Shadow Person ATC (Folklore ATC #4)

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 #4 features shadow people! The terrifying, supernatural creatures of nightmares -- now in ATC format.

So, what exactly is a shadow person? They are black, featureless humanoid entities seen out of the corner of one's eye. Shadows, if you will. Tales of these beings are as old as time, and are found in countless cultures. However, they were brought into prevalence in modern American consciousness by beloved AM radio host, Art Bell. He was very afraid of them, though not all people believe they are evil. They are morally neutral due to the variety of situations in which they appear. The Hat Man is said to be a high-ranked shadow person, but we have no way of knowing if this is true or not. It probably is. I don't want to find out.

There are a lot of proposed explanations for shadow people, and their occurence across cultural boundaries suggest that there is something organic to their appearance. From sleep deprivation to sleep paralysis (these ones are not nice!) to drug use to general hallucinations -- they are coming from somewhere. But maybe it's none of these things, and they come from the great beyond. Again, I am not trying to find out.

Wikipedia is here, but the appearance is very straightforward this time. They are simply a silhouette. Where they appear is up to you.

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.

Past Folklore Swaps

#1 - Baba Yaga

#2 - Yōkai

#3 - Gremlins

Upcoming Folklore Swaps

#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!