partly because my printer is crap and I actually enjoy working with traditional media. However, I'd be absolutely thrilled to receive digital/printed sketches as well.

I'll wait for Grief's info for a little while, then hound people on the list on my own if I don't get further instructions (you all are welcome to PM me as well) :)

[OldJake666]

I think if we do this it should be mandatory that it's traditional and we send the originals. Otherwise, it's not too much to be excited about IMO.

[Bill]

I'm with Jake. I wouldn't want to put time into a traditional and get a digital in return.

Edit: ^ Kelly, your Fighters are showing a LOT of improvement in a hurry, and I don't mean to slight the digi's. I'm just sayin that if I were to mail off a traditional, I'd rather have a graphite sketch than a digital print. I don't plan on sitting down with this and doing a full out painting, and wouldn't hope for anyone else to.

[MichaelNoel]

I'm in, even if I'm new around here. <_<

If all that's involved is sending a postcard with art on it, and receiving some awesomeness back, I'm all for it. :D

[Muz]

be warned with that though dudes. Pencil smudges like all hell in a letter in the mail....

(i know from experience.)

Ill send out some pms with adresses and shiz tomorrow.

[Clort]

I'm definitely in. Gonna start going down the list and sending PMs with my information in a bit. I really want to see this snowball into something huge.

[Jovian M]

Sent out a few PMs. This is looking like it'll shape up to be awesome. : D

[Noa K]

ooh! i haven't checked this thread for a while and i'm so excited about this!

so.. i got a few questions:
i didn't quite understand how the system would work? could some explain this to me in more details?

i would PM probably tomorrow or even this evening if i get the chance! yay!

[Kagemusha22]

I got PM's off Clort and Meissner, and just replied to them now.

[spaztastic]

well if it's traditional only i'm gonna have to be out. I don't have the resources to afford that.

or why not make two lists for those that don't mind digi and those that want only traditional stuff. that way both parties can be appeased.

[Noa K]

personally, i think it should be of free choice..
i like to work both in traditional and digital, and i don't feel people should be denied because of the media they prefer to work in..
that said, how do you guys plan to actually put the drawing on the postcard? what would be most resiliant to get overseas?

[Aphotic Phoenix]

that said, how do you guys plan to actually put the drawing on the postcard? what would be most resiliant to get overseas?

It's important to remember that the postal system in some areas of the world are highly automated with everything running through roller systems, getting piled on top of each other, and rubber banded together...therefore certain mediums are not going to survive well.

For ~$2-3 USD you can get up to 4 postcard sized images printed on cardstock in color at an office supply store with reasonable results. I put one of my x-mas cards through an abuse test...the toner they use survives being held under running water, being soaked, and scrubbed by erasers.

*Edit* If you really want to send more delicate originals, don't forget the fixative, and consider sending your work in an envelope instead of in postcard form. ~_^

[Noa K]

could there be a case that what's concidered alligible (spl? other word?...) as postcard in israel would be denied in the US, for example, and thus would not be deliverd?

sorry for these kind of questions, but i think the last time I actually sent a postcard was about 15 years ago as kid, and even then, my mom bought the postcard and stamp...

[Grief]

ahoy,

i edited the first post of this thread with an updated list of users willing to swap art in the mail. also i finally got around to sending out the rest of my PMs with my information, if anyone didn't recieve a PM from me let me know (or if you would like to be added/removed from the list).

[Hookswords]

personally, i think it should be of free choice..
i like to work both in traditional and digital, and i don't feel people should be denied because of the media they prefer to work in..
that said, how do you guys plan to actually put the drawing on the postcard? what would be most resiliant to get overseas?

Agreed. here have been some great suggestions by many. If you do digital, print it on some decent paper. Be mindful of traditional work with things like fixative or maybe even....an envelope.

I'll start sending out PMs soon. This will rock.

[Asatira]

Sorry, I was out and missed alot of the recent discussion. I've gotten a few PMs and responded. I'm going to look at the list and see about PMimg a couple more people for my initial group, then get to work on the pieces.

[Mebiusu]

Okay, I'm down. I liked this idea from the start. I will send you a thing, that I made with my own hands and my best efforts to not suck. I do not care what you send me as long as it is not illegal, life threatening or capable of talking back to me. With the exception of an A.I ."Warren Ellis" talking head, because I do want to hear what it has to say to the "Jack Kirby" model I already have. If your work is digital, I simply ask that you sign it with your own hand. I find it is rude to make a stipulation on another's generosity, yet I hope you will allow these and find them to be reasonable.

[Noa K]

If your work is digital, I simply ask that you sign it with your own hand. I find it is rude to make a stipulation on another's generosity, yet I hope you will allow these and find them to be reasonable.


adding to your suggestion, if one sends printed digital media to multiple adresses, maybe it would be a good idea to also number the prints by hand - so if you send print to 5 people, number it as 1-5, 2-5...5-5., in addition to hand-signing. this way it would have a more "limited edition" sense to it?
just a 4 am idea...:)

[Mebiusu]

Yeah, that sounds good to me. The spirit behind this, {for me, and not to sound trite-} is more about giving and whatever I get in return is a bonus.

[MichaelNoel]

I don't see how this system works. We are just shipping out to people we pick off of the list? Seems a bit random. Not to mention, the list if out of date already.

[Brashen]

Grief thanks for taking our concerns into consideration dude....as of yet I'm too busy with my commissions to participate in anything and I would just disappoint people.

Looking forward to seeing the work posted on here. Goodluck all.

[Smashed_Pumpkin]

I'm off to the Isle of Wight for a week so I'll be doing some drawings there ready to mail off when I get back.

MichaelNoel, It is indeed a bit random to start with but the people who have sent me their addresses should be receiving an image from me in a couple of weeks and anyone that sends me something will most deffinately be receiving something in return. I think as the ball gets rolling we'll start to see that the people who are willing to send their work out are indeed those who will also be receiving it in return.

[OldJake666]

I'm not going to be able to sketch/mail anything off for another week I'm sorry to say...

[~Faust~]

i got delayed, too, but I promise to those that sent their addies, I will send something next week!

[Queen Nehalania]

Neat idea. =)

This kinda reminds me of ATC's (artist trading cards) I was a member of a website that traded ATC's called swap-bot.com

[Linguini]

For people worried about art media smudging or running on their cards, I'm thinking lamination would be a possible idea?

There is self-adhesive lamination paper you can buy that you basically stick over your card, but it's kind of expensive. I found online how to laminate with wax paper (http://www.ehow.com/how_2240125_laminate-wax-paper.html), but I haven't found many pictures of it done successfully. I think I might try it tonight to see if it actually works. :)

[Mebiusu]

Honestly, all you need is fixative (http://www.dickblick.com/products/lascaux-fine-art-fixative/). Hit it with three to four good coats and you can eat off of the thing.

[loveandasandwich]

Oh man, am I too late for this!? :C
I'd love to be included, though my drawing abilities suck, I'd make a postcard sized little plush monster for someone who wants to trade with me! :D

[MichaelNoel]

Yeah, fixative should work well, and beyond that, I think that any natural wear and tear will just add to the effect. Otherwise what's the point of sending traditional works through the mail over just emailing each other digital work?

Well, whoever exchanges addresses with me will get some badass postage in return. :D


I'd make a postcard sized little plush monster for someone who wants to trade with me!

For serious? <_<

[Slash]

I'm going through the PMs now, i'm gonna try and put down a battle plan soon, and reply to all. Thanks for all the interest guys!

[Jovian M]

I'll be sending mine out, to all I messaged, by the end of the month.

[Asatira]

Got some postcards, will work on them over the weekend. Hope to get them mailed out early next week.

[Grief]

realitychek wins the day and has officially set this in motion!

check out this ace illustration:

696124

many thanks for being awesome!
(i'm still cooking up a batch of cards to send out in return)

also:
i added loveandasandwich to the list, be sure to drop her a line (as well as anyone else you haven't yet gotten around to) and swap some info.

[AsaB]

Wow, that's a fantastic drawing. Ace stuff.

It doesn't look postcard-sized, somehow. Is it A4? I'm just wondering what's the best format. Postcard does seem rather small, but it's always a bit of a hassle posting an A4.

[Grief]

Wow, that's a fantastic drawing. Ace stuff.

It doesn't look postcard-sized, somehow. Is it A4? I'm just wondering what's the best format. Postcard does seem rather small, but it's always a bit of a hassle posting an A4.

it's 4x6"... 10.2 x 15.2cm

i'm using strathmore bristol vellum finish 6x6" (15.2 x 15.2cm) 100lb paper.

[wookiedabo]

wonderful idea, would love to get in on things.

[Sekino]

I'd love to be included, though my drawing abilities suck, I'd make a postcard sized little plush monster for someone who wants to trade with me!

I want a little plush monster!!!! :D If you mean it, I'm sending you my info ASAP...

And for everyone who kindly sent me their address, I'll be sending out sketches next week.

[Drin]

Am I too late? You can count me in on this.

[OldJake666]

I've made a few drawings but I haven't sent anything out yet. I think I want to draw all of them and then send it out in one batch.

[Clort]

Top illustration realitychek! I love it.

[Noa K]

I've made a few drawings but I haven't sent anything out yet. I think I want to draw all of them and then send it out in one batch.

dito. ill be sending mine by the end of the month

[Mock]

could be the 8 mai tais, could be genuine interest. someone PM me a mother fuckin address to send stuff to. 8D

[Grief]

a new challenger approaches!
wookiedabo added, drin added, Mock added.

[Yngling]

I'm totally in for this! I don't even mind what I get, whoever sends me something he/she has put effort into will see the favour returned. Mailing isn't even that expensive, even overseas. Please add me, I can't wait to start.

[Linguini]

Hm, this thread seems rather empty. I really do hope my postcards don't get lost, I tend to be paranoid about mail service.

I was just thinking...has anyone tried mailing a postcard that was only stamps? Like, plastering a postcard with 1 cent stamps? I know a domestic postcard in the states cost 28 cents, so what if you mailed a postcard with only an address and twenty-eight 1 cent stamps? That would be too cool.

Just thinking. This was kind of random. :)

[Tangrim]

I got a really awesome one from Realitychek the other day. My scanner is broken at the minute so I'll have to bum somewhere else to scan it, but MAN did it make my day! Got all excited about sending bulks of my own art out and seeing a day arrive that I got more happy little cards than bills in my hallway.

[realitychek]

Glad you got yours Tangrim and Grief :) Have to finish a few more to send out this week

[Ilaekae]

I've been following this for a while and think it's a brilliant idea. Some people will stay with it, some will drop out (but will probably be replaced). Whatever, it should be a gas.

Grief, thank you for your efforts. I'll be getting seriously involved when I get my house finally straightened out, so for now, I'm not officially in, but when I'm ready, I'll post.

Have a suggestion. How about for those people who are afraid of getting involved because they can't guarantee the time commitment at any given moment, whenever someone has a collection of stuff to send out, they simply post here that "I'm ready--I have (x number of things)." and people can PM/email them with their address and/or an offer of their own in exchange?

[Troubadour]

ive sent my info to grief :3

[OldJake666]

I got my art from Clort!!! I'll post it soon...

[Kamikazebob]

its late here and lots of long posts to read. Ok, who do I send what, I wants in. Sounds like too much fun. Always a pleasure and grief may get a stick penis yet.

[MiniGoth]

Can't participate until clean up and move to the new house happens - but around Sept, if this is still going, sounds like fun!

[Clort]

I just received this gem in the mail from Linguini!! This was just what I needed after a weekend of fishing that didn't involve catching any fish.. Thanks Linguini :D
PS: I don't know if this is how I'm supposed to upload pics.. help? haha

[Linguini]

Hooray, I'm so glad you like it and that it got to you fairly unharmed, ha ha. :) Sorry to hear about the fish! BTW, that's one way to load pics, the other way is on sites like Photobucket and linking from there. :d

[AsaB]

Awesome piece you got from Linguini, Clort! Mine is the mail from her, I cannot wait :D

[Spirit]

Wow, this is such a great idea! Thank you Grief for putting so much effort into organising it for everyone! :D

I would love to get involved, but have my reservations; mainly because I'd be giving out my address over the internet... you never know who's watching O_O
I may get involved, as it is such a good idea, but I'm hesitant because I am very much a beginner, I know quality doesn't matter, but I would want to send somebody some decent artwork. Also my mum would literally murder me if she knew I was giving out such details over the internet :S
Also, everyone's sketches posted on here look amazing! Well done guys ^_^
I'll update later with my decision...

[Aphotic Phoenix]

I would love to get involved, but have my reservations; mainly because I'd be giving out my address over the internet... you never know who's watching O_O
Everyone has simply been exchanging addresses through private messages, so you can only give your address to the people you want to give it to.

[realitychek]

Got an awesome one today from Clort! I've been sick all week and this definitely helped improve my mood :)

705292

[Clort]

Aww feel better realitychek! I'm glad you like it :D

[IKV Nexis]

This is such a good idea. I am thinking very hard about joining. I'm just starting and have not done much and my productivity needs a kick in the pants. I beleave this is one way of doing that. I'll let you know soon if I will do it.
On a side note. Does anyone remember back in the mid 1980's (if you were born yet, that is) a magazine called GAMES. In it they have letters to the magazine and people did game art on the envelopes they sent. Some were extreamly good.

[Asatira]

Got this in the mail, and it was a pleasant greeting. Also, impetus to get my butt at the table and draw my half.:hugsmile:
The scan doesn't do it justice (stupid scanner).

705824

[smugbug]

I found these: Strathmore paper: Artist Trading Cards (http://strathmoreartist.com/atc.php) (and more info here: http://strathmoreartist.com/creativeArt_atc.php ) at an art store on Sunday.

Got myself a couple of packs. If these would suffice for this, I'd love to give this a go!

[Spirit]

Everyone has simply been exchanging addresses through private messages, so you can only give your address to the people you want to give it to.

Aah I see, well this is making me want to get involved more.
So I guess, count me in :D feel free to pm me if you wish to exchange.
I'll start thinking of ideas now, and try to produce something decent! The lastest ones are looking great too!

[Noa K]

can i ask those who already sent/recieved a quick question?
on what paper do you work? i've made about half the emount i need to send (:)), on a 180 gram paper, and was wondering will that be reseliant enough..so, is there any feedback on condition of art-cards recieved yet? i'd really hate it if the stuff i make will be wrinkled or even worse just because of poor choice of paper...

[Asatira]

Well, I have some heavy weight card stock that's postcard size, 110 lb. weight, and the card I got from Clort was watercolor paper of 140lbs or 300gsm. If it is pretty stiff, it should do as well as any other postcard.

[Noa K]

guess i'll have to do a new set.. tnx guys

[Muz]

Ok i have been neglecting this since i signed up so im going to start on some work as soon as possible. Trying to get time in for this inbetween work, college and personal projects is hard D:.

[AsaB]

I just got this beautiful piece of art from Linguini today! :heart: Absolutely made my day, thank you so much! :)

I just love the whole idea, that I'm actually holding an original drawing by someone who drew it someplace else. It's encouraging me to start drawing my own, but I'm a bit unsure of what paper to get yet. I'm also surprised in how good condition the card was, considering it wasn't in an envelope!

Here it is :)
706391

[Noa K]

just got mine from Linguini! yay! it totally made my day a happier one!... :)

after seeing this and holding it in my hand i realized a few things:
1. this is so much fun!
2. i've been drawing mine in a too large format and too thin paper - so it's back to the drawing board for me..but it's ok
3. there's nothing better then getting an original piece of art in the mail... :)

I love it! thank you so much!

so here it is:

[Jovian M]

Seems like Linguini's ahead of the game a little. Haha.

It was fantastic getting this in the mail. The photo doesn't do it justice, but it's pretty dang awesome.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3653/epich.png

[donalfall]

I want in on this gravy train of artiness.......... if my metaphors are mixed, it's very late in the night here. Grief, stick me onna the list. Anyone who wants to PM me to arrange an exchange please do so & we'll organise. :)

[kelly x]

I'll scan later but I got the greatest card from CLORT!!!!! Indian ink little creature, so great Thank you so much!!! I'll get with it so soon:):):), Thanks again Clort! I love this little guy!! & will share him when I can scan, OK.

[Grief]

fresh meat added to the list: Yngling, Troubadour, Kamikazebob, Spirit, PatriciaS, donalfall

i assure people that this exchange is not dead, even if it moves at a snail's pace compared to other CA activities. i'll be sending my cards out at the end of the month.

in case anyone is still confused i'll try to explain the process for how to join in on this.

1.) request interest in the activity by dropping a line in this thread.
2.) send out a PM to the users on the list (which is compiled in the first post in white text) who you feel comfortable exchanging information with.
3.) recieve information in your inbox.
4.) create awesome things.
5.) send awesome things to users.
6.) wait.
7.) oh boy! awesome things in return!
8.) share a picture of your new treasures.

to keep organized i made a chart which is sorted like so:

name / PM information sent / PM information recieved / address / art created / artsent / art recieved

then i fill out the chart as to keep track of how far along i am with each individual. thought i'd let you know just in it comes up on a quiz.

[OldJake666]

Is it truly rude to deny someone a trade? I just have so many different people that I'm trading with and I don't know if I really have the time to... I feel rather odd about rejecting people though. :(

[Tangrim]

Well, I have a whole list that feels like it's gonna go over my head, but I'm just going to take it easy and do them one by one and not rush things in one bulk :) Once a card is finished, it gets send.. and then I pick someone from my list again. Of course, since I have two cards already, I want to send them theirs the fastest I suppose..

[Linguini]

Hi, glad everyone got their cards safely! I tend to draw in spurts so I made all of my cards in a couple of days and sent them out, ha ha. :)

I was kind of lazy so I got blank pre-made, tear-out postcards (http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/p4_Staples-Inkjet-Postcards_141478_Business_Supplies_0_10051_SC1:CG2 3:DP3829:CL140789) from the office store. It actually has a nice texture like watercolor paper. :)

I just wanted to pop in here and say, sorry if you have sent me any cards and I seem to be oblivious, I'm out of the country! So maybe I'll get back in a couple of weeks and have a nice stack of postcards waiting for me, ha ha.

[blaaaaaakman]

Count me in on this! Wow, can't wait. What an awesome motivation!

[loveandasandwich]

I only have time to do one right now :O So I was just going to take the people who have PMd me, pick one randomly and then send them a magical miniature monster plush. :D
So if any of you guys who havent PMd me wanna get in on this, send me a message before late tonight and maybe youll be picked outta the hat!

[Clort]

I got a brilliant one from realitychek, just gotta upload it in the next day or so. This is such a great idea. I'm glad you like it, kelly x. I'm not sure I remember which one I sent you, haha. I think I know though because you said little creature.. I hope it brightens your day~

[Clort]

Here's the piece from realitychek. Thanks, Katie :)

[Yngling]

Yes! I finally got my card from Linguini today. I kept checking the mailbox, and just now it arrived. It's a little bit bent and there are multiple orange bars all over the place but it's still awesome! Thanks!

[blaaaaaakman]

realitychek, your piece for Clort is absolutely awesome. I'd love to see some development on that idea!

[Slash]

I've done six a6-sized ink pieces now, once i hit 12 i'll start sending them out to people who have PMed me. I'll finally reply to all the PMs i've received too, so people can return the favor. :)

[Spirit]

Just a quick update: I've been delayed with the sketches because of health issues, I'll finish and send them off as soon as I can, sorry to the people who PMed me for such a long delay!

[Yngling]

Where's the cards? I'm sure I sent some a while ago...

[Crass]

This is the best idea I've seen on the internet in a very long time, wonderful.

[Linguini]

Hi, I just came back to the states again and I received two cards, I'm soooo happy! Many thanks to Clort and Yngling!!

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/Fettucine/Clort-2.jpg <--- Clort's ♥

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/Fettucine/Yngling-2.jpg <--- Yngling's ♥

[Noa K]

ha! finally made it to the post office to send my postcards to all on my list, so it will probably get to you in the following two weeks or so... :)
clort, i wasn't aware that you sent out yours, but now that i do, i'll probably check the mail twice a day.. :) i just love getting stuff in the mail that aren't bills or spam..

[Clort]

Noa, I'm sorry if you don't get yours as soon as you hope. I still haven't sent to everybody yet because I've been on vacation and am still getting PMs with addresses. I actually still have a lot to send. I'm working through it though! Sorry for those I haven't drawn for yet if it doesn't seem fair, but I couldn't wait to see people's reactions so I have been sending stuff as soon as I make it.

Yngling, I did get yours when I arrived back from Hilton Head a few days ago, but I haven't gotten around to getting it uploaded. I really love it though! Expect something from me soon.

[Noa K]

Noa, I'm sorry if you don't get yours as soon as you hope. I still haven't sent to everybody yet because I've been on vacation and am still getting PMs with addresses. I actually still have a lot to send. I'm working through it though! Sorry for those I haven't drawn for yet if it doesn't seem fair, but I couldn't wait to see people's reactions so I have been sending stuff as soon as I make it.

Yngling, I did get yours when I arrived back from Hilton Head a few days ago, but I haven't gotten around to getting it uploaded. I really love it though! Expect something from me soon.



oh, that's ok. just assumed you're sending yours as a bunch to all... :)
don't worry about it though, this should be fun and not with any pressure..

[~Faust~]

Wow, hey Noa, thank you so much!!! Very awesome postcard and a nice thing to find in your inbox :D

Reminds me that I have to do some work as well hehe, damn I got lazy

<3<3<3<3<3

[Noa K]

thanx! i'm glad you liked it!
also am very glad to know my stuff had reached it's destination, i was begining to get worried... :)

[Linguini]

I got this wonderful postcard by Noa K, thank you so much!

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r315/Fettucine/NoaK-3.jpg

Where is everyone else in this thread? I hope this will continue because it's a great idea. :)

[realitychek]

I do have to apologize for things slowing down on my front- just recently finished moving and getting ready to go off to college so things have been a little busy. In another week or two though I'll be sending out some new cards and replying to some of the PMs I've received.

[aefx]

This sounds like a great idea, any other euros still interested in trading?

[Slash]

I have received a card from NoaK! Thanks noa! I'll scan it and put it in here as soon as i unpack and find it again. ;) I'm gonna go to the post office and do some mass mailing soon! I was hoping to do it before i moved, but it didn't turn out that way. So apologies to everyone who have something coming from me. :P

[Asatira]

I actually got one from Noa K a little while ago, which is awesome. I've simply been taking forever to scan it in.

[Tangrim]

Dear Diary,

Today I found a card from Clort on my doormat featuring alcohol and family. It made me very happy. *sprinkles glitter and green shiny ribbons*

P.S. Please send happy chipmunks to fix my scanner while I sleep.

~Tan

[kelly x]

Hi I posted a thanks two days ago but it i gone... Thank you for the cards NoaK and Clort!!! I will get on it so soon and this thread is awesome!!:):):):):)

[Sentinel.]

Holy crap, how did I miss this?

Grief, my man, you are my hero. There is nothing cooler than getting art in the mail. Sign me up, but I probably won't get to participate until Team Chow is over. :D

[Spirit]

A big thank you to Yngling for sending me a card - it is amazing :D! I woke up this morning to find it on my doorstep, and it has made my day! I'll scan it so everyone can see it once my scanner decides to do as its asked.
It also reminded me that I still needed to send my cards off, which have been sitting by my door for a while now, so they will be posted tomorrow. Apologies for such a long delay :nohope:

EDIT: Here is the card, thank you so much Yngling! I haven't stopped looking at it :) My scanner just doesn't do it justice.

[ajvenema]

yoyo!
this sounds like a great idea, i d like to join if thats still possible, but i m not quite sure what my next step will be, am i pm'ing someone?

[Spirit]

yoyo!
this sounds like a great idea, i d like to join if thats still possible, but i m not quite sure what my next step will be, am i pm'ing someone?

Yes I believe it's still possible :)
All you have to do is PM the people you want from the list of people involved with your details, and it goes from there basically!

[Yngling]

Spirit, thanks for the great card! I had just failed my driving exam when I got it, so I could really use a bit of cheering up. I love the colours! And I'm a sucker for patterns anyway. Good stuff!

Btw, where's Grief at? I'm sure I've mailed him a card many weeks ago, and he hasn't posted here for a while...

[Noa K]

it's been about two months now since i sent my postcards to 15 members, but i see only 6 posted here that they got them... (thank you for the comps everyone!)...
i wonder what happened to the rest? did you guys get them and didn't have the time to post, or were they lost in the mail?....

[Slash]

Thanks for bumping the thread Noa! So sorry, i forgot all about scanning the card i got from you :(

Here it is, thanks again!

[Slash]

Bumping this thread to give a heads up to

AsaB
Grief
Yngling
Jake Kobrin
NoaK
Texahol


Check your mail in a little while from now, i sent out an ink sketch to you guys today! Sorry for the huge delay, i've been quite occupied these last couple of months. There might be another one in there, but i can't remember exactly who i sent them out to, or how many i sent.. :P I never scanned them, so i'd appreciate it if you scan and post them here when you get them!

[AsaB]

Oh lord, this completely escaped me! Shit. I'll see if I can make some coolies soon to send out!

And thanks, Slash, I'll be sure to scan the card when it arrives! Looking forward to it :teeth:

[Slash]

PS: To those who have received my address in PM, i've since moved, send me a PM again for the new address if you want to send me something.

[AsaB]

I got a surprise in the mail this morning!

Check out this gorgeous piece of work I got from Slash <3
Thank you! I love it :teeth:

And here for your viewing pleasure:
(The scanner picked it up a little funny, it looks better in person :^^: )

790038

[Jovian M]

I can't find blank post cards anywhere. I've checked the only post office in town, and two in other cities.

Would the people I owe art to be opposed to me just sending 8.5 x 11s?

[AustenFM]

This looks like good fun, I want in!

I tried getting into something like this before but everyone was flaky, things should be better here though.

PM me if you're interested!

[Slash]

Glad you like it Asa! Thats one fucked up scan tho, where are all those white outlines coming from? :P

[AsaB]

Thanks again, it's beautiful :teeth:
And I know, I tried it a couple of times but the white lines always appeared :/ Stupid cheap excuse for a scanner...it isn't even that, it's a printer with an extra scanner feature!

[Texahol]

asab: try going into the "advanced mode" of your scanner and turning off things like unsharp mask. even with those printer/copier/scanners you should get half-decent results.
I just got my Slash art in the mail today~
790761

[Randis]

I'd join but i am scared of mail bombs.

that last pic is very sexeee, <3

[kelly x]

I can't believe the last one made it through the mail period!!!! Way sexy for the postal hearts to handle ;) nice!! Slash, your my hero now!!

I have my papers ready and WC's out finally -- also a scanner to show the two I got, they rock!

[Yngling]

Hey Slash, thanks man! I got your card yesterday. It's great! I'll get round to sending more cards when the time presents itself, so expect one from me too sometime 'soon'!

[AsaB]

Youch, hot new art! <3

After reading Texahol's advise, I made many new attempts scanning my piece with all possible settings, advanced and whatnot. All came with the white lines :( This lame hybrid scanner/printer of mine can just about scan my sketches properly, I guess finished and traditional artwork are beyond its reach!

[Jovian M]

Disregard my last post. Went to another post office today; apparently I can get them at hobby shops. I guess I'll be heading to Michael's asap.

[Slash]

Just a heads up guys, i sent those in envelopes. So i would advice against sending stuff like that as post cards! :P

Thanks for the scans guys! I'm glad you like them.

[Clort]

Ok I am finally done being an ingrate with these postcards. I just bought another pack of watercolor postcards and am in the process of making a new round of art. I've been super busy with school since it began, and am just now falling into a groove with it allowing enough time to send you guys some art!

Anywho, here are two awesome cards I have been sitting on for quite some time. It's been way too long since I've received them, and the artists need recognition. Very much thanks go out to Noa and Yngling for some great postcards. Expect something soon!