Gremlin ATC (Folklore ATC #3)

Are you a fan of folklore? Would you like to create (and receive) ATCs of creatures from folklore from around the world? Then welcome to the Folklore ATC series!

ATC #3 features gremlins! Not from the movie series, but the folklore character that predates them!

So, what is a gremlin? They are, believe it or not, a product of the machine age, war, and the rise of aviation. The term originated in the Royal Air Force in the 1920's, as a personification of human error that led to accidents involving aircraft. According to historian Marlin Bressi, "Morale among the R.A.F. pilots would have suffered if they pointed the finger of blame at each other. It was far better to make the scapegoat a fantastic and comical creature than another member of your own squadron."

The original gremlins were tiny, mischevious creatures with large eyes, spiky backs, and sharp teeth. Sometimes they carried scissors, wrenches, or other tools to damage machinery -- airplanes or otherwise. You can be as creative as you want with your gremlin, but please don't depict the movie characters (though they can be a source of inspiration). Old time-y or modern, up to you. The sky is the limit, though I recommend avoiding it if there's a possible gremlin nearby.

For more info:

Wikipedia article

https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Gremlins_(folklore)

(please copy and paste this URL into your browser -- the parentheses in the URL do not play well with markdown)

Swap rules!

• 1 ATC to one partner

• standard 2.5" x 3.5" size

• ATC can be any medium, please just put in effort. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE AN ARTIST. You just have to be willing to make art. The card you receive may reflect this. (note: drawing/painting/etc is definitely ok, it does not need to be mixed media)

• use a sturdy backing

• on the back, write your name, date, and the name of the swap. Make sure you include your username somewhere in the package (on the back of the card is fine).

• send the card in a protective sleeve -- you can buy trading card sleeves for cheap, or make one out of things like sticker cellophane, thin paper, etc

• open to newbies with full profiles, no unexplained 1's or 3's. Message me if you have any concern. I reserve the right to remove anyone for any reason. I will angel, but please give 8 weeks after send date for your ATC to arrive! If the time is coming near and you know you're going to flake for whatever reason, honestly just let me know so I can get it done sooner.

Don't be shy to ask me anything you're unsure about. Also, feel free to make suggestions for future swaps in the comments. This time, I will comment with a list of ideas I personally had, in case any stick out to you.

Past Folklore Swaps

#1 - Baba Yaga

#2 - Yōkai

Upcoming Folklore Swaps

#4 - Shadow People

#5 - Banshee

#6 - Dragon

#7 - Anansi

#8 - Medusa

#9 - The Monster of Lake Tota

#10 - Wendigo

While this ATC series will continue for the foreseeable future, join Monsters, Myths, & Legends -- US ATC Swappers! if you want more swaps, a wider array of subjects and themes, art challenges, and to get in on hosting!