#002: The Plotter Postcard Exchange

If you follow pen plotter artists on social media, chances are you've come across postcard-sized artwork tagged with #ptpx. This isn't just random art sharing—it's the Plotter Postcard Exchange, a lively international swap that's become a defining event in the world of generative art.

Launched by Paul Butler (@paulgb) during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Plotter Postcard Exchange emerged from the simple need to stay connected. Paul, who runs the NYC branch of "Plotter People"—a series of in-person meetups for people interested in generative art—needed a way to keep the community vibrant when face-to-face gatherings became impossible. Thus, #ptpx was born, transitioning the camaraderie of in-person exchanges into a globally accessible, digital-to-physical art exchange.

At its heart, the concept of #ptpx is elegantly simple. Participants sign up, commit to creating a certain number of postcard-sized plots using pen plotters, and send them to randomly-assigned fellow artists around the globe. In return, they receive the same number of postcards, each one unique, surprising, and reflective of the diversity within the generative art community. What makes this exchange particularly delightful is how its randomness mirrors the generative process itself—you truly never know what you’ll find in your mailbox.

Initially rooted in the "Plotter Twitter" community, #ptpx has since expanded across multiple online platforms, including Mastodon and Bluesky. Each platform has its own flavor, but the consistent thread is artists enthusiastically sharing their creative work, inspiring one another, and building lasting connections. The hashtag #ptpx serves as both a gallery and an archive, showcasing how the exchange has evolved and grown in creativity year after year.

In recent years, Instagram has also become a hub for the #ptpx phenomenon, notably through the efforts of Michelle Chandra (aka @dirtalleydesign). Michelle runs the popular @penplotart account, which highlights notable pen plot artists. Beyond simply posting artwork, Michelle's account organizes broader artistic challenges like Plot Party, helping foster a deeper sense of community and providing artists opportunities to experiment with new styles and techniques.

Getting Involved in #ptpx

Participation in #ptpx is highly structured but flexible enough to remain accessible. Sign-ups typically occur annually, but "mini-rounds" offer extra chances for those who miss the initial deadline or who just can't get enough of plotting postcards. This flexibility helps keep the community active and inclusive, catering to seasoned plotters and newcomers alike.

The international dimension of #ptpx is a huge part of its charm. With participants from countries around the globe, the exchange fosters a sense of global community. Artists not only share their art but also a little bit of their culture, sparking creative dialogues and friendships that extend far beyond the initial exchange.

Artists participate in #ptpx for various reasons. Some are drawn by the joy of creating and sharing tangible art, others by the opportunity to experiment within the manageable confines of a postcard-sized canvas. For many, the act of exchanging physical mail art creates a uniquely intimate connection, offering a refreshing contrast to the otherwise digital interactions of the modern creative world.

Artistically, the postcards are incredibly diverse. Many embrace generative art, employing algorithms that create intricate, often mesmerizing patterns. Others venture into data visualization, translating complex datasets into visually stunning pieces. Techniques range from intricate fine-line drawings to bold, colorful geometric patterns, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of pen plotters as creative tools.

The exchange has also spotlighted notable artists, including figures like @techne.ink, known for their detailed reproductions, and @berlinplots, whose bright pink, fine-lined creations stand out vividly.

What's clear is that the Plotter Postcard Exchange is more than just an art swap—it's a thriving community, a creative playground, and a testament to the power of connection in the digital age. As it moves forward, the exchange continues to evolve, reflecting the vibrant creativity and curiosity that define the pen plotter art community.

So, next time you're browsing your feed and spot those postcard-sized wonders tagged #ptpx, you'll know there's a whole world of creativity—and a global community—behind every postcard.