Just giving you new space...and I like the comment above.
Actually, I went over to DST to find some smack worthy stuff, and I couldn't find anything. Pretty boring over there unless you are into arguing over health care reform.
So I don't want to kill the conversation started in the last thread...Why has DST lost its luster? Have people moved on to a new craft, have people moved to store forums, are people actually scrapping for themselves or have they all turned into designers?
1,717 comments:
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Who siad I purchased it? Duh! I downloaded the freebies. I do that every now and again to see if seh has improved, she hasn't. I haven't bought anything from her since she first started. Feel stupid now? You should.
==================================
There is absolutely nothing original about Hollie. She is a Jofia knockoff, just like all the other designers at Shabby Pickle.
September 5, 2009 9:26 PM
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Her early stuff is nothing like Jofia's, nothing at all. I did say I didn't like her fantasty stuff, which is more of a rip off from Kitty Chen, than Jofia.
Shabby Pickle sucks-it's all the same looking fantasy crap. I loved Joyce Paul's stuff b4 she went there-now IF she puts out new stuff, it sucks and looks like all the rest of the SP crap. That store is the kiss of death for decent designers.
Shabby Pickle sucks-it's all the same looking fantasy crap. I loved Joyce Paul's stuff b4 she went there-now IF she puts out new stuff, it sucks and looks like all the rest of the SP crap. That store is the kiss of death for decent designers.
_____________________________________
A decent designer would be someone that never copies or falls into a style of another designer. They must have not been a decent designer to begin with.
^^^^Nope.
There were some decent designers that just went to shit after moving to SP.
Any news on where Audrey Neal or Kellie Mize are landing since WST closed?
Why keep buying it or at least contact her about her quality if it's that bad? No, it's easier to talk about it here.
Who siad I purchased it? Duh! I downloaded the freebies. I do that every now and again to see if seh has improved, she hasn't. I haven't bought anything from her since she first started. Feel stupid now? You should.
Again, then contact her rather than spout shit here. Should the poster feel stupid? Absolutely not.
"Dear Christina Renee, I downloaded some of your free stuff and it was crap. Please improve the quality of your free stuff. Thank you. Yours sincerely, A Scrapper"
You mean like that? Yeah, that would SO work and wouldn't be ridiculous at all.
it would probably get more results than running your mouth here endlessly . . . .
I'm finding that the only stores I even bother to check anymore are Designer Digitals and OScraps.
Everything just looks the same everywhere else
I am not the original poster, but once upon a time I did contact CRD about her poor quality. I was polite about it, as this was in the beginning of her career and I had no reason to dislike her. I never got a response. No, she's only concerned about those who worship her. Why they do, I don't know. She is the most flighty designer I know of. As far as I have seen (and no, I haven't purchased anything, just downloaded the occasional freebie), her designs haven't gotten any better.
gawd-I'm sick of reading about CR, and I don't have a problem with her stuff.
All you haters are just giving her even more attention @@
for those who have given up on DST, have you found a new home that you like?
Yep, here :)
If it's a freebie and you don't like the quality then don't use it. Easy as pie.
I'm curious what about her quality is so bad? Stray pixels, blurry, what? I'm truly curious. All I've seen so far is bad quality, but what is the bad quality? If blurry, what percentage size are you viewing at. I can't see the quality being that bad when you have scrappers like Nevache and Scraptigz still on her team.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Again, then contact her rather than spout shit here. Should the poster feel stupid? Absolutely not.
September 6, 2009 11:48 AM
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Again, you are assuming that I haven't. I have and I just keep getting shit back. This is what happens when you assume things.
If it's a freebie and you don't like the quality then don't use it. Easy as pie.
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You know what? That isn't the point. Her freebies are an example of her work. I will never buy her stuff because the freebies are so bad. Why don't some of you seem to understand that? You all say, if it's bad, don't use it. That really isn't the point.
All you haters are just giving her even more attention @@
September 6, 2009 2:18 PM
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I don't hate her. Just because I don't like something, doesn't mean I hate it. I have nothing against Christina herself, I never met her.
That really isn't the point.
September 6, 2009 7:39 PM
^^^^
So what exactly IS your point? Please do us all a favor and cut to the chase
^^^^
You are kidding, right? I already said what my point is. Freebies are an EXAMPLE of HER WORK. If the freebies don't cut it, I'm not buying as I'm thinking her product for purchase is exactly the same. There is no point in giving out crappy product for free.
If you were given a sample of a new product and it was no good, would you buy the product? Of course not.
I've sent a pm to CR which went unanswered & email on another occasion that wasnn't answered either.
She had a mistake in the newsletter that I thought she'd want to know about. I can't remember what it was now though. I sent a pm one time telling her that I liked her latest kit, again no response.
In her defense, she's not the only designer who has not responded to a positive email from me.
Do designers not like to hear that you like something you bought & downloaded?
You are kidding, right? I already said what my point is. Freebies are an EXAMPLE of HER WORK. If the freebies don't cut it, I'm not buying as I'm thinking her product for purchase is exactly the same. There is no point in giving out crappy product for free.
============
Ok, you don't like her stuff. You really only have two choices-buy it or don't.
Other people are entitled to have their own opinions about her stuff. They have the same choice-buy it or don't.
Freebies are an EXAMPLE of HER WORK. If the freebies don't cut it, I'm not buying as I'm thinking her product for purchase is exactly the same.
^^^^
Then ignore her stuff and STFU
Other people are entitled to have their own opinions about her stuff. They have the same choice-buy it or don't.
September 6, 2009 8:26 PM
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And? I never said other people weren't entitled to their opinions, did I? Not sure why this is relevant.
^^^^
Then ignore her stuff and STFU
September 6, 2009 8:32 PM
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Grow up, why don't you? How old are you? 7? Did you just learn to swear and be rude? Go into the naughty corner.
Looks like you need to grow up as much as anyone you're pointing fingers at!
^^^^^^^^^^
I responded in kind to you, that is all.
It's not the leaders that's bringing this world down, it's the idiocy of it's citizens.
fyi, there is more than one person posting on this blog, genius.
CR example...this is not a freebie. Last kit I bought from her, haven't been back.
http://tinypic.com/r/2vmzhqs/3
Then ignore her stuff and STFU
*********************************
What the hell is wrong with you people? This is a SCRAPPING blog where SCRAPPERS talk about SCRAPPING. Don't you think that SCRAPPERS would be interested in discussing the quality of SCRAPPING materials? If you're not interested in this particular discussion, maybe you should just skip it. I personally don't give a rat's ass about CR, but I'm willing to put on my big girl panties and ignore the topic whenever it comes up.
What the hell is wrong with you people? This is a SCRAPPING blog where SCRAPPERS talk about SCRAPPING. Don't you think that SCRAPPERS would be interested in discussing the quality of SCRAPPING materials? If you're not interested in this particular discussion, maybe you should just skip it. I personally don't give a rat's ass about CR, but I'm willing to put on my big girl panties and ignore the topic whenever it comes up.
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Bravo! ITA! If people wanna SMACK and you don't want to hear it, then you are free to GO ELSEWHERE.
I'm getting pretty sick of people saying "Just STFU". Everyone has this little thing in America, called "FREE SPEECH". Don't like it? LEAVE or QUIT READING HERE!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I so agree. There are some posters here that don't like it when someone doesn't agree with them. It's like they have a right to say what they want but others don't have the same right. I think they just haven't learned the art of how to have a discussion with people of differing views.
If everyone had the same beliefs/opinions etc the world would be a boring place don't you think?........ besides the fact that this blog wouldn't exist if everyone thought/believed likewise.... Everyone has an opinoin and whether you like it or not, they have a right to express it just as you do.
gawd-I'm sick of reading about CR, and I don't have a problem with her stuff.
All you haters are just giving her even more attention @@
___________________________________
I made the mistake of complaining about CR over a year ago at DST. I had a load of people ripping my ass. It looks like she has a defense here too. It's not worth it, CR has a fan base that will stand up for her every time. So why keep giving her the publicity here.
That's right publicity is publicity.
I've seen one of my favourite designers name come up here. I'm not going to get into a pissing contest with anyone as we are each entitled to our opinions.
I've seen names people gush about and I don't think they are anything special, again I'm not going trash or jump on someone.
However, when it comes to customer service and quality then it is a totally different matter. It is a blog to discuss these things, defend your designer if you feel they have been wronged but this 'STFU' makes me feel like I am on a schoolyard dealing with a group of grade 5's arguing over a footabll.
CR example...this is not a freebie. Last kit I bought from her, haven't been back.
http://tinypic.com/r/2vmzhqs/3
***************************************************
Is it the shadows you don't like? I have to say that shadows can be subjective. I do my own shadows and I can have deep dark shadows like this one or I can have have soft, far away shadows all on one layout. I'm not on her team or really buy her stuff. I've seen one thing so far of what's so bad with her stuff.
Personally, I delete all items that are pre-shadowed for me, I don't care who the designer is. It could be Kristen Rice or Kasia. If I'm given shadowed or unshadowed I take unshadowed because I want to control where my light comes from on my page and it's depth.
Bad communication is one thing. I think we can all agree that you want some kind of response even if it's "I don't agree with you," well then ok, at least it's a response.
Bad quality from CRD = Stray pixels, jaggies, poorly recolored items, blurriness when zooming in at 66% (not too mention 100%). I guess if you never print anything, then its not a big deal. But if you do, its noticeable.
Any other designer I have had this issue thanks me for letting her know and fixes it. CRD just ignores it. Her original "Dream Team CT" noticed these issues. They aren't her CT anymore.
this 'STFU' makes me feel like I am on a schoolyard dealing with a group of grade 5's arguing over a footabll.
September 7, 2009 9:15 AM
^^^
Are you September 6, 2009 4:24 AM ?
Any other designer I have had this issue thanks me for letting her know and fixes it. CRD just ignores it. Her original "Dream Team CT" noticed these issues. They aren't her CT anymore.
**********************************
Oh, so that explains it. You are from her original Dream Team, 3 years ago. I'm sure she hasn't made any improvement from when she first started, you idiot!
I bet you thought she would be out of business by now but low and behold she's not, lol.
Keep it up, I'm almost sure she gets a site hit or 5 every time her name is mentioned here. Let's keep sending her biz, I am sure she will appreciate it.
Could care less about the whole CR drama, but what designer has the same CT members the whole entire time they design?? yeesh
CR could never suck as bad as SSD
Hey 9:15, you really should STFU
those shadows on the tiny pic are NOT a matter of preference. I didn't post the pic but I am commenting because I can see the quality problem -- the shadows come off both the top and bottom of the flowers. This doesn't happen IRL from a single light source. I mean who would have 2 light sources to show 2 shadows like that. Also, between the first and second flowers from the left on the top, the shadows overlap in sharp, unnatural way . Look also where the orange and green overlap onto the brown behind. There are shadows going in all different directions there - that just wouldn't happen. They are also too sharp at the edges and where they are shadowed onto the flower in a lower layer, they are not blended into the colors below in a pleasing or realistic way. I also see that the shadows/holes for the stitching look exactly the same on every shade of flower so that the grey used looks too light and unnatural on the dark flowers.
If you look at the flowers and just say "oh, I don't like the shadows" that's fine but look closely and you have to admit they are very poorly executed.
If I got this as a freebie, I would definitely NOT spend my money with whoever designed it
If that pic is typical of CR stuff then I cannot understand why on earth anybody would buy it, or why she is so 'popular'. I've seriously seen less sucky stuff from first time freebie makers. Guess it goes to show skill and talent have nothing at all to do with popularity in digiscrapping. Explains a lot.
Actually, if you have a straight on light source and the "height" of the element you could get shadows along the whole element. My only complaint would be that the element would need to be warped in order to get a realistic bent shadow.
If it's a freebie and you don't like the quality then don't use it. Easy as pie.
FFS, Who says CR IS popular???? Maybe a couple of years ago, but certainly not now that she hasn't put out anything new in gawd knows how long.
I can even agree that some of her stuff sucks, but what's the point of going on and on and ON about someone who's not even around???
Someone really has a hard on for her, though!
this 'STFU' makes me feel like I am on a schoolyard dealing with a group of grade 5's arguing over a footabll.
September 7, 2009 9:15 AM
^^^
Are you September 6, 2009 4:24 AM ?
September 7, 2009 10:42 AM
^^^
Nope, not me. I don't own anything by CR, free or otherwise so I can't speak about her work or anything.
Someone really has a hard on for her, though!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Too many people have it hard for CR and there is only one reason why-Jealousy.
This is not a customer, this is a designer.
You can link that link she posted right back to her if your smart. Not only that but a designer that used to be on her CT. yeesh.
As for the flower issue with this kit. This has been drug through the flipping forest. CR knows of it, it was her first and last attempt at shadows, she apologized for it and sent out a revised version to all that purchased it. This kit is over two years old so get over it people. Find something more interesting to talk about.
That is unless you do like to talk about a designer that doesn't even design anymore. Get out of her ass and move on!
FFS, Who says CR IS popular???? Maybe a couple of years ago, but certainly not now that she hasn't put out anything new in gawd knows how long.
----------------------------------
Good, quality designers stay 'popular' in my book. No matter how long of a break they take. I personally can't wait to see her new stuff she comes out with at Oscraps. Big deal if she took a break. Im so sick of the fantasy shit I could barf. CR is one that hasn't fell into that craze, thank god!
Who says CR isn't popular any more? You are a bunch of uninformed people if you think that. Last week she posted about some new goodies in her store at DST and she got a ton of hits and replies. Think before you speak. Easy as pie!
As for the jealousy, seriously, no. That is so incredibly juvenile to think that. I don't like the quality, it hasn't improved since she started.
Find something more interesting to talk about.
That is unless you do like to talk about a designer that doesn't even design anymore. Get out of her ass and move on!
September 7, 2009 5:40 PM
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How about giving us your name so we can talk about you? You look like you'd be good for a smack or two. I'm not in her ass, but you seem to be.
If it's a freebie and you don't like the quality then don't use it. Easy as pie.
September 7, 2009 12:44 PM
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How about thinking sometimes? It's as easy as pie.
You can link that link she posted right back to her if your smart.
How? Please?
How about thinking sometimes? It's as easy as pie.
****************************************************
ROFL. Good one. LOL
No, I'm not a former CT member. It's not jealousy at all. I also don't think that a designer needs to keep every person on her CT forever and ever. However I do remember the drama that unfolded when she fired that particular team like she did - because they were fantastic big name scrappers and figured out that her quality was not good enough and tried to tell her so.
Like I said, I still download the occasional freebie to see if she's improved. She hasn't. Supposedly she's now going to sell at Oscraps. I hope that rumor is not true, because Oscraps usually has a much better quality than that.
I am allowed my opinion, like you are allowed yours. I have not called her any names. I just said that her product needs some serious work. If you download her freebies, and find that you like her work and want to buy, then so be it. However, I believe people should know what they are buying and I strongly recommend that you try a freebie before you buy.
Could someone please proofread Natasha's ads before they get published in the SP newsletter? or just write them for her?
The WHOLE SP newsletter needs to be proofread, not just one portion! Laura D's spelling and grammar is atrocious and it doesn't project a very professional image.
^^^^
Did you understand the ad and the newsletter? If so, what does it matter? They aren't aiming for the Pulitzer you know.
I am allowed my opinion, like you are allowed yours. I have not called her any names. I just said that her product needs some serious work. If you download her freebies, and find that you like her work and want to buy, then so be it. However, I believe people should know what they are buying and I strongly recommend that you try a freebie before you buy.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Thanks for the freebie tip. I got them all and liked them.
I've bought a lot of digi stuff and personally I thought this stuff was some of the best quality I have got. Everyone's opinion is different, I guess.
I noticed her closing sale and her stuff is cheap. I loaded up, couldn't help myself.
Thank you again for telling me about Christina Renee. I am a new fan.
Here is a good question: where has Lauren Reid not sold at?
No, I'm not a former CT member. It's not jealousy at all. I also don't think that a designer needs to keep every person on her CT forever and ever. However I do remember the drama that unfolded when she fired that particular team like she did - because they were fantastic big name scrappers and figured out that her quality was not good enough and tried to tell her so.
@@@@
Sorry, but that's a completely false statement. I was head of her CT and she got rid of her CT because she wasn't even sure she was going to have a CT anymore. CR's a big girl and she can defend herself, but I will not stand by an "anonymous" post for false information. As another poster said many designers (Holliewood Designs, Kitty Designs, Edeline Marta Designs, Paint the Moon Designs, Heavens Gate, etc.) that were on her CT came back for her Block Party. If there was so much drama why would they even entertain the idea of coming back for that?
There was never any kind of discussion of getting rid of the team because they're hounding her about her quality. Never happened and never had a post in her private forum on it.
Sorry, but that's a completely false statement. I was head of her CT and she got rid of her CT because she wasn't even sure she was going to have a CT anymore. CR's a big girl and she can defend herself, but I will not stand by an "anonymous" post for false information. As another poster said many designers (Holliewood Designs, Kitty Designs, Edeline Marta Designs, Paint the Moon Designs, Heavens Gate, etc.) that were on her CT came back for her Block Party. If there was so much drama why would they even entertain the idea of coming back for that?
There was never any kind of discussion of getting rid of the team because they're hounding her about her quality. Never happened and never had a post in her private forum on it.
________________________________
Looks more like they all became designers to me.
Amy Hutchinson
Catherine Designs
Camila Designs
Cinnamon Designs
Nikki Designs
Holly Designs
Sabrina Designs
(Holliewood Designs, Kitty Designs, Edeline Marta Designs, Paint the Moon Designs, Heavens Gate, etc.).
So - newest designer at Scrapbookgraphics is Veronica Spriggs ... her stuff is nice.
The extremists in the 'hot topics' forum are at it again. They couldn't find anything wrong in Obama's speech to schoolchildren so now they're making a lame and desperate attempt to find something negative by complaining at the number of times he used the word 'I'.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=209345
Don't they realize that they just make their side look like sore losers and irrational idiots? It's so obvious that these people will contrive something negative about Obama, no matter what he does or says. Why can't they just grow up and admit that it was a good speech? Some people (and news talk show hosts) ought to be ashamed for continuing to promote divisiveness.
The WHOLE SP newsletter needs to be proofread, not just one portion! Laura D's spelling and grammar is atrocious and it doesn't project a very professional image.
---------------------------------
Are you talking about Shabby Princess? I haven't seen a newsletter recently?
The extremists in the 'hot topics' forum are at it again.
==========================
Sadly, I'm not a bit surprised. Some of the wingnuts over there are just beyond any kind of reason or sanity.
That forum just makes DST worse than it already was . . .
1:35--nope, Shabby Pickle.
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They aren't aiming for the Pulitzer you know.
September 8, 2009 4:35 AM
^^^
maybe not, but it would be nice if they could at least aim for literate
Here is a good question: where has Lauren Reid not sold at?
September 8, 2009 7:29 AM
LOL! I can't think of a place she hasn't sold.
Shabby Princess rocks-she's one of the few good designers left in digi!
Oh look, Ellie Lash is retiring again. What's this make, 3 times?
The extremists in the 'hot topics' forum are at it again.
____________
No surprizes there. I bet they own stock in aluminum foil with all the hats they need to make. Seriously.
No surprizes there. I bet they own stock in aluminum foil with all the hats they need to make. Seriously.
September 8, 2009 2:51 PM
ROFLMAO! You said it all there :D
Looks more like they all became designers to me.
Amy Hutchinson
Catherine Designs
Camila Designs
Cinnamon Designs
Nikki Designs
Holly Designs
Sabrina Designs
@@@@
If you read my post I am talking about designers that were on her CT that came back for the Block Party. Yes, all of those people became designers too. You can also add Chere Kaye and Madame Mim too. I'm specifically talking about the Block Party Designers.
They aren't aiming for the Pulitzer you know.
September 8, 2009 4:35 AM
^^^
maybe not, but it would be nice if they could at least aim for literate
September 8, 2009 1:40 PM
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Fair call.
Here is a good question: where has Lauren Reid not sold at?
September 8, 2009 7:29 AM
LOL! I can't think of a place she hasn't sold.
September 8, 2009 1:42 PM
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The Lilypad?
well you guys called it! Christina Renee announced the closing of her store and re-opening at a new store to be named. Someone mentioned that Veronica Spriggs is moving to SBG, I don't see her listed in the designer list though?
well you guys called it! Christina Renee announced the closing of her store and re-opening at a new store to be named. Someone mentioned that Veronica Spriggs is moving to SBG, I don't see her listed in the designer list though?
I wonder where Christina will go? Think of all the money she is going to make that store owner. What do designers pay these days? It used to be around 20%, is that still accurate?
I'd be curious to know how much these bigger name designers do make.
Anyone willing to anonymously share?
well you guys called it! Christina Renee announced the closing of her store and re-opening at a new store to be named.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
Who said this designer wasn't popular? I can't even get in her store to shop.
^^^^^
the uninformed said she wasn't popular.
Looks like Cori Gammon is moving to the Pickle.
Ok, looks like Emily Merritt is moving to the Pad, along with Spotted Dog
Looks like Cori Gammon is moving to the Pickle.
September 8, 2009 9:03 PM
I hope not! I've always liked her stuff and would love to see her go someplace like OScraps or SBG--someplace where there's a variety of styles and everything doesn't look the same :( The Pickle just sucks
Ok, looks like Emily Merritt is moving to the Pad, along with Spotted Dog
September 8, 2009 9:06 PM
meh. I've never really been impressed with the work of either.
But I'd love to know where Kellie Mize and Audrey Neal are going-anyone know???
Looks like Cori Gammon is moving to the Pickle.
September 8, 2009 9:03 PM
Say it isn't so!!
I'd be curious to know how much these bigger name designers do make.
Anyone willing to anonymously share?
^^^^^^^^^
a) Probably not as much as you think and
b) not nearly as much these days as they used to. Sales seem to suck almost universally, from what I've heard.
So, to flip the question, how much do YOU think they make?
Looks like Cori Gammon is moving to the Pickle.
September 8, 2009 9:03 PM
Say it isn't so!!
September 8, 2009 9:57 PM
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I'm only going by this:
http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/boutique/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=62
a) Probably not as much as you think and
b) not nearly as much these days as they used to. Sales seem to suck almost universally, from what I've heard.
So, to flip the question, how much do YOU think they make?
****************
How the heck do you know? I love how people just ASSUME a designers income on these blogs. You really have no clue and shouldn't because it's none of your business!
How the heck do you know? I love how people just ASSUME a designers income on these blogs. You really have no clue and shouldn't because it's none of your business!
September 9, 2009 12:30 AM
-------------------------------
Actually she has pretty much hit the nail on the head.
It is not the big money spinner people seem to think. The amount of designers who earn less than $100 a month is HUGE.
There are very very few designers who make more than a part time income out of it.
How the heck do you know? I love how people just ASSUME a designers income on these blogs. You really have no clue and shouldn't because it's none of your business!
September 9, 2009 12:30 AM
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Sheesh, it was just a question. Get a hold of yourself. Besides, she never assumed any designer's income. She just said it's probably not as much as people think it is.
I actually think it's good that the Pickle seems to be trying to diversify a bit. Joyce Paul, Kristin what's-her-name, now Cori Gammon..gives the store a bit more range, I think.
^^^
I really hope that they ARE trying to diversify, b/c I've been disappointed with Joyce Paul's stuff since she went Pickle. It seems a lot more foofy and Jofia-ish to me now. JMO, though.
How the heck do you know? I love how people just ASSUME a designers income on these blogs. You really have no clue and shouldn't because it's none of your business!
September 9, 2009 12:30 AM
No one ASSUMED any certain amounts.
If discussing designer salaries is no one's business, then that goes for ANYBODY's salaries--lots of different profession's salaries have been discussed over at DST--did you get your panties in a wad about that??
Not a big name, and not a full time salary, but my average is $1500 to $1600 monthly.
Granted, that's before taxes, and Self Employment tax is a little higher than a regular payroll tax where the company pays half of your Medicare and Social Security.
Ok, looks like Emily Merritt is moving to the Pad, along with Spotted Dog
September 8, 2009 9:06 PM
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oh gross! Her quality has always been really bad. I tried her products once a year for a few years because I wanted to give her a chance to improve and nope! She might have good ideas but it's not enough for me. With all the new designers at the Lilypad, I lost respect for that shop. The only ones left I still like are Kate Hadfield and Kaye Winieki.
Not a big name, and not a full time salary, but my average is $1500 to $1600 monthly.
Granted, that's before taxes, and Self Employment tax is a little higher than a regular payroll tax where the company pays half of your Medicare and Social Security.
September 9, 2009 12:03 PM
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Do you sell kits or CU?
Looks like Cori Gammon is moving to the Pickle.
September 8, 2009 9:03 PM
Say it isn't so!!
September 8, 2009 9:57 PM
--------
I'm only going by this:
http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/boutique/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=62
^^^^
Ugh! I am really going to hope that this is just a guest designer spot :(
Do you sell kits or CU?
September 9, 2009 12:12 PM
Almost all are PU kits. I have a pack of this or that here and there that are CU.... only about 1% of my products.
Someone needs a Midol.
****************
How the heck do you know? I love how people just ASSUME a designers income on these blogs. You really have no clue and shouldn't because it's none of your business!
September 9, 2009 12:30 AM
Jenna Desai has some really good stuff at The Lilypad along with Anne DeJong.
I do think Emily Merritt has some really good basic stuff and I like her paper templates.
Not a big name, and not a full time salary, but my average is $1500 to $1600 monthly.
Granted, that's before taxes, and Self Employment tax is a little higher than a regular payroll tax where the company pays half of your Medicare and Social Security.
September 9, 2009 12:03 PM
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Well you would earn way more than most then!
Ugh! I am really going to hope that this is just a guest designer spot :(
September 9, 2009 12:36 PM
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It's not, or it would say guest designer. She's already gone from SA.
I do think Emily Merritt has some really good basic stuff and I like her paper templates.
September 9, 2009 5:02 PM
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Agreed. I really like her block templates.
Well you would earn way more than most then!
September 9, 2009 6:13 PM\
Well thank you! I love what I do too, so I guess I have a lot to be grateful for. Especially my customers.
Block templates are the easiest things to make! Come on! There is no need to buy them, you can make the same ones in 3 seconds.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Yes, they are easy but they take longer than 3 seconds and then I have to work out where to place them all, etc. They weren't expensive, I got all mine on sale. Sometimes it's easier to pay someone else. My time is worth more than $1.50.
So let's say you're on a CT and you notice the quality is bad or it's all CU products. What do you do? Leave like a coward and pretend it's because you have too many commitments? Tell the designer? (let me know how exactly this can be done tactfully) or ????? What's the other option ... continue as usual?
...and as for the discussion of Joyce Paul. Nothing about her quality has deteriorated since she went to SPD. I completely disagree that SPD is the "kiss of death". I have TONS of stuff from there and I make plenty of non-fantasy pages with "real" photos.
Block templates are the easiest things to make! Come on! There is no need to buy them, you can make the same ones in 3 seconds.
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Yeah, but you can't warp shadows in PSE. Next!
Yeah, but you can't warp shadows in PSE. Next!
September 9, 2009 8:25 PM
Since when do block templates need/have warped shadows????
...and as for the discussion of Joyce Paul. Nothing about her quality has deteriorated since she went to SPD.
^^^
Nothing was said about Joyce Paul's quality--it was that her style seems to have changed since going Pickle.
So let's say you're on a CT and you notice the quality is bad or it's all CU products. What do you do? Leave like a coward and pretend it's because you have too many commitments? Tell the designer? (let me know how exactly this can be done tactfully) or ????? What's the other option ... continue as usual?
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I wouldn't go down the road of too many commitments because if you turn up on another CT a few weeks later, the designer is going to be pissed and word gets around. I would probably say something along the lines of
I enjoyed working with you but our styles are not as compatible as I thought. I'm sorry it didn't work it, keep on designing.
Something like that anyway.
That should be *out not *it.
8:49pm, thank you for your honest opinion. I guess I feel guilty because I want to help the designer. I know how to help her in a technical sense with her quality, it's just a touchy subject to bring up. I guess if I were a designer, I'd want to know. Right now, I just correct the quality issues on my own when I make pages with her products. Occasionally, I'll mention a particular element, if it's something I think would cause a problem, but most of the time, I just move on.
8:41pm ... I don't want to get caught up in semantics, I meant style and not quality (didn't mean to confuse the two). I don't see much a stylistic difference, but with that being said I think it's completely natural to try to fit into the shop your selling at, so it's not unreasonable to expect slight changes in designers' products when they change stores *shrugs*. People evolve over time, and life would be pretty boring if they didn't.
^^^^^
I guess it all depends on the kind of relationship you have with the designer. I remember one designer I CTed for a few years ago who had good quality, but had other design issues, which I mentioned, and she couldn't let it go. She went on and on and on about it. She completely ignored all the positive I had to say about her product and just focused on the negative. It drove me crazy so I left the team.
Word gets around?
I am really starting to believe there is something like a blacklist.
There's no blacklist. Sheesh. People talk and word gets around. No need for paranoia. If something pisses you off, you talk about it. It's that simple. If you think about it, if there was a blacklist, there'd be quite a few CTers who would never CT again and yet they continue to do so.
I don't think there is a blacklist, but I am certain designers pay attention. They'd be silly not to. After all, in reality, it's not that large of a community. I see some designers overlook known pirates and others that don't seem to care that people CT hop with little explanation for leaving. I just don't get why people aren't honest about why they are leaving. Why not say you want an opportunity to work with different products instead of "I'm too busy"? It's really ridiculous.
What do you think about the new designer at SO?
^^^^^^^
What new designer? I don't shop at SO so I have no clue who is new or not.
What's up with the mass exodus of designers at SBB (Scrapbook-Bytes)? I see at least 4 well-known designers from that store announcing they are leaving this week (RandiOh, shelleyrae, Lindsay Jane, and Diamante). Some of these designers have been there for years and I really don't think it's a coincidence.
I don't see anyone new at SO either. Just Jennifer Fox and she is just a guest.
On another note, has any one found a new designer they like from that thread at DST?
Maybe the mass exodus from SBB should be a wake up call for Amy
Tracie Stroud is *kinda* new @ SO. I think she's the best designer there, too.
Maybe the mass exodus from SBB should be a wake up call for Amy
September 10, 2009 7:52 AM
Do share!
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I don't see anyone new at SO either. Just Jennifer Fox and she is just a guest.
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That's who I meant. I didn't see she was a guest. I do now.
What's up with the mass exodus of designers at SBB (Scrapbook-Bytes)? I see at least 4 well-known designers from that store announcing they are leaving this week (RandiOh, shelleyrae, Lindsay Jane, and Diamante). Some of these designers have been there for years and I really don't think it's a coincidence.
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Wow! shelleyrae has been at SBB for six years! I wonder what is up?
I really don't know Amy.l I took a class from her once and she wasn't really around much. Didn't get much feedback and questions were not answered. I wasn't impressed and didn't take anymore classes from SBB.
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I don't see anyone new at SO either. Just Jennifer Fox and she is just a guest.
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That's who I meant. I didn't see she was a guest. I do now.
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I got her grab bag. She's new to me but so far I like her better than most of the designers there.
So are the SBB designers all going to the same place? They are good designers and I want to follow them where ever they are going.
So are the SBB designers all going to the same place? They are good designers and I want to follow them where ever they are going.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Oscraps is getting some new great designers. Maybe they are going there. I really like Oscraps so I hope so.
Not a big name, and not a full time salary, but my average is $1500 to $1600 monthly.
Granted, that's before taxes, and Self Employment tax is a little higher than a regular payroll tax where the company pays half of your Medicare and Social Security.
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I use to work in the back end for a big name designer and she averaged $4K-$5K most months.
I use to work in the back end for a big name designer and she averaged $4K-$5K most months.
September 10, 2009 11:30 AM
Good to know. My business keeps growing and growing, so it's nice to hear the ceiling goes higher.
I use to work in the back end for a big name designer and she averaged $4K-$5K most months.
How long ago was that? I would be surprised if any designer out there was making that much now but really have no insider info or anything to base it on.
I could see Jen Wilson or Rhonna Farrer making that at one time, now, I just think we all have so much in our stash that we aren't buying as much.
Am I wrong?
DESIGNERS: What's the lamest excuse a CT member has given for quitting?
DESIGNERS: What's the lamest excuse a CT member has given for quitting?
September 10, 2009 2:42 PM
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The lamest is to give no excuse and just disappear.
I think Shelleyrae is going to Inspiration Lane.
I think Shelleyrae is going to Inspiration Lane.
September 10, 2009 5:26 PM
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She is. She announced it on DST a few days ago.
DESIGNERS: What's the lamest excuse a CT member has given for quitting?
September 10, 2009 2:42 PM
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I'm really overworked and have left almost all my CTs, except one.
And then two weeks later she shows up on five new CTs. Did she think I wouldn't notice? I noticed and I warned other designers about her.
This is laughable
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=209640
So, using brushes or clipart to create your papers, elements isn't cu?
I LOL'd at that thread. I mean, the title says it all, and almost every response was "I don't use a lot". She didn't ask for who didn't use a lot, she asked for who didn't use ANY.
and I was under the impression that Amy Sumrall's stuff was completely CU free. Was i wrong?
It was only laughable because someone said that Michelle Coleman doesn't use CU when I know her swirlies and graphic stuff are CU for Illustrator. I have most of them (not hers, stuff I downloaded for free).
It seems like most of the designers that use mostly CU items just throw a bunch a shit together and hope it sells. Most of it doesn't even coordinate. The colors don't compliment each other or the papers, they are the wrong hues, or they are just plain poorly recolored. I can recolor my own shit, I don't need someone else to do it, lol. I've almost got to the point where the market is so saturated with the same stuff (or just slightly different), it's meaningless to even buy anything anymore. I rarely see anything that is fresh. I won't say I don't like some of the new kits, but mostly it's just regurgitated stuff or designers copying each other.
That 5 Frame set by Kara looks like the frames from AutoFX software.
I guess there is CU and CU, right. Most people who responded in that thread would be thinking about CU items designed by the market, for the market.
It's CU no matter where you get it from, but at least when you get it from outside the industry it can look a little fresh and different! Well, apart from all the stuff made with ArtRage :eyeroll:
Where's Lyndsay Jane going?
I use to work in the back end for a big name designer and she averaged $4K-$5K most months.
How long ago was that? I would be surprised if any designer out there was making that much now but really have no insider info or anything to base it on.
I could see Jen Wilson or Rhonna Farrer making that at one time, now, I just think we all have so much in our stash that we aren't buying as much.
Am I wrong?
September 10, 2009 12:19 PM
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I wouldn't be surprised if at one time Shabby Princess wasn't making 4-5K a month.
I used to average around $2K a month but those times are long gone.
I use to work in the back end for a big name designer and she averaged $4K-$5K most months.
How long ago was that? I would be surprised if any designer out there was making that much now but really have no insider info or anything to base it on.
I could see Jen Wilson or Rhonna Farrer making that at one time, now, I just think we all have so much in our stash that we aren't buying as much.
Am I wrong?
September 10, 2009 12:19 PM
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I wouldn't be surprised if at one time Shabby Princess wasn't making 4-5K a month as well.
I used to average around $2K a month but those times are long gone.
It was only laughable because someone said that Michelle Coleman doesn't use CU when I know her swirlies and graphic stuff are CU for Illustrator. I have most of them (not hers, stuff I downloaded for free).
*********
If you are going to go by who doesn't use free CU stuff, public domain, etc. you'll probably find zero designers who do everything from scratch. Unless they are hand drawing or cutting out shapes themselves you wouldn't be able to consider it non-CU. Where is the line?
Me, I don't care. If I like it, I'll buy it. You can find hand made or original crap and CU used brilliant stuff.
I guess there is CU and CU, right. Most people who responded in that thread would be thinking about CU items designed by the market, for the market.
It's CU no matter where you get it from, but at least when you get it from outside the industry it can look a little fresh and different! Well, apart from all the stuff made with ArtRage :eyeroll:
September 10, 2009 10:01 PM
I didn't add to that thread because technically I use CU but I don't use ANYTHING from other designers in this industry. I might use dover clipart or other clipart created primarily for other design industries.
The swirls are really easy to do in Illustrator, no need to download a bunch. Just get some brushes, or make your own, which again is dirt easy. You'll also get the shapes you want.
There are some designers who design from scratch, it's just easier not to.
I have no problem either way. The only issue I have are the designers who put minimal or zero effort into the CU items they do use.
Here's a paper I made. It has one CU item in it. The rest I scanned and vectorized in Illustrator. Vectorizing handwriting and paint splashes is my new favorite thing. So easy and so versatile.
http://i28.tinypic.com/nber5y.jpg
I wanted an almost off white paper but with some color.
^^^^^
That's really pretty.
I wouldn't be surprised if at one time Shabby Princess wasn't making 4-5K a month as well.
I used to average around $2K a month but those times are long gone.
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Why at one time? There are new people starting digi every day. I average 8-10 new customers a day even when I'm not putting stuff out. It's not the same people over and over buying our stuff.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This I can agree with. I think most assume a designers customers come from DST and MSA. when they don't at all.
Can Shabby Pickle please hire a proof reader? Four and's in one sentence hurts my eyes and yes, it does matter. :) Being a business means taking the time to read your newsletter again before sending out to thousands of people.
This comes up every single week.
Did Atomic Cupcake implode?
Michelle may do some of her own, but a lot of her stuff I can find on stock sites. For digital and Fancy Pants. But that's what it's there for. I just hate that some think some do this and some don't, when a lot of designers do buy from stock sites.
I've heard of jen w pulling in 10k per month. But what I don't understand is HOW she does it all for her site AND for My Mind's Eye? She would have to be designing 16 hours a day!
I dont't understand what the "fear of CU products" is. Yes, I know it's not creative to make a kit out of 100% other's designers stuff, but if I need a string in my kit and I don't have half an hour to spend on extracting it, I will buy some. Customers just don't get that creating everything from scratch would be way too much time consuming for the low price we sell our kits.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I have to agree with the statement that if I designer needs a few things that are CU vs doing themselves, I don't see what the big deal is. If I were to use all the items in a kit that was all photographed by me and extracted by me, my kits would have to be raised even higher and there has been years on complaining on here of costs of kits. I do use a lot of my own items but add a few basics from others, it just makes sense. I don't think the non designing person understand how much time and money a designer put into their work for very little of a pay off. Most designer including myself do this for the love of being creative, to use with our own layouts etc. I certainly don't do this for the money, if designers did it for the money only, you all would be finding less designers and far more expensive kits and a whole lot less freebies. Which for all the ones that have expressed on here that they get the freebies and don't buy a whole lot,well you will either learn to be a designer or pay out some money for products.
If you're not in it for the money, then why are you charging for it?
Why at one time? There are new people starting digi every day. I average 8-10 new customers a day even when I'm not putting stuff out. It's not the same people over and over buying our stuff.
September 11, 2009 6:49 AM
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This I can agree with. I think most assume a designers customers come from DST and MSA. when they don't at all.
September 11, 2009 7:05 AM
==========================
6:49, "at one time" ... because I do not believe any designer is making as much as they once were one or two years ago. None of the designers that I am in contact with are and everyone blames their low sales on everything from a slow economy to over saturation.
7:05, Other than my CT posting layouts in galleries, I currently have absolutely no advertising with DSA, DST, MSA, or any other website. I used to put a lot of time and money into advertising at these sites but it never felt worth it to me, which is why I've stopped.
If you're not in it for the money, then why are you charging for it?
Not the OP but I do it because I'm home anyway, I really enjoy it, and it's really gratifying to have someone actually think something you made is worth spending their money on.
and you have to pay for the CU stuff you buy. I can't believe ppl who design freebies exclusively who pay money for CU stuff just to get minimal thanks
7:05, Other than my CT posting layouts in galleries, I currently have absolutely no advertising with DSA, DST, MSA, or any other website. I used to put a lot of time and money into advertising at these sites but it never felt worth it to me, which is why I've stopped.
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That's probably why you aren't making the big bucks anymore then. I wouldn't listen to anyone. Just because other designers say they aren't making money doesn't mean slow down and quit trying. If you keep trying you will continue to make, that is all there is to it.
^^^
@@ Advertising at DST, MSA, DSA are a total waste of money. Designers themselves say their customers aren't from those places anyway.
I've heard of jen w pulling in 10k per month. But what I don't understand is HOW she does it all for her site AND for My Mind's Eye? She would have to be designing 16 hours a day!
__________________________________
10K a month is easy to believe. Hopefully, you mean only at her digital Shoppe. Surely, that's not for My Mind's Eye and digital?
@@ Advertising at DST, MSA, DSA are a total waste of money. Designers themselves say their customers aren't from those places anyway.
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Agree and not agree. Everyone has to start somewhere. If you aren't getting business elsewhere then maybe try DST, MSA, DSA.
I dont't understand what the "fear of CU products" is.
----
Then you haven't been paying attention. There is no fear for a start. It's the lack of creativity with the CU products that is pissing customers off. At one time, I saw at least five kits from different stores with the same CU product in it. Anyone could see it was the same item as not one of the designers had bothered to even recolor the original. That's just lame and lazy.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
^^^^^
That's really pretty.
September 11, 2009 12:29 AM
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Thanks. I'm doing a whole series of them.
"If you're not in it for the money, then why are you charging for it?"
Well because it is MY choice. I have made plenty of free items, I have given away many free items and kits . But there is still some satisfaction when you make something that you really like and someone is willing to pay for it. And again it isn't about the money. Its that feeling I GET when I design, its taking some colors and making items i will use to preserve my memories. A lot of what I make never even makes it into a store.
I am sure there are designers out there making a living, I am sure there are some that are doing it to bring in some extra money. And then I think there are the ones that enjoy what they do and sell at a store. Just because I say I am not in it for the money, doesn't mean that I don't like making a sale and seeing someone else use my product. Does it bring in some extra money yes. Could I live on it - hell no, could I make more money doing something else - hell YES - but would that something else bring me what feeling when I get when I design, I don't think so.
Being a designer that says I don't do it for the money is no different than a person that works to get out to meet new people, wants to get out of the house. Retired from a job they worked at many years and doesn't just want to stop working. Just because they aren't doing it for the money doesn't mean they should do it for free.
If some of you can't understand what I a trying to say, well that is your way of thinking and I have mine.
If you're not in it for the money, then why are you charging for it?
September 11, 2009 1:05 PM
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Not the OP but just because I'm not in for the money, doesn't mean the electric company, the gas company etc aren't in it for the money. There are bills to pay.
Then you haven't been paying attention. There is no fear for a start. It's the lack of creativity with the CU products that is pissing customers off. At one time, I saw at least five kits from different stores with the same CU product in it. Anyone could see it was the same item as not one of the designers had bothered to even recolor the original. That's just lame and lazy.
====================
UMMMMMMmm you mean it is pissing off the 2 customers and 5 pirates on this blog? PULEASE! Take your whine somewhere else.
oh come on, having 5 ladders, 4 benches, clouds of the same fluff and 37 sunflowers of different hues are important to some buyers...wait, throw in a string please with the end frayed...great, I'll put it in my frayed end string file...geez your the greatest designer...here's my $1. Gotta love those sales huh? Makes my paypal go nuts!
What am i thinking, I will use these kits and make my pictures really tiny and load up the layout with these nifty keeno elements, and play the praise game?
I have friends now...they all wrote...
TFS
how sweet
for those pondering, this is all written with intended sarcasm, and for those who get upset, please go eat some cake and laugh at the people at Walmart.
12:48 You are a idiot and nothing you just said makes any sense.
====================
UMMMMMMmm you mean it is pissing off the 2 customers and 5 pirates on this blog? PULEASE! Take your whine somewhere else.
September 11, 2009 11:52 PM
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You are an idiot. Why don't you take your cheese elsewhere?
12:48 You are a idiot and nothing you just said makes any sense.
September 12, 2009 1:15 AM
Why is she an idiot? What she said made sense to me. Maybe you need to read it again? It is meant to be a joke. You know , have a laugh. sheesh.
Then you haven't been paying attention. There is no fear for a start. It's the lack of creativity with the CU products that is pissing customers off. At one time, I saw at least five kits from different stores with the same CU product in it. Anyone could see it was the same item as not one of the designers had bothered to even recolor the original. That's just lame and lazy.
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I would tend to agree but maybe you aren't looking in the right places or maybe you aren't looking at the CU designers who haven't just recolored and repackaged. There are many out there. You obviously aren't finding them so you might want to look a little harder. They are there I promise!!
I guess what I don't get are the action makers that are really only making a template into an action where you can put your own color or pattern. Those to me are as bad as the just for recoloring products but those sell so maybe customers aren't getting it either. As long as things sell those designers doing the recoloring bit and repackaging will continue to buy and recolor and repackage.
sales=money=more recolorable items
so obviously not ALL customers are getting pissed off about it.
Some actions are really creative and I have to give a thumbs up to their creators. Some are just the kind that make you scratch your head and say "why?".
Same with styles. Seriously. They're SO simple to make yet the CU designers pump out such crap styles like they're the best thing to happen to digiscrapping. What does that tell you about the "designers" that buy them? I mean, seriously, I see CU styles out there for sale that are almost insulting to the skills of the potential customer.
^^^^
I know what you mean and I totally agree with you but those crappy styles and actions sell A LOT. I sell in a CU shop where I can see everyone's sales report and I'm always shocked at what people sell and buy.
Why do you read other peoples sales report?
Anyone know who the new SSD designers are gonna be?
I know Randi-Oh is closing both her stores and SSD is an exclusive store so I am wondering if she is one.
The boards are saying that Audrey Neal hasn't made up her mind as to where she's going... Is Kellie Mize going to sell again?
The boards are saying that Audrey Neal hasn't made up her mind as to where she's going... Is Kellie Mize going to sell again?
>>I think Kellie is taking a break for a while.
This thread is going to be a train wreck for sure.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=210034&page=3
This thread is going to be a train wreck for sure.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=210034&page=3
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Going to be?? I think it hit rock bottom already! I didn't realize that Amanda Rockwell was a black American though. Just interesting to find that out not that it matters one way or another to me. I'm not a racist, never been but boy there are more then a few out there now aren't there!
I believe she is mexican and have seen a color picture of her and her skin is pretty dark. And I have seen her post about some family members who were black.
maybe I am just a dork, but I love to buy CU items. I am not a designer,(I did play one in a really bad skit, but no one paid any attention to me) but I love to make layouts and sometimes I don't have the right thing for my layouts, so I use one main kit, and then add CU items, because I HATE to list all the designers, so if I get it as CU I don't.
Did that make any sense? it sounded good in my head when I typed it! I'll play the dork card.
^^^^^^^^
I've bought some CU items for personal use as well, I don't see it as any different from buying non CU. I'm just using it for me, you know?
8:45 PM you make complete sense to me. Probably because I do the same thing when I don't have the right element(s) in a kit. (what a mess it would be to have to remember and then list all those CU designers lol)
I would tend to agree but maybe you aren't looking in the right places or maybe you aren't looking at the CU designers who haven't just recolored and repackaged. There are many out there. You obviously aren't finding them so you might want to look a little harder. They are there I promise!!
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Who said I didn't find the talented ones? I know they are out there. I was pointing out that there are lot of very untalented ones and they are in the majority.
This thread is going to be a train wreck for sure.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=210034&page=3
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
That whole forum is a train wreck. When you have to argue that you are not a racist you're a racist. Tammy1999 sure showed her true colors in that thread.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2118247&postcount=38
This is the post that made me sort. Not Susan's original statement as I have found her to be nothing but sincere, but the fact that Txmusicmom agreed with it, when she has shown her racist tendencies more than once.
tammy 1999 is a racist..I will be boycotting the designers she CT's for...until they fire her
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