I just downloaded a True Blue blog freebie and OMG. How can you manage to get jagged edges on a CIRCLE? It's horrible. I can't believe she sold at SBG. I really can't. I
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Why? She's not the first designer at SBG, former and current, who has quality issues. Why so surprised?
^^^ since when has DST been alive in recent history? it's just a dumping ground for CTs and a money vacuum for people naive enough to pay for advertising there.
" What store has the best free with $10.00 purchase collab? Are any of them really good?
May 6, 2011 10:43 PM"
^^^ The only one I've gotten so far is the one at A5, and I'm pleased with it. http://www.afterfivedesigns.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=3217&cat=11&page=1
I'll probably get the one at 9th & bloom, too: https://ninthandbloom.com/shop/product.php?productid=1940&cat=13&page=1 . haven't seen any at other stores that interest me yet.
Is there an inside story to Digital Dandelions? It looks like a store that's out of business but left the sign up.
--------------
They just opened - from ex-Little Dreamer Designs people + others ... why do you ask?
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I ask because there is nothing on their blog, no sale(s) in their store, no happy iNSD message in their store, no nuttin'.
It's as if they closed before they opened...then the Little Dreamer "watch this space" message at their website. I just think there is an inside story here.
So, which designers have hiked their prices before their big NSD sale?
I want to know before I shop. -------------------------------
SBG -------------
Balls! None of the designers I shopped with raised their prices prior to iNSD, in fact, some of them already had discounts in place, and then had further coupons.
Right, like I said, balls. Don't care about last year and don't care that it was only apparently. I'm not a big fan of SBG, but BS from whomever it was for the sake of BS just annoys me.
Designers, if you want people to download your freebies, DON'T USE 4SHARED! I refuse to download from that site and I know for a fact that I am not alone. I have no problem skipping your freebies, but I'm assuming you're offering them because you'd like people to actually sample your work. You're losing out on potential new customers if you use that site.
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
Anonymous said... What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc??? -----------
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
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Or maybe there is something else going on. Like you aren't a good fit style-wise or they only wanted a certain number of designers and there were other designers the store preferred.
Or maybe, just maybe, your design abilities just aren't as good as you think they are? Without seeing them or knowing which stores, its really hard to guess at why they didn't take you.
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
May 8, 2011 2:02 AM
---------------- It may not be a matter of who your friends are, but who your friends aren't.
Women are catty bitches and will spread lies about you quicker than a fat kid on a cupcake. Heaven forbid if you don't kiss everyone's ass to get to the "good stores." Then you're just a bitch. And that wont open any doors for you.
i think that in order to get into the 'good' stores (imo- SO, SSD, TLP), there are a few things to consider:
-are your designs a good fit there? - do you have something to offer that their current designers don't already have? -how long have you been around for? have you given the impression that you're in it for the long haul? or do you stick around and then disappear for months at a time? -are you active at their site and in their gallery?
the whole 'knowing people' thing is true. how else can someone judge your character or level of commitment? why should a store owner take a chance on someone they don't know and that none of their designers know?
Designers, if you want people to download your freebies, DON'T USE 4SHARED! I refuse to download from that site and I know for a fact that I am not alone. I have no problem skipping your freebies, but I'm assuming you're offering them because you'd like people to actually sample your work. You're losing out on potential new customers if you use that site.
^^^^^^^^ I'd much rather 4-shared than mediafire...it opens up new advertising windows that won't close without closing my browser.
As far as the iNSD blog trains... I liked the DSA one. I downloaded about 75% of it and didn't delete much. And what I did delete was just personal preference, not bad quality.
I downloaded about 35-40% of the Gotta Pixel blog train. Some of it just looked like crap.
I didn't even bother with the MScraps or ScrapMatters blog train since it was all/mostly QPs or clusters or other crap I don't want or use.
I heard there was one for ZigZag, but couldn't find anything about it on their blog.
I didn't bother with the FPD FB train because the colors are awful.
Start here for ZigZag - http://pinkreptiledesigns.blogspot.com/
She has 4 freebies on there (3 freebies and a fb fan freebie) all of which I really liked, but then I like PRD, so YMMV.
I like 4-shared. I prefer it in fact, so to each her own. If you use Foxfire- download "skip screen" the add on, and you can fly through these blog hops, then go back at your leisure to post your thank yous. as if.
Oscraps has a collab "Life" for $3.00. It's unusual, and not all will love it, but it's worth a look.
My new favorite designer is Jen Yurko at MScraps.
No relation in any way shape or form to anyone mentioned above. They wouldn't know me from Adam.
I have confused myself - my new favorite designer is Yoshiko Designs at MScraps. (Not that Jen Yurko isn't a fine designer)
My apologies. I have actually found a LOT of new designers this weekend. People I had never heard of at ALL. Sometimes they keep putting out spectacular things I just have to have, and sometimes they fall back to mediocrity, but for this weekend, I have some new favorites. (I'd post who they are, but I feel like I need to QC what I have from them for fear their quality isn't as wonderful as their previews)
I guess what I'm also saying is that while there are new designers putting out junk, and some say the industry has gone to crap, there are sooo many that have a LOT of design talent. Assuming these people are actually new and not just "new to me".
As people have said on here before, I just wish they'd all magically land in the same store!
I didn't buy anything at those stores, either. In fact, I didn't even visit them this weekend. Where did I buy? 9th & Bloom, Scrapbookgraphics, After 5.
Sweet Shoppe Designs- Normally love but they are getting repetitive, meaning all of the kits look the same or like something that has been done a hundred times The Lily Pad - Great store, original designs for the most part but didn't buy anything from iNSD Scrap Orchard - Like almost every designer there After Five Designs - Ok, most of the time... I have a few designers that keep me going there The Digi Chick - Gross, though I do like Disasterpiece Scrappity-Doo-Dah- Double Gross ZigZag Scraps- Looks decent, never purchased from there though 9th & Bloom - Love a bunch of the designers here and they had some great sales Scrapbook-Bytes- Haven't been there in years, not my cup of tea
Everyone has different opinions about what a "good" store is.
I can't believe you said Digi Chick was gross then mentioned you like After 5, 9th & Bloom and Scrap Orchard. What the heck is the difference between those places? None that I can see.
^^^the difference is that TDC has a good number of iffy designers whereas the other stores have original and quality stuff. i know that if i buy from anyone at SO, it's going to be a good product. TDC has gone way downhill in the past year. they do have a handful of creative designers there still.
some SSD designers need to work on their recoloring skills (traci reed) but overall, same goes for that store. rarely have i been disappointed when i've bought from SSD.
Sweet Shoppe Designs- Normally love but they are getting repetitive, meaning all of the kits look the same or like something that has been done a hundred times --------------------- I was going to say the same thing. I used to like them at first but all the stuff looks identical.
Which leads me to wonder why everyone makes a fuss over KCB. Is it her quality? I have seen better looking kits in "lesser known" stores.
I did spend less then $10 at oscraps (is this considered a good store? its never mentioned much here) I trolled through after 5, SSD and scrapmatters but couldnt find anything that thrilled me. I downloaded some freebies from the blog train and deleted most of it. so all in all a blah weekend...
I wanted to shop. I looked for HOURS. I remembered last year how I shopped and shopped and shopped. I tried, I really did, to shop this year. I spent a grand total of $13 - it was all at SO in their $1 Farmer's Market.
I have so much now I can't imagine being bothered to pay full price for anything. I guess I'm kinda jaded.
I did spend less then $10 at oscraps (is this considered a good store? its never mentioned much here) I trolled through after 5, SSD and scrapmatters but couldnt find anything that thrilled me. I downloaded some freebies from the blog train and deleted most of it. so all in all a blah weekend...
------------------------- I spent the majority of my budget at oScraps this weekend, too (paislee press, one little bird and fei fei's stuff). I do a lot of everyday pages (my kids are past the little kid age) and their designs work well for how i scrap so I shop there a lot now. I think the reason they don't come up on this blog much is because there doesn't seem to be much drama there, so there's nothing to talk about?
I did find one or two things at ScrapMatters and The Lilypad, too. Their products just don't fit my scrapping needs anymore, though, since I have more themed products than I know what to do with anymore. I shop more for color/mood and multi-use elements now.
I eyed a couple of kits at CatScrap, too, but I hear from some of their CT members (past and present) that the girls who run the store are sort of bullies/jerks who think their $h*t doesn't stink, so i hesitate to throw money that direction and reward that sort of behavior. Can anyone else verify that?
In addition to whether you are a new/established designer, we should ask if you are in a new/established store too! That can make a difference. __________________________ middle of the road store. it's all about making it a full time business with lots of advertising. my goal is 2k a month. it's additional income. if i made less than 1k i wouldn't do it.
What I would like to know, and yes, I know its been brought up before....but these "middle of the road" stores..and I know which ones they are....how do you get in? I have emailed, pm'd - you name it, and not an answer at all. No - its NOT my design work. I have been accepted at other "middle" shops....but don't like the drama involved at one, and the owner is a bitch at the other. I know I could join them, but I would NOT be happy there (I need to feel comfortable where I sell....its about the $$, but not at my own expense). So - I know its been said its who you know...but when you don't know these people, HOW do you get the heck in?????
What are the middle of the road stores? I've seen everyone mention what they think are top stores but I guess I missed the conversations involving the middle ground.
I sell at what most would consider a "middle of the road" store. I can say without a doubt that making product that doesn't look like what 5 other designers currently in the store already make is a huge factor. You could have great quality and do well in sales at your current store, but if it's more of the same, you wont get in.
Some of the same is good for sales, but in most shops, variety is key.
I've also done QC on designer submissions and I will say, I've been shocked at the blurriness (even at 50%), stray pixels, lack of attention to detail (such as shadows where they don't belong and dpi's at 72) from designers at other "middle of the road" shops.
And I agree with the above poster, being active at the site doesn't hurt.
What are the middle of the road stores? I've seen everyone mention what they think are top stores but I guess I missed the conversations involving the middle ground. May 9, 2011 12:58 PM
------------ I think a store in the middle is defined by overall good quality (whether it's your style or not) and decent sales (but not top sales).
I, personally, consider stores in the middle to be (in no particular order): Gotta Pixel ScrapMatters Scrapbook Bytes The Digichick Zig Zag Scraps Digiscrappers Brasil 9th and Bloom Scrapbook Graphics (while they may be on the upper end of the middle as far as sales, they lack the consistent quality one would expect from a top store)
I, personally, consider stores in the middle to be (in no particular order): Gotta Pixel ScrapMatters Scrapbook Bytes The Digichick Zig Zag Scraps Digiscrappers Brasil 9th and Bloom Scrapbook Graphics (while they may be on the upper end of the middle as far as sales, they lack the consistent quality one would expect from a top store)
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Some of these often get put in the top stores from what I've seen. SBG as you mentioned, 9th & Bloom, Scrapbook-Bytes, ScrapMatters (though not often)
I would love to know the average sales of designers at each store and make a more accurate list but no store owner would give up that information, nor would every designer which would be essential to making it accurate.
Who has had some good CU stuff for sale this weekend? I'm just looking for "basic" things most of us are too lazy to extract.. I'll admit it.. I AM TOO LAZY TO EXTRACT!!!!
I eyed a couple of kits at CatScrap, too, but I hear from some of their CT members (past and present) that the girls who run the store are sort of bullies/jerks who think their $h*t doesn't stink, so i hesitate to throw money that direction and reward that sort of behavior. Can anyone else verify that?
May 9, 2011 11:46 AM ------------- I have never heard that before. Who runs Catscrap?
I like several of the designers at Catscrap. I wouldn't stop buying from them just because their admin is a bully to them and/or the CTMs.
Who has had some good CU stuff for sale this weekend? I'm just looking for "basic" things most of us are too lazy to extract.. I'll admit it.. I AM TOO LAZY TO EXTRACT!!!!
May 9, 2011 3:31 PM _____________________________________
Wendy Page has good basic flowers. Rachael's Scraps has tons of basics. Most are good quality. I've seen a few grab bags with basics in them from various designers: Chelle's Creations, GeniaBeania, Wishing Well, Inspiredbydominic, Lisete, Rachael's Scraps. There are probably a lot more. I have some things from some of those designers but have no tried all of them. That is just what I remember seeing.
Any time I read something like, "who has great CU" here, I feel like it's just a big opening for the same person to come back and post their own product.
I'm sure I'm often wrong and that it's mostly legit posting, but that's what I think of when I see it.
Original "I want CU stuff and I'm lazy" poster here.. hate to say I didn't reply to my own post LOL I like disasterpiece but there hasn't been anything new posted from her in what seems like FOREVER!
Ok, so after reading the "meh" for TDC I went to check it out. I remember it from way back in the day when it was brown. Weird way to describe a site, I know.. anyway. I didn't see any like.. "terribad" designers there. Found a few I didn't know about. Elise's Pieces (I ended up buying her grab bag and I'm not disappointed) Danielle Engebreston also had a nice grab bag.. um sugarplum paperie's stuff is very pretty and soft looking. Karen Lewis is another nice designer. Maybe I should focus on the bad ones? Mommyish seems kinda' hit or miss.. same with Madame Wing. Too many designers to go through.. does anyone else find that drop down thingie annoying? It would work if there wasn't FIVE ZILLION designers.
I bought a few things from Sweet Shoppe this weekend as well. Let's see.. the kit I liked was from Shawna Clingerman. Then something that was a collab by Jenn and Valorie Wibbens. Which has since made me hunt her down (she's at the Lily Pad) Her kits are super cute!
I'm really loving CatScraps lately! It seems like their products are getting cuter.. and it did seem to me there had been a little slump.
Speaking of slumps.. I personally think CU is ruining digital scrapbooking. It allows anyone who can come up with a color palette to "create" a kit : ie - recolor.. and badly.
As for me I try to find kits that are unique and "reusable" I'm not the type that buys one kit for one layout.. I want to use a kit over and over again!
Ok, so after reading the "meh" for TDC I went to check it out. I remember it from way back in the day when it was brown. Weird way to describe a site, I know.. anyway. I didn't see any like.. "terribad" designers there. Found a few I didn't know about. Elise's Pieces (I ended up buying her grab bag and I'm not disappointed) Danielle Engebreston also had a nice grab bag.. um sugarplum paperie's stuff is very pretty and soft looking. Karen Lewis is another nice designer. Maybe I should focus on the bad ones? Mommyish seems kinda' hit or miss.. same with Madame Wing. Too many designers to go through.. does anyone else find that drop down thingie annoying? It would work if there wasn't FIVE ZILLION designers.
--- The drop down menu makes me want to scream. That is honestly one of the main reasons I won't shop there. If I do it's to go to something specific that I've seen posted elsewhere. They were a much better store before. Now it seems like they take whoever applies. Too many designers not worth my time in one place + annoying drop down = me not shopping there
I eyed a couple of kits at CatScrap, too, but I hear from some of their CT members (past and present) that the girls who run the store are sort of bullies/jerks who think their $h*t doesn't stink, so i hesitate to throw money that direction and reward that sort of behavior. Can anyone else verify that? 0------------
Sounds like some bitter CTMs who were probably told to shape up or ship out. In all the years I've been in digi I've never heard a bad word about the owners of CatScrap and I've been around since before the store even opened.
I've had dealings with Catrine, Syrin and Shen (who is an admin there) and they are all sweethearts.
No, just saying. If they are making less than 2K in a year, they need to rethink it. I don't want to hear about how much fun it is either; in that case, just give it away.
I've been lurking on this blog for a couple of weeks and every time I think the same thing: Do you act/talk like this offline?
Please do not think I am being rude. I'm not being rude in the least; just curious. It is just that some behavior shocks me and makes me wonder if people are more confrontational since it is online and there aren't any faces when you post 'publish'
No, I'm the same bitch here as I am in real life....and I get daily phone calls from friends starting like this: "I know you're the one person who will tell me the truth...", so some people can't stand me, and some people can.
No, I'm the same bitch here as I am in real life....and I get daily phone calls from friends starting like this: "I know you're the one person who will tell me the truth...", so some people can't stand me, and some people can.
May 9, 2011 9:08 PM ^^^^^^^^^^^
Gee I sure wish I had a friend I could call up every day so they could say shitty things to me.
No, I'm the same bitch here as I am in real life....and I get daily phone calls from friends starting like this: "I know you're the one person who will tell me the truth...", so some people can't stand me, and some people can.
May 9, 2011 9:08 PM _____
Thanks for being honest. I have a few friends who I know will tell me the truth even though it might hurt so I understand.
No, I'm the same bitch here as I am in real life....and I get daily phone calls from friends starting like this: "I know you're the one person who will tell me the truth...", so some people can't stand me, and some people can.
--- I'm one of these people too, my friends always know they will get the truth from me but there are ways to tell the truth without being a complete bitch.
Just curious since we're talking about established, non-established and middle of the road stores here.
Would any of you even consider purchasing from a brand new store, brand new designer, or maybe to rephrase that, a new designer that maybe you might have seen around in galleries, forums as a regular scrapper? Like quite a few of our top designers started?
What if the new designer was someone you weren't very familiar with? Would you give them a chance or just write them off as yet another new designer/store in digi world? Especially since we're so over saturated.
I've bought CU on sale (like 50% off) from new-to-me designers and been burned and also pleased. Re: kits - since I'm a designer I only buy from designers I respect as a designer. So no - I wouldn't buy from someone I'd never heard of. That being said - if I don't like the public persona of a designer I definitely won't buy from them - even when I like their stuff
I base a lot of my impressions on the way they interact with fans on their facebook page. I don't care about forums like DST because I don't. But are they friendly - interacting - etc with fans on facebook? For me that matters.
Don't. There is no way to know what is being posted here is true. I would not put it past some of the people that post here to lie just so others believe they are doing badly and quit, thus getting rid of some potential competition.
Would any of you even consider purchasing from a brand new store, brand new designer, or maybe to rephrase that, a new designer that maybe you might have seen around in galleries, forums as a regular scrapper? Like quite a few of our top designers started? ------------
I'm not sure which top designers you are referring too, but sure, I'd buy from a designer I'd not heard of before. I've done it in the past
If I like the preview of the kit, I'm likely to try a new designer. Have often and found quite a few designers that I ended up buying from over and over. I think if you're completely new, invest a bit of time in making your previews shine, that's how you'll get people to at least look at your stuff. Not sure about anyone else, but I always check the product gallery at DST, so might be a place to start?
if ANYONE believes the bullshit that is posted on this page regarding who made how much $$$ then if you feel like a failure its your own fault. 3000 bucks my sweet ass. you are all crazy. PROVE IT.
if ANYONE believes the bullshit that is posted on this page regarding who made how much $$$ then if you feel like a failure its your own fault. 3000 bucks my sweet ass. you are all crazy. PROVE IT.
May 10, 2011 6:40 PM ------
how exactly are they supposed to prove it? Anything posted here you aren't gong to believe anyway. geez, some people.
What do you guys think of stores posting CT calls but not allowing designers to apply? I wanted to apply to Scrap Orchard's CT call they posted last week but it says designers aren't allowed to apply. I think it's a little unfair.
I can understand it. They want people who are going to put their store first, it's in their best interest, whereas a designer is going to put herself, her business first. But, I have to say, I was disheartened to see it too as I also thought about applying. Maybe I should just become a designer there.
--- I'm not the original person who stated it was a little unfair but I also believe that. I was also going to apply but couldn't because I'm a designer. I've been on many CT's while designing and I actually put MORE effort into them than I did before I was a designer. I know how important good LO's can be, I know it's important to meet deadlines so the LO's can make it into the newsletter or for advertising in general, I know what I look for in LO's for my own products and strive for that same quality,... Just because I design doesn't mean that is all I do. I was a scrapper first and will always be a scrapper regardless of where my designing goes. I don't apply to CT's often so that I can give them all of the attention they deserve on top of my designing and life. I love most of the designers at Scrap Orchard so I would have loved to be on their CT, but their loss (not just me but every designer that would have been a good CTM that wanted to apply).
I don't blame Scrap Orchard. I won't take other designers on my own CT, either. It's a conflict of interest for you to run a competing business to theirs and of course, they would be suspect of a designer wanting to be on their CT and get the "inside" scoop. I am, too, which is why no designers are allowed on my team.
That's part of the problem with this industry. Everyone expects it to run like a damn social club. Smart business people look out for their own interests and don't allow their inner circle to be filled with those who would seek to compete with them.
As for the person who claims she made $3000 this weekend from a mid level store, I also cry bullshit. I'm in a couple mid level stores and based on what I saw this weekend, I highly doubt you made that much, unless you are in something like 10 stores. Even then, I doubt it. I don't need proof because I'm pretty sure you're lying.
I don't blame Scrap Orchard. I won't take other designers on my own CT, either. It's a conflict of interest for you to run a competing business to theirs and of course, they would be suspect of a designer wanting to be on their CT and get the "inside" scoop. I am, too, which is why no designers are allowed on my team.
That's part of the problem with this industry. Everyone expects it to run like a damn social club. Smart business people look out for their own interests and don't allow their inner circle to be filled with those who would seek to compete with them.
----- It is a business but it's not like every industry. Nearly every designer I know is also a scrapper so the majority of them would like to be on CT's and not to sabotage another designer but to scrap because that's what they love to do and probably why they got into designing to begin with. That's just being paranoid to believe that every single designer that wants to be on a CT is trying to get the inside scoop or ruin what you have. More than likely they want to be on your CT because they respect you and/or love your designs.
My father owns a very successful business, has for over 30 years, and he does work with other people in the same position as him. He works with competing businesses and even hires them sometimes. He makes millions a year and I know you don't do so designing scrapbook kits so I'll have to disagree with you. Actually if I knew who you were I'd make sure to never buy from you. People with your attitude are what's wrong with this industry.
Nothing is ruining the industry. I keep hearing it and have been hearing it for four years now and I'm not seeing any ruination whatsoever. Quite the reverse, there's more stores and more designers now than then. Ruins? I don't think so.
I have several designers on my CT. It doesn't bother me a bit. It also doesn't bother me that SO doesn't want designers on their team. CTMs are a dime a dozen. If they feel like they are better served by having non-designer CTMs, there are certainly enough non-designer CT'ers out there that fit that bill. If that's how they want to run their team, it's their choice to make.
It does suck for the designers that want on their team, but maybe you can work around that by applying to the individual teams of the specific designers at SO who you really love.
On another note, I don't know if the $3000 poster is lying or not, but I do absolutely know that it is possible to have made that much this weekend. Actually, I'm really glad to see so many say that they did so well. I hope it is true, because it seems like a good sign for the future of the economy. At least with regards to our hobby.
Yeah? As a fellow designer, they could respect them more by purchasing their producing, instead of wanting it for free, don't you think? May 10, 2011 10:30 PM
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Could not agree with you more.
Also tired of hearing "that's what is wrong with" or "that is what ruins" this industry. Everybody is so nosy and so in each other's business. Buy from the people you like and respect. Ignore everyone else. We all need to learn to live and let live. I swear it would be so much more fun to work in this biz if everyone did.
You can not like SO's decision, but that doesn't mean they are wrong. It's their business and they can do what they want.
Yeah? As a fellow designer, they could respect them more by purchasing their producing, instead of wanting it for free, don't you think? May 10, 2011 10:30 PM
---- It's not free when you have to produce so many LO's per new release or whatever their requirements may be. Legally it's considered a barter exchange and 1099's should be given out to CTM's so not free at all.
And yes I was one of the above posters that stated they didn't think it was fair to not allow designers to apply however I never said it was wrong. It IS their decision and I respect that. My opinion is that it's not fair just as their opinion, obviously, is that it is fair. I'll continue to shop there as long as the designers I like are there. I don't hold it against them, especially the designers there who didn't even make that decision. Stating an opinion on something doesn't mean my world revolves around that subject or that I'm too concerned with their decisions or being nosy.
I also hope some of these $1000 numbers are true but no one I know personally made $3000 over the weekend, in a month yes but not in 2-3 days. Good for them if they aren't lying.
It's not free when you have to produce so many LO's per new release or whatever their requirements may be. Legally it's considered a barter exchange and 1099's should be given out to CTM's so not free at all.
----
Oh please, give me a break, it's free. Most designers only ask for one LO per kit.
I disagree, it's not free. It takes time to sit down and make a LO worthy of advertisement. Sometimes you get stuck using products you would never use normally so you're wasting your time making a throwaway LO. Granted you do get some products that are right up your alley but not always. Plus, if I buy a kit I can scrap with it whenever the hell I want to. If I'm on a CT I have to have a LO done by a certain date whether I like the kit or not. I'm not complaining because I choose to be on CT's but it's not free. It's a trade.
Store CTs are a lot of time and commitment and I can 100% understand SO not wanting designers. I'm sure half the designers wanting on the CT also wish they could sell there, but either aren't good enough to get in or haven't bothered to actually apply the old fashioned way - on their own merit.
I almost never take designers onto my CT unless I knew them before I was a designer or have known them as a designer for awhile. Not because I'm afraid of them "stealing" my amazing ideas (snort), but because of time most designer don't have.
I also don't take on CT members on 10 different teams. I don't care how good a scrapper he/she is. No one can spread themselves so thin to so many people and still be committed.
Giving product away to a CT member means you WANT something in return. Not some half-assed layout they made in a rush with a kit they barely liked.
I never get kits from the designers I CT for that aren't my style. Because I don't apply to every CT call that comes down the pipe. Only the ones who are a fit for me style-wise.
I disagree, it's not free. It takes time to sit down and make a LO worthy of advertisement. Sometimes you get stuck using products you would never use normally so you're wasting your time making a throwaway LO. Granted you do get some products that are right up your alley but not always. Plus, if I buy a kit I can scrap with it whenever the hell I want to. If I'm on a CT I have to have a LO done by a certain date whether I like the kit or not. ----------------------
So, if it's so much work and you have to make layouts right away with kits you don't like, why bother being on a CT? Just get your products the good old fashioned way....BUY THEM! That's what plenty of us are doing. Ah, but there's the rub...you don't want to buy them. You want them for...wait for it....FREE!
I also hope some of these $1000 numbers are true but no one I know personally made $3000 over the weekend, in a month yes but not in 2-3 days. Good for them if they aren't lying.
May 11, 2011 12:30 AM
----------------------------
My guess is that this weekend scrappers spent more money than an entire month. I know because I did.
I'm only on a couple CTs but if my designers make a kit that isn't my thing, I just pass that one up. I'll link to it in ISOs or something instead. I refuse to scrap pages that aren't for me. The designers of the teams I'm on have that same mentality and understand that.
This thread is so funny! I can count five different kits based on the same Americo's pack with monkeys. It makes me wonna search all shops I know for similar kits!
Might be an unpopular opinion, but I have to say, SO does a great job of making their forum seem like a fun place to hang out. That video is a lot of fun and very creative.
I've considered going to Digiscrapalooza, but I would much rather one of the stores I sell at do some sort of special event and then I would part with my money to go to that. Seems odd, maybe? To go to SO's shindig when you don't sell your designs there. Just my opinion, maybe.
Newish designer (just over 7 months) "mid-level" store (according to the chatter here) $3,218 _______________________________
Sorry but I don't believe you. Just using simple numbers and assuming you had some type of sale that put your average product price somewhere between $3-4 dollars that would mean you sold between 800 and 1000 kits/products in a two to three day time period. Nope, not buying it.
^^^^^ If you are a new designer (7 months or so), i find it hard to believe you could sell that many kits/products, and if you have a "Buy my store for $25", you might not have enough products to make it worth that much to get such a total.
Might be an unpopular opinion, but I have to say, SO does a great job of making their forum seem like a fun place to hang out. That video is a lot of fun and very creative. ------------
I, personally, consider stores in the middle to be (in no particular order): Gotta Pixel ScrapMatters Scrapbook Bytes The Digichick Zig Zag Scraps Digiscrappers Brasil 9th and Bloom Scrapbook Graphics ___________
You've got to be kidding. This list encompasses like 5 of the biggest stores out there: SBG, SM, TDC, GP and 9&B are all big name stores with big name designers and big traffic. So what does "Middle of the Road" mean to you? Aside from a site like Designer Digitals that gets it's fame from all the magazines it submits layouts to, these stores are at the very top of the pile, whether you like who currently sells there or not. So while we're calling BS on $3,000 sales, I call BS on you! Come and tell us what stores you think are tops? Because it sounds like it's only in your head. LOL!
I am an established designed at an established store. I only made $400 this NSD. I typically have made more but I did not offer the same specials this year as I did last year.
I do not doubt that some of the top designers made $1,000 or more this weekend. I have had collab splits with friends that have proved that those girls make a lot of money or at least more than me. And I do not doubt that someone who sells CU could have made $3,000 this weekend. There is a lot of money to be made off of designers desperate to make money off the rest of the world. And those people wait for sales like you wouldn't believe. (which I don't blame them for)
You've got to be kidding. This list encompasses like 5 of the biggest stores out there: SBG, SM, TDC, GP and 9&B are all big name stores with big name designers and big traffic. So what does "Middle of the Road" mean to you? Aside from a site like Designer Digitals that gets it's fame from all the magazines it submits layouts to, these stores are at the very top of the pile, whether you like who currently sells there or not. So while we're calling BS on $3,000 sales, I call BS on you! Come and tell us what stores you think are tops? Because it sounds like it's only in your head. LOL! --------
Actually, I think it's all in your head. None of those stores, with maybe the exception of SBG, are 'big stores' with 'big name designers' and 'big traffic'. 9th & Bloom since it's opening less than 8 or 10 months ago has already had quite a turnover from their original designer list.
I quite agree with the OP's original list, they are middle of the road, with the exception of SBG and I'm not even a fan of them.
See, I totally agree about SM, TDC, GP being middle of the road stores. TDC used to be a top store, but it's gone downhill. SM and GP are just...meh. _____
I think it's hard. As a store owner, you can only take what people apply to your store. It's not like these places can go out and handpick their teams. They can try, but you're not going to tear away a designer from a store they're happy at just to try to make your store #1. :lol:
I don't think that TDC has gone downhill--in fact I think it's a lot better than it was a few years ago. Well, okay, maybe I agree with you that right now they aren't as glorious as they used to be looking over the list of who is there. I think that they have had a few good designers leave them for other stores which you can't help because people always think the grass is greener on the other side. I don't see anyone I would consider "terrible" on their team. In fact there are a few that are new and I liked what I saw! There are also a few that offer way too much CU stuff, stuff that I already own and I'm not going to buy again, but you also have that problem at lots of other stores (SSD and SM come to mind). Anyway, my point was that I think a lot of things are out of these store owner's hands. I don't think the store is dead or dying by any means. It's still way up at the top in my mind. So are SM and GP. I don't know where you do your shopping, but if you're turning up your nose at those stores, you're missing out.
WV: trolow; as is you troll so low, baby! Knock it off!
I quite agree with the OP's original list, they are middle of the road, with the exception of SBG and I'm not even a fan of them.
^^^^
Still--nobody is posting another list of top stores. I'd like to hear that. I can't think of any higher. Where are you shopping that you think is so high and flipping awesome? LOL!
There is absolutely nothing at GP that impresses me. Sure they have been around forever, but it's a very beginner store. If you haven't shopped at store that has UNIQUE kits in it, GP might impress you.
As far as TDC and SM, I used to think of them as top stores, but now it seems like just about anyone can get in.
I think the only stores that are actually a challenge to get into, or are invite only are SBG, SO, TLP and SSD.
My top stores are my own top stores, too! Each to her own, right? I don't care how popular a certain shop is. I care that the designers I like sell good stuff--not recolored CU crap.
You know, that's why there are 30,000 digi shops in our digi world. It doesn't mean that one is bad and the other is good. They all have to have some measure of success or they wouldn't still be open. Site hosting is expensive. Or at least good site hosting is.
I think the only stores that are actually a challenge to get into, or are invite only are SBG, SO, TLP and SSD.
_____
Not everyone has success at SBG, SO and TLP. I've had several friends through the years who sold at all these shops and retired or moved due to money issues. SSD is probably different because of the crazy amounts of Kool Aid their customers drink. I've seen some real crap at SBG (to the point I was like "WTF, Desperate much?!") and lots of "meh" that I wouldn't buy at SO. It may be hard to get past the gate, but that doesn't mean much if once you are inside, you don't have stellar sales. I think the only store that truly stands out on your list is TLP. (Aside from Gina Miller,) everyone who sells there is really unique. Keep up the good work, TLP! Me likey.
I think the only store that truly stands out on your list is TLP. (Aside from Gina Miller,) everyone who sells there is really unique. Keep up the good work, TLP! Me likey. ---------
Hmm, I don't mind the store but I wouldn't go so far to say that everyone else is 'really' unique. Far from it. They have a few unique designers, but the rest, meh, some old some old.
Have to laugh, I see that Lauren Reid is selling with someone else under the name of Tattered Pear. Trying to hide the fact that she's been in practically every store over the last five years.
I doubt any of those are really known outside of their own forums and DST. In fact, I only know Sugarplum. The other two are names I've seen here, but I don't know them outside of this blog.
I personally think that the majority of the designers at those stores are better designers (technically and artistically) than the majority of designers at other stores.
Some people think SBG is a top shop. Some think it isn't. I guess that proves that this is all just a huge matter of opinion--which, don't get me wrong, is I think totally okay! I just wanted to toss a cold drink of reality in here less we all forget that this is a gossip blog.
Want another giggle check this out! http://www.simply-scraps.net/2011/05/ayo-baby-lets-goto-digiscrapapalooza.html
---------------------------------
I think the videos are played out now. They have become pretty predictable. They need something new. I'm sorry to say but, a bunch of weird looking women lip syncing to a song is not going to make me want to go to that event. The first one was nice...to miley cyrus. The second one was okay...this one...just boring. smh. again, they need something new.
I disagree, it's not free. It takes time to sit down and make a LO worthy of advertisement. Sometimes you get stuck using products you would never use normally so you're wasting your time making a throwaway LO. Granted you do get some products that are right up your alley but not always. Plus, if I buy a kit I can scrap with it whenever the hell I want to. If I'm on a CT I have to have a LO done by a certain date whether I like the kit or not. ----------------------
So, if it's so much work and you have to make layouts right away with kits you don't like, why bother being on a CT? Just get your products the good old fashioned way....BUY THEM! That's what plenty of us are doing. Ah, but there's the rub...you don't want to buy them. You want them for...wait for it....FREE!
----- If you'd read the rest I added this "I'm not complaining because I choose to be on CT's but it's not free. It's a trade." And I do buy the kits that I want and do not CT for. If I want it, I get it. It's $5-$8 a kit, not a big deal I was just saying that it's not free, the designer expects something in return. Get your panties out of a... wait for it... wad.
my top 5 , and some of them hardly crack a mention here
oscraps 2peas designer digitals sbg ssb
to each her own. Im curious are stores such as jessica sprague classed as digi stores or personal stores. It must be popular as I know that she has huge numbers signup for classes....I often find few gems there....
I'm the OP of the middle of the road list, and I'd like to add that in my original post, SBG was noted like this:
Scrapbook Graphics (while they may be on the upper end of the middle as far as sales, they lack the consistent quality one would expect from a top store)
THAT was my reasoning for putting them in the middle, but somehow that got left off when people quoted it. Also, they had Connie Prince guesting there. Seriously? How much grime do you need to scrape from the bottom of the barrel?
9th and Bloom a top shop? I laugh. They might have the building blocks for one, but they're not there yet. They lack the longevity and consistency required for a store to be "top shop" in my book.
TDC a top shop? I laugh again. While I don't consider them a BAD store by any means, they just have too many questionable designers (Mommyish, Mye immediately come to mind) and from what I've heard, sales there are pathetic.
GP a top shop? You really can't be serious. Any store that houses Connie Prince, Mye De Leon, and Trixie Scraps will NEVER be a top shop. Ever.
TDC a top shop? I laugh again. While I don't consider them a BAD store by any means, they just have too many questionable designers (Mommyish, Mye immediately come to mind) and from what I've heard, sales there are pathetic.
GP a top shop? You really can't be serious. Any store that houses Connie Prince, Mye De Leon, and Trixie Scraps will NEVER be a top shop. Ever.
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OK, we all know this is a gossip/smack blog, and we all come here to read/dish the dirt (myself included). No judgment. I do think, though, that it's absolutely pointless to start singling out individual designers and saying nasty things about them. What do all of the designers you listed above have in common? Their designs are busy, loud (bordering on giving you vertigo, depending on the LO's), and super-color saturated. Not your style, clearly. Not mine either. But, that's not to say they are crappy graphic designers, and each of them have huge followings (so clearly, someone out there loves it and is buying it. Not me, but someone. Actually, lots of someones!). Stores who house designers like that do it for a reason; there's a market for it. Does that make the store a crappy store? Not at all. Honestly, it makes the store owner an intelligent business person.
But I digress. My main point here (and I typically stay pretty quiet around here) is that it's ridiculous to start badmouthing individuals, just because you don't like their style. Have a quality issue with them? Definitely post that here. But calling out designers (and stores) doesn't do any of us good, because if we all did that, in the end we'd have a list of every designer in the universe here, and lots of ill feelings. What's the point? You hate Connie and Mye. Fine. I despise any/every designer who creates fantasy-LO type stuff. Ick. Doesn't mean their designs suck... just means I won't buy it. But if it's quality stuff, then why does that make it bad in general? Get my drift?
Hmm, wasn't familiar with Mommyish until the recent post, but just checked out her shop and actually like her more recent kits (the earlier stuff is way busier).
^^^^^ I buy from many designers, if there is something I like or need at that particular moment. But the first designer that came in my mind is Irene Alexeeva, although you'd call her designs more fantasy rather than traditional paper-like scraps.
My favorite designers are Lily Designs (at After Five)and Natali Designs (at Scrapbookgraphics). I also really like Jady Day Studios (ScrapMatters) Jennifer Barrett (Sweet Shoppe)and By Becca (9th & Bloom). There are other designers that I'll buy from depending on the kit but I like just about everything these ladies design.
it is entirely possible for someone to have made $3000 last weekend. I'm in an established store, had a pretty good discount on my stuff and before commissions I made $2675.
I'm sure most scrappers spent alot more money than normal, myself I must have spent $200 this weekend on stuff I had on my wishlists from various shops.
Anonymous said... it is entirely possible for someone to have made $3000 last weekend. I'm in an established store, had a pretty good discount on my stuff and before commissions I made $2675.
May 12, 2011 10:20 AM
I'm also established in an established store and made nearly $3000 this weekend as well. I had a really good discount and put out several new items on the discounted price.
I looked at the breakdown. I had around 400 sales with an average of just over $7 per sale. Not everyone spent that exact amount. A lot of people spent less, but a few people spent over $100 in one sale and a couple people bought nearly everything in my store which really upped my over all sales total.
I am absolutely certain that there are several designers that made more than $3000. It's quite possible.
If you'd read the rest I added this "I'm not complaining because I choose to be on CT's but it's not free. It's a trade." And I do buy the kits that I want and do not CT for. If I want it, I get it. It's $5-$8 a kit, not a big deal I was just saying that it's not free, the designer expects something in return. Get your panties out of a... wait for it... wad.
--------------------
Good news! My panties were never in a wad. Yours, however, I do wonder about. I'm not the one getting all defensive because my CT work is, apparently being undervalued.
OMG, Rachel Jefferies (Captivated Visions), please cool it on FB! In the past 10 hours alone, 10 posts have shown up from you in the newsfeed. Constructive advice: pick what's important, and stick to a couple of posts a day. Soon, you're going to get so annoying that you'll make even die-hard fans like me want to stop following you. Just a matter of time.
(in fact, a lot of designers could benefit from listening to this advice...)
I am just an average scrapper, not a designer. I am not active on any CT's, although I have been in the past. I am not active in any "scrapbook community", I don't post on the message boards, and I don't post my layouts online anymore. I read the Digi boards for entertainment, and am constantly amazed at what people share on the internet. I freely admit to reading the scrapbook smack blogs, it is a guilty pleasure.
You can email me at: DSTHallofFame@gmail.com
2,036 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1001 – 1200 of 2036 Newer› Newest»Shabby Pickle has 2 new collabs, if you buy the one that's $5.00 the other one comes up free. It's supposed to be $10.00 but everything is 50% off.
I just downloaded a True Blue blog freebie and OMG. How can you manage to get jagged edges on a CIRCLE? It's horrible. I can't believe she sold at SBG. I really can't. I
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Why? She's not the first designer at SBG, former and current, who has quality issues. Why so surprised?
New owner of digishoptalk.com:
Registrant:
Gaurav Singh
20300 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 330
Woodland Hills, California 91364
United States
He's from Crowdgather, a site interested only in forum traffic. DST, the site, is dead.
^^^
since when has DST been alive in recent history? it's just a dumping ground for CTs and a money vacuum for people naive enough to pay for advertising there.
New owner of digishoptalk.com:
Registrant:
Gaurav Singh
20300 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 330
Woodland Hills, California 91364
United States
He's from Crowdgather, a site interested only in forum traffic. DST, the site, is dead.
-------
Old news.
So, which designers have hiked their prices before their big NSD sale?
I want to know before I shop.
download anything from the DSA blog train?
http://digiscrapaddicts.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21521
IMO: worth downloading:
pink reptile
kcb
suzyq
chelle
shawna
laura b
most of the temps look good but i don't use many, so i didn't download.
" What store has the best free with $10.00 purchase collab? Are any of them really good?
May 6, 2011 10:43 PM"
^^^
The only one I've gotten so far is the one at A5, and I'm pleased with it. http://www.afterfivedesigns.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=3217&cat=11&page=1
I'll probably get the one at 9th & bloom, too: https://ninthandbloom.com/shop/product.php?productid=1940&cat=13&page=1 . haven't seen any at other stores that interest me yet.
Any decent blog trains? (other than the DSA one)
So, which designers have hiked their prices before their big NSD sale?
I want to know before I shop.
-------------------------------
SBG
Is there an inside story to Digital Dandelions? It looks like a store that's out of business but left the sign up.
They just opened - from ex-Little Dreamer Designs people + others ... why do you ask?
So, which designers have hiked their prices before their big NSD sale?
I want to know before I shop.
-------------------------------
SBG
----------
REALLY???? Do you have a definite comparison or it is just an impression?
Is there an inside story to Digital Dandelions? It looks like a store that's out of business but left the sign up.
--------------
They just opened - from ex-Little Dreamer Designs people + others ... why do you ask?
-----
I ask because there is nothing on their blog, no sale(s) in their store, no happy iNSD message in their store, no nuttin'.
It's as if they closed before they opened...then the Little Dreamer "watch this space" message at their website. I just think there is an inside story here.
Mom, let me out. Let me ouuuuut!
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn60/stampin_rachel/right-accent---May11-cs.jpg
http://www.catscrap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10403
^^^^^
I think it's cute, wold have looked better though if the baby's face was in the center, rather than off to the side.
So, which designers have hiked their prices before their big NSD sale?
I want to know before I shop.
-------------------------------
SBG
-------------
Balls! None of the designers I shopped with raised their prices prior to iNSD, in fact, some of them already had discounts in place, and then had further coupons.
Not this year - last fall at the very least - not all but some "apparently"
^^^^
Right, like I said, balls. Don't care about last year and don't care that it was only apparently. I'm not a big fan of SBG, but BS from whomever it was for the sake of BS just annoys me.
Are you f**king kidding me?! Polka Dot Plum has been down all day again. LAME!
and wtf sells their store for $5.95. lame.
Are you f**king kidding me?! Polka Dot Plum has been down all day again. LAME!
May 7, 2011 10:25 PM
---
omg, end of the world. :P
Designers, if you want people to download your freebies, DON'T USE 4SHARED! I refuse to download from that site and I know for a fact that I am not alone. I have no problem skipping your freebies, but I'm assuming you're offering them because you'd like people to actually sample your work. You're losing out on potential new customers if you use that site.
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
Anonymous said...
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
May 8, 2011 2:02 AM
---------------------------------
Define "good store"
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
-----------
These days? It's always been like that.
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
-----------------------
Or maybe there is something else going on. Like you aren't a good fit style-wise or they only wanted a certain number of designers and there were other designers the store preferred.
Or maybe, just maybe, your design abilities just aren't as good as you think they are? Without seeing them or knowing which stores, its really hard to guess at why they didn't take you.
What exactly does one have to do to get into a "good store" if their designs are already really good? It seems that the only way you are going to get into a good store these days is if you know someone. Why isn't the selection process solely based on design abilities rather than who you have CTed for or who you know...etc???
May 8, 2011 2:02 AM
----------------
It may not be a matter of who your friends are, but who your friends aren't.
Women are catty bitches and will spread lies about you quicker than a fat kid on a cupcake. Heaven forbid if you don't kiss everyone's ass to get to the "good stores." Then you're just a bitch. And that wont open any doors for you.
i think that in order to get into the 'good' stores (imo- SO, SSD, TLP), there are a few things to consider:
-are your designs a good fit there?
- do you have something to offer that their current designers don't already have?
-how long have you been around for? have you given the impression that you're in it for the long haul? or do you stick around and then disappear for months at a time?
-are you active at their site and in their gallery?
the whole 'knowing people' thing is true. how else can someone judge your character or level of commitment? why should a store owner take a chance on someone they don't know and that none of their designers know?
Designers, if you want people to download your freebies, DON'T USE 4SHARED! I refuse to download from that site and I know for a fact that I am not alone. I have no problem skipping your freebies, but I'm assuming you're offering them because you'd like people to actually sample your work. You're losing out on potential new customers if you use that site.
^^^^^^^^
I'd much rather 4-shared than mediafire...it opens up new advertising windows that won't close without closing my browser.
As far as the iNSD blog trains...
I liked the DSA one. I downloaded about 75% of it and didn't delete much. And what I did delete was just personal preference, not bad quality.
I downloaded about 35-40% of the Gotta Pixel blog train. Some of it just looked like crap.
I didn't even bother with the MScraps or ScrapMatters blog train since it was all/mostly QPs or clusters or other crap I don't want or use.
I heard there was one for ZigZag, but couldn't find anything about it on their blog.
I didn't bother with the FPD FB train because the colors are awful.
***dances in - Happy Mother's Day - dances out***
10:21 - my thoughts exactly. I appreciated that most of DSA's downloads were direct loads from the designers sites and not on a file sharing server.
Start here for ZigZag - http://pinkreptiledesigns.blogspot.com/
She has 4 freebies on there (3 freebies and a fb fan freebie) all of which I really liked, but then I like PRD, so YMMV.
I like 4-shared. I prefer it in fact, so to each her own. If you use Foxfire- download "skip screen" the add on, and you can fly through these blog hops, then go back at your leisure to post your thank yous. as if.
Oscraps has a collab "Life" for $3.00. It's unusual, and not all will love it, but it's worth a look.
My new favorite designer is Jen Yurko at MScraps.
No relation in any way shape or form to anyone mentioned above. They wouldn't know me from Adam.
since when is Jen Yurko at MScraps???
Jen Yurko isn't at MScraps. Someone is confused. She's at SHCO and DSB.
I have confused myself - my new favorite designer is Yoshiko Designs at MScraps. (Not that Jen Yurko isn't a fine designer)
My apologies. I have actually found a LOT of new designers this weekend. People I had never heard of at ALL. Sometimes they keep putting out spectacular things I just have to have, and sometimes they fall back to mediocrity, but for this weekend, I have some new favorites. (I'd post who they are, but I feel like I need to QC what I have from them for fear their quality isn't as wonderful as their previews)
I guess what I'm also saying is that while there are new designers putting out junk, and some say the industry has gone to crap, there are sooo many that have a LOT of design talent. Assuming these people are actually new and not just "new to me".
As people have said on here before, I just wish they'd all magically land in the same store!
@ May 8, 2011 1:00 PM
Thank you for the ZigZag blog train link.
I downloaded about half of it and then deleted half of what I downloaded.
SO, SSD, TLP???
They stand for what? I'm bad with abbreviations.
^^^^^^
Scrap Orchard, Sweet Shop Designs, The LilyPad. Though I don't necessarily agree these are the "good" stores. Its all a matter of opinion.
Out of those "good" stores I only bought from sweet shoppe and that was only 1 item.
Most of my money went to After Five Designs, The Digi Chick, Scrappity-Doo-Dah, ZigZag Scraps, 9th & Bloom, and Scrapbook-Bytes.
I didn't buy anything at those stores, either. In fact, I didn't even visit them this weekend. Where did I buy? 9th & Bloom, Scrapbookgraphics, After 5.
Sweet Shoppe Designs- Normally love but they are getting repetitive, meaning all of the kits look the same or like something that has been done a hundred times
The Lily Pad - Great store, original designs for the most part but didn't buy anything from iNSD
Scrap Orchard - Like almost every designer there
After Five Designs - Ok, most of the time... I have a few designers that keep me going there
The Digi Chick - Gross, though I do like Disasterpiece
Scrappity-Doo-Dah- Double Gross
ZigZag Scraps- Looks decent, never purchased from there though
9th & Bloom - Love a bunch of the designers here and they had some great sales
Scrapbook-Bytes- Haven't been there in years, not my cup of tea
Everyone has different opinions about what a "good" store is.
^^^^^^
I can't believe you said Digi Chick was gross then mentioned you like After 5, 9th & Bloom and Scrap Orchard. What the heck is the difference between those places? None that I can see.
^^^the difference is that TDC has a good number of iffy designers whereas the other stores have original and quality stuff. i know that if i buy from anyone at SO, it's going to be a good product. TDC has gone way downhill in the past year. they do have a handful of creative designers there still.
some SSD designers need to work on their recoloring skills (traci reed) but overall, same goes for that store. rarely have i been disappointed when i've bought from SSD.
Sweet Shoppe Designs- Normally love but they are getting repetitive, meaning all of the kits look the same or like something that has been done a hundred times
---------------------
I was going to say the same thing. I used to like them at first but all the stuff looks identical.
Which leads me to wonder why everyone makes a fuss over KCB. Is it her quality? I have seen better looking kits in "lesser known" stores.
Which leads me to wonder why everyone makes a fuss over KCB. Is it her quality? I have seen better looking kits in "lesser known" stores.
May 8, 2011 7:25 PM
____
the quality is there, and you can tell that she is very detail oriented. i like her color palettes a lot :)
Alright - time for the designers to spill - a. do you consider yourself new/established? b. how much did you make this weekend (pre-commission)
I don't consider myself new but I'm not "famous" in digi land. I made $566.69 before commission this weekend.
That was me above. I messed up adding everything up. I accidentally added some sales after commission. I made $631.17 before commission.
Do you want a cookie?
Um, no, not exactly. She asked a question, I answered it.
hands up if you bought absolutely nothing this weekend?
I'll go first, me!
I didn't buy anything. I am new!
I didn't buy much but did grab a few things, less than $20 worth.
I was busy scrapping and realized going through my stuff just how much I have and don't use.
I did spend less then $10 at oscraps (is this considered a good store? its never mentioned much here) I trolled through after 5, SSD and scrapmatters but couldnt find anything that thrilled me. I downloaded some freebies from the blog train and deleted most of it.
so all in all a blah weekend...
I wanted to shop. I looked for HOURS. I remembered last year how I shopped and shopped and shopped. I tried, I really did, to shop this year. I spent a grand total of $13 - it was all at SO in their $1 Farmer's Market.
I have so much now I can't imagine being bothered to pay full price for anything. I guess I'm kinda jaded.
i am somewhere between new and established. i made just under $300, and i'm happy with that for the amount of work i put in.
Established. Just over $1200
^^^
How does that compare to a "normal" day/week/month for an established designer?
new designer (6 months new): $1140
^^^
In addition to whether you are a new/established designer, we should ask if you are in a new/established store too! That can make a difference.
I did spend less then $10 at oscraps (is this considered a good store? its never mentioned much here) I trolled through after 5, SSD and scrapmatters but couldnt find anything that thrilled me. I downloaded some freebies from the blog train and deleted most of it.
so all in all a blah weekend...
-------------------------
I spent the majority of my budget at oScraps this weekend, too (paislee press, one little bird and fei fei's stuff). I do a lot of everyday pages (my kids are past the little kid age) and their designs work well for how i scrap so I shop there a lot now. I think the reason they don't come up on this blog much is because there doesn't seem to be much drama there, so there's nothing to talk about?
I did find one or two things at ScrapMatters and The Lilypad, too. Their products just don't fit my scrapping needs anymore, though, since I have more themed products than I know what to do with anymore. I shop more for color/mood and multi-use elements now.
I eyed a couple of kits at CatScrap, too, but I hear from some of their CT members (past and present) that the girls who run the store are sort of bullies/jerks who think their $h*t doesn't stink, so i hesitate to throw money that direction and reward that sort of behavior. Can anyone else verify that?
In addition to whether you are a new/established designer, we should ask if you are in a new/established store too! That can make a difference.
__________________________
middle of the road store. it's all about making it a full time business with lots of advertising. my goal is 2k a month. it's additional income. if i made less than 1k i wouldn't do it.
^^^
Wow... many designers don't make 2K in a whole year!
What I would like to know, and yes, I know its been brought up before....but these "middle of the road" stores..and I know which ones they are....how do you get in? I have emailed, pm'd - you name it, and not an answer at all. No - its NOT my design work. I have been accepted at other "middle" shops....but don't like the drama involved at one, and the owner is a bitch at the other. I know I could join them, but I would NOT be happy there (I need to feel comfortable where I sell....its about the $$, but not at my own expense). So - I know its been said its who you know...but when you don't know these people, HOW do you get the heck in?????
get to know the forum members/customers, make yourself seen and make a good impression :)
What are the middle of the road stores? I've seen everyone mention what they think are top stores but I guess I missed the conversations involving the middle ground.
I sell at what most would consider a "middle of the road" store. I can say without a doubt that making product that doesn't look like what 5 other designers currently in the store already make is a huge factor. You could have great quality and do well in sales at your current store, but if it's more of the same, you wont get in.
Some of the same is good for sales, but in most shops, variety is key.
I've also done QC on designer submissions and I will say, I've been shocked at the blurriness (even at 50%), stray pixels, lack of attention to detail (such as shadows where they don't belong and dpi's at 72) from designers at other "middle of the road" shops.
And I agree with the above poster, being active at the site doesn't hurt.
What are the middle of the road stores? I've seen everyone mention what they think are top stores but I guess I missed the conversations involving the middle ground.
May 9, 2011 12:58 PM
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I think a store in the middle is defined by overall good quality (whether it's your style or not) and decent sales (but not top sales).
I, personally, consider stores in the middle to be (in no particular order):
Gotta Pixel
ScrapMatters
Scrapbook Bytes
The Digichick
Zig Zag Scraps
Digiscrappers Brasil
9th and Bloom
Scrapbook Graphics (while they may be on the upper end of the middle as far as sales, they lack the consistent quality one would expect from a top store)
I, personally, consider stores in the middle to be (in no particular order):
Gotta Pixel
ScrapMatters
Scrapbook Bytes
The Digichick
Zig Zag Scraps
Digiscrappers Brasil
9th and Bloom
Scrapbook Graphics (while they may be on the upper end of the middle as far as sales, they lack the consistent quality one would expect from a top store)
---
Some of these often get put in the top stores from what I've seen. SBG as you mentioned, 9th & Bloom, Scrapbook-Bytes, ScrapMatters (though not often)
I would love to know the average sales of designers at each store and make a more accurate list but no store owner would give up that information, nor would every designer which would be essential to making it accurate.
^^^^
But you could make an anonymous poll in the DST forum. MAYBE you will get some global figures?
Who has had some good CU stuff for sale this weekend? I'm just looking for "basic" things most of us are too lazy to extract.. I'll admit it.. I AM TOO LAZY TO EXTRACT!!!!
I eyed a couple of kits at CatScrap, too, but I hear from some of their CT members (past and present) that the girls who run the store are sort of bullies/jerks who think their $h*t doesn't stink, so i hesitate to throw money that direction and reward that sort of behavior. Can anyone else verify that?
May 9, 2011 11:46 AM
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I have never heard that before. Who runs Catscrap?
I like several of the designers at Catscrap. I wouldn't stop buying from them just because their admin is a bully to them and/or the CTMs.
Who has had some good CU stuff for sale this weekend? I'm just looking for "basic" things most of us are too lazy to extract.. I'll admit it.. I AM TOO LAZY TO EXTRACT!!!!
May 9, 2011 3:31 PM
_____________________________________
Wendy Page has good basic flowers. Rachael's Scraps has tons of basics. Most are good quality. I've seen a few grab bags with basics in them from various designers: Chelle's Creations, GeniaBeania, Wishing Well, Inspiredbydominic, Lisete, Rachael's Scraps. There are probably a lot more. I have some things from some of those designers but have no tried all of them. That is just what I remember seeing.
disasterpiece at TDC has great CU
Any time I read something like, "who has great CU" here, I feel like it's just a big opening for the same person to come back and post their own product.
I'm sure I'm often wrong and that it's mostly legit posting, but that's what I think of when I see it.
Original "I want CU stuff and I'm lazy" poster here.. hate to say I didn't reply to my own post LOL I like disasterpiece but there hasn't been anything new posted from her in what seems like FOREVER!
Ok, so after reading the "meh" for TDC I went to check it out. I remember it from way back in the day when it was brown. Weird way to describe a site, I know.. anyway. I didn't see any like.. "terribad" designers there. Found a few I didn't know about. Elise's Pieces (I ended up buying her grab bag and I'm not disappointed) Danielle Engebreston also had a nice grab bag.. um sugarplum paperie's stuff is very pretty and soft looking. Karen Lewis is another nice designer. Maybe I should focus on the bad ones? Mommyish seems kinda' hit or miss.. same with Madame Wing. Too many designers to go through.. does anyone else find that drop down thingie annoying? It would work if there wasn't FIVE ZILLION designers.
I bought a few things from Sweet Shoppe this weekend as well. Let's see.. the kit I liked was from Shawna Clingerman. Then something that was a collab by Jenn and Valorie Wibbens. Which has since made me hunt her down (she's at the Lily Pad) Her kits are super cute!
I'm really loving CatScraps lately! It seems like their products are getting cuter.. and it did seem to me there had been a little slump.
Speaking of slumps.. I personally think CU is ruining digital scrapbooking. It allows anyone who can come up with a color palette to "create" a kit : ie - recolor.. and badly.
As for me I try to find kits that are unique and "reusable" I'm not the type that buys one kit for one layout.. I want to use a kit over and over again!
SOOOOOOOO that being said.
What's your favorite go to kit?
Ok, so after reading the "meh" for TDC I went to check it out. I remember it from way back in the day when it was brown. Weird way to describe a site, I know.. anyway. I didn't see any like.. "terribad" designers there. Found a few I didn't know about. Elise's Pieces (I ended up buying her grab bag and I'm not disappointed) Danielle Engebreston also had a nice grab bag.. um sugarplum paperie's stuff is very pretty and soft looking. Karen Lewis is another nice designer. Maybe I should focus on the bad ones? Mommyish seems kinda' hit or miss.. same with Madame Wing. Too many designers to go through.. does anyone else find that drop down thingie annoying? It would work if there wasn't FIVE ZILLION designers.
---
The drop down menu makes me want to scream. That is honestly one of the main reasons I won't shop there. If I do it's to go to something specific that I've seen posted elsewhere.
They were a much better store before. Now it seems like they take whoever applies. Too many designers not worth my time in one place + annoying drop down = me not shopping there
I eyed a couple of kits at CatScrap, too, but I hear from some of their CT members (past and present) that the girls who run the store are sort of bullies/jerks who think their $h*t doesn't stink, so i hesitate to throw money that direction and reward that sort of behavior. Can anyone else verify that?
0------------
Sounds like some bitter CTMs who were probably told to shape up or ship out. In all the years I've been in digi I've never heard a bad word about the owners of CatScrap and I've been around since before the store even opened.
I've had dealings with Catrine, Syrin and Shen (who is an admin there) and they are all sweethearts.
^^^
Wow... many designers don't make 2K in a whole year!
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Snort. Even in my very worst year I made that much and my sales were pretty crap some months.
^^^^^^
well, aren't you the diva?
^^^^^
No, just saying. If they are making less than 2K in a year, they need to rethink it. I don't want to hear about how much fun it is either; in that case, just give it away.
^^^^^
I wish I knew who you are so that I could make sure to not buy from you.
^^^^^
Right, whatever. Not sure what your problem is. First I'm a diva, not sure why, and now you won't buy from me?
If someone is happy with what they make who are you to tell them what they should be doing or saying. Worry about yourself.
I am not the person that made the diva comment. You did come off sounding like one though.
I have an opinion, just like everyone else. Who are you to tell me that I'm a diva? Oh right, it's opinion, just like mine.
And quite honestly, I'd rather be a diva and making money, than slaving away and making nothing. But each to their own.
PS: I never told anyone what they should be saying, I did, however, say I didn't want to hear it. See the difference?
Established Designer
Established Store
Gross Sales from NSD: $1,810
I've been lurking on this blog for a couple of weeks and every time I think the same thing: Do you act/talk like this offline?
Please do not think I am being rude. I'm not being rude in the least; just curious. It is just that some behavior shocks me and makes me wonder if people are more confrontational since it is online and there aren't any faces when you post 'publish'
~srd
No, I'm the same bitch here as I am in real life....and I get daily phone calls from friends starting like this: "I know you're the one person who will tell me the truth...", so some people can't stand me, and some people can.
Newish Designer
Not established store
$325
No, I'm the same bitch here as I am in real life....and I get daily phone calls from friends starting like this: "I know you're the one person who will tell me the truth...", so some people can't stand me, and some people can.
May 9, 2011 9:08 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^
Gee I sure wish I had a friend I could call up every day so they could say shitty things to me.
No, I'm the same bitch here as I am in real life....and I get daily phone calls from friends starting like this: "I know you're the one person who will tell me the truth...", so some people can't stand me, and some people can.
May 9, 2011 9:08 PM
_____
Thanks for being honest.
I have a few friends who I know will tell me the truth even though it might hurt so I understand.
~srd
I don't say rude, bitchy things here and I don't in real life either. however, people will interpret things their own way, here and in real life.
Gee I sure wish I had a friend I could call up every day so they could say shitty things to me.
May 9, 2011 9:41 PM
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Oh grow up.
No, I'm the same bitch here as I am in real life....and I get daily phone calls from friends starting like this: "I know you're the one person who will tell me the truth...", so some people can't stand me, and some people can.
---
I'm one of these people too, my friends always know they will get the truth from me but there are ways to tell the truth without being a complete bitch.
^^^^
True, but some people don't really want to hear the truth, even if they are asking you, so you end up being a bitch, to them that is, anyway.
Designing for 2+ years (is that established?)
In one of those "middle" stores
Gross Sales for the weekend: $2400+
What's a typical month? $1500
I'm curious as to how many stores those of you with $1000+ sales for the weekend are in. Is it just one or more?
Have to love it when people who claim "they don't read/post on the smack blog" forget to use the anonymous button and get outed.
Just curious since we're talking about established, non-established and middle of the road stores here.
Would any of you even consider purchasing from a brand new store, brand new designer, or maybe to rephrase that, a new designer that maybe you might have seen around in galleries, forums as a regular scrapper? Like quite a few of our top designers started?
What if the new designer was someone you weren't very familiar with? Would you give them a chance or just write them off as yet another new designer/store in digi world? Especially since we're so over saturated.
I've bought CU on sale (like 50% off) from new-to-me designers and been burned and also pleased. Re: kits - since I'm a designer I only buy from designers I respect as a designer. So no - I wouldn't buy from someone I'd never heard of. That being said - if I don't like the public persona of a designer I definitely won't buy from them - even when I like their stuff
^^^
How does one earn your respect?
I would buy from a new designer. I think everyone deserves a chance.
I base a lot of my impressions on the way they interact with fans on their facebook page. I don't care about forums like DST because I don't. But are they friendly - interacting - etc with fans on facebook? For me that matters.
I bought nothing, and downloaded nothing. I spent my time scrapping instead.
Newish designer (just over 7 months)
"mid-level" store (according to the chatter here)
$3,218
OMG I feel like such a failure.
Don't. There is no way to know what is being posted here is true. I would not put it past some of the people that post here to lie just so others believe they are doing badly and quit, thus getting rid of some potential competition.
Um.... right. Well, I made more than I usually make in a month, but nowhere near thousands of dollars. *hangs head in shame*
Does anyone have any insight on Two Peas? Wondering if it would be worth it selling there.
http://stuff.icanhascheezburger.com/2010/06/24/cute-kawaii-stuff-digital-scrapbooking-never-looked-cuter/
--------------------------
That doll looks like one of Chuckie's offspring LOL
Would any of you even consider purchasing from a brand new store, brand new designer, or maybe to rephrase that, a new designer that maybe you might have seen around in galleries, forums as a regular scrapper? Like quite a few of our top designers started?
------------
I'm not sure which top designers you are referring too, but sure, I'd buy from a designer I'd not heard of before. I've done it in the past
If I like the preview of the kit, I'm likely to try a new designer. Have often and found quite a few designers that I ended up buying from over and over. I think if you're completely new, invest a bit of time in making your previews shine, that's how you'll get people to at least look at your stuff. Not sure about anyone else, but I always check the product gallery at DST, so might be a place to start?
^^^^
I never check there, well, sometimes I do and then I wonder why I did.
if ANYONE believes the bullshit that is posted on this page regarding who made how much $$$ then if you feel like a failure its your own fault. 3000 bucks my sweet ass. you are all crazy. PROVE IT.
Just because you aren't capable of making that much, doesn't mean that other designers aren't. You don't have to be upset about it. It's ok, really.
if ANYONE believes the bullshit that is posted on this page regarding who made how much $$$ then if you feel like a failure its your own fault. 3000 bucks my sweet ass. you are all crazy. PROVE IT.
May 10, 2011 6:40 PM
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how exactly are they supposed to prove it? Anything posted here you aren't gong to believe anyway. geez, some people.
What do you guys think of stores posting CT calls but not allowing designers to apply? I wanted to apply to Scrap Orchard's CT call they posted last week but it says designers aren't allowed to apply. I think it's a little unfair.
I can understand it. They want people who are going to put their store first, it's in their best interest, whereas a designer is going to put herself, her business first. But, I have to say, I was disheartened to see it too as I also thought about applying. Maybe I should just become a designer there.
I think it's a little unfair.
------
Why?
I think it's a little unfair.
------
Why?
---
I'm not the original person who stated it was a little unfair but I also believe that. I was also going to apply but couldn't because I'm a designer. I've been on many CT's while designing and I actually put MORE effort into them than I did before I was a designer. I know how important good LO's can be, I know it's important to meet deadlines so the LO's can make it into the newsletter or for advertising in general, I know what I look for in LO's for my own products and strive for that same quality,... Just because I design doesn't mean that is all I do. I was a scrapper first and will always be a scrapper regardless of where my designing goes. I don't apply to CT's often so that I can give them all of the attention they deserve on top of my designing and life. I love most of the designers at Scrap Orchard so I would have loved to be on their CT, but their loss (not just me but every designer that would have been a good CTM that wanted to apply).
^^^^
thanks for the answer.
I don't blame Scrap Orchard. I won't take other designers on my own CT, either. It's a conflict of interest for you to run a competing business to theirs and of course, they would be suspect of a designer wanting to be on their CT and get the "inside" scoop. I am, too, which is why no designers are allowed on my team.
That's part of the problem with this industry. Everyone expects it to run like a damn social club. Smart business people look out for their own interests and don't allow their inner circle to be filled with those who would seek to compete with them.
As for the person who claims she made $3000 this weekend from a mid level store, I also cry bullshit. I'm in a couple mid level stores and based on what I saw this weekend, I highly doubt you made that much, unless you are in something like 10 stores. Even then, I doubt it. I don't need proof because I'm pretty sure you're lying.
I don't blame Scrap Orchard. I won't take other designers on my own CT, either. It's a conflict of interest for you to run a competing business to theirs and of course, they would be suspect of a designer wanting to be on their CT and get the "inside" scoop. I am, too, which is why no designers are allowed on my team.
That's part of the problem with this industry. Everyone expects it to run like a damn social club. Smart business people look out for their own interests and don't allow their inner circle to be filled with those who would seek to compete with them.
-----
It is a business but it's not like every industry. Nearly every designer I know is also a scrapper so the majority of them would like to be on CT's and not to sabotage another designer but to scrap because that's what they love to do and probably why they got into designing to begin with.
That's just being paranoid to believe that every single designer that wants to be on a CT is trying to get the inside scoop or ruin what you have. More than likely they want to be on your CT because they respect you and/or love your designs.
My father owns a very successful business, has for over 30 years, and he does work with other people in the same position as him. He works with competing businesses and even hires them sometimes. He makes millions a year and I know you don't do so designing scrapbook kits so I'll have to disagree with you. Actually if I knew who you were I'd make sure to never buy from you. People with your attitude are what's wrong with this industry.
Nothing is ruining the industry. I keep hearing it and have been hearing it for four years now and I'm not seeing any ruination whatsoever. Quite the reverse, there's more stores and more designers now than then. Ruins? I don't think so.
if they don't want to accept designers from competing stores, that's their decision. it's their biz, they'll run it the way they like.
More than likely they want to be on your CT because they respect you and/or love your designs.
--------------
Yeah? As a fellow designer, they could respect them more by purchasing their producing, instead of wanting it for free, don't you think?
I have several designers on my CT. It doesn't bother me a bit. It also doesn't bother me that SO doesn't want designers on their team. CTMs are a dime a dozen. If they feel like they are better served by having non-designer CTMs, there are certainly enough non-designer CT'ers out there that fit that bill. If that's how they want to run their team, it's their choice to make.
It does suck for the designers that want on their team, but maybe you can work around that by applying to the individual teams of the specific designers at SO who you really love.
On another note, I don't know if the $3000 poster is lying or not, but I do absolutely know that it is possible to have made that much this weekend. Actually, I'm really glad to see so many say that they did so well. I hope it is true, because it seems like a good sign for the future of the economy. At least with regards to our hobby.
Yeah? As a fellow designer, they could respect them more by purchasing their producing, instead of wanting it for free, don't you think?
May 10, 2011 10:30 PM
---------------------------------
Could not agree with you more.
Also tired of hearing "that's what is wrong with" or "that is what ruins" this industry. Everybody is so nosy and so in each other's business. Buy from the people you like and respect. Ignore everyone else. We all need to learn to live and let live. I swear it would be so much more fun to work in this biz if everyone did.
You can not like SO's decision, but that doesn't mean they are wrong. It's their business and they can do what they want.
Yeah? As a fellow designer, they could respect them more by purchasing their producing, instead of wanting it for free, don't you think?
May 10, 2011 10:30 PM
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It's not free when you have to produce so many LO's per new release or whatever their requirements may be. Legally it's considered a barter exchange and 1099's should be given out to CTM's so not free at all.
And yes I was one of the above posters that stated they didn't think it was fair to not allow designers to apply however I never said it was wrong. It IS their decision and I respect that. My opinion is that it's not fair just as their opinion, obviously, is that it is fair. I'll continue to shop there as long as the designers I like are there. I don't hold it against them, especially the designers there who didn't even make that decision.
Stating an opinion on something doesn't mean my world revolves around that subject or that I'm too concerned with their decisions or being nosy.
I also hope some of these $1000 numbers are true but no one I know personally made $3000 over the weekend, in a month yes but not in 2-3 days. Good for them if they aren't lying.
It's not free when you have to produce so many LO's per new release or whatever their requirements may be. Legally it's considered a barter exchange and 1099's should be given out to CTM's so not free at all.
----
Oh please, give me a break, it's free. Most designers only ask for one LO per kit.
I disagree, it's not free. It takes time to sit down and make a LO worthy of advertisement. Sometimes you get stuck using products you would never use normally so you're wasting your time making a throwaway LO. Granted you do get some products that are right up your alley but not always. Plus, if I buy a kit I can scrap with it whenever the hell I want to. If I'm on a CT I have to have a LO done by a certain date whether I like the kit or not.
I'm not complaining because I choose to be on CT's but it's not free. It's a trade.
If you don't like the kit, don't scrap with it. Have some integrity and tell your designer you don't like it. Sheesh.
I've been on a few CTs myself and I still maintain that it's free.
Store CTs are a lot of time and commitment and I can 100% understand SO not wanting designers. I'm sure half the designers wanting on the CT also wish they could sell there, but either aren't good enough to get in or haven't bothered to actually apply the old fashioned way - on their own merit.
I almost never take designers onto my CT unless I knew them before I was a designer or have known them as a designer for awhile. Not because I'm afraid of them "stealing" my amazing ideas (snort), but because of time most designer don't have.
I also don't take on CT members on 10 different teams. I don't care how good a scrapper he/she is. No one can spread themselves so thin to so many people and still be committed.
Giving product away to a CT member means you WANT something in return. Not some half-assed layout they made in a rush with a kit they barely liked.
I never get kits from the designers I CT for that aren't my style. Because I don't apply to every CT call that comes down the pipe. Only the ones who are a fit for me style-wise.
I disagree, it's not free. It takes time to sit down and make a LO worthy of advertisement. Sometimes you get stuck using products you would never use normally so you're wasting your time making a throwaway LO. Granted you do get some products that are right up your alley but not always. Plus, if I buy a kit I can scrap with it whenever the hell I want to. If I'm on a CT I have to have a LO done by a certain date whether I like the kit or not.
----------------------
So, if it's so much work and you have to make layouts right away with kits you don't like, why bother being on a CT? Just get your products the good old fashioned way....BUY THEM! That's what plenty of us are doing. Ah, but there's the rub...you don't want to buy them. You want them for...wait for it....FREE!
I also hope some of these $1000 numbers are true but no one I know personally made $3000 over the weekend, in a month yes but not in 2-3 days. Good for them if they aren't lying.
May 11, 2011 12:30 AM
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My guess is that this weekend scrappers spent more money than an entire month. I know because I did.
I'm only on a couple CTs but if my designers make a kit that isn't my thing, I just pass that one up. I'll link to it in ISOs or something instead. I refuse to scrap pages that aren't for me. The designers of the teams I'm on have that same mentality and understand that.
Did you discover any new to you designers as a result of iNSD? Please share. Looking for something new to check out.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/search-100/iso-monkeys-277145/index2.html
This thread is so funny! I can count five different kits based on the same Americo's pack with monkeys. It makes me wonna search all shops I know for similar kits!
That is funny.. cute monkey vectors though!
Want another giggle check this out!
http://www.simply-scraps.net/2011/05/ayo-baby-lets-goto-digiscrapapalooza.html
Want another giggle check this out!
http://www.simply-scraps.net/2011/05/ayo-baby-lets-goto-digiscrapapalooza.html
May 11, 2011 9:50 AM
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Haha, that's awesome! Does anyone that DIDN'T go to the retreat last time plan on going this time around?
I love how everyone uses the same vectors. How original, lol.
Might be an unpopular opinion, but I have to say, SO does a great job of making their forum seem like a fun place to hang out. That video is a lot of fun and very creative.
I've considered going to Digiscrapalooza, but I would much rather one of the stores I sell at do some sort of special event and then I would part with my money to go to that. Seems odd, maybe? To go to SO's shindig when you don't sell your designs there. Just my opinion, maybe.
I don't sell their either but I have friends that do and I'd love to meet them IRL. I don't know if I can justify spending money on it though.
Newish designer (just over 7 months)
"mid-level" store (according to the chatter here)
$3,218
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Sorry but I don't believe you. Just using simple numbers and assuming you had some type of sale that put your average product price somewhere between $3-4 dollars that would mean you sold between 800 and 1000 kits/products in a two to three day time period. Nope, not buying it.
^^^
Maybe you had a "Buy my store for $25" and sold 120??
^^^^^
If you are a new designer (7 months or so), i find it hard to believe you could sell that many kits/products, and if you have a "Buy my store for $25", you might not have enough products to make it worth that much to get such a total.
SO has a special Digiscrapapalooza section in their forum and it seemed like there was a good mix of site staff and non-staff posting.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/search-100/iso-monkeys-277145/index2.html
This thread is so funny! I can count five different kits based on the same Americo's pack with monkeys.
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Ha ha. It's six kits, the one with the googly eyes monkeys are also the same. Have to give her credit though for at least changing it up a little bit.
Might be an unpopular opinion, but I have to say, SO does a great job of making their forum seem like a fun place to hang out. That video is a lot of fun and very creative.
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I think so too.
I, personally, consider stores in the middle to be (in no particular order):
Gotta Pixel
ScrapMatters
Scrapbook Bytes
The Digichick
Zig Zag Scraps
Digiscrappers Brasil
9th and Bloom
Scrapbook Graphics
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You've got to be kidding. This list encompasses like 5 of the biggest stores out there: SBG, SM, TDC, GP and 9&B are all big name stores with big name designers and big traffic. So what does "Middle of the Road" mean to you? Aside from a site like Designer Digitals that gets it's fame from all the magazines it submits layouts to, these stores are at the very top of the pile, whether you like who currently sells there or not. So while we're calling BS on $3,000 sales, I call BS on you! Come and tell us what stores you think are tops? Because it sounds like it's only in your head. LOL!
See, I totally agree about SM, TDC, GP being middle of the road stores. TDC used to be a top store, but it's gone downhill. SM and GP are just...meh.
I am an established designed at an established store. I only made $400 this NSD. I typically have made more but I did not offer the same specials this year as I did last year.
I do not doubt that some of the top designers made $1,000 or more this weekend. I have had collab splits with friends that have proved that those girls make a lot of money or at least more than me. And I do not doubt that someone who sells CU could have made $3,000 this weekend. There is a lot of money to be made off of designers desperate to make money off the rest of the world. And those people wait for sales like you wouldn't believe. (which I don't blame them for)
You've got to be kidding. This list encompasses like 5 of the biggest stores out there: SBG, SM, TDC, GP and 9&B are all big name stores with big name designers and big traffic. So what does "Middle of the Road" mean to you? Aside from a site like Designer Digitals that gets it's fame from all the magazines it submits layouts to, these stores are at the very top of the pile, whether you like who currently sells there or not. So while we're calling BS on $3,000 sales, I call BS on you! Come and tell us what stores you think are tops? Because it sounds like it's only in your head. LOL!
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Actually, I think it's all in your head. None of those stores, with maybe the exception of SBG, are 'big stores' with 'big name designers' and 'big traffic'. 9th & Bloom since it's opening less than 8 or 10 months ago has already had quite a turnover from their original designer list.
I quite agree with the OP's original list, they are middle of the road, with the exception of SBG and I'm not even a fan of them.
Um, what 'big name designers' are at Gotta Pixel?
See, I totally agree about SM, TDC, GP being middle of the road stores. TDC used to be a top store, but it's gone downhill. SM and GP are just...meh.
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I think it's hard. As a store owner, you can only take what people apply to your store. It's not like these places can go out and handpick their teams. They can try, but you're not going to tear away a designer from a store they're happy at just to try to make your store #1. :lol:
I don't think that TDC has gone downhill--in fact I think it's a lot better than it was a few years ago. Well, okay, maybe I agree with you that right now they aren't as glorious as they used to be looking over the list of who is there. I think that they have had a few good designers leave them for other stores which you can't help because people always think the grass is greener on the other side. I don't see anyone I would consider "terrible" on their team. In fact there are a few that are new and I liked what I saw! There are also a few that offer way too much CU stuff, stuff that I already own and I'm not going to buy again, but you also have that problem at lots of other stores (SSD and SM come to mind). Anyway, my point was that I think a lot of things are out of these store owner's hands. I don't think the store is dead or dying by any means. It's still way up at the top in my mind. So are SM and GP. I don't know where you do your shopping, but if you're turning up your nose at those stores, you're missing out.
WV: trolow; as is you troll so low, baby! Knock it off!
I quite agree with the OP's original list, they are middle of the road, with the exception of SBG and I'm not even a fan of them.
^^^^
Still--nobody is posting another list of top stores. I'd like to hear that. I can't think of any higher. Where are you shopping that you think is so high and flipping awesome? LOL!
^^^^
I don't believe in 'top stores'. This need to rank things is so high school.
I shop where I want to shop. Always have, always will.
Um, what 'big name designers' are at Gotta Pixel?
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What big name designers are TDC, SM, 9&B? I noticed you didn't ask that question.
I don't believe in 'top stores'. This need to rank things is so high school.
I shop where I want to shop. Always have, always will.
May 11, 2011 8:08 PM
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That rocks. Come shop from me :)
^^^^
Show me what you got.
There is absolutely nothing at GP that impresses me. Sure they have been around forever, but it's a very beginner store. If you haven't shopped at store that has UNIQUE kits in it, GP might impress you.
As far as TDC and SM, I used to think of them as top stores, but now it seems like just about anyone can get in.
I think the only stores that are actually a challenge to get into, or are invite only are SBG, SO, TLP and SSD.
My top stores are my own top stores, too! Each to her own, right? I don't care how popular a certain shop is. I care that the designers I like sell good stuff--not recolored CU crap.
You know, that's why there are 30,000 digi shops in our digi world. It doesn't mean that one is bad and the other is good. They all have to have some measure of success or they wouldn't still be open. Site hosting is expensive. Or at least good site hosting is.
Biggish names at SM, 9th&B and TDC?
Brittish, Fizzy Pop, Sugarplum. JMO.
I think the only stores that are actually a challenge to get into, or are invite only are SBG, SO, TLP and SSD.
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Not everyone has success at SBG, SO and TLP. I've had several friends through the years who sold at all these shops and retired or moved due to money issues. SSD is probably different because of the crazy amounts of Kool Aid their customers drink. I've seen some real crap at SBG (to the point I was like "WTF, Desperate much?!") and lots of "meh" that I wouldn't buy at SO. It may be hard to get past the gate, but that doesn't mean much if once you are inside, you don't have stellar sales. I think the only store that truly stands out on your list is TLP. (Aside from Gina Miller,) everyone who sells there is really unique. Keep up the good work, TLP! Me likey.
Biggish names at SM, 9th&B and TDC?
Brittish, Fizzy Pop, Sugarplum. JMO.
^^^^
Um, I thought Britt left because she was sick of hearing it about her Disney kits?
I think the only store that truly stands out on your list is TLP. (Aside from Gina Miller,) everyone who sells there is really unique. Keep up the good work, TLP! Me likey.
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Hmm, I don't mind the store but I wouldn't go so far to say that everyone else is 'really' unique. Far from it. They have a few unique designers, but the rest, meh, some old some old.
Have to laugh, I see that Lauren Reid is selling with someone else under the name of Tattered Pear. Trying to hide the fact that she's been in practically every store over the last five years.
Biggish names at SM, 9th&B and TDC?
Brittish, Fizzy Pop, Sugarplum. JMO.
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I doubt any of those are really known outside of their own forums and DST. In fact, I only know Sugarplum. The other two are names I've seen here, but I don't know them outside of this blog.
I think that there are top stores. My list:
SO
SSD
TLP
SBG
A5D
Catscrap
I personally think that the majority of the designers at those stores are better designers (technically and artistically) than the majority of designers at other stores.
No one knows what they are talking about here. But boy do we like to talk. Sometimes to ourselves... :)
Some people think SBG is a top shop. Some think it isn't. I guess that proves that this is all just a huge matter of opinion--which, don't get me wrong, is I think totally okay! I just wanted to toss a cold drink of reality in here less we all forget that this is a gossip blog.
^^^
Speak for yourself, I know what I'm talking about.
Want another giggle check this out!
http://www.simply-scraps.net/2011/05/ayo-baby-lets-goto-digiscrapapalooza.html
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I think the videos are played out now. They have become pretty predictable. They need something new. I'm sorry to say but, a bunch of weird looking women lip syncing to a song is not going to make me want to go to that event. The first one was nice...to miley cyrus. The second one was okay...this one...just boring. smh. again, they need something new.
^^^
I've only seen this one and the Miley one. Where's the other one?
^^^
1st one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_U5HC4h3aw
2nd one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCZwHgBdeeo
3rd one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8mphBbLtas
^^^^
Thanks. I didn't care for the second one at all.
The first one was cute after that I was bored. If a store I was a had something similar I'd go but not for a store I just like.
I disagree, it's not free. It takes time to sit down and make a LO worthy of advertisement. Sometimes you get stuck using products you would never use normally so you're wasting your time making a throwaway LO. Granted you do get some products that are right up your alley but not always. Plus, if I buy a kit I can scrap with it whenever the hell I want to. If I'm on a CT I have to have a LO done by a certain date whether I like the kit or not.
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So, if it's so much work and you have to make layouts right away with kits you don't like, why bother being on a CT? Just get your products the good old fashioned way....BUY THEM! That's what plenty of us are doing. Ah, but there's the rub...you don't want to buy them. You want them for...wait for it....FREE!
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If you'd read the rest I added this "I'm not complaining because I choose to be on CT's but it's not free. It's a trade." And I do buy the kits that I want and do not CT for. If I want it, I get it. It's $5-$8 a kit, not a big deal I was just saying that it's not free, the designer expects something in return. Get your panties out of a... wait for it... wad.
The first one was cute after that I was bored.
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Yeah, a bit like Reality TV. Seen it once, seen it all before.
my top 5 , and some of them hardly crack a mention here
oscraps
2peas
designer digitals
sbg
ssb
to each her own. Im curious are stores such as jessica sprague classed as digi stores or personal stores. It must be popular as I know that she has huge numbers signup for classes....I often find few gems there....
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Sign up for classes doesn't equal sales in digi or popularity in digi.
I thought the last video was better than the first or second.
I'm the OP of the middle of the road list, and I'd like to add that in my original post, SBG was noted like this:
Scrapbook Graphics (while they may be on the upper end of the middle as far as sales, they lack the consistent quality one would expect from a top store)
THAT was my reasoning for putting them in the middle, but somehow that got left off when people quoted it. Also, they had Connie Prince guesting there. Seriously? How much grime do you need to scrape from the bottom of the barrel?
9th and Bloom a top shop? I laugh. They might have the building blocks for one, but they're not there yet. They lack the longevity and consistency required for a store to be "top shop" in my book.
TDC a top shop? I laugh again. While I don't consider them a BAD store by any means, they just have too many questionable designers (Mommyish, Mye immediately come to mind) and from what I've heard, sales there are pathetic.
GP a top shop? You really can't be serious. Any store that houses Connie Prince, Mye De Leon, and Trixie Scraps will NEVER be a top shop. Ever.
I must be a scrap addict. I had the strangest dream the other night: I went to the bathroom and there was pee WA on the paper I just used!!!
TDC a top shop? I laugh again. While I don't consider them a BAD store by any means, they just have too many questionable designers (Mommyish, Mye immediately come to mind) and from what I've heard, sales there are pathetic.
GP a top shop? You really can't be serious. Any store that houses Connie Prince, Mye De Leon, and Trixie Scraps will NEVER be a top shop. Ever.
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OK, we all know this is a gossip/smack blog, and we all come here to read/dish the dirt (myself included). No judgment. I do think, though, that it's absolutely pointless to start singling out individual designers and saying nasty things about them. What do all of the designers you listed above have in common? Their designs are busy, loud (bordering on giving you vertigo, depending on the LO's), and super-color saturated. Not your style, clearly. Not mine either. But, that's not to say they are crappy graphic designers, and each of them have huge followings (so clearly, someone out there loves it and is buying it. Not me, but someone. Actually, lots of someones!). Stores who house designers like that do it for a reason; there's a market for it. Does that make the store a crappy store? Not at all. Honestly, it makes the store owner an intelligent business person.
But I digress. My main point here (and I typically stay pretty quiet around here) is that it's ridiculous to start badmouthing individuals, just because you don't like their style. Have a quality issue with them? Definitely post that here. But calling out designers (and stores) doesn't do any of us good, because if we all did that, in the end we'd have a list of every designer in the universe here, and lots of ill feelings. What's the point? You hate Connie and Mye. Fine. I despise any/every designer who creates fantasy-LO type stuff. Ick. Doesn't mean their designs suck... just means I won't buy it. But if it's quality stuff, then why does that make it bad in general? Get my drift?
Hmm, wasn't familiar with Mommyish until the recent post, but just checked out her shop and actually like her more recent kits (the earlier stuff is way busier).
OK, what designers do you LIKE? I asked before but never got an answer. I'm looking for something new.
^^^^^
I buy from many designers, if there is something I like or need at that particular moment. But the first designer that came in my mind is Irene Alexeeva, although you'd call her designs more fantasy rather than traditional paper-like scraps.
My favorite designers are Lily Designs (at After Five)and Natali Designs (at Scrapbookgraphics). I also really like Jady Day Studios (ScrapMatters) Jennifer Barrett (Sweet Shoppe)and By Becca (9th & Bloom). There are other designers that I'll buy from depending on the kit but I like just about everything these ladies design.
it is entirely possible for someone to have made $3000 last weekend. I'm in an established store, had a pretty good discount on my stuff and before commissions I made $2675.
I'm sure most scrappers spent alot more money than normal, myself I must have spent $200 this weekend on stuff I had on my wishlists from various shops.
Anonymous said...
it is entirely possible for someone to have made $3000 last weekend. I'm in an established store, had a pretty good discount on my stuff and before commissions I made $2675.
May 12, 2011 10:20 AM
I'm also established in an established store and made nearly $3000 this weekend as well. I had a really good discount and put out several new items on the discounted price.
I looked at the breakdown. I had around 400 sales with an average of just over $7 per sale. Not everyone spent that exact amount. A lot of people spent less, but a few people spent over $100 in one sale and a couple people bought nearly everything in my store which really upped my over all sales total.
I am absolutely certain that there are several designers that made more than $3000. It's quite possible.
But a new designer in a non-established store? No - I don;t think so - new in established - sure
If you'd read the rest I added this "I'm not complaining because I choose to be on CT's but it's not free. It's a trade." And I do buy the kits that I want and do not CT for. If I want it, I get it. It's $5-$8 a kit, not a big deal I was just saying that it's not free, the designer expects something in return. Get your panties out of a... wait for it... wad.
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Good news! My panties were never in a wad. Yours, however, I do wonder about. I'm not the one getting all defensive because my CT work is, apparently being undervalued.
Off topic, but necessary to say:
OMG, Rachel Jefferies (Captivated Visions), please cool it on FB! In the past 10 hours alone, 10 posts have shown up from you in the newsfeed. Constructive advice: pick what's important, and stick to a couple of posts a day. Soon, you're going to get so annoying that you'll make even die-hard fans like me want to stop following you. Just a matter of time.
(in fact, a lot of designers could benefit from listening to this advice...)
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