How to Be a Good Mail Art Participant

When you're a good mail art participant you establish a reputation in the mail art community as an artist that is trustworthy.

When other artists in the artsits' trading community see you as a trustworthy exchange mail art trading partner, you can establish long-term relationships in the community.

10 Tips for Beginners

1. Don't Bug the Host

Do not email the host every day to find out if they've received your mail yet. In the hundreds of exchanges I was involved in, only one set of my cards ever got "lost in the mail." this was partially due in no small part to the fact that the exchange host was in the middle of moving, and had not let the participants know of the new address until half way through the exchange.

Needless to say, the cards never got to her.

Other than that, trust that the postal service knows what they're doing and that your artwork will arrive safely to the intended destinatoin.

2. Packaging and Mailing

Follow any mailing and packaging instructions set by the trade host.

3. Follow the Set Deadlines

The host set a deadline for a reason. If the deadline is extended, then the other participants in the trade have to wait even longer for their return. It's not fair.

4. Label your Art

Nothing is worse for a host in a large collection trade than having un-labeled pieces of artwork. You'd be surprised to find out how may participants don't include identifying details on their art.

5. Include a return envelope

You will gain respect and a permanent exchange partner when you include a return and addressed envelope with your mail art.

6. Include return postage

While some hosts of exchanges may require it, some don't. Taking the time to add an extra stamp or two is a kind gesture towards the exchange host. Mail artists are no richer than any other artist, so any postage helps defray the cost of the exchange.

7. Add a bonus

Long-time mail art exchangers know that it's good form to throw the exchange host a bonus. The bonus could be any extra piece of art that is labeled for the host only, as a thank you for hosting the exchange.

8. A personal note

A personal note is also a nice addition to the package you send.

9. Send What You Promised

Send whatever you agreed to in the original exchange. If the trade was for five ATCs, don't send three.

10. Stay in Contact

Nothing is worse than a trade participant that is missing in action. If you are moving, or are too busy to participate in an exchange that has already been established, do the right thing and contact the host to let them know you need to back out.

Communicating that you are withdrawing form the mail art exchange is more respectable than just disappearing or ignoring email messages

Use these 10 tips to help you start establishing your reputation as a worthwhile mail art exchange partner.