Why not be less snarky and more constructive, that way they can use your comments to improve what they offer? ^^^^^^^^^^^^
I am a big fan of constructive critism. But seriously, this NOT the Supreme Court of Digital Design. The fact that some snarky comments where posted shouldn't scare anyone off from doing anything.
It is diappointing to see what crap is being offered (OceanWideDesigns buttons for example) but then again it might appeal to someone. I think a lot of constructive criticism was given here. Again, nobody is out here to teach someone a free lesson either. Lessons are available in various forms. The illusion of 'money for nothing' is just that and if you want your (CT) 'chicks for free' you have to feed them something... (decent product). Then again, maybe we are all too demanding on oursleves and could just crank out anything (someone will buy it maybe one of the customers of darq illusions 15 stores)... The blogtrain might be suited well for people who start out to digitally scrapbook or for freebie hunters. I have dl'ed 5 things and ended up keeping only Katie's elements. That's it.
LOL you lot are just scared you'll have nothing to complain about if the designers use your comments to improve. Sheesh, that probably means you'd have to get a life! Heaven forbid!
Hopped on over here from another blog as I designed something for this blog train which some of you wrote negative things about. Many designers say they're wanting to leave the blog train now after reading your ungrateful comments but actually i'm thinking it's useful to see what people really think and I'm planning on using your feedback constructively. Would be nice to see more feedback that is constructive rather than negative though - there's a way to say things you know? Many of the designers have worked hard on this (even if you haven't appreciated it). Why not be less snarky and more constructive, that way they can use your comments to improve what they offer? Just my 2 cents.
---------------
Agreed. The reviews done by "Simon Part 2" or "Piers Hasselhoff" (same person, changed name) seemed a bit more constructive and less snarky to me, but she didn't do very many, maybe only the first 30 or so. Check back a page or two.
OMG the only thing you new readers are mad about is that Trish was dumb enough to mention this blog in the DCR. It's obvious that many/most of you didn't know about it before that, and it was seriously unwise of her to bring it up because most of you would never have known any of these reviews/comments existed. You say that lots of designers want to drop out of the blog train because of this blog? I have 2 responses to that: first, it would probably help the blog train to be less gross, and second, if you're lame enough to drop out of it just because a few people don't like your designs, you shouldn't be in this business. People didn't like your designs before this, either, you just didn't know it because they didn't click "buy" while looking at your shop. This happens to you, me, and all of us, all the time. If you don't want your feelings hurt, don't read what's posted here. If you want to improve as a designer, try to take what's posted here with a grain of salt and use it as constructive criticism to improve. But don't come here and whine, because we don't want to hear it. We're even less concerned about your feelings than Trish was when she mentioned this blog.
actually, its too bad some of these "new designers" to the smack blog didn't find out about this earlier, as most of them were in the Design Factor thing. If they got their widdle feelings hurt over the blog train....LOLOL...wow...they would have died if they read the critiques on the DF race!
No need to be bitchy. Many of the DF designers knew about the blog. Some probably were upset. Others took the time to consider what was said and make adjustments.
I think that some of the reviews of the designers here were obviously not super helpful. But not everyone who is reviewing them is meaning to be helpful to the designers. Some are though. For instance, after Jewel came back and asked for additional feedback on her blog train portion, several people gave her what I would consider, very constructive reviews of her work.
This blog is not for the faint of heart. Some people use it to say nasty things they would only say anonymously. A lot of use this blog to find out useful info about the community that no one is either allowed to talk about elsewhere or can't say elsewhere for fear of ruining their reputation. And I think almost all of us use this blog for entertainment purposes.
Like the previous poster said, take things said here with a grain of salt. You never know the motivation behind what someone is saying. But this place isn't all bad.
"Would be nice to see more feedback that is constructive rather than negative though - there's a way to say things you know? Many of the designers have worked hard on this (even if you haven't appreciated it). Why not be less snarky and more constructive, that way they can use your comments to improve what they offer? Just my 2 cents" I agree 100% and I love that everyone is anonymous so we can't criticize back. Yes, I'm remaining anonymous, but you've already criticized me without even downloading my kit.
You don't have to d/l a kit to know it's ugly, you only have to download it to check for quality.
Question for the gal who said this: "Three years ago OScraps was my favorite store. I still love Paislee Press and I do like One Little Bird although the kits are small for the money, but that is about it. Sue Cummings could have some nice wordart if it weren't so tiny. Other than that it's just not my taste anymore."
"Many designers say they're wanting to leave the blog train now after reading your ungrateful comments" Congratulations ladies, you've accomplished what you intended - hurt peoples feelings for no reason other than to make yourselves feel better. Keep up the good work!
someone is just asking for more trouble. I doubt there ever was a negative comment! ______________________________
I don't understand why everyone in that thread is boo-hooing about a negative comment on her blog. I think it's about time designers (and everyone, really) learns that their behavior online can and will bite them in the ass. If she's going to rant and rave and be a total bitch in the HT forum, she should expect that to overflow onto her blog, especially when her blog is linked in her siggy. That's life in the digital age.
Actually, the comments/criticisms about the blog train made here have been EXTREMELY tame in comparison to things that have been said about other designers. Happy Tits anyone?
I'm saying this out of love ... if you are going to be a designer, you should take what has been said, subtract the things that hurt your feelings and improve. These are HONEST opinions here. Sugar Free Opinions are priceless. It may hurt like ripping off a bandaid but in the long run it helps.
Take 'em or leave 'em, coming to the Smak board and saying "You are soooo mean! (or any variation thereof) is a waste of time better spent learning how to improve.
Take the hit, learn, move on.
Try not to dwell on it and waste emotions. Yes it hurts, but take it and learn from it.
"Many designers say they're wanting to leave the blog train now after reading your ungrateful comments" Congratulations ladies, you've accomplished what you intended - hurt peoples feelings for no reason other than to make yourselves feel better. Keep up the good work!
^^^^^^^^^^
oh bullshit. and you know this HOW? 'Many' designers told you this? what a joke. and don't say its in the DCR - its not. No one hear does things (well, maybe a few) to make themselves feel better. Comments and opinions are given based on our OWN feelings on what is being discussed. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. No one made you come here. No one is making you read what's here, or keep up with it.
I'm so sick of these cry baby designers. I don't care if it's Simon, Simon2 or Randi or anyone else reviewing - it's all constructive if you look at it for what it is - someone's OPINION. We can sit here and debate what is constructive and what isn't until we're blue in the face and it wont change the fact that someone will agree with it and someone else wont.
If you have been mentioned on this blog in a review, read what is said and look at your designs and your sales. No one gives a shit how many freebies you've had downloaded. Most people download that crap and delete it a month later. If your sales aren't where you want them to be, then maybe all of these reviewers have a point.
If you're happy with your designs, your sales, your life or whatever else, then don't read this blog. It's really that easy.
What one person thinks is snarky or rude doesn't bother someone else. Your opinion can't matter any more than anyone else's.
"Many designers say they're wanting to leave the blog train now after reading your ungrateful comments" Congratulations ladies, you've accomplished what you intended - hurt peoples feelings for no reason other than to make yourselves feel better. Keep up the good work!
^^^^^^^^^^
Actually, if more of these shit designers stopped "designing", this industry would be better off.
Bring on the snarky, make people feel like shit reviews. Get rid of the bottom feeders.
"You don't have to d/l a kit to know it's ugly" And this is your opinion - who are you to make that judgement for everyone else???
August 5, 2011 12:46 PM --------------
Not defending the posters who have made nasty comments, I'm not one of them btw. But honestly, how does anyone who is going to buy a kit (or choose to download a free kit) judge wether or not it is a kit they like and want in their stash? They judge it based on the preview. Previews are the number one most important tool a designer has to market her kit. It's what buyer looks at to decide if they want to pick it up, especially if they have never used the designer's product previously.
Everything here is someone's opinion. And when it's anonymous, opinions tend to be less sugar coated than usual. And yes, sometimes they are not nice. I won't tell you not to come here if you don't like it. I understand that it sucks to know people are talking badly about you or your designs. And just not reading what they say doesn't make it much easier to take.
I think you just have to know that just because one person has a bad opinion about a kit, it doesn't mean everyone feels that way. But when someone does have a negative opinion on your product, it might not hurt to take it into consideration and take a second look at what you are offering before you move on from it.
Everyone has things they can improve upon. Take what's said and work on it. Honestly, I'd love an honest review of my work. I know I have things to improve on. It certainly doesn't help when my CT raves about everything I put out. I mean, it's good to hear, but where else could I go for some real constructive criticism? I haven't been mentioned yet and I'm not about to throw my name out there - I'll just wait for my store to be reviewed. Just know, that some do appreciate the reviews. So keep them coming.
Everyone has things they can improve upon. Take what's said and work on it. Honestly, I'd love an honest review of my work. I know I have things to improve on. It certainly doesn't help when my CT raves about everything I put out. I mean, it's good to hear, but where else could I go for some real constructive criticism? I haven't been mentioned yet and I'm not about to throw my name out there - I'll just wait for my store to be reviewed. Just know, that some do appreciate the reviews. So keep them coming.
August 5, 2011 1:16 PM -------
I feel the same way. It scares me a little bit to think of what might be said. But at the same time, I'd like to read some reviews on my product to know what I can improve upon.
"Everyone has things they can improve upon. Take what's said and work on it" I can't work on something that was only a snarky remark. If anyone knows of someone that can be hired to give REAL constructive criticism please let us know - we won't find it here. I wouldn't take it from someone who remains anonymous anyway, at that point it's just personal opinion..
actually, its too bad some of these "new designers" to the smack blog didn't find out about this earlier, as most of them were in the Design Factor thing. If they got their widdle feelings hurt over the blog train....LOLOL...wow...they would have died if they read the critiques on the DF race!
-------------------------
I'm just sad that nothing of mine seems to have been critiqued yet (at least, a Google search of this blog and my design name doesn't pull anything up), because I participated in The Design Factor, and thought some of my stuff was pretty good. You all may not have thought so (and that might have made my cry some sad baby tears), but would have been nice to see why it didn't even seem worth downloading. :/
actually, its too bad some of these "new designers" to the smack blog didn't find out about this earlier, as most of them were in the Design Factor thing. If they got their widdle feelings hurt over the blog train....LOLOL...wow...they would have died if they read the critiques on the DF race!
-------------------------
I'm just sad that nothing of mine seems to have been critiqued yet (at least, a Google search of this blog and my design name doesn't pull anything up), because I participated in The Design Factor, and thought some of my stuff was pretty good. You all may not have thought so (and that might have made my cry some sad baby tears), but would have been nice to see why it didn't even seem worth downloading. :/
I can't work on something that was only a snarky remark. If anyone knows of someone that can be hired to give REAL constructive criticism please let us know - we won't find it here. I wouldn't take it from someone who remains anonymous anyway, at that point it's just personal opinion..
-------- LMAO! Honey, even paying for it is still just someone's opinion. Man, a fool and their money really are soon parted...
"Honey, even paying for it is still just someone's opinion" At least I'd know who's opinion it was and I'd know it was someone whose opinion I valued - not just someone who likes to mouth off.
I'm not saying don't criticise - some criticism is helpful. What I'm saying is make it constructive! Instead of saying something like "the kit is ugly", say something like "the xxxxx element was poorly recoloured and didn't seem inkeeping with the kit". That's maybe a crap example but I'm just saying give people more to go on. Clearly the quality of designers work irritates you otherwise you wouldn't be here bitching about it. So why not tell them what bugs you about their work in a way that they can use to make improvements. Make your feedback meaningful, not just an excuse to show how ungrateful and bitchy you can be.
And if your preview is ugly, then, no, I have absolutely no reason to download it and give it a second shot. If the person who designed it can't even make it look decent, how could I possibly do it?
This blog has been a lot more interesting since people started critiquing. And I sincerely hope it continues. It may hurt to hear that your designs are "gross" or not worth downloading. But you can see what things are being downloaded or given positive critiques and use that toward your own designs.
Nobody wants to read a blog about "oh these kits are so cute! Look what a good job she did recoloring those ribbons." That's just boring.
I'd be interested to know where the reviews of the design factor are hidden as I haven't been able to find them.
Also a lot of new designers join things like the design factor as a chance to learn and improve so perhaps some constructive criticism would help. Some designers also design things that they want for them not necessarily to sell but to have something personal and special while improving. Is it such a bad thing that they participate in contests? They didn't have a choice but to offer the kits for download as it was a part of the race itself.
look back to the previous new space for Design Factor feedback. there is a TON of it. look in particular for posts by "Simon". there are alot of in depth evaluations.
we are not all bad here. some of us "type" different than you may be used to - and sometimes you have to read between the lines. the reviews on Design Factor were pretty dead on. Most of the color choices were horrid - recolorings awful, previews just plain sucked..you name it. it wasn't just the 'beginners' either.
This blog has been a lot more interesting since people started critiquing. And I sincerely hope it continues. It may hurt to hear that your designs are "gross" or not worth downloading. But you can see what things are being downloaded or given positive critiques and use that toward your own designs.
Nobody wants to read a blog about "oh these kits are so cute! Look what a good job she did recoloring those ribbons." That's just boring. -------------------------- Nobody is saying don't critique either. I believe people are saying, be constructive about it. Nobody is saying you have to like the designs, but there's no excuse for being nasty just for the sake of it.
I have a question for Simon! I have seen you use the words "boring paper patterns" a couple of times now. In fact, you used them when you reviewed my designs a few weeks back.
What exactly falls under your "boring patterns" umbrella? I'm asking with sincerity, because I've never been told before that my paper patterns needed work.
More the point, what would you consider NOT boring? I'd really like to know. Thanks for your time.
look back to the previous new space for Design Factor feedback. there is a TON of it. look in particular for posts by "Simon". there are alot of in depth evaluations.
------
I did look back through there - and didn't see any real comments on my work (a post asking if anyone had critiqued a few designers, one of which was me, but that's it). I can certainly read the positive comments posted about the work of other designers - that's all well and good. But, doesn't always apply to anything I might have done.
I guess any suggestion/request I might have is if you're going to critique some of the designers from contests such as that, then do so for all. I understand thinking something is too ugly/too far out of your range of likes to even care to download...but even stating that is better than stating nothing at all. You want designers to offer better work (isn't that, at least in some part, what's hoped to be gained from talking smack about them here?) - then maybe offer thoughts on all designers (especially the newer/lesser known ones).
If anyone knows of someone that can be hired to give REAL constructive criticism please let us know - we won't find it here. I wouldn't take it from someone who remains anonymous anyway, at that point it's just personal opinion.. -------
every single review is a personal opinion. Even CC is still personal opinion. Just because it's anon, doesn't make it invalid. In that case, the judges and mentors for the Designer Apprentice are just giving personal opinion too, because they are anon.
Make your feedback meaningful, not just an excuse to show how ungrateful and bitchy you can be. ----
Some of the feedback was meaningful, but I guess you were too busy ignoring it, to seek out that which hurt you instead. There's a word for that, it's called masochism.
As for the whole ungrateful, what the fuck do I have to be grateful for? Oh, a few designers got together and made some freebies? Oh wow, worship at your feet, I'm so grateful for the digital freebies!! My life has meaning again. Oh puh-leeze.
Also a lot of new designers join things like the design factor as a chance to learn and improve so perhaps some constructive criticism would help. Some designers also design things that they want for them not necessarily to sell but to have something personal and special while improving. Is it such a bad thing that they participate in contests? They didn't have a choice but to offer the kits for download as it was a part of the race itself. --------
What? Nobody said it was a bad thing to participate in contests, nobody. They can join all the contests they want.
If it's designed solely for the purpose of being personal and special, then it shouldn't matter a crap what anyone else says about it.
As for joining to learn and improve, and then coming here for CC? That's laughable. I'm not even going to address that, it's so laughable.
LOL you lot are just scared you'll have nothing to complain about if the designers use your comments to improve. Sheesh, that probably means you'd have to get a life! Heaven forbid! ----
Yeah, LOL, I'm terrified! Why do you think I don't have a life? I mean, you are here too, am I right? So what does that say about you? Hmm?
So in my opinion (and it is MY opinion, not trying to "judge" for anyone else LMAO) the newbie's are doing better in Design Apprentice than the so-called established designers. Most of it still kind of sucks but there is more in the newbie category that I would download than in the established category. And when I say "sucks" I mean that in the most positive way. :P
Wow. Looks like the DST dwellers have been here. It's not easy reading negative comments about your designs, but I don't think anyone reviewing is attacking anyone personally the way all of you have done (accusing us of having no life, for example). We keep the reviews about the designs and the design business as best we can.
For all the "negative" things being said, it got people talking about how to improve the blog train. I really don't see how that is bad at all. We smackers have done a good thing overall. We're talking about the business and how we can all improve our skills. How is that bad?
As for saying the critiques are useless because they're anon? Seriously? If you want in-depth feedback, simply post your design name and plenty of people will respond. Look what happened when Jewel asked. (kudos to Jewel)
To answer the "boring paper patterns" question. To me, boring patterns are when the only patterns in a kit are dotted, stripped, or an otherwise repeated shape paper. Nothing interesting. Not saying a kit shouldn't have those basic papers, but throw in some cool stuff, too. Cool would vary based upon your kit, but papers that have multi-layered patterns is what I refer to when I say "cool". Papers with depth and interest.
I still haven't had time to review Oscraps or DSA's Apprentice, but I hope to this weekend! I look forward to reading other comments as well.
Beware that some or possibly most of us do not agree with Simon. We like the reviews, but I can tell you now that I ONLY buy mish-mashy kits and I prefer plain dull boring no texture (according to Simon) papers. I thought my taste was Freestyle with lightly textured papers, but what the heck.
All I'm saying is that what I like and what I buy and the reviews are not in complete accord. HOWEVER the kits that aren't worth downloading in her opinion, were also not worth downloading in my opinion.
It's probably my tastes have changed. I am more into the paper scrapped look now. I shop at SO, SM(not as much now), TLP, A5D, and CS some. ---------------- I have always thought of A5D as more of a fantasy style store rather than a paper one. I do buy things from there, but only from 2 designers.
I like all of the other stores you listed though. I would add SSD to that as well.
As far as Oscraps goes, I used to buy from Kitty a lot, but she has changed her style in the last year and it doesn't really fit with my scrapping style anymore. It's still really cute stuff, just not my style. I need to take a look at Oscraps again. I always think they have really nice kits, just not usually my style.
It's probably my tastes have changed. I am more into the paper scrapped look now. I shop at SO, SM(not as much now), TLP, A5D, and CS some. _______________________________
Color me dense, but what would you call the OScraps style? I just shop where I like, I don't really think about the style, but just glancing at OScraps it looks like they have a lot of stuff that is similar to the stores you mentioned.
IMO, Trish should have just kept quiet about this blog.
_________________________________
Why - are you embarrassed? I'm glad she told everyone about it. In fact, I think every person who visits DST should know that this kind of blog exists. Customers should be made aware that those "nice" designers they interact with are actually snotty, catty, bitchy women who are ready to tear each other to shreds at any given moment. And because it's all anon, no one knows who's a back stabbing bitch and who isn't. You can't trust anyone.
And Simon - for all of your pontificating about trying to help people with your reviews - you're full of shit. Many of your reviews of the Designer Contest came off as pretty mean spirited.
Dear New Designers - so sorry you had find out what a crappy bunch of people the digital scrapbooking world is comprised off. I don't know of too many other industries that have blogs like this. I think it must be a commentary about women in general. So sad.
Previews are the number one most important tool a designer has to market her kit. It's what buyer looks at to decide if they want to pick it up ------------------------------
this is worth repeating!
if your kit preview is unappealing, i won't take time to download it as a freebie. why would i think the kit contents would be nice if the preview is unattractive??
Previews are the number one most important tool a designer has to market her kit. It's what buyer looks at to decide if they want to pick it up ------------------------------
I wish Kitty would quit the handwritten WA. Her handwriting is worse than most people I know who aren't even artists, and it doesn't help her kits at all.
For the newbies that may not have seen the manifesto before it does beg a repost just for you....
In answer to the questions: Why so snarky? Why so Bitchy? Why so judgmental? Please feel free to save this and copy/paste every time the question comes up, it will save us all a lot of time and typing.
1. This is a smack blog, we are snarky, snotty, bitchy, judgmental, critical, grumpy, dopey and doc.a. If you want nice, sweet and up your behind....go to DST. 2. If you are a designer, store owner, CT, etc. expect to be criticized, told you sell "crap" or worse, and don't expect sugar-coated either.a. If you want nice, see 1a. 3. If you are here looking for the truth, honest opinions and real feelings, welcome and join in.a. If you want nice, see 1a.
I don't think the anon posters here comprise the entire of the digital scrapbooking world, so need to apologize for all of it being crappy. ------------
That should say NO need. I was so darn excited after uploading my entry for Designer Apprentice.
But be warned if you say anything about number 3 you'll be laughed out anyway cos this lot can't even live by their own rules. Pack of sad boring housewives with nothing better to do. We should pity them really.
What part of "Smack" do you not understand in Smack Blog? -------------------------- Durrrrrrrrrr you stupid or something? You think the concept of "smack" is so difficult to understand? Or are you missing the point of much of the discussion here? The point being that you don't have to be nasty for the sake of it. Be critical but be constructive about it. I don't even know how you lot live with yourselves at night. If it was me my conscience would be warning me. But then some people have no moral compass. -----------------------------------
IMO, Trish should have just kept quiet about this blog. ---------------- Awwwwwww diddums - are we waining on your pawade?
Pack of sad boring housewives with nothing better to do. We should pity them really. -----
Pity yourself, you stupid, sad, judgmental, hypocritical cow. You are here, judging everyonne, but somehow, you think you are better? My, my, my, how the irony does runneth over.
I don't even know how you lot live with yourselves at night. If it was me my conscience would be warning me. But then some people have no moral compass. --------------
What, like you? Sitting there, high and mighty, judging everyoe, thinking you are so much better? Where's you conscience now, huh? And I guess your lost your compass, right?
Why don't you? I'm quite bored with your 'moral' attitude. I bet you go to Church on Sundays and you think that makes you a better person. Am I right? I bet I am!
Well I'd rather be me than you bunch of sad, bitter people. At least I can go to sleep at night with a clear conscience.
PS: I don't go to church (although I do believe in God and believe that one day you will have to answer for your sins). But basically I'm just a decent, honest human being. Something that you lot could do with having a little more of. I make no apologies for saying that.
No I don't see the hypocrisy actually. And yes I do think I am better than a bunch of people who do nothing but be snarky at other people for the sake of it.
"As for the whole ungrateful, what the fuck do I have to be grateful for? Oh, a few designers got together and made some freebies? Oh wow, worship at your feet, I'm so grateful for the digital freebies!! My life has meaning again. Oh puh-leeze." ^^^^^^^^^^
Beware that some or possibly most of us do not agree with Simon. We like the reviews, but I can tell you now that I ONLY buy mish-mashy kits and I prefer plain dull boring no texture (according to Simon) papers. I thought my taste was Freestyle with lightly textured papers, but what the heck.
All I'm saying is that what I like and what I buy and the reviews are not in complete accord. HOWEVER the kits that aren't worth downloading in her opinion, were also not worth downloading in my opinion. August 5, 2011 9:55 PM
----------
I'm one who agrees with Simon on almost everything and I think most of the comments about Simon have been that they almost entirely agree as well. No one will ever agree 100% on anything.
I sent Simon a personal request to review my store and she was honest and extremely helpful with her very thorough review. I had applied to a store a few months ago and was denied and the owner had given me some feedback as to why and what I needed to work on to be considered. Without even knowing, Simon gave me the SAME FEEDBACK.
You may not agree with all that Simon says, but I can't believe this one store owner is the only one who does. I read all the reviews here with more than a grain of salt because I want to improve. Please don't stop posting them!
Yes there are many of us that agree with Simon and the other reviewers.... again, if you newbies don't like it, don't read it, or try and improve on it by taking it for what it's worth.
As for this blog being full of nasty bitches - we are not all nasty. I've been coming to this blog for a long time and I've yet to say one nasty thing. It's actually a place to stay in the loop on many things and a source of information. If you don't like it, perhaps you should go start a sugary sweet blog where everything you always say is nice and kisses up to everyone in the industry. I'm sure that would be very helpful. (said with sarcasm)
Piers here. Is anyone else having trouble w/ Blogger/this blog? I remember someone posting something about this a few days ago, so maybe it's not just me. I can't get anything I post while signed-in as Piers to stay on the page for longer than 1-2 minutes, at which point it... evaporates?
I have two things to add to this lovely discussion:
1. It hasn't escaped my attention (and probably not that of any of this blog's regulars) that ALMOST the only time anyone gets all riled up and starts fighting/swearing/namecalling, is when we have newbies on the board. So to all of the newcomers, please recognize that most of the time we are a very civil (albeit blatantly honest) lot, and use this space for constructive things. Settle in and you'll see that there's no need for all of the fury.
2. No matter who is doing a review (anonymously, from a store owner, from a friend, etc.) let's keep in mind that it's always, always, always just one person's opinion. The trick is to find multiple people's opinions and compare them to each other, and see if there's a trend. Once multiple people are offering the same perspective, you can start to use it constructively. SO HERE'S THE MORAL: even if one person is snarky/bitchy/etc. in her review here, when you combine that with the reviews of a few other people it's ACTUALLY CONSTRUCTIVE. Do you see? That's what we use this space for. Again, settle in and drop the boxing gloves.
Finally, I want to apologize for not posting any further reviews of the Blog Train (I still owe someone #31-40, per request). But seeing as how I haven't been able to post much of anything here in a couple of days without it disappearing, it seemed pointless to try posting reviews. I'll get to it, though. Check back. :)
I thought the same thing about the DSA contest, the newbie designers are looking better than the established. But then, I don't recognize hardly any of the people participating in the "established" category.
Does anyone think this has to do with the no or very little CU rules? Would more established designers be playing along if they could use their stash and make a kit in a few hours instead of trying to do it all from scratch?
This round of the DSA does allow CU, you just have to extract at least 2 items yourself to use in the kit, but the rest is up for whatever you want (CU or no CU - from my understanding of the rules).
And I agree with the newbies showing more promise than the established designers, but maybe after reading this blog they are all trying extra hard. :)
I'm an established designer and I considered the DSA apprentice. I eventually decided not to participate due to the connection with scrap matters.
I prefer to use very little CU. Most established designers probably have a stash of their own resources to work with and CU requirements wouldn't be a big deal.
I'm a newb here. I can see both sides of the argument here. There are a lot of constructive comments to enable designers/store owners to improve. Sadly there are also some strange rants that really don't belong anywhere with obscene language that is really unnecessary. I took part in the design factor and the DST blog train. I knew that my entries were beginner and would get comments good and bad. I did learn a lot. I also took any comments here and realised that I had already thought them anyway so I am not going to get upset.I shall continue to learn and improve and when I feel brave enough maybe even ask Simon for a proper review.
I would love to see actual examples of work you admire though and hear why as I think that would help a lot of designers.
At the end of day taste is personal and if everyone did or thought the same the world would be boring.
copy and pasted from the DCR - written in the thread from Trish that mentions this blog - from Adorible Digital aka Adori Graphics on THIS blog:
As for the smack blogs (new to me)...there will ALWAYS be people (or should I say COWARDS) who want to heckle from the shadows, but why let them stop us doing what we enjoy. I'm sure most of us have more satisfied customers than unsatisfied. I'm confident enough in my own design abilities to not be too bothered by what I read on a smack blog. True, I make mistakes occasionally, but they're the exception rather than the rule, and I'm not too worried about a few hecklers.
So. Adori - not too worried? Then why come here at all? Visited your blog...Um. If that is what you are selling - trust me, you are overconfident. making kits for 5 years, huh? well. haven't learned alot, have you?
and please remember when posting - to stay a COWARD like the rest of us - make sure you check the ANON button in the 'Choose an identity' area. Otherwise, you just look silly when you are arguing semantics with someone at 4 in the morning and accidently sign in with your google account - then delete it. you wouldn't want us to heckle you, now would you?
I sent Simon a personal request to review my store and she was honest and extremely helpful with her very thorough review. -------------------------- How did you do this? Clicking on Simon's comment link only goes to a page with no profile shown.
I would like to contact Simon regarding her review of my products on this blog. Not to slam her, at all, but to have a more in-depth discourse about some of what she wrote. Simon, is there a way to contact you?
Simon has posted her e-mail address before. I believe if you go back into the previous space and search her comments it's probably there once or twice. Something like simondoesdigi (or something similar), at gmail dot com.
I'm an established designer and I considered the DSA apprentice. I eventually decided not to participate due to the connection with scrap matters. -----------
I had considered that too, but all the established designers get from SM is a GC. Even if they did get a guest spot you could always turn it down.
I would like to contact Simon regarding her review of my products on this blog. Not to slam her, at all, but to have a more in-depth discourse about some of what she wrote. Simon, is there a way to contact you?
------------------------- Simon said...
The email I set-up is simonsaysdigi at gmail dot com
Has COLS ever sold a single item? What do you suppose is her motivation to keep "designing"?
--------------
Having been in a store with her (which suddenly makes me rethink my ability to grow as a designer if that's who I'm paired with), she says she's sold some - but that the numbers are no where near her liking. Part of me thinks that may be because her stuff is so horribly ugly!
What ever happened to Kami's partner Shawna at Scrap Orchard?
*********************************
I was on Shawna's CT way back when. I don't remember exactly, but either her or her husband got cancer. She quit so she could focus on caring for that. Nothing smack worthy there.
Here's my email for reviews, but just a warning, this month is really crazy so it might take a few more days than you would expect to get a review, but I love seeing other peoples work.
Randis.Reviews@gmail.com
make sure you put a dot between Randis and Reviews or it may end up going to something else all together.
31. Scraps by Mara: Shadowing on the preview is a vast improvement over the entry before (Kooky Cat), so these papers/elements actually have some realism. Paper is WAY too grungy for my tastes, although I know there are some who prefer it that way. In general, though, I've found over time that those who prefer that amount of grunge are few and far between, so I think this detracts from the kit. The coloring is off, too (the leaves are not even close to the palette colors). The shadowing on the stacked flower is much too harsh to appear realistic. All in all, this is not a kit for my tastes. Didn't DL.
32. Sweet Tomato Designs: Something about the preview struck me as strange, and I finally realized that the shadow for the paper on the far right is WAY off; looks like it was on a separate layer that got accidentally dragged too far out. Beyond that oddity, this kit looks nice. Appears to be well-made and of good quality from the preview, and has some useful elements that are cohesive with the papers. This could be used as-is, which we all know I grade highly. It would also coordinate w/ some other portions from other designers, though not as well as a few others' b/c the theme/feel of this kit isn't at all like anything else we've seen so far. Didn't DL, but only b/c I didn't like the color combos on 3 of the papers and I knew I wouldn't use it in the end. But this was one of the more well-put together efforts, in terms of cohesiveness within a kit.
33. { Ocean Wide Designs }: At first glance, this appears to be one of the better offerings in this blog train. The way she used the color palette is pleasing to the eye (and as any veteran designer knows, a color palette and your kit preview can go a long way to getting you a sale: it's the first (and sometimes only) thing that draws in a potential customer). So kudos to her for getting me to look. Unfortunately, that's where my praise ends. After inspecting the preview up close, I don't find a lot that looks worth my time. The fake acrylic action/style used to create the buttons is awful. Why not scan/photograph and extract real buttons? These are bad. BAD. The shadowing on both of the stacked flowers is extremely unrealistic, as well. They look almost as digital as the acrylic buttons. Yuck. All of the frames and the stitching are good, basic offerings, and would get used along with other people's papers/elements. I DL'd just to get a closer look at the papers (which were brought up by someone else already on this blog a day or two ago). I wasn't impressed, but they weren't horrible. Patterns are a personal preference thing, anyway. Bottom line: I give this a B for marketing (she got me to look closer), but a C- for execution.
34. Milly Dee Designs: Oh how I wish that designers would post full 600x600 previews on their blogs. Yes, it's important/necessary, people. We shouldn't have to click to make it bigger, but if we DO click: it should be an option! If you want to link from your photo previews to your shop (or to the actual DL)... which you SHOULD do... then you need a 600x600 preview. End of rant. As for the kit itself, I like her originality and creativity. This is obviously handmade work, and not CU-laden recolored crap. I wish she had done something to make her papers seem more coordinated (even a solid paper in between each one that ties them together would have helped), because they seem mish-mashy and detract from what's really on display here: the doodled elements. After following Milly Dee for a few months (other contests, etc.) I know that she does her own doodles and artwork, and these are cute. I love the flower with the patterned petals. I think the outline on the banner is too thick, however, when compared to the outlines on the other elements. I DL'd it for the doodled elements, and will discard the rest. The elements will be cute with other items I've already gathered.
35. Paper Capers Designs: Meh. There's nothing truly wrong with this offering. Word art is just that: word art. Plain, simple, and often boring to look at on a preview (but useful along with other items when scrapping). But if I were participating in a blog train with a set palette to work from, I think I'd incorporate that into my word art, rather than offer up boring black line art/etc. This holds especially true when the theme of her pack is "why be normal?" and, well, this pack is nothing BUT normal. Didn't DL, got bored and moved along.
(I'll be back later with the next 5 that I promised, #36-40)...
Also, my e-mail for reviews is piersunhacked at gmail dot com.
What ever happened to Kami's partner Shawna at Scrap Orchard? -----This was answered just above, so I won't touch it.
Why does Miss Tiina get to just carry on selling after being outted as a pirate over and over? -----Why are we bringing this up again, unless she was outed again in the past month? It hasn't happened since the original incidents, so don't make it sound as though it has.
Why is Flergs such a whiny attention whore? -----Agreed. Always "don't use my graphics in your siggies!" and whatnot at DST. Who cares.
Why does Ellie Lash retire/unretire every 5 minutes? -----Selling CU like crazy at SHCO, I hear.
Has COLS ever sold a single item? What do you suppose is her motivation to keep "designing"? -----Doubtful. She's trying to stick it to those of us here who want her to retire. :)
Ellie hasn't retired, she's selling CU at Sugarhill under designer name That Girl. However, she is getting a little sloppy. Lots of jagged edges on her element templates lately.
Has COLS ever sold a single item? What do you suppose is her motivation to keep "designing"? -----Doubtful. She's trying to stick it to those of us here who want her to retire. :)
^^^^^^^^ Who is that? And where to look at it? Thanks.
Ellie hasn't retired, she's selling CU at Sugarhill under designer name That Girl. However, she is getting a little sloppy. Lots of jagged edges on her element templates lately.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That is so disappointing to hear. She used to be pretty good.
I heard that COLS said she needed a "fresh start". She had left Enchanted Scrap Studio...thinking she could get in at Scrappity Doo Dah. They turned her down due to quality issues. Then ESS closed, and she had no where to go. She decided to go with this art journaling thing...and she can claim she is artistic all she wants...the truth is, or at least my opinion on it - is that claiming artistic license helps her get away with murder QC wise. If you have ever downloaded anything of hers, you would know what I mean. Her color has always looked the way it does now. She claims that she sells. I have it on good authority that she does NOT. Heck, she probably gives it away - wait...who would want it? She is a snobby woman from hell - you can't tell her anything design wise, as she knows it all. I stay as far away as possible...and yet...she always finds me to say howdy. Drives me insane.
And I agree with the newbies showing more promise than the established designers, but maybe after reading this blog they are all trying extra hard. :) ----
Just because they are new designers doesn't mean they haven't been playing around with graphic programs for years. I'm in the newbie category, but I've been using Photoshop for over 8 years.
So. Adori - not too worried? Then why come here at all?
and please remember when posting - to stay a COWARD like the rest of us - make sure you check the ANON button in the 'Choose an identity' area. Otherwise, you just look silly when you are arguing semantics with someone at 4 in the morning and accidently sign in with your google account - then delete it. you wouldn't want us to heckle you, now would you? ---------------
This is so true. I slept fine last night Adori, how about you?
A lot of them do. And I have to say, I haven't heard of nearly all of the participants. Either I don't get out much or they just market themselves very well.
And I agree with the newbies showing more promise than the established designers, but maybe after reading this blog they are all trying extra hard. :) ----
Just because they are new designers doesn't mean they haven't been playing around with graphic programs for years. I'm in the newbie category, but I've been using Photoshop for over 8 years.
-------------
You sound awful defensive when the comment wasn't even bad.
36. Digital Harmony: As a whole, the preview for this one doesn't do a lot for me, as I am not into pink, brown, and blue together as a color combo. Blame the palette for this. Looked at as individual pieces, though, this isn't a bad portion. The papers are textured enough to look like cardstock, but not so much that they're out of control. The patterns are all plaid, which is a little boring as far as patterned papers go, but it's titled "pretty in plaid" so it's hard to complain (and also because it's a free mini and there are so many other interesting patterns available from other designers, so I'm not lacking). The journaling paper is cute, and the stamped pattern is a nice touch. The preview is put together/shadowed pretty well (with exception to the flower stem on the left). Everything looks relatively realistic. Making the heart frame appear to have wire detailing was an interesting idea/nice touch, as a way to spice up a CU piece in a new way. I'd give this one a B / B+.
37. Inspired Designs: I almost laughed out loud while looking at this one, because my first thought was "wow the color on the papers looks waaaaay washed out," and then I read the title of the product: "Washed Out: Distressed Papers". Well, she certainly hit the mark, then! LMAO. These papers look decent. I'm not in love w/ the color combos used on the plaid papers, but that's not to say that this is bad designing. Just not my personal preference. The solids will be nice to use w/ some other things I've picked up along the way. Looking at some of her other products, it looks like she can create some decent elements, and I wish she had done that here, too. Other than that, no real complaints.
38. Created by Jill Scraps: This is the most mishy-mashy submission I've looked at this afternoon. It would appear that she's a newer designer who hasn't yet figured out her style, and is instead just throwing together random items that are colored to the palette. Fake acrylic frame, realistic/extracted flower/leaves, fake acrylic button w/ realistic thread, ribbon, string, etc. None of it really "goes" together, other than it's colored to coordinate. The papers are OK, nothing stunning, with exception to the blue paper that's apparently supposed to be embossed (?)... that should have been left out. The shadowing on the bevels is WAY too severe, and no paper would have grooves that deep/sharp. Didn't DL.
39. Snips and Snails Designs: This one looks pretty cute initially, except for the fact that it's mainly made up of very recognizable CU products (the average consumer wouldn't notice this, most likely, but I do). I like a couple of her patterned papers, and DL'd to get a better look. The stickers are cute if used on solid papers. The overlay/blending work on the banners needs improvement, as they look markedly more digital than the rest of the offerings. I like the stitched frames, hate the buckled ribbon. Overall, not bad... but needs to be cleaned up a bit.
40. A-liya: This is my least favorite from today (out of #31-40), but this may be due more to my personal preference toward a paper-scrapped style than due to the kit itself. Simply put, I don't gravitate towards kits that include lots of realistic/extracted elements that couldn't actually be pinned/glued down to paper IRL. I DL'd it to take a closer look at the quality/etc., as I don't feel I can be completely objective about the style... most of the elements/extractions are flawless and clean. A couple of elements had drop shadows, which I don't like, but the elements in question were shiny/glowy to begin with, so users might not mind (?). The string with beads could use some shadowing work, as it looks completely flat and unrealistic... strange, in a kit filled with realistic elements that seems to be made for those who enjoy that style. Not my cup of tea.
And with those reviews, I have now fulfilled my obligation to whoever asked for #20-40! Phew.
Some see mean spirited reviews and some see honest, blunt reviews. I'm sure I make some people cry and others take what I say and become better designers. So, while you're crying, those others can steal your customers and store spots. More power to them. I am Simon afterall. I never claimed to be trying to improve things in this industry by being NICE. This industry already has enough fake nicey nice people...
This will be my ONLY full review of all the entries. I will do more reviews for this contest, but only for those I download. The only reason is how extremely time consuming this is given all the entries.
Designer Apprentice Season 2 - Established
BZB Designs - Fun color palette for the theme, even if it's been done 100 times. Love the big diamond and those pop can top flowers are awesome and unique (to me anyway). Like the wild word art and the frame, too. I did download this. After unzipping, hate the edges on the pink and black check paper. I would still use it as paper pieces, though. Other papers are nice for this kit style. The black solid is a little oversaturated. The extracted ribbon piece is accented nicely. Everything works together in this kit. I will keep everything.
Chris Matthis - I love the color palette. She has some nice paper patterns mixed with basics. Not real crazy about the blue on blue flourish paper with the other papers. The pink paper flower is cheesy looking. I did download. After unzipping, the button holes are wobbly. People, it's a circle. That's all. Could also use some adjustment to the quality of the image. I greatly defined the button in 5 seconds by simply applying some photo editing techniques (clarification is your friend). I like the staple. My biggest peeve is the lack of at least one solid paper. Cute kit and worth downloading if this is your style and you can make your own solids to coordinate.
Dancing Princess Designs - Almost everything is dull and washed out. The bright green leaf is out of place in color, but the subtle pattern and stitching is nice. Too many word pieces and not enough actual elements. Flowers look cheesy and the modern center on the right flower is not the right style. Didn't download.
Lilleyscrap Designs - I like the journal stamp. The color palette has potential, but isn't well executed. It looks dull, even with the bright color pops. It's odd that a stone is the brightest thing on the preview. She has some nice individual elements and the paper textures are mostly nice (too grungy and dirty looking on the pale solid), but the entire kit makes me yawn.
Luv Ewe - There are only 7 papers, so why aren't they all on the preview? OK color palette and decent basic elements. I did download. After unzipping, the circle with the button on top is jagged. Button extraction looks uneven on the left side (the left side is flattened and squared off). The flower extractions are very jagged and have strays. Both the ribbon and bow she used also have jagged edges. I assume these are CU since she stated she only extracted the flowers and button. It's an OK mini, but the quality isn't there for an "established" designer.
Just Call Me Betty - Never heard of you. This exact color palette has been done better by others. You extracted a heart? Paper flowers are gross looking and elements are beyond basic. Boring papers, but at least she put them all on her preview.
Kat's Kreations - That heart button looks pixelated and choppy even on the preview. The color palette is gross and everything looks dingy. Boring, basic elements. The plaid papers are nice, but I just can't get past the colors.
(part 2) Mariscrap - This seemed like a jumbled mixed bag of extracted items. Some of the elements looked nice, but I wish I could have seen all 5 papers on the preview. I did download because I liked enough of the elements to look closer. After unzipping, the heart bead extraction is jagged and the photo quality is poor. There is a very jagged button (element25) that should have easily been fixed. One of the elements is shadowed and not offered unshadowed. After seeing the other papers, I understand now why she only showed the one on the preview. The kit is just a mish mash of items. Will keep some of the real flowers and discard everything else.
Dana's Footprint - I like the white ribbon. That's all. The rest is a poor mish mash of different styles and the colors are gross. That paper with the extracted tub and candles is just horrendous.
Jen C Designs - Overly textured papers and basic elements and patterns. The pallette isn't bad, but the frames are clunky and don't match the style of the delicate lavender flowers. In fact, nothing matches those flowers.
Designs by Angel - Did she post in the wrong category? Generic is right - she said so herself. She extracted a swirl? Horrible color palette - nothing says vintage like prison jumpsuit orange. Mish mash of styles and finishes here, too. I like the black ribbon with the little white flower on it. How usable is a patterned paper tag? Boring papers.
The Urban Fairy - Blurry everything. What's with the big staple over the flower? Blurry, weird looking textures and poorly recolored papers. The black is very out of place and very oversaturated. Boring paper patterns. I don't even see shadows on the preview, but she says they're there. I guess there is one on the frame.
Key of D Designs - Horrible logo. This is a mish mash, but not drastically so. The worst offender is the pen. The note paper looks blurry on the preview. Some of the reds and greens are very oversaturated. I don't mind the color palette, but it isn't well executed.
Girl Boy Girl Designs - I expected much better from this designer and was a little shocked this was her entry. Mostly dark, boring papers and that red is beyond oversaturated. Add some dark elements to the dark papers and well, there ya go. Shadowing on this preview is poor as well. Cute idea, poorly executed.
Scraps by Mara - I give her kudos for at least extracting something more challenging than a button or square envelope. The brads on the tag are very distracting. Paper textures are fuzzy looking and so are the two flowers. The bear doesn't do it for me, but I don't dislike the color palette. The red paper looks poorly colored. I did download to get a closer look. After unzipping, she had trouble on the curled ribbon corners in her extraction. The papers are seriously gross. The red is horrible and the overlay is not correctly applied. The elements are mish mashy. The red flower isn't fuzzy in the download, but the blue one isn't crisp, but can easily be corrected. I deleted everything.
(part 3) Maitri Scraps - I'll leave this review to the lady who says she likes papers with no texture. To me, this is a gross mish mash of styles - all done poorly. Way too cheap and digital looking. The idea is fine, but the colors and execution are poor.
Sus Designs - I've said this to many who have emailed me privately, and now I'm saying it to you, Sus. If you need to put a white separator sheet between your papers and elements, then the colors of one or both are off. If you need to separate the elements from the papers to get them to pop, you need to change some colors around. There are exceptions, of course, but in this case, they don't work. I like the detail of having the utensils worn and used looking, but the style doesn't really blend with the cut paper bowls and handwritten font on the milk carton. You can barely see that grey writing on the sugar container. I think the idea is cute, but poorly executed, poorly previewed, and the color palette is dull and boring - as are the papers.
Sugar Kissed - The best thing she did was add a guilded finish to what was probably a poor quality photo extraction. Papers are simple, but elegant and work with the theme of this kit. I think there is too much guilding between the frame, the leaves, the pin, the border, etc. I did download, though. After unzipping, the guilded elements are very pretty. The two flowers are not detached from each other as she shows on her preview. Seriously, LAZY! Again, not everyone can separate these things in their programs. There is no reason for them to not be there own individual image. The image quality could also be improved with simple photo editing. They're also oddly colored. I like the glitter on them, though. Paper textures are nice. I will keep all but the extracted flowers.
Lishi - She said she extracted a ribbon, but I don't see it on her preview. Maybe the bow? This is very beginner. Very. Color palette is gross and the elements are boring and mish mashy. The star scatter doodle isn't bad, but it doesn't flow with anything else. I don't even know where I would begin to use this kit at all. Very dark and nothing shines.
Kat {designed} - Odd designer name and color palette. Boring papers. Color palette not consistently applied. One elephant on a stand does not make a circus kit. Mish mash in element styles. Her full description was not posted at the time of my review, so I'm not sure what she extracted and what she didn't. Just an odd mish mash in paper styles, patterns, and elements.
Digital Harmony - I want to like this color palette, but the papers are so horrendously boring, it's not easy. The pink is over saturated and the texture makes it stand out even more against the other boring papers. The elements are mish mashy and not cohesive. I like the idea and the palette could work with much better execution. The flower looks like something a 5 year old puts in their hair. Color palette is also not consistently applied.
Penny H Designs - Beginner. Very. Boring papers with some having gross textures (the green ones especially!). I think she forgot to drop shadow all of her elements. For her very first digital kit, it's not bad. It's better than some of the established designers. Very basic items in dire need of better presentation. The pale string needs more pop.
Made by Me Inspirations - Beginner. Very. Also her first kit. The bevel on everything is way too excessive. No textures on the papers and the color palette is gross. The balloons look cute. I like the idea of the swirl frames, but they're too thin and appear to have the same dark bevel on them. I have no idea why she extracted a banner then made it look like a mouse chewed on it.
Bonnie Blou - If it weren't for that horrible texture, her papers wouldn't be too bad. The elements are mish mashy with the doodles, the acrylic, the extracted, and the paper cut items. Very basic and simple elements. Not a good color balance on the preview (ie. all the cream elements on top of the cream paper).
MHK Scrap Bytes - I like the color palette and theme. I can't stand that brown "patterned" paper. The others aren't horrible, but they are simple. The stripe with the touch of glitter is nice. WHY are all the elements under the band on the preview. I really do not understand this at all. I did download this. After unzipping, the peacock feather flower and butterfly are pretty and interesting. I also love the peacock pin, but you can barely see it on the preview - along with some of the other pretty and interesting elements. This kit's features are it's elements, not the papers. Let us see them!
3 Li'l Monsters - Odd paper mix of paper textures and patterns. Most are OK, but then there is that heavily distressed paper. A grid for a princess kit also seems odd. The elements are a mish mash in style and finishes. I like some variety but they must FLOW together and make sense. The extracted ricrac is way too large in scale for this kit.
Ohana Designs - Boring papers and that patterns seems out of place for the theme. Recoloring is off - especially on red and brown. Color palette is OK, but not executed well. It also doesn't match the relaxation theme. The elements are a mish mash in style and are recolored poorly.
In the Small Things - Soft color palette and a common theme. Mostly boring paper patterns and the textures look fuzzy. Most everything just looks washed out. I think she should have focused on 2 quality extractions instead of doing a bunch of mediocre looking ones.
Star Traveller - Extracted a star? She has this one decent looking patterned paper (second from right), but then, the entire thing falls apart. None of the colors blend with that paper. Some of the elements are illustrations and in a completely different style than the soft patterned paper. The beige is dull and out of place. A perfect example of nothing being overly offensive, but most of it not working together - mish mash.
Sherry_Lynn - Very beginner. Color palette is OK, but for a garden theme, it seems odd. Especially with the stars on the paper and the Americana lamp. I like the pop of yellow in the flower, but it's no where on the papers. Paper textures and patterns are boring and not consistent with the theme. The word art tag thing is way too grungy and the words are difficult to read.
Dreamy Nest - Horrible logo. I can't even read your design name. Small preview. Mish mash of styles in elements and the color palette is inconsistently used and gross. Her extracted items look decent from the preview and are better looking than almost all of the established designers. But, the entire kit is an inconsistent mish mash.
Foosa Moon - The application of orange in this palette isn't executed well. Papers are very boring and textures are inconsistent (some are OK, others non-existent). Elements are a mish mash and inconsistently colored.
2 am Designs - I like the pop of yellow in this kit, but wish she had applied it consistently in the elements. It looks over saturated in the papers and then in some of the elements, she made it almost a cream. Mixed a nice pattern with basic patterns. Paper textures aren't overly done. Love her flowers. I did download this. After unzipping, my only criticism is the yellow paper is over saturated. I like it bright, but that doesn't mean it needs to be so saturated. Overall, I think this mini is adorable and is the best put together of everything to this point.
Digital Monsoon - Boring papers. The red is over saturated and the extracted items are very out of place with the digitally made elements. The elements are also very small on the preview. Paper textures are boring and barely there on most of the papers.
Truman Studio - The color palette is OK for the theme, but the red on the elements is oversaturated. Kudos for doing a feather extraction, although, it seems out of place for this theme. I can see what she was going for, but it doesn't work for me. Everything is too distressed (a little goes a long way) and the preview is flat. Items look fuzzy and weirdly recolored.
Rhonda Sunflower - Basic kit, colors, patterns. The green and blue look oversaturated. I like her use of white to make things pop. The pale flower is oddly recolored and doesn't match the kit in style. I only see 7 elements on the preview, not 8 as she has listed. I don't get the floral frame and dainty pale flower for such a graphic kit.
Nirah's Designs - Poor to non-existent textures and very oversaturated colors. Let's be clear, your scanner didn't cut off corners, the person operating the scanner did. Odd mish mash of styles in the elements. Most of the elements are poorly colored, especially the ribbons. The scrollwork on the veggie stand sign is an odd style for this kit. Basic papers, but I like the pepper paper and wish the colors were nicer.
SunshineArtz - Again with the white paper separator. I'd like this palette better if the dark blues weren't oversaturated. It looks like the copper papers have a heavy burn on the edges, but I didn't download to get a closer look. Some OK textures and some non-existent. Very boring papers overall. Elements are basic, but mostly work together. The butterflies are shaded poorly and that wrinkled paper stuff is out of place.
(part 6) Brine Designs - I'm trying hard to root for this girl. I like her palette and her papers and paper textures. I don't understand hiding the elements under large paper circles. How bad are they? Nothing special here and the snowflake seems odd. Maybe if you didn't make your element preview so small and on a piece of white paper, you could fit all the elements on your preview. Why would I buy something I can't see? I did download this for the papers. After unzipping, I'll keep the papers and some of the elements. I like the window box frame, but it has those stupid dew drops on it. I can make my own without the dew drops, but it's annoying to not have a plain frame included. The paint circles have a strange style applied to them - the edges look grainy. I don't like the flowers at all. The stitch is just a doodle with no style applied.
Christina P - Basic kit with poorly recolored elements. Paper textures look OK except for that snowflake paper. The stripe or texture (whatever it is) is distracting. Nice use of the colors in the palette, though, and her elements pop without having to insert a piece of paper. Don't like the extracted penguins with this style. I also don't like the weathering on the scallop border. It looks like it has a french manicure. The scallops also look more like udders than scallops.
PamlaKlenczar - Small preview. No idea who this designer is based upon her preview. I took her designer name from the file name. It's tough to say anything with such a small preview other than the colors look cheap and gross. It doesn't look like she has many paper patterns and nothing pops on the preview at all.
Farynar's Wings - OK color palette, but the black is over saturated in the papers. Boring papers. I love buttons, but they were an easy extraction to choose. Recoloring is flat on the flowers. Leaves look like they could be interesting, but why display them on top of the matching green paper? I didn't download because it's too basic and the papers did nothing for me. But, overall, it doesn't look like a bad basic kit.
Fran B Designs - Total mish mash in elements and palette. Deviates too much from palette in her elements based on her papers. Textures are too heavy on most of her papers and the patterns don't mesh. The preview isn't bad, but the items within the kit are poorly executed. Recoloring is also poor.
Kim Hackworth Creations - Terrible flat, boring preview. Please make friends with a drop shadow. I only see 4 patterned papers, but she lists 5. The elements are too small and a mish mash and again with the paper separator. The idea is cute, but the palette isn't great and it's not colored consistently. Paper textures are gross.
(part 7 - last part) Rumki Designs - I like how she used the shells to make a sun and border. Color palette is dull and washed out (in a bad way). Those papers are gross in texture, color, and pattern. Elements are poorly recolored. Basic idea, but not well executed.
Damsel Designs - I am now blind. Why are all the elements hiding behind the packaging and each other? Cute idea, but that color palette is gross. Paper textures are blurry (on patterns especially). I like the little taxis, though. An OK kit if you like neon. If she had chosen a different color palette and used better quality textures, this kit would have been much better.
Paper Capers Designs - I like the idea of the color palette, but the colors don't flow well between the papers and elements. Elements are a weird mish mash of extractions and digital. Paper textures are overdone - and where is the denim paper? The kit needs one to coordinate in theme with the denim pockets. Paper patterns are boring. I like the little flowers coming out of the pockets, but wished they were better quality. Don't hide the elements under your huge logo.
Juli Enriquez Designs - Boring paper patterns and the white paper is very out of place in color and style. Mish mash of styles and the color palette isn't consistently applied. I do like her two extractions, but they don't mesh with the rest of the kit - nothing really works together.
Lilacs in Bloom - Too many different textures in one kit - the tell-tale sign of a beginner. Elements are a mish mash both in color and style. It's almost like she didn't even use a palette, just said, I'll throw in anything remotely green or pink. Paper patterns are also different styles. The elements she chose to recolor are done poorly. This girl is at Shabby Pickle?
Digi Deborah's Designs - I like the ladder. I don't get the doodle style papers with the rest of this kit. I'm also not a fan of the color palette or the paper textures (again with the rubber cupboard liner). Her font choice isn't good - it's too small. There are just too many styles present in her elements.
Paper Garden Projects - So, where are all the papers listed? Horrible, flat preview. The illustration rendering is nice for that style. It's a little mish mashy. I didn't download, but the papers look like they have a white haze around them. I don't understand what that is supposed to be. I like the sunflower paper and wish she had went with that style full on.
Jennifer Z - Horrible logo. Paper patterns are OK, but the texture seems blurry for being so slight. Flat preview. Again, please make friends with the drop shadows (I could say this about almost all of the previews in both categories). Basic kit with basic elements. Nothing special, but nothing overly offensive. I am sick of looking at this color palette, though.
Studio CinCo - Honestly, them being in this category pisses me off. I'll try not to let it influence my review. I do like Americo's drawings, especially the little lamb. The moon face kinda creeps me out, though. The bows and rosette are very out of place in style and quality. The paper preview is clearly done so the elements pop against the dark background, but sadly, that makes the other papers difficult to see. Color palette is OK, but the papers look basic and very boring.
I really like the way Piers Unhacked is doing her reviews now. She's giving constructive criticism and not forgetting to put in a little positive commentary. Very well done Piers!
I didn't see Simon's set of reviews before I posted the above comment. It looks like Simon has stepped away from the 'gross' comments and is also giving constructive criticism. Well done both of you.
I'm happy to see that those who are reviewing are remembering that real people are reading this blog with feelings that can be hurt. And yes, I know it's a smack blog, yada yada whatever.....
Star Traveller - Extracted a star? She has this one decent looking patterned paper (second from right), but then, the entire thing falls apart. None of the colors blend with that paper. Some of the elements are illustrations and in a completely different style than the soft patterned paper. The beige is dull and out of place. A perfect example of nothing being overly offensive, but most of it not working together - mish mash. ---------
I told you I sucked at previews :) The illustrated elements also come in a painted style but I didn't want to crowd the preview. You did pick my favourite paper out of the kit to like though. That star was a PITA as it had rough edges due to the glitter, but yeah, I copped out, I know it. Thanks for the feedback. Did you download it? Just curious, not a requirement.
Just following along with the reviews was time consuming, I can imagine how long it took to write them. Thanks, Simon! My opinions deviated a little here and there, but not a great deal. And I always learn from your comments.
I'm not a designer but want to show my appreciation to those who take the time to do reviews here as well. When most people won't even take a few precious seconds to type thank you for a freebie, this is certainly refreshing.
Just followed Simon's review to see the DSA contest kits. Doesn't Dancing Princess Designs' logo on her preview look.... strange to you? I mean, look at her feet. Even for dancing I think the whole body looks really awkward and disproportioned. Is it just me?
So if they did get it to a mentor on time surely the kits should be a better quality? Since so many are a 'mish mash' etc what was the point of the mentor?
I notice that they were told not to worry about quality of image/scan used just the quality of the extraction. Won't that make the kit worthless then?
Don't stop now, Piers keep going. How about reviews of 41-70?
---------------
You gotta be kidding me. :) I honestly don't have time to do them all. Obviously you fall into that range and want a review of your part? How about you choose a segment of 10 (say, "51-60" or "61-70" etc.) and I will consider it. Then nobody else will know exactly who you are, but I don't have to review 30 more just to maintain your anonymity. Fair enough?
On an unrelated side-note, the word I have to type in (below this response, for the "word verification") was "lickypea"... something that made me LOL IRL.
I think Simon uses the term 'mishy-mashy' VERY liberally. I think there is a difference in mish-mash and variety, especially for a mini. August 7, 2011 8:30 AM
Used 5 out of 15 in the established category and in 15 our of 35 reviews in the new. I agree with about 90% of the uses of the word mish-mash and don't think it's "variety." Most customers want cohesive kits. Variety is when it all works together. In almost all cases reviewed, it doesn't work together.
I would rather see Piers review the new designers at the DSA contest. August 7, 2011 8:55 AM
Sounds like Simon didn't give you a good review. You bad designers are really demanding of people's time.
------------------------ I was talking about having a review of DSA instead of more of the Blog Train. It had nothing to do with Simon's review. Is that clear enough for you?
Used 5 out of 15 in the established category and in 15 our of 35 reviews in the new. I agree with about 90% of the uses of the word mish-mash and don't think it's "variety." Most customers want cohesive kits. Variety is when it all works together. In almost all cases reviewed, it doesn't work together. --------------------------------- For the new category, Simon used mish-mash in for about 45% of the kits. I would say that's a pretty liberal use of the term.
So what 10% do you not agree with? I'm curious as to if it's the same one's I think are variety instead of 'mishy-mashy'.
I was talking about having a review of DSA instead of more of the Blog Train. It had nothing to do with Simon's review. Is that clear enough for you? August 7, 2011 9:49 AM
Simons review was of DSA. How is that for clarity?
You gotta be kidding me. :) I honestly don't have time to do them all. Obviously you fall into that range and want a review of your part? How about you choose a segment of 10 (say, "51-60" or "61-70" etc.) and I will consider it. Then nobody else will know exactly who you are, but I don't have to review 30 more just to maintain your anonymity. Fair enough? ^^^ Fair enough. How about 41-50. Thank you for taking the time to do this. You and Simon, it really is helpful. Even based on your reviews of other designers I have found areas where I can improve as a designer.
Studio CinCo - Honestly, them being in this category pisses me off. ------------------------------- Why? ----------- Some people feel that I should have made them be in the established designer category b/c the husband sells CU and has been for quite some time. However, they were only allowed to be in the new designer category because they have only been selling PU products for a short time.
So if they did get it to a mentor on time surely the kits should be a better quality? Since so many are a 'mish mash' etc what was the point of the mentor?
I notice that they were told not to worry about quality of image/scan used just the quality of the extraction. Won't that make the kit worthless then? ------ they're being judged on the extraction, not how good of a camera/scanner they have. Some of these people have never ever designed before, I didn't want them to quit at the start just b/c they have a crappy camera.
I thought the entrants in DSA's Design Apprentice had mentors who gave them feedback before they submitted their entries? ----- only if they a. chose to use the mentor, b. got it in by wednesday night and c. then chose to make the changes their mentor suggested. The established designers did not get a mentor unless they requested one.
I was talking about having a review of DSA instead of more of the Blog Train. It had nothing to do with Simon's review. Is that clear enough for you? August 7, 2011 9:49 AM
Simons review was of DSA. How is that for clarity? -------------------- And - I was talking to Piers (ie - I would rather see PIERS do a review of DSA rather than (or INSTEAD OF more Blog Train....). Again, it had NOTHING to do with Simon or her review. So, your point makes no sense.
How many different textures do you expect to see in a kit with 12 papers? Should the solids be all one texture? I realize this is a matter of personal preference but I was once turned down by a store because I didn't vary my textures more per kit. Just curious.
I use the same textures on all my papers within the same kit - unless it has folds, creases, that kind of thing. But the base texture is the same throughout - makes it cohesive. I think being turned down for a store because you didn't vary the textures is ridiculous.
Just to add - textures is different than brushwork and other touches I add to each paper to make them different. I do do that - my papers do not all look the same.
I use the same textures on all my papers within the same kit - unless it has folds, creases, that kind of thing. But the base texture is the same throughout - makes it cohesive. I think being turned down for a store because you didn't vary the textures is ridiculous.
-----------------
ITA about keeping with a general texture in a kit to keep it cohesive, although I will say that I usually keep to a couple (not just one). One for a "scrapbook" weight paper (like when you buy 12X12 patterned sheets at the store), and one for cardstock weight. But other than that, I try to keep it somewhat consistent throughout, going along w/ what you would want/get if you bought a scrapbook set at a store.
How many different textures do you expect to see in a kit with 12 papers? Should the solids be all one texture? I realize this is a matter of personal preference but I was once turned down by a store because I didn't vary my textures more per kit. Just curious.
--------------
Re: being turned down by the store. Wonder if this was a case of every solid paper you had in the kit all had the same creases in the same places, etc. Keeping w/ one texture is one thing (cohesiveness, as just stated above). Making every paper identical w/ only variation being color is, IMO, another thing completely. Especially w/ the recent trend toward wrinkled/creased papers in kits... it looks ridiculous to scrap a page w/ multiple papers that all have the same creases in the same places, as this would rarely if ever happen IRL if you were scrapping w/ paper. Just a thought.
When I see previews that include a line of papers that are textured exactly the same (I often see this with solids ... all lined up with the same exact textures) I think the designer is either lazy or really naive. Most scrappers can recolor a solid, they don't need the same one in every color of the kit.
When I see previews that include a line of papers that are textured exactly the same (I often see this with solids ... all lined up with the same exact textures) I think the designer is either lazy or really naive. Most scrappers can recolor a solid, they don't need the same one in every color of the kit. August 7, 2011 2:38 PM
This is one of the great myths of digital scrapbooking. Don't be fooled by these comments made by designers who *think* they know. They don't. I've polled my customers over the years and a shocking majority do NOT know how to do this.
Regardless, change up some of the brushwork for each solid. It only takes a few mins.
I like this discussion about textures. I actually used to agree with the person who thought it looked lazy to have the same texures on each paper. In the past I included a different texture for each paper thinking that is what scrappers wanted. Now I usually keep the texture down to 1 or 2 types per kit. By that, I mean I will use one or two types of materials to create the overlays (I make my own). So I might use that specific paper flat and folded and slightly wrinkled. But all of them have the same base texture since they were made using the same material. I feel like it makes my kits look much more cohesive.
I don't ever recolor the same paper though. Not even the solids. I like there to be a bit variety in the coloring and brushwork.
My customers seem to prefer this current method. Basing that on their comments to me.
I also use the same base texture for each paper. After that I add different overlays to give each a different look. Brushwork is also different for each. I always think it is lazy to recolor the exact same paper without variation for solids in a kit.
@Sara: I didn't want them to quit at the start just b/c they have a crappy camera.
----------- 1st and foremost: thanks for all your work in this thing (I am not a participant) and for your input here. There are no crappy cameras just crappy photographers. Give 2 people the same camera and tell them to take photos of the same bottle and you'll be amazed what comes out of it. Or try a chimp for that matter. As a matter of fact I would always like to have a chimp in any contest/ assigment just for a chimp benchmarking.
QUOTE A photographer is invited to dinner. At the party she takes shots and brings in some prints the next week. The lady of the house is happy with the prints and says 'You must have a very good camera, the photos are so good'. The photographer ponders and eventually says 'You must have a very good oven because your dinner was so delicious'. UNQUOTE
As a matter of fact my blood pressure still goes up when people say to me 'Can you take the photos, they always turn out great, you have a great camera'.
So if they did get it to a mentor on time surely the kits should be a better quality? Since so many are a 'mish mash' etc what was the point of the mentor? ---
I'm not really sure how you are equating quality with mish mashy, they aren't the same thing at all.
I agree with some of Simon's reviews about kits being mishy mashy but not others.
There are no crappy cameras just crappy photographers. Give 2 people the same camera and tell them to take photos of the same bottle and you'll be amazed what comes out of it. Or try a chimp for that matter. ----------
While this may be true, give an amazing photographer a cheap camera with a crappy plastic lens and a nice professional grade DSLR, and it's not hard to guess which image will be better.
There are some point and shoot cameras that are never going to produce an image that will make a quality element. No matter how talented a photographer you may be.
I thought that Sugar Kissed designs was smart in realizing this. Her use of the pretty guilded effects to her poor images, was a smart and creative way to deal with the inablility to capture a quality image.
While this may be true, give an amazing photographer a cheap camera with a crappy plastic lens and a nice professional grade DSLR, and it's not hard to guess which image will be better. -------
That would depend entirely on what the photographer was after. All those cheap plastic cameras are back in vogue and the images are still amazing.
That would depend entirely on what the photographer was after. All those cheap plastic cameras are back in vogue and the images are still amazing.
-----------
In this particular instance, the photographer is after a clear, crisp image that will look unpixelated and defined as an extracted element at 100%. If you can capture that with a point and shoot crap camera, then you definitely are an amazing photographer.
Piers said, "The trick is to find multiple people's opinions and compare them to each other, and see if there's a trend."
I'm a designer whose store has already been reviewed by Simon, and reading this got me thinking....it would be interesting to see some of the stores that have already been reviewed by Simon be reviewed by Piers, Randi and others as well. See if this holds true. I've already taken into consideration what Simon has said, but it would be interesting (and helpful!) to know if others think the same.
I would be happy to review it. But there have been a lot of stores reviewed, and I don't have time to go back and look to see which stores they were. If you give us a little list of them, I'll do one or two sometime this week.
As a matter of fact I would always like to have a chimp in any contest/ assigment just for a chimp benchmarking. --- LOL i love this. I think I agree :) And yes.. I totally get you.. b/c I hear the same.. you have a great camera. But.. not everyone has a dslr and there are bad p&s's out there.. my daughter has one LOL My main concern on that challenge was how well they extracted something, not how well they photographed something... better that way?
And.. you're welcome... when this is over I think I'm gonna sleep for a week LOL
What store did you want reviewed? I know Simon did a few, but point me to the one you want and I'll be happy to check it out. Now if I end up spending a lot of money I'm going to blame you though..lol..jk (kind of). :)
Three years ago OScraps was my favorite store. I still love Paislee Press and I do like One Little Bird although the kits are small for the money, but that is about it. -------------------------------
Just wanted to comment on this because I've bought both Paislee Press's and One Little Bird's most recent kits and if you look at the size of the kit compared to the kits at SSD (which are the same price) the kits all actually have about the same amount of elements and papers. I think it's just Paislee Press, One Little Bird and a lot of other C&S sort of designers that weren't mentioned here do their previews in a way that spreads the elements out so that they're organized and visible, and people tend to mistakenly think the kits are "smaller" because they'll resize things and flip things to make them fit on that element card. Whereas other designers just pile all their things up full-sized in a big cluster on top of their paper and that tricks the buyer into thinking there's a big pile of stuff in there - but if you look at the item counts, it's not really much of a difference.
Also a lot of the more clean & simple designers don't toss in a bunch of filler, like 5 silk flowers and a half dozen different ribbons. They're a little more purposeful about what they put in.
So my point is that I think it's unfair to say things like the kits are smaller for the money, they're really not. A lot of these big monster kits are just stuffed with a bunch of filler CU items in that you won't use anyway and that don't have a whole lot to do with the actual kit. That way they can say "Over 60 elements!" but most of it junk you already have or don't need. I don't need matching stitches in every single kit I buy, I have my favorites already. It'll get their item count up, but I probably won't use the stuff. I tend to use everything in these cleaner kits at some point.
Most full kits from established designers are getting up into the $6.50-$7.00 range now, so it's not out of the ordinary.
So my point is that I think it's unfair to say things like the kits are smaller for the money, they're really not. A lot of these big monster kits are just stuffed with a bunch of filler CU items in that you won't use anyway and that don't have a whole lot to do with the actual kit. That way they can say "Over 60 elements!" but most of it junk you already have or don't need. I don't need matching stitches in every single kit I buy, I have my favorites already. It'll get their item count up, but I probably won't use the stuff. I tend to use everything in these cleaner kits at some point. -------
Couldn't agree more. I call the filler items packing peanuts.
Re the photographer-camera/cook-oven story: thank you! So true! If I had a dime every time a colleague/fb friend asks "oh your scrapbook pages are so fabulous. Which program did you use?", i'd be so rich by now.
Personally I do want stitches and ribbons in every kit - not in every color, but at least one or each. I don't want to be recoloring as I scrap. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I agree. I do know how to recolor, but I don't want to when I'm scrapping. And I don't think a great majority of scrappers know how to recolor. Yes, I know some do, so don't start freaking out, but I see a lot of scrappers post that they don't know how and wouldn't know where to start. So including all the 'extra packing peanuts' is helpful for them and a time saver for others.
I agree. I do know how to recolor, but I don't want to when I'm scrapping. And I don't think a great majority of scrappers know how to recolor. Yes, I know some do, so don't start freaking out, but I see a lot of scrappers post that they don't know how and wouldn't know where to start. So including all the 'extra packing peanuts' is helpful for them and a time saver for others.
^^^^^^^^^^^
Yeah I have to agree, a lot of people I know do not know how to recolor as well. So for them and those who do not want to have to recolor every time they scrap, I know they would appreciate the extra items even if they are taking up hard drive space to those who do know how to recolor.
packing peanuts - I like that term. I add a staple and some stitching to every kit. I am also on some CT teams - and let me tell you - when a designer wants you to use only their product for the LO (which is fine) but not one staple or stitched line can be found anywhere...any kind of fasterner...it gets frustrating. I don't think of the recoloring problem as much as I do from a beginner point of view. It never hurts to add these items in . I stick to around 40 elements including those things...and there is plenty to play with.
I've got a very busy week ahead, but will do my best to oblige. It won't all happen this week. First, I owe someone BTB #41-50 (that request came in first), and then I'd love to do SSD and SO (those requests came next). It'll take a little time, so be patient, but I do think it will be interesting to see a few reviews here of each offering (whether a store, the blog train, the DSA competition, etc.) so we can all compare/contrast.
packing peanuts - I like that term. I add a staple and some stitching to every kit. I am also on some CT teams - and let me tell you - when a designer wants you to use only their product for the LO (which is fine) but not one staple or stitched line can be found anywhere...any kind of fasterner...it gets frustrating. I don't think of the recoloring problem as much as I do from a beginner point of view. It never hurts to add these items in . I stick to around 40 elements including those things...and there is plenty to play with.
----------
I couldn't agree with this more. The single best thing any designer (or designer-wanna-be) can do for themselves is scrap. Join a CT, or just use your own kits and create a LO or two, it doesn't matter. But scrap. Otherwise you get caught up in the creative process and start to lose touch with what the end-user wants/needs from a kit. Creativity is great, yes, but there comes a point where people really do need the basics in each kit, even if it seems boring. If you're also adding unique elements and interesting paper patterns to each kit (separating each kit from the last), the addition of basics to each kit shouldn't necessarily be viewed as "packing peanuts" but as "end-user necessities". It's the designers who ONLY add these packing peanuts (and nothing unique) that don't get it.
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
2,374 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 2374 Newer› Newest»This is a smack blog, honey, not your momma's bosom.
Well, that may be the case sweet-cheeks but we don't all have to be nasty do we?
Now pick up your broomstick and fly back to your castle...
Why not be less snarky and more constructive, that way they can use your comments to improve what they offer?
^^^^^^^^^^^^
I am a big fan of constructive critism. But seriously, this NOT the Supreme Court of Digital Design. The fact that some snarky comments where posted shouldn't scare anyone off from doing anything.
It is diappointing to see what crap is being offered (OceanWideDesigns buttons for example) but then again it might appeal to someone.
I think a lot of constructive criticism was given here. Again, nobody is out here to teach someone a free lesson either. Lessons are available in various forms. The illusion of 'money for nothing' is just that and if you want your (CT) 'chicks for free' you have to feed them something... (decent product).
Then again, maybe we are all too demanding on oursleves and could just crank out anything (someone will buy it maybe one of the customers of darq illusions 15 stores)...
The blogtrain might be suited well for people who start out to digitally scrapbook or for freebie hunters. I have dl'ed 5 things and ended up keeping only Katie's elements. That's it.
LOL you lot are just scared you'll have nothing to complain about if the designers use your comments to improve. Sheesh, that probably means you'd have to get a life! Heaven forbid!
Hopped on over here from another blog as I designed something for this blog train which some of you wrote negative things about. Many designers say they're wanting to leave the blog train now after reading your ungrateful comments but actually i'm thinking it's useful to see what people really think and I'm planning on using your feedback constructively. Would be nice to see more feedback that is constructive rather than negative though - there's a way to say things you know? Many of the designers have worked hard on this (even if you haven't appreciated it). Why not be less snarky and more constructive, that way they can use your comments to improve what they offer? Just my 2 cents.
---------------
Agreed. The reviews done by "Simon Part 2" or "Piers Hasselhoff" (same person, changed name) seemed a bit more constructive and less snarky to me, but she didn't do very many, maybe only the first 30 or so. Check back a page or two.
OMG the only thing you new readers are mad about is that Trish was dumb enough to mention this blog in the DCR. It's obvious that many/most of you didn't know about it before that, and it was seriously unwise of her to bring it up because most of you would never have known any of these reviews/comments existed. You say that lots of designers want to drop out of the blog train because of this blog? I have 2 responses to that: first, it would probably help the blog train to be less gross, and second, if you're lame enough to drop out of it just because a few people don't like your designs, you shouldn't be in this business. People didn't like your designs before this, either, you just didn't know it because they didn't click "buy" while looking at your shop. This happens to you, me, and all of us, all the time. If you don't want your feelings hurt, don't read what's posted here. If you want to improve as a designer, try to take what's posted here with a grain of salt and use it as constructive criticism to improve. But don't come here and whine, because we don't want to hear it. We're even less concerned about your feelings than Trish was when she mentioned this blog.
actually, its too bad some of these "new designers" to the smack blog didn't find out about this earlier, as most of them were in the Design Factor thing. If they got their widdle feelings hurt over the blog train....LOLOL...wow...they would have died if they read the critiques on the DF race!
yawn, yawn, i'm getting bored now. you lot are just dull
No need to be bitchy. Many of the DF designers knew about the blog. Some probably were upset. Others took the time to consider what was said and make adjustments.
I think that some of the reviews of the designers here were obviously not super helpful. But not everyone who is reviewing them is meaning to be helpful to the designers. Some are though. For instance, after Jewel came back and asked for additional feedback on her blog train portion, several people gave her what I would consider, very constructive reviews of her work.
This blog is not for the faint of heart. Some people use it to say nasty things they would only say anonymously. A lot of use this blog to find out useful info about the community that no one is either allowed to talk about elsewhere or can't say elsewhere for fear of ruining their reputation. And I think almost all of us use this blog for entertainment purposes.
Like the previous poster said, take things said here with a grain of salt. You never know the motivation behind what someone is saying. But this place isn't all bad.
"Would be nice to see more feedback that is constructive rather than negative though - there's a way to say things you know? Many of the designers have worked hard on this (even if you haven't appreciated it). Why not be less snarky and more constructive, that way they can use your comments to improve what they offer? Just my 2 cents"
I agree 100% and I love that everyone is anonymous so we can't criticize back. Yes, I'm remaining anonymous, but you've already criticized me without even downloading my kit.
You don't have to d/l a kit to know it's ugly, you only have to download it to check for quality.
Question for the gal who said this:
"Three years ago OScraps was my favorite store. I still love Paislee Press and I do like One Little Bird although the kits are small for the money, but that is about it. Sue Cummings could have some nice wordart if it weren't so tiny. Other than that it's just not my taste anymore."
Where are you shopping now???
"You don't have to d/l a kit to know it's ugly"
And this is your opinion - who are you to make that judgement for everyone else???
"Many designers say they're wanting to leave the blog train now after reading your ungrateful comments"
Congratulations ladies, you've accomplished what you intended - hurt peoples feelings for no reason other than to make yourselves feel better. Keep up the good work!
Maybe some people just need to realize they are not cut out to be designers.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=284010
someone is just asking for more trouble. I doubt there ever was a negative comment!
______________________________
I don't understand why everyone in that thread is boo-hooing about a negative comment on her blog. I think it's about time designers (and everyone, really) learns that their behavior online can and will bite them in the ass. If she's going to rant and rave and be a total bitch in the HT forum, she should expect that to overflow onto her blog, especially when her blog is linked in her siggy. That's life in the digital age.
Actually, the comments/criticisms about the blog train made here have been EXTREMELY tame in comparison to things that have been said about other designers. Happy Tits anyone?
I'm saying this out of love ... if you are going to be a designer, you should take what has been said, subtract the things that hurt your feelings and improve. These are HONEST opinions here. Sugar Free Opinions are priceless. It may hurt like ripping off a bandaid but in the long run it helps.
Take 'em or leave 'em, coming to the Smak board and saying "You are soooo mean! (or any variation thereof) is a waste of time better spent learning how to improve.
Take the hit, learn, move on.
Try not to dwell on it and waste emotions. Yes it hurts, but take it and learn from it.
"Many designers say they're wanting to leave the blog train now after reading your ungrateful comments"
Congratulations ladies, you've accomplished what you intended - hurt peoples feelings for no reason other than to make yourselves feel better. Keep up the good work!
^^^^^^^^^^
oh bullshit. and you know this HOW? 'Many' designers told you this? what a joke. and don't say its in the DCR - its not. No one hear does things (well, maybe a few) to make themselves feel better. Comments and opinions are given based on our OWN feelings on what is being discussed. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. No one made you come here. No one is making you read what's here, or keep up with it.
hear = here
I'm so sick of these cry baby designers. I don't care if it's Simon, Simon2 or Randi or anyone else reviewing - it's all constructive if you look at it for what it is - someone's OPINION. We can sit here and debate what is constructive and what isn't until we're blue in the face and it wont change the fact that someone will agree with it and someone else wont.
If you have been mentioned on this blog in a review, read what is said and look at your designs and your sales. No one gives a shit how many freebies you've had downloaded. Most people download that crap and delete it a month later. If your sales aren't where you want them to be, then maybe all of these reviewers have a point.
If you're happy with your designs, your sales, your life or whatever else, then don't read this blog. It's really that easy.
What one person thinks is snarky or rude doesn't bother someone else. Your opinion can't matter any more than anyone else's.
"Many designers say they're wanting to leave the blog train now after reading your ungrateful comments"
Congratulations ladies, you've accomplished what you intended - hurt peoples feelings for no reason other than to make yourselves feel better. Keep up the good work!
^^^^^^^^^^
Actually, if more of these shit designers stopped "designing", this industry would be better off.
Bring on the snarky, make people feel like shit reviews. Get rid of the bottom feeders.
"You don't have to d/l a kit to know it's ugly"
And this is your opinion - who are you to make that judgement for everyone else???
August 5, 2011 12:46 PM
--------------
Not defending the posters who have made nasty comments, I'm not one of them btw. But honestly, how does anyone who is going to buy a kit (or choose to download a free kit) judge wether or not it is a kit they like and want in their stash? They judge it based on the preview. Previews are the number one most important tool a designer has to market her kit. It's what buyer looks at to decide if they want to pick it up, especially if they have never used the designer's product previously.
Everything here is someone's opinion. And when it's anonymous, opinions tend to be less sugar coated than usual. And yes, sometimes they are not nice. I won't tell you not to come here if you don't like it. I understand that it sucks to know people are talking badly about you or your designs. And just not reading what they say doesn't make it much easier to take.
I think you just have to know that just because one person has a bad opinion about a kit, it doesn't mean everyone feels that way. But when someone does have a negative opinion on your product, it might not hurt to take it into consideration and take a second look at what you are offering before you move on from it.
Everyone has things they can improve upon. Take what's said and work on it. Honestly, I'd love an honest review of my work. I know I have things to improve on. It certainly doesn't help when my CT raves about everything I put out. I mean, it's good to hear, but where else could I go for some real constructive criticism? I haven't been mentioned yet and I'm not about to throw my name out there - I'll just wait for my store to be reviewed. Just know, that some do appreciate the reviews. So keep them coming.
Everyone has things they can improve upon. Take what's said and work on it. Honestly, I'd love an honest review of my work. I know I have things to improve on. It certainly doesn't help when my CT raves about everything I put out. I mean, it's good to hear, but where else could I go for some real constructive criticism? I haven't been mentioned yet and I'm not about to throw my name out there - I'll just wait for my store to be reviewed. Just know, that some do appreciate the reviews. So keep them coming.
August 5, 2011 1:16 PM
-------
I feel the same way. It scares me a little bit to think of what might be said. But at the same time, I'd like to read some reviews on my product to know what I can improve upon.
"Everyone has things they can improve upon. Take what's said and work on it"
I can't work on something that was only a snarky remark. If anyone knows of someone that can be hired to give REAL constructive criticism please let us know - we won't find it here. I wouldn't take it from someone who remains anonymous anyway, at that point it's just personal opinion..
actually, its too bad some of these "new designers" to the smack blog didn't find out about this earlier, as most of them were in the Design Factor thing. If they got their widdle feelings hurt over the blog train....LOLOL...wow...they would have died if they read the critiques on the DF race!
-------------------------
I'm just sad that nothing of mine seems to have been critiqued yet (at least, a Google search of this blog and my design name doesn't pull anything up), because I participated in The Design Factor, and thought some of my stuff was pretty good. You all may not have thought so (and that might have made my cry some sad baby tears), but would have been nice to see why it didn't even seem worth downloading. :/
actually, its too bad some of these "new designers" to the smack blog didn't find out about this earlier, as most of them were in the Design Factor thing. If they got their widdle feelings hurt over the blog train....LOLOL...wow...they would have died if they read the critiques on the DF race!
-------------------------
I'm just sad that nothing of mine seems to have been critiqued yet (at least, a Google search of this blog and my design name doesn't pull anything up), because I participated in The Design Factor, and thought some of my stuff was pretty good. You all may not have thought so (and that might have made my cry some sad baby tears), but would have been nice to see why it didn't even seem worth downloading. :/
I can't work on something that was only a snarky remark. If anyone knows of someone that can be hired to give REAL constructive criticism please let us know - we won't find it here. I wouldn't take it from someone who remains anonymous anyway, at that point it's just personal opinion..
--------
LMAO! Honey, even paying for it is still just someone's opinion. Man, a fool and their money really are soon parted...
"Honey, even paying for it is still just someone's opinion" At least I'd know who's opinion it was and I'd know it was someone whose opinion I valued - not just someone who likes to mouth off.
DSA's Designer Apprentice -- anyone want to review what's been put up already?
I'm not saying don't criticise - some criticism is helpful. What I'm saying is make it constructive! Instead of saying something like "the kit is ugly", say something like "the xxxxx element was poorly recoloured and didn't seem inkeeping with the kit". That's maybe a crap example but I'm just saying give people more to go on. Clearly the quality of designers work irritates you otherwise you wouldn't be here bitching about it. So why not tell them what bugs you about their work in a way that they can use to make improvements. Make your feedback meaningful, not just an excuse to show how ungrateful and bitchy you can be.
Sometimes, the element is just ugly.
And if your preview is ugly, then, no, I have absolutely no reason to download it and give it a second shot. If the person who designed it can't even make it look decent, how could I possibly do it?
This blog has been a lot more interesting since people started critiquing. And I sincerely hope it continues. It may hurt to hear that your designs are "gross" or not worth downloading. But you can see what things are being downloaded or given positive critiques and use that toward your own designs.
Nobody wants to read a blog about "oh these kits are so cute! Look what a good job she did recoloring those ribbons." That's just boring.
I'd be interested to know where the reviews of the design factor are hidden as I haven't been able to find them.
Also a lot of new designers join things like the design factor as a chance to learn and improve so perhaps some constructive criticism would help. Some designers also design things that they want for them not necessarily to sell but to have something personal and special while improving. Is it such a bad thing that they participate in contests? They didn't have a choice but to offer the kits for download as it was a part of the race itself.
look back to the previous new space for Design Factor feedback. there is a TON of it. look in particular for posts by "Simon". there are alot of in depth evaluations.
we are not all bad here. some of us "type" different than you may be used to - and sometimes you have to read between the lines. the reviews on Design Factor were pretty dead on. Most of the color choices were horrid - recolorings awful, previews just plain sucked..you name it. it wasn't just the 'beginners' either.
This blog has been a lot more interesting since people started critiquing. And I sincerely hope it continues. It may hurt to hear that your designs are "gross" or not worth downloading. But you can see what things are being downloaded or given positive critiques and use that toward your own designs.
Nobody wants to read a blog about "oh these kits are so cute! Look what a good job she did recoloring those ribbons." That's just boring.
--------------------------
Nobody is saying don't critique either. I believe people are saying, be constructive about it. Nobody is saying you have to like the designs, but there's no excuse for being nasty just for the sake of it.
I have a question for Simon! I have seen you use the words "boring paper patterns" a couple of times now. In fact, you used them when you reviewed my designs a few weeks back.
What exactly falls under your "boring patterns" umbrella? I'm asking with sincerity, because I've never been told before that my paper patterns needed work.
More the point, what would you consider NOT boring? I'd really like to know. Thanks for your time.
... but there's no excuse for being nasty just for the sake of it.
--------------------
What part of "Smack" do you not understand in Smack Blog?
IMO, Trish should have just kept quiet about this blog.
look back to the previous new space for Design Factor feedback. there is a TON of it. look in particular for posts by "Simon". there are alot of in depth evaluations.
------
I did look back through there - and didn't see any real comments on my work (a post asking if anyone had critiqued a few designers, one of which was me, but that's it). I can certainly read the positive comments posted about the work of other designers - that's all well and good. But, doesn't always apply to anything I might have done.
I guess any suggestion/request I might have is if you're going to critique some of the designers from contests such as that, then do so for all. I understand thinking something is too ugly/too far out of your range of likes to even care to download...but even stating that is better than stating nothing at all. You want designers to offer better work (isn't that, at least in some part, what's hoped to be gained from talking smack about them here?) - then maybe offer thoughts on all designers (especially the newer/lesser known ones).
re: not shopping at OScraps anymore.
It's probably my tastes have changed. I am more into the paper scrapped look now. I shop at SO, SM(not as much now), TLP, A5D, and CS some.
And this is your opinion - who are you to make that judgement for everyone else???
----
She didn't, she made it for herself. Get over it.
If anyone knows of someone that can be hired to give REAL constructive criticism please let us know - we won't find it here. I wouldn't take it from someone who remains anonymous anyway, at that point it's just personal opinion..
-------
every single review is a personal opinion. Even CC is still personal opinion. Just because it's anon, doesn't make it invalid. In that case, the judges and mentors for the Designer Apprentice are just giving personal opinion too, because they are anon.
Make your feedback meaningful, not just an excuse to show how ungrateful and bitchy you can be.
----
Some of the feedback was meaningful, but I guess you were too busy ignoring it, to seek out that which hurt you instead. There's a word for that, it's called masochism.
As for the whole ungrateful, what the fuck do I have to be grateful for? Oh, a few designers got together and made some freebies? Oh wow, worship at your feet, I'm so grateful for the digital freebies!! My life has meaning again. Oh puh-leeze.
Also a lot of new designers join things like the design factor as a chance to learn and improve so perhaps some constructive criticism would help. Some designers also design things that they want for them not necessarily to sell but to have something personal and special while improving. Is it such a bad thing that they participate in contests? They didn't have a choice but to offer the kits for download as it was a part of the race itself.
--------
What? Nobody said it was a bad thing to participate in contests, nobody. They can join all the contests they want.
If it's designed solely for the purpose of being personal and special, then it shouldn't matter a crap what anyone else says about it.
As for joining to learn and improve, and then coming here for CC? That's laughable. I'm not even going to address that, it's so laughable.
re: not shopping at OScraps anymore.
It's probably my tastes have changed. I am more into the paper scrapped look now. I shop at SO, SM(not as much now), TLP, A5D, and CS some.
-----
I think Oscraps covers the paper scrap look more than the stores you mentioned. Shrug.
Nobody is saying you have to like the designs, but there's no excuse for being nasty just for the sake of it.
-----
Nobody was being nasty for the sake of it, they just plain didn't like it. Get over it.
LOL you lot are just scared you'll have nothing to complain about if the designers use your comments to improve. Sheesh, that probably means you'd have to get a life! Heaven forbid!
----
Yeah, LOL, I'm terrified! Why do you think I don't have a life? I mean, you are here too, am I right? So what does that say about you? Hmm?
Well, that may be the case sweet-cheeks but we don't all have to be nasty do we?
Now pick up your broomstick and fly back to your castle...
----
Practice what you preach.
I don't understand why everyone in that thread is boo-hooing about a negative comment on her blog.
-----
They aren't really, not if you really look at thread.
So in my opinion (and it is MY opinion, not trying to "judge" for anyone else LMAO) the newbie's are doing better in Design Apprentice than the so-called established designers. Most of it still kind of sucks but there is more in the newbie category that I would download than in the established category. And when I say "sucks" I mean that in the most positive way. :P
Wow. Looks like the DST dwellers have been here. It's not easy reading negative comments about your designs, but I don't think anyone reviewing is attacking anyone personally the way all of you have done (accusing us of having no life, for example). We keep the reviews about the designs and the design business as best we can.
For all the "negative" things being said, it got people talking about how to improve the blog train. I really don't see how that is bad at all. We smackers have done a good thing overall. We're talking about the business and how we can all improve our skills. How is that bad?
As for saying the critiques are useless because they're anon? Seriously? If you want in-depth feedback, simply post your design name and plenty of people will respond. Look what happened when Jewel asked. (kudos to Jewel)
To answer the "boring paper patterns" question. To me, boring patterns are when the only patterns in a kit are dotted, stripped, or an otherwise repeated shape paper. Nothing interesting. Not saying a kit shouldn't have those basic papers, but throw in some cool stuff, too. Cool would vary based upon your kit, but papers that have multi-layered patterns is what I refer to when I say "cool". Papers with depth and interest.
I still haven't had time to review Oscraps or DSA's Apprentice, but I hope to this weekend! I look forward to reading other comments as well.
OK, WTH. Weren't the DSA challengers given FTP space? Why are they using Mediafire?
UGH
Beware that some or possibly most of us do not agree with Simon. We like the reviews, but I can tell you now that I ONLY buy mish-mashy kits and I prefer plain dull boring no texture (according to Simon) papers. I thought my taste was Freestyle with lightly textured papers, but what the heck.
All I'm saying is that what I like and what I buy and the reviews are not in complete accord. HOWEVER the kits that aren't worth downloading in her opinion, were also not worth downloading in my opinion.
It's probably my tastes have changed. I am more into the paper scrapped look now. I shop at SO, SM(not as much now), TLP, A5D, and CS some.
----------------
I have always thought of A5D as more of a fantasy style store rather than a paper one. I do buy things from there, but only from 2 designers.
I like all of the other stores you listed though. I would add SSD to that as well.
As far as Oscraps goes, I used to buy from Kitty a lot, but she has changed her style in the last year and it doesn't really fit with my scrapping style anymore. It's still really cute stuff, just not my style. I need to take a look at Oscraps again. I always think they have really nice kits, just not usually my style.
It's probably my tastes have changed. I am more into the paper scrapped look now. I shop at SO, SM(not as much now), TLP, A5D, and CS some.
_______________________________
Color me dense, but what would you call the OScraps style? I just shop where I like, I don't really think about the style, but just glancing at OScraps it looks like they have a lot of stuff that is similar to the stores you mentioned.
IMO, Trish should have just kept quiet about this blog.
_________________________________
Why - are you embarrassed? I'm glad she told everyone about it. In fact, I think every person who visits DST should know that this kind of blog exists. Customers should be made aware that those "nice" designers they interact with are actually snotty, catty, bitchy women who are ready to tear each other to shreds at any given moment. And because it's all anon, no one knows who's a back stabbing bitch and who isn't. You can't trust anyone.
And Simon - for all of your pontificating about trying to help people with your reviews - you're full of shit. Many of your reviews of the Designer Contest came off as pretty mean spirited.
Dear New Designers - so sorry you had find out what a crappy bunch of people the digital scrapbooking world is comprised off. I don't know of too many other industries that have blogs like this. I think it must be a commentary about women in general. So sad.
This is the strangest paper preview I have ever seen.
http://www.oscraps.com/shop/product.php?productid=27490&cat=289&page=2
Previews are the number one most important tool a designer has to market her kit. It's what buyer looks at to decide if they want to pick it up
------------------------------
this is worth repeating!
if your kit preview is unappealing, i won't take time to download it as a freebie. why would i think the kit contents would be nice if the preview is unattractive??
I don't know of too many other industries that have blogs like this. I think it must be a commentary about women in general. So sad.
-------
Tons of them do and the men are just as bad, if not worse, which I have to keep repeating, which is sad.
This is the strangest paper preview I have ever seen.
http://www.oscraps.com/shop/product.php?productid=27490&cat=289&page=2
------
I kinda like it and it goes with the name of the papers, Soft Art.
Previews are the number one most important tool a designer has to market her kit. It's what buyer looks at to decide if they want to pick it up
------------------------------
Sadly, so true. I suck at previews.
I wish Kitty would quit the handwritten WA. Her handwriting is worse than most people I know who aren't even artists, and it doesn't help her kits at all.
Dear New Designers - so sorry you had find out what a crappy bunch of people the digital scrapbooking world is comprised off.
-----
I'm on a smack blog, the operative word being smack. I don't expect nicey nice here. Anyone who does is just kidding themselves.
I don't think the anon posters here comprise the entire of the digital scrapbooking world, so need to apologize for all of it being crappy.
For the newbies that may not have seen the manifesto before it does beg a repost just for you....
In answer to the questions:
Why so snarky?
Why so Bitchy?
Why so judgmental?
Please feel free to save this and copy/paste every time the question comes up, it will save us all a lot of time and typing.
1. This is a smack blog, we are snarky, snotty, bitchy, judgmental, critical, grumpy, dopey and doc.a. If you want nice, sweet and up your behind....go to DST.
2. If you are a designer, store owner, CT, etc. expect to be criticized, told you sell "crap" or worse, and don't expect sugar-coated either.a. If you want nice, see 1a.
3. If you are here looking for the truth, honest opinions and real feelings, welcome and join in.a. If you want nice, see 1a.
cheers...
I don't think the anon posters here comprise the entire of the digital scrapbooking world, so need to apologize for all of it being crappy.
------------
That should say NO need. I was so darn excited after uploading my entry for Designer Apprentice.
But be warned if you say anything about number 3 you'll be laughed out anyway cos this lot can't even live by their own rules. Pack of sad boring housewives with nothing better to do. We should pity them really.
What part of "Smack" do you not understand in Smack Blog?
--------------------------
Durrrrrrrrrr you stupid or something? You think the concept of "smack" is so difficult to understand? Or are you missing the point of much of the discussion here? The point being that you don't have to be nasty for the sake of it. Be critical but be constructive about it. I don't even know how you lot live with yourselves at night. If it was me my conscience would be warning me. But then some people have no moral compass.
-----------------------------------
IMO, Trish should have just kept quiet about this blog.
----------------
Awwwwwww diddums - are we waining on your pawade?
Find a proper hobby you sad little girls.
Pack of sad boring housewives with nothing better to do. We should pity them really.
-----
Pity yourself, you stupid, sad, judgmental, hypocritical cow. You are here, judging everyonne, but somehow, you think you are better? My, my, my, how the irony does runneth over.
I don't even know how you lot live with yourselves at night. If it was me my conscience would be warning me. But then some people have no moral compass.
--------------
What, like you? Sitting there, high and mighty, judging everyoe, thinking you are so much better? Where's you conscience now, huh? And I guess your lost your compass, right?
Find a proper hobby you sad little girls.
---
Why don't you? I'm quite bored with your 'moral' attitude. I bet you go to Church on Sundays and you think that makes you a better person. Am I right? I bet I am!
You're getting fed up of my moral attitude? LOL
Well I'd rather be me than you bunch of sad, bitter people. At least I can go to sleep at night with a clear conscience.
PS: I don't go to church (although I do believe in God and believe that one day you will have to answer for your sins). But basically I'm just a decent, honest human being. Something that you lot could do with having a little more of. I make no apologies for saying that.
^^^^
And yet, you are here, preaching away thinking you are so much better. Do you see the hypocrisy?
I sleep fine at night because at least I'm honest about who and what I am. You, however, are just lying to yourself.
No I don't see the hypocrisy actually. And yes I do think I am better than a bunch of people who do nothing but be snarky at other people for the sake of it.
^^^
And you are doing what right now? Hmm?
BTW, I think Yorkshire is lovely!
PS: I don't go to church (although I do believe in God and believe that one day you will have to answer for your sins).
-------------
What sins? How can I answer to a mythology? I'm sure Zeus has my number already.
"As for the whole ungrateful, what the fuck do I have to be grateful for? Oh, a few designers got together and made some freebies? Oh wow, worship at your feet, I'm so grateful for the digital freebies!! My life has meaning again. Oh puh-leeze."
^^^^^^^^^^
Dito.
Beware that some or possibly most of us do not agree with Simon. We like the reviews, but I can tell you now that I ONLY buy mish-mashy kits and I prefer plain dull boring no texture (according to Simon) papers. I thought my taste was Freestyle with lightly textured papers, but what the heck.
All I'm saying is that what I like and what I buy and the reviews are not in complete accord. HOWEVER the kits that aren't worth downloading in her opinion, were also not worth downloading in my opinion.
August 5, 2011 9:55 PM
----------
I'm one who agrees with Simon on almost everything and I think most of the comments about Simon have been that they almost entirely agree as well. No one will ever agree 100% on anything.
I sent Simon a personal request to review my store and she was honest and extremely helpful with her very thorough review. I had applied to a store a few months ago and was denied and the owner had given me some feedback as to why and what I needed to work on to be considered. Without even knowing, Simon gave me the SAME FEEDBACK.
You may not agree with all that Simon says, but I can't believe this one store owner is the only one who does. I read all the reviews here with more than a grain of salt because I want to improve. Please don't stop posting them!
Yes there are many of us that agree with Simon and the other reviewers.... again, if you newbies don't like it, don't read it, or try and improve on it by taking it for what it's worth.
As for this blog being full of nasty bitches - we are not all nasty. I've been coming to this blog for a long time and I've yet to say one nasty thing. It's actually a place to stay in the loop on many things and a source of information. If you don't like it, perhaps you should go start a sugary sweet blog where everything you always say is nice and kisses up to everyone in the industry. I'm sure that would be very helpful. (said with sarcasm)
Piers here. Is anyone else having trouble w/ Blogger/this blog? I remember someone posting something about this a few days ago, so maybe it's not just me. I can't get anything I post while signed-in as Piers to stay on the page for longer than 1-2 minutes, at which point it... evaporates?
I have two things to add to this lovely discussion:
1. It hasn't escaped my attention (and probably not that of any of this blog's regulars) that ALMOST the only time anyone gets all riled up and starts fighting/swearing/namecalling, is when we have newbies on the board. So to all of the newcomers, please recognize that most of the time we are a very civil (albeit blatantly honest) lot, and use this space for constructive things. Settle in and you'll see that there's no need for all of the fury.
2. No matter who is doing a review (anonymously, from a store owner, from a friend, etc.) let's keep in mind that it's always, always, always just one person's opinion. The trick is to find multiple people's opinions and compare them to each other, and see if there's a trend. Once multiple people are offering the same perspective, you can start to use it constructively. SO HERE'S THE MORAL: even if one person is snarky/bitchy/etc. in her review here, when you combine that with the reviews of a few other people it's ACTUALLY CONSTRUCTIVE. Do you see? That's what we use this space for. Again, settle in and drop the boxing gloves.
Finally, I want to apologize for not posting any further reviews of the Blog Train (I still owe someone #31-40, per request). But seeing as how I haven't been able to post much of anything here in a couple of days without it disappearing, it seemed pointless to try posting reviews. I'll get to it, though. Check back. :)
I'm curious to see your reviews on the DSA entries.
I thought the same thing about the DSA contest, the newbie designers are looking better than the established. But then, I don't recognize hardly any of the people participating in the "established" category.
Does anyone think this has to do with the no or very little CU rules? Would more established designers be playing along if they could use their stash and make a kit in a few hours instead of trying to do it all from scratch?
This round of the DSA does allow CU, you just have to extract at least 2 items yourself to use in the kit, but the rest is up for whatever you want (CU or no CU - from my understanding of the rules).
And I agree with the newbies showing more promise than the established designers, but maybe after reading this blog they are all trying extra hard. :)
I'm an established designer and I considered the DSA apprentice. I eventually decided not to participate due to the connection with scrap matters.
I prefer to use very little CU. Most established designers probably have a stash of their own resources to work with and CU requirements wouldn't be a big deal.
I'm a newb here. I can see both sides of the argument here. There are a lot of constructive comments to enable designers/store owners to improve. Sadly there are also some strange rants that really don't belong anywhere with obscene language that is really unnecessary.
I took part in the design factor and the DST blog train. I knew that my entries were beginner and would get comments good and bad. I did learn a lot. I also took any comments here and realised that I had already thought them anyway so I am not going to get upset.I shall continue to learn and improve and when I feel brave enough maybe even ask Simon for a proper review.
I would love to see actual examples of work you admire though and hear why as I think that would help a lot of designers.
At the end of day taste is personal and if everyone did or thought the same the world would be boring.
copy and pasted from the DCR - written in the thread from Trish that mentions this blog - from Adorible Digital aka Adori Graphics on THIS blog:
As for the smack blogs (new to me)...there will ALWAYS be people (or should I say COWARDS) who want to heckle from the shadows, but why let them stop us doing what we enjoy. I'm sure most of us have more satisfied customers than unsatisfied. I'm confident enough in my own design abilities to not be too bothered by what I read on a smack blog. True, I make mistakes occasionally, but they're the exception rather than the rule, and I'm not too worried about a few hecklers.
So. Adori - not too worried? Then why come here at all? Visited your blog...Um. If that is what you are selling - trust me, you are overconfident. making kits for 5 years, huh? well. haven't learned alot, have you?
and please remember when posting - to stay a COWARD like the rest of us - make sure you check the ANON button in the 'Choose an identity' area. Otherwise, you just look silly when you are arguing semantics with someone at 4 in the morning and accidently sign in with your google account - then delete it. you wouldn't want us to heckle you, now would you?
I'm an established designer and I considered the DSA apprentice. I eventually decided not to participate due to the connection with scrap matters.
August 6, 2011 9:50 AM
-----------------------------
Ditto.
I like ScrapMatters.
I sent Simon a personal request to review my store and she was honest and extremely helpful with her very thorough review.
--------------------------
How did you do this? Clicking on Simon's comment link only goes to a page with no profile shown.
I would like to contact Simon regarding her review of my products on this blog. Not to slam her, at all, but to have a more in-depth discourse about some of what she wrote. Simon, is there a way to contact you?
Simon has posted her e-mail address before. I believe if you go back into the previous space and search her comments it's probably there once or twice. Something like simondoesdigi (or something similar), at gmail dot com.
What about Randi and Piers. E-mail addresses?
I'm an established designer and I considered the DSA apprentice. I eventually decided not to participate due to the connection with scrap matters.
-----------
I had considered that too, but all the established designers get from SM is a GC. Even if they did get a guest spot you could always turn it down.
I would like to contact Simon regarding her review of my products on this blog. Not to slam her, at all, but to have a more in-depth discourse about some of what she wrote. Simon, is there a way to contact you?
-------------------------
Simon said...
The email I set-up is simonsaysdigi at gmail dot com
July 25, 2011 4:22
------------------------
How about if we just agree that we are ALL bitter old jealous hags and move on and talk smack, which is the whole point here.
Here's some ideas:
What ever happened to Kami's partner Shawna at Scrap Orchard?
Why does Miss Tiina get to just carry on selling after being outted as a pirate over and over?
Why is Flergs such a whiny attention whore?
Why does Ellie Lash retire/unretire every 5 minutes?
Has COLS ever sold a single item? What do you suppose is her motivation to keep "designing"?
Why is Flergs such a whiny attention whore?
-----------
huh? Care to give any tangible example? I haven't heard or felt that way at all.
Thank you for looking it up for me, 2:25. I was going to go back and try to find it, but you just saved me some time. Appreciate the help.
Has COLS ever sold a single item? What do you suppose is her motivation to keep "designing"?
--------------
Having been in a store with her (which suddenly makes me rethink my ability to grow as a designer if that's who I'm paired with), she says she's sold some - but that the numbers are no where near her liking. Part of me thinks that may be because her stuff is so horribly ugly!
What ever happened to Kami's partner Shawna at Scrap Orchard?
*********************************
I was on Shawna's CT way back when. I don't remember exactly, but either her or her husband got cancer. She quit so she could focus on caring for that. Nothing smack worthy there.
Why does Ellie Lash retire/unretire every 5 minutes?
--------------------------
Last I heard, Ellie didn't retire, but is going to concentrate on her CU products for the time being.
Here's my email for reviews, but just a warning, this month is really crazy so it might take a few more days than you would expect to get a review, but I love seeing other peoples work.
Randis.Reviews@gmail.com
make sure you put a dot between Randis and Reviews or it may end up going to something else all together.
I'm just wondering, do designers get hired off the "Designers available for joining other stores" thread in the designer area at DST?
BTB #31-35 (per request):
31. Scraps by Mara: Shadowing on the preview is a vast improvement over the entry before (Kooky Cat), so these papers/elements actually have some realism. Paper is WAY too grungy for my tastes, although I know there are some who prefer it that way. In general, though, I've found over time that those who prefer that amount of grunge are few and far between, so I think this detracts from the kit. The coloring is off, too (the leaves are not even close to the palette colors). The shadowing on the stacked flower is much too harsh to appear realistic. All in all, this is not a kit for my tastes. Didn't DL.
32. Sweet Tomato Designs: Something about the preview struck me as strange, and I finally realized that the shadow for the paper on the far right is WAY off; looks like it was on a separate layer that got accidentally dragged too far out. Beyond that oddity, this kit looks nice. Appears to be well-made and of good quality from the preview, and has some useful elements that are cohesive with the papers. This could be used as-is, which we all know I grade highly. It would also coordinate w/ some other portions from other designers, though not as well as a few others' b/c the theme/feel of this kit isn't at all like anything else we've seen so far. Didn't DL, but only b/c I didn't like the color combos on 3 of the papers and I knew I wouldn't use it in the end. But this was one of the more well-put together efforts, in terms of cohesiveness within a kit.
33. { Ocean Wide Designs }: At first glance, this appears to be one of the better offerings in this blog train. The way she used the color palette is pleasing to the eye (and as any veteran designer knows, a color palette and your kit preview can go a long way to getting you a sale: it's the first (and sometimes only) thing that draws in a potential customer). So kudos to her for getting me to look. Unfortunately, that's where my praise ends. After inspecting the preview up close, I don't find a lot that looks worth my time. The fake acrylic action/style used to create the buttons is awful. Why not scan/photograph and extract real buttons? These are bad. BAD. The shadowing on both of the stacked flowers is extremely unrealistic, as well. They look almost as digital as the acrylic buttons. Yuck. All of the frames and the stitching are good, basic offerings, and would get used along with other people's papers/elements. I DL'd just to get a closer look at the papers (which were brought up by someone else already on this blog a day or two ago). I wasn't impressed, but they weren't horrible. Patterns are a personal preference thing, anyway. Bottom line: I give this a B for marketing (she got me to look closer), but a C- for execution.
...continued from above...
34. Milly Dee Designs: Oh how I wish that designers would post full 600x600 previews on their blogs. Yes, it's important/necessary, people. We shouldn't have to click to make it bigger, but if we DO click: it should be an option! If you want to link from your photo previews to your shop (or to the actual DL)... which you SHOULD do... then you need a 600x600 preview. End of rant. As for the kit itself, I like her originality and creativity. This is obviously handmade work, and not CU-laden recolored crap. I wish she had done something to make her papers seem more coordinated (even a solid paper in between each one that ties them together would have helped), because they seem mish-mashy and detract from what's really on display here: the doodled elements. After following Milly Dee for a few months (other contests, etc.) I know that she does her own doodles and artwork, and these are cute. I love the flower with the patterned petals. I think the outline on the banner is too thick, however, when compared to the outlines on the other elements. I DL'd it for the doodled elements, and will discard the rest. The elements will be cute with other items I've already gathered.
35. Paper Capers Designs: Meh. There's nothing truly wrong with this offering. Word art is just that: word art. Plain, simple, and often boring to look at on a preview (but useful along with other items when scrapping). But if I were participating in a blog train with a set palette to work from, I think I'd incorporate that into my word art, rather than offer up boring black line art/etc. This holds especially true when the theme of her pack is "why be normal?" and, well, this pack is nothing BUT normal. Didn't DL, got bored and moved along.
(I'll be back later with the next 5 that I promised, #36-40)...
Also, my e-mail for reviews is piersunhacked at gmail dot com.
What ever happened to Kami's partner Shawna at Scrap Orchard?
-----This was answered just above, so I won't touch it.
Why does Miss Tiina get to just carry on selling after being outted as a pirate over and over?
-----Why are we bringing this up again, unless she was outed again in the past month? It hasn't happened since the original incidents, so don't make it sound as though it has.
Why is Flergs such a whiny attention whore?
-----Agreed. Always "don't use my graphics in your siggies!" and whatnot at DST. Who cares.
Why does Ellie Lash retire/unretire every 5 minutes?
-----Selling CU like crazy at SHCO, I hear.
Has COLS ever sold a single item? What do you suppose is her motivation to keep "designing"?
-----Doubtful. She's trying to stick it to those of us here who want her to retire. :)
Ellie hasn't retired, she's selling CU at Sugarhill under designer name That Girl. However, she is getting a little sloppy. Lots of jagged edges on her element templates lately.
Has COLS ever sold a single item? What do you suppose is her motivation to keep "designing"?
-----Doubtful. She's trying to stick it to those of us here who want her to retire. :)
^^^^^^^^
Who is that? And where to look at it? Thanks.
COLS' blog: (you've been warned...)
http://circleoflifescraps.blogspot.com/
OH MY EYES!!!
Is she trying to be Tangie?
Ellie hasn't retired, she's selling CU at Sugarhill under designer name That Girl. However, she is getting a little sloppy. Lots of jagged edges on her element templates lately.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That is so disappointing to hear. She used to be pretty good.
COLS' blog: (you've been warned...)
http://circleoflifescraps.blogspot.com/
anyone know why she changed her design name?
I heard that COLS said she needed a "fresh start". She had left Enchanted Scrap Studio...thinking she could get in at Scrappity Doo Dah. They turned her down due to quality issues. Then ESS closed, and she had no where to go. She decided to go with this art journaling thing...and she can claim she is artistic all she wants...the truth is, or at least my opinion on it - is that claiming artistic license helps her get away with murder QC wise. If you have ever downloaded anything of hers, you would know what I mean. Her color has always looked the way it does now. She claims that she sells. I have it on good authority that she does NOT. Heck, she probably gives it away - wait...who would want it? She is a snobby woman from hell - you can't tell her anything design wise, as she knows it all. I stay as far away as possible...and yet...she always finds me to say howdy. Drives me insane.
copy and pasted from the DCR - written in the thread from Trish that mentions this blog - from Adorible Digital aka Adori Graphics on THIS blog:
-----
Ha! Now I know why she was ranting on and on here earlier, because she got slammed over her CU gift for the Designer Apprentice.
And I agree with the newbies showing more promise than the established designers, but maybe after reading this blog they are all trying extra hard. :)
----
Just because they are new designers doesn't mean they haven't been playing around with graphic programs for years. I'm in the newbie category, but I've been using Photoshop for over 8 years.
So. Adori - not too worried? Then why come here at all?
and please remember when posting - to stay a COWARD like the rest of us - make sure you check the ANON button in the 'Choose an identity' area. Otherwise, you just look silly when you are arguing semantics with someone at 4 in the morning and accidently sign in with your google account - then delete it. you wouldn't want us to heckle you, now would you?
---------------
This is so true. I slept fine last night Adori, how about you?
some of the dsa kits look like old scrap kits from 5 or 6 years ago.
A lot of them do. And I have to say, I haven't heard of nearly all of the participants. Either I don't get out much or they just market themselves very well.
some of the dsa kits look like old scrap kits from 5 or 6 years ago.
_______________________________________
care to share your reviews?
That should be don't market themselves well.
I'm anxious to hear more store reviews.
some of the dsa kits look like old scrap kits from 5 or 6 years ago.
_______________________________________
care to share your reviews?
_____________________________
i was only referring to a couple of the previews. i have not downloaded anything yet, but if i have time i'll review after my kids go to bed.
And I agree with the newbies showing more promise than the established designers, but maybe after reading this blog they are all trying extra hard. :)
----
Just because they are new designers doesn't mean they haven't been playing around with graphic programs for years. I'm in the newbie category, but I've been using Photoshop for over 8 years.
-------------
You sound awful defensive when the comment wasn't even bad.
And I have to say, I haven't heard of nearly all of the participants. Either I don't get out much or they just market themselves very well.
---
Or they are new and haven't been anywhere yet.
You sound awful defensive when the comment wasn't even bad.
--
I did? really? I wasn't being defensive, I was just explaining. *shrug*
BTB #36-40:
36. Digital Harmony: As a whole, the preview for this one doesn't do a lot for me, as I am not into pink, brown, and blue together as a color combo. Blame the palette for this. Looked at as individual pieces, though, this isn't a bad portion. The papers are textured enough to look like cardstock, but not so much that they're out of control. The patterns are all plaid, which is a little boring as far as patterned papers go, but it's titled "pretty in plaid" so it's hard to complain (and also because it's a free mini and there are so many other interesting patterns available from other designers, so I'm not lacking). The journaling paper is cute, and the stamped pattern is a nice touch. The preview is put together/shadowed pretty well (with exception to the flower stem on the left). Everything looks relatively realistic. Making the heart frame appear to have wire detailing was an interesting idea/nice touch, as a way to spice up a CU piece in a new way. I'd give this one a B / B+.
37. Inspired Designs: I almost laughed out loud while looking at this one, because my first thought was "wow the color on the papers looks waaaaay washed out," and then I read the title of the product: "Washed Out: Distressed Papers". Well, she certainly hit the mark, then! LMAO. These papers look decent. I'm not in love w/ the color combos used on the plaid papers, but that's not to say that this is bad designing. Just not my personal preference. The solids will be nice to use w/ some other things I've picked up along the way. Looking at some of her other products, it looks like she can create some decent elements, and I wish she had done that here, too. Other than that, no real complaints.
38. Created by Jill Scraps: This is the most mishy-mashy submission I've looked at this afternoon. It would appear that she's a newer designer who hasn't yet figured out her style, and is instead just throwing together random items that are colored to the palette. Fake acrylic frame, realistic/extracted flower/leaves, fake acrylic button w/ realistic thread, ribbon, string, etc. None of it really "goes" together, other than it's colored to coordinate. The papers are OK, nothing stunning, with exception to the blue paper that's apparently supposed to be embossed (?)... that should have been left out. The shadowing on the bevels is WAY too severe, and no paper would have grooves that deep/sharp. Didn't DL.
...to be continued...
...#36-40 continued...
39. Snips and Snails Designs: This one looks pretty cute initially, except for the fact that it's mainly made up of very recognizable CU products (the average consumer wouldn't notice this, most likely, but I do). I like a couple of her patterned papers, and DL'd to get a better look. The stickers are cute if used on solid papers. The overlay/blending work on the banners needs improvement, as they look markedly more digital than the rest of the offerings. I like the stitched frames, hate the buckled ribbon. Overall, not bad... but needs to be cleaned up a bit.
40. A-liya: This is my least favorite from today (out of #31-40), but this may be due more to my personal preference toward a paper-scrapped style than due to the kit itself. Simply put, I don't gravitate towards kits that include lots of realistic/extracted elements that couldn't actually be pinned/glued down to paper IRL. I DL'd it to take a closer look at the quality/etc., as I don't feel I can be completely objective about the style... most of the elements/extractions are flawless and clean. A couple of elements had drop shadows, which I don't like, but the elements in question were shiny/glowy to begin with, so users might not mind (?). The string with beads could use some shadowing work, as it looks completely flat and unrealistic... strange, in a kit filled with realistic elements that seems to be made for those who enjoy that style. Not my cup of tea.
And with those reviews, I have now fulfilled my obligation to whoever asked for #20-40! Phew.
Don't stop now, Piers keep going. How about reviews of 41-70?
^^^^
Too lazy to do your own reviews?
Some see mean spirited reviews and some see honest, blunt reviews. I'm sure I make some people cry and others take what I say and become better designers. So, while you're crying, those others can steal your customers and store spots. More power to them. I am Simon afterall. I never claimed to be trying to improve things in this industry by being NICE. This industry already has enough fake nicey nice people...
This will be my ONLY full review of all the entries. I will do more reviews for this contest, but only for those I download. The only reason is how extremely time consuming this is given all the entries.
Designer Apprentice Season 2 - Established
BZB Designs - Fun color palette for the theme, even if it's been done 100 times. Love the big diamond and those pop can top flowers are awesome and unique (to me anyway). Like the wild word art and the frame, too. I did download this. After unzipping, hate the edges on the pink and black check paper. I would still use it as paper pieces, though. Other papers are nice for this kit style. The black solid is a little oversaturated. The extracted ribbon piece is accented nicely. Everything works together in this kit. I will keep everything.
Chris Matthis - I love the color palette. She has some nice paper patterns mixed with basics. Not real crazy about the blue on blue flourish paper with the other papers. The pink paper flower is cheesy looking. I did download. After unzipping, the button holes are wobbly. People, it's a circle. That's all. Could also use some adjustment to the quality of the image. I greatly defined the button in 5 seconds by simply applying some photo editing techniques (clarification is your friend). I like the staple. My biggest peeve is the lack of at least one solid paper. Cute kit and worth downloading if this is your style and you can make your own solids to coordinate.
Dancing Princess Designs - Almost everything is dull and washed out. The bright green leaf is out of place in color, but the subtle pattern and stitching is nice. Too many word pieces and not enough actual elements. Flowers look cheesy and the modern center on the right flower is not the right style. Didn't download.
Lilleyscrap Designs - I like the journal stamp. The color palette has potential, but isn't well executed. It looks dull, even with the bright color pops. It's odd that a stone is the brightest thing on the preview. She has some nice individual elements and the paper textures are mostly nice (too grungy and dirty looking on the pale solid), but the entire kit makes me yawn.
Luv Ewe - There are only 7 papers, so why aren't they all on the preview? OK color palette and decent basic elements. I did download. After unzipping, the circle with the button on top is jagged. Button extraction looks uneven on the left side (the left side is flattened and squared off). The flower extractions are very jagged and have strays. Both the ribbon and bow she used also have jagged edges. I assume these are CU since she stated she only extracted the flowers and button. It's an OK mini, but the quality isn't there for an "established" designer.
Just Call Me Betty - Never heard of you. This exact color palette has been done better by others. You extracted a heart? Paper flowers are gross looking and elements are beyond basic. Boring papers, but at least she put them all on her preview.
Kat's Kreations - That heart button looks pixelated and choppy even on the preview. The color palette is gross and everything looks dingy. Boring, basic elements. The plaid papers are nice, but I just can't get past the colors.
(part 2)
Mariscrap - This seemed like a jumbled mixed bag of extracted items. Some of the elements looked nice, but I wish I could have seen all 5 papers on the preview. I did download because I liked enough of the elements to look closer. After unzipping, the heart bead extraction is jagged and the photo quality is poor. There is a very jagged button (element25) that should have easily been fixed. One of the elements is shadowed and not offered unshadowed. After seeing the other papers, I understand now why she only showed the one on the preview. The kit is just a mish mash of items. Will keep some of the real flowers and discard everything else.
Dana's Footprint - I like the white ribbon. That's all. The rest is a poor mish mash of different styles and the colors are gross. That paper with the extracted tub and candles is just horrendous.
Jen C Designs - Overly textured papers and basic elements and patterns. The pallette isn't bad, but the frames are clunky and don't match the style of the delicate lavender flowers. In fact, nothing matches those flowers.
Designs by Angel - Did she post in the wrong category? Generic is right - she said so herself. She extracted a swirl? Horrible color palette - nothing says vintage like prison jumpsuit orange. Mish mash of styles and finishes here, too. I like the black ribbon with the little white flower on it. How usable is a patterned paper tag? Boring papers.
The Urban Fairy - Blurry everything. What's with the big staple over the flower? Blurry, weird looking textures and poorly recolored papers. The black is very out of place and very oversaturated. Boring paper patterns. I don't even see shadows on the preview, but she says they're there. I guess there is one on the frame.
Key of D Designs - Horrible logo. This is a mish mash, but not drastically so. The worst offender is the pen. The note paper looks blurry on the preview. Some of the reds and greens are very oversaturated. I don't mind the color palette, but it isn't well executed.
Girl Boy Girl Designs - I expected much better from this designer and was a little shocked this was her entry. Mostly dark, boring papers and that red is beyond oversaturated. Add some dark elements to the dark papers and well, there ya go. Shadowing on this preview is poor as well. Cute idea, poorly executed.
Scraps by Mara - I give her kudos for at least extracting something more challenging than a button or square envelope. The brads on the tag are very distracting. Paper textures are fuzzy looking and so are the two flowers. The bear doesn't do it for me, but I don't dislike the color palette. The red paper looks poorly colored. I did download to get a closer look. After unzipping, she had trouble on the curled ribbon corners in her extraction. The papers are seriously gross. The red is horrible and the overlay is not correctly applied. The elements are mish mashy. The red flower isn't fuzzy in the download, but the blue one isn't crisp, but can easily be corrected. I deleted everything.
(part 3)
Maitri Scraps - I'll leave this review to the lady who says she likes papers with no texture. To me, this is a gross mish mash of styles - all done poorly. Way too cheap and digital looking. The idea is fine, but the colors and execution are poor.
Sus Designs - I've said this to many who have emailed me privately, and now I'm saying it to you, Sus. If you need to put a white separator sheet between your papers and elements, then the colors of one or both are off. If you need to separate the elements from the papers to get them to pop, you need to change some colors around. There are exceptions, of course, but in this case, they don't work. I like the detail of having the utensils worn and used looking, but the style doesn't really blend with the cut paper bowls and handwritten font on the milk carton. You can barely see that grey writing on the sugar container. I think the idea is cute, but poorly executed, poorly previewed, and the color palette is dull and boring - as are the papers.
Sugar Kissed - The best thing she did was add a guilded finish to what was probably a poor quality photo extraction. Papers are simple, but elegant and work with the theme of this kit. I think there is too much guilding between the frame, the leaves, the pin, the border, etc. I did download, though. After unzipping, the guilded elements are very pretty. The two flowers are not detached from each other as she shows on her preview. Seriously, LAZY! Again, not everyone can separate these things in their programs. There is no reason for them to not be there own individual image. The image quality could also be improved with simple photo editing. They're also oddly colored. I like the glitter on them, though. Paper textures are nice. I will keep all but the extracted flowers.
(part 4)
Designer Apprentice Season 2 - New Designers
Lishi - She said she extracted a ribbon, but I don't see it on her preview. Maybe the bow? This is very beginner. Very. Color palette is gross and the elements are boring and mish mashy. The star scatter doodle isn't bad, but it doesn't flow with anything else. I don't even know where I would begin to use this kit at all. Very dark and nothing shines.
Kat {designed} - Odd designer name and color palette. Boring papers. Color palette not consistently applied. One elephant on a stand does not make a circus kit. Mish mash in element styles. Her full description was not posted at the time of my review, so I'm not sure what she extracted and what she didn't. Just an odd mish mash in paper styles, patterns, and elements.
Digital Harmony - I want to like this color palette, but the papers are so horrendously boring, it's not easy. The pink is over saturated and the texture makes it stand out even more against the other boring papers. The elements are mish mashy and not cohesive. I like the idea and the palette could work with much better execution. The flower looks like something a 5 year old puts in their hair. Color palette is also not consistently applied.
Penny H Designs - Beginner. Very. Boring papers with some having gross textures (the green ones especially!). I think she forgot to drop shadow all of her elements. For her very first digital kit, it's not bad. It's better than some of the established designers. Very basic items in dire need of better presentation. The pale string needs more pop.
Made by Me Inspirations - Beginner. Very. Also her first kit. The bevel on everything is way too excessive. No textures on the papers and the color palette is gross. The balloons look cute. I like the idea of the swirl frames, but they're too thin and appear to have the same dark bevel on them. I have no idea why she extracted a banner then made it look like a mouse chewed on it.
Bonnie Blou - If it weren't for that horrible texture, her papers wouldn't be too bad. The elements are mish mashy with the doodles, the acrylic, the extracted, and the paper cut items. Very basic and simple elements. Not a good color balance on the preview (ie. all the cream elements on top of the cream paper).
MHK Scrap Bytes - I like the color palette and theme. I can't stand that brown "patterned" paper. The others aren't horrible, but they are simple. The stripe with the touch of glitter is nice. WHY are all the elements under the band on the preview. I really do not understand this at all. I did download this. After unzipping, the peacock feather flower and butterfly are pretty and interesting. I also love the peacock pin, but you can barely see it on the preview - along with some of the other pretty and interesting elements. This kit's features are it's elements, not the papers. Let us see them!
3 Li'l Monsters - Odd paper mix of paper textures and patterns. Most are OK, but then there is that heavily distressed paper. A grid for a princess kit also seems odd. The elements are a mish mash in style and finishes. I like some variety but they must FLOW together and make sense. The extracted ricrac is way too large in scale for this kit.
Ohana Designs - Boring papers and that patterns seems out of place for the theme. Recoloring is off - especially on red and brown. Color palette is OK, but not executed well. It also doesn't match the relaxation theme. The elements are a mish mash in style and are recolored poorly.
In the Small Things - Soft color palette and a common theme. Mostly boring paper patterns and the textures look fuzzy. Most everything just looks washed out. I think she should have focused on 2 quality extractions instead of doing a bunch of mediocre looking ones.
(part 5)
Star Traveller - Extracted a star? She has this one decent looking patterned paper (second from right), but then, the entire thing falls apart. None of the colors blend with that paper. Some of the elements are illustrations and in a completely different style than the soft patterned paper. The beige is dull and out of place. A perfect example of nothing being overly offensive, but most of it not working together - mish mash.
Sherry_Lynn - Very beginner. Color palette is OK, but for a garden theme, it seems odd. Especially with the stars on the paper and the Americana lamp. I like the pop of yellow in the flower, but it's no where on the papers. Paper textures and patterns are boring and not consistent with the theme. The word art tag thing is way too grungy and the words are difficult to read.
Dreamy Nest - Horrible logo. I can't even read your design name. Small preview. Mish mash of styles in elements and the color palette is inconsistently used and gross. Her extracted items look decent from the preview and are better looking than almost all of the established designers. But, the entire kit is an inconsistent mish mash.
Foosa Moon - The application of orange in this palette isn't executed well. Papers are very boring and textures are inconsistent (some are OK, others non-existent). Elements are a mish mash and inconsistently colored.
2 am Designs - I like the pop of yellow in this kit, but wish she had applied it consistently in the elements. It looks over saturated in the papers and then in some of the elements, she made it almost a cream. Mixed a nice pattern with basic patterns. Paper textures aren't overly done. Love her flowers. I did download this. After unzipping, my only criticism is the yellow paper is over saturated. I like it bright, but that doesn't mean it needs to be so saturated. Overall, I think this mini is adorable and is the best put together of everything to this point.
Digital Monsoon - Boring papers. The red is over saturated and the extracted items are very out of place with the digitally made elements. The elements are also very small on the preview. Paper textures are boring and barely there on most of the papers.
Truman Studio - The color palette is OK for the theme, but the red on the elements is oversaturated. Kudos for doing a feather extraction, although, it seems out of place for this theme. I can see what she was going for, but it doesn't work for me. Everything is too distressed (a little goes a long way) and the preview is flat. Items look fuzzy and weirdly recolored.
Rhonda Sunflower - Basic kit, colors, patterns. The green and blue look oversaturated. I like her use of white to make things pop. The pale flower is oddly recolored and doesn't match the kit in style. I only see 7 elements on the preview, not 8 as she has listed. I don't get the floral frame and dainty pale flower for such a graphic kit.
Nirah's Designs - Poor to non-existent textures and very oversaturated colors. Let's be clear, your scanner didn't cut off corners, the person operating the scanner did. Odd mish mash of styles in the elements. Most of the elements are poorly colored, especially the ribbons. The scrollwork on the veggie stand sign is an odd style for this kit. Basic papers, but I like the pepper paper and wish the colors were nicer.
SunshineArtz - Again with the white paper separator. I'd like this palette better if the dark blues weren't oversaturated. It looks like the copper papers have a heavy burn on the edges, but I didn't download to get a closer look. Some OK textures and some non-existent. Very boring papers overall. Elements are basic, but mostly work together. The butterflies are shaded poorly and that wrinkled paper stuff is out of place.
(part 6)
Brine Designs - I'm trying hard to root for this girl. I like her palette and her papers and paper textures. I don't understand hiding the elements under large paper circles. How bad are they? Nothing special here and the snowflake seems odd. Maybe if you didn't make your element preview so small and on a piece of white paper, you could fit all the elements on your preview. Why would I buy something I can't see? I did download this for the papers. After unzipping, I'll keep the papers and some of the elements. I like the window box frame, but it has those stupid dew drops on it. I can make my own without the dew drops, but it's annoying to not have a plain frame included. The paint circles have a strange style applied to them - the edges look grainy. I don't like the flowers at all. The stitch is just a doodle with no style applied.
Christina P - Basic kit with poorly recolored elements. Paper textures look OK except for that snowflake paper. The stripe or texture (whatever it is) is distracting. Nice use of the colors in the palette, though, and her elements pop without having to insert a piece of paper. Don't like the extracted penguins with this style. I also don't like the weathering on the scallop border. It looks like it has a french manicure. The scallops also look more like udders than scallops.
PamlaKlenczar - Small preview. No idea who this designer is based upon her preview. I took her designer name from the file name. It's tough to say anything with such a small preview other than the colors look cheap and gross. It doesn't look like she has many paper patterns and nothing pops on the preview at all.
Farynar's Wings - OK color palette, but the black is over saturated in the papers. Boring papers. I love buttons, but they were an easy extraction to choose. Recoloring is flat on the flowers. Leaves look like they could be interesting, but why display them on top of the matching green paper? I didn't download because it's too basic and the papers did nothing for me. But, overall, it doesn't look like a bad basic kit.
Fran B Designs - Total mish mash in elements and palette. Deviates too much from palette in her elements based on her papers. Textures are too heavy on most of her papers and the patterns don't mesh. The preview isn't bad, but the items within the kit are poorly executed. Recoloring is also poor.
Kim Hackworth Creations - Terrible flat, boring preview. Please make friends with a drop shadow. I only see 4 patterned papers, but she lists 5. The elements are too small and a mish mash and again with the paper separator. The idea is cute, but the palette isn't great and it's not colored consistently. Paper textures are gross.
(part 7 - last part)
Rumki Designs - I like how she used the shells to make a sun and border. Color palette is dull and washed out (in a bad way). Those papers are gross in texture, color, and pattern. Elements are poorly recolored. Basic idea, but not well executed.
Damsel Designs - I am now blind. Why are all the elements hiding behind the packaging and each other? Cute idea, but that color palette is gross. Paper textures are blurry (on patterns especially). I like the little taxis, though. An OK kit if you like neon. If she had chosen a different color palette and used better quality textures, this kit would have been much better.
Paper Capers Designs - I like the idea of the color palette, but the colors don't flow well between the papers and elements. Elements are a weird mish mash of extractions and digital. Paper textures are overdone - and where is the denim paper? The kit needs one to coordinate in theme with the denim pockets. Paper patterns are boring. I like the little flowers coming out of the pockets, but wished they were better quality. Don't hide the elements under your huge logo.
Juli Enriquez Designs - Boring paper patterns and the white paper is very out of place in color and style. Mish mash of styles and the color palette isn't consistently applied. I do like her two extractions, but they don't mesh with the rest of the kit - nothing really works together.
Lilacs in Bloom - Too many different textures in one kit - the tell-tale sign of a beginner. Elements are a mish mash both in color and style. It's almost like she didn't even use a palette, just said, I'll throw in anything remotely green or pink. Paper patterns are also different styles. The elements she chose to recolor are done poorly. This girl is at Shabby Pickle?
Digi Deborah's Designs - I like the ladder. I don't get the doodle style papers with the rest of this kit. I'm also not a fan of the color palette or the paper textures (again with the rubber cupboard liner). Her font choice isn't good - it's too small. There are just too many styles present in her elements.
Paper Garden Projects - So, where are all the papers listed? Horrible, flat preview. The illustration rendering is nice for that style. It's a little mish mashy. I didn't download, but the papers look like they have a white haze around them. I don't understand what that is supposed to be. I like the sunflower paper and wish she had went with that style full on.
Jennifer Z - Horrible logo. Paper patterns are OK, but the texture seems blurry for being so slight. Flat preview. Again, please make friends with the drop shadows (I could say this about almost all of the previews in both categories). Basic kit with basic elements. Nothing special, but nothing overly offensive. I am sick of looking at this color palette, though.
Studio CinCo - Honestly, them being in this category pisses me off. I'll try not to let it influence my review. I do like Americo's drawings, especially the little lamb. The moon face kinda creeps me out, though. The bows and rosette are very out of place in style and quality. The paper preview is clearly done so the elements pop against the dark background, but sadly, that makes the other papers difficult to see. Color palette is OK, but the papers look basic and very boring.
I really like the way Piers Unhacked is doing her reviews now. She's giving constructive criticism and not forgetting to put in a little positive commentary. Very well done Piers!
I didn't see Simon's set of reviews before I posted the above comment. It looks like Simon has stepped away from the 'gross' comments and is also giving constructive criticism. Well done both of you.
I'm happy to see that those who are reviewing are remembering that real people are reading this blog with feelings that can be hurt. And yes, I know it's a smack blog, yada yada whatever.....
I used plenty of "gross" and added "horrendous" in for variety since I had to use "gross" so many times.
^^^^^^
Well I was just skimming them so I guess I'll have to take back some of what I said :(
Star Traveller - Extracted a star? She has this one decent looking patterned paper (second from right), but then, the entire thing falls apart. None of the colors blend with that paper. Some of the elements are illustrations and in a completely different style than the soft patterned paper. The beige is dull and out of place. A perfect example of nothing being overly offensive, but most of it not working together - mish mash.
---------
I told you I sucked at previews :) The illustrated elements also come in a painted style but I didn't want to crowd the preview. You did pick my favourite paper out of the kit to like though. That star was a PITA as it had rough edges due to the glitter, but yeah, I copped out, I know it. Thanks for the feedback. Did you download it? Just curious, not a requirement.
Thanks for reviewing the DSA kits. I appreciated your critique and am going to work on the things suggested...so thanks!
Just following along with the reviews was time consuming, I can imagine how long it took to write them. Thanks, Simon! My opinions deviated a little here and there, but not a great deal. And I always learn from your comments.
I'm not a designer but want to show my appreciation to those who take the time to do reviews here as well. When most people won't even take a few precious seconds to type thank you for a freebie, this is certainly refreshing.
Just followed Simon's review to see the DSA contest kits. Doesn't Dancing Princess Designs' logo on her preview look.... strange to you? I mean, look at her feet. Even for dancing I think the whole body looks really awkward and disproportioned. Is it just me?
I thought the entrants in DSA's Design Apprentice had mentors who gave them feedback before they submitted their entries?
Only if they got it to their mentors on time.
So if they did get it to a mentor on time surely the kits should be a better quality? Since so many are a 'mish mash' etc what was the point of the mentor?
I notice that they were told not to worry about quality of image/scan used just the quality of the extraction. Won't that make the kit worthless then?
I think Simon uses the term 'mishy-mashy' VERY liberally. I think there is a difference in mish-mash and variety, especially for a mini.
Anonymous said...
Don't stop now, Piers keep going. How about reviews of 41-70?
---------------
You gotta be kidding me. :) I honestly don't have time to do them all. Obviously you fall into that range and want a review of your part? How about you choose a segment of 10 (say, "51-60" or "61-70" etc.) and I will consider it. Then nobody else will know exactly who you are, but I don't have to review 30 more just to maintain your anonymity. Fair enough?
On an unrelated side-note, the word I have to type in (below this response, for the "word verification") was "lickypea"... something that made me LOL IRL.
I would rather see Piers review the new designers at the DSA contest.
I would rather see Piers review the new designers at the DSA contest.
August 7, 2011 8:55 AM
Sounds like Simon didn't give you a good review. You bad designers are really demanding of people's time.
I think Simon uses the term 'mishy-mashy' VERY liberally. I think there is a difference in mish-mash and variety, especially for a mini.
August 7, 2011 8:30 AM
Used 5 out of 15 in the established category and in 15 our of 35 reviews in the new. I agree with about 90% of the uses of the word mish-mash and don't think it's "variety." Most customers want cohesive kits. Variety is when it all works together. In almost all cases reviewed, it doesn't work together.
Can we get back to store reviews please?
I would rather see Piers review the new designers at the DSA contest.
August 7, 2011 8:55 AM
Sounds like Simon didn't give you a good review. You bad designers are really demanding of people's time.
------------------------
I was talking about having a review of DSA instead of more of the Blog Train. It had nothing to do with Simon's review. Is that clear enough for you?
Used 5 out of 15 in the established category and in 15 our of 35 reviews in the new. I agree with about 90% of the uses of the word mish-mash and don't think it's "variety." Most customers want cohesive kits. Variety is when it all works together. In almost all cases reviewed, it doesn't work together.
---------------------------------
For the new category, Simon used mish-mash in for about 45% of the kits. I would say that's a pretty liberal use of the term.
So what 10% do you not agree with? I'm curious as to if it's the same one's I think are variety instead of 'mishy-mashy'.
Studio CinCo - Honestly, them being in this category pisses me off.
-------------------------------
Why?
I was talking about having a review of DSA instead of more of the Blog Train. It had nothing to do with Simon's review. Is that clear enough for you?
August 7, 2011 9:49 AM
Simons review was of DSA. How is that for clarity?
You gotta be kidding me. :) I honestly don't have time to do them all. Obviously you fall into that range and want a review of your part? How about you choose a segment of 10 (say, "51-60" or "61-70" etc.) and I will consider it. Then nobody else will know exactly who you are, but I don't have to review 30 more just to maintain your anonymity. Fair enough?
^^^
Fair enough. How about 41-50.
Thank you for taking the time to do this. You and Simon, it really is helpful. Even based on your reviews of other designers I have found areas where I can improve as a designer.
Studio CinCo - Honestly, them being in this category pisses me off.
-------------------------------
Why?
-----------
Some people feel that I should have made them be in the established designer category b/c the husband sells CU and has been for quite some time. However, they were only allowed to be in the new designer category because they have only been selling PU products for a short time.
OK, WTH. Weren't the DSA challengers given FTP space? Why are they using Mediafire?
UGH
-----
yes they were, but I did not require them to use it, I gave it as an option.
So if they did get it to a mentor on time surely the kits should be a better quality? Since so many are a 'mish mash' etc what was the point of the mentor?
I notice that they were told not to worry about quality of image/scan used just the quality of the extraction. Won't that make the kit worthless then?
------
they're being judged on the extraction, not how good of a camera/scanner they have. Some of these people have never ever designed before, I didn't want them to quit at the start just b/c they have a crappy camera.
I thought the entrants in DSA's Design Apprentice had mentors who gave them feedback before they submitted their entries?
-----
only if they a. chose to use the mentor, b. got it in by wednesday night and c. then chose to make the changes their mentor suggested. The established designers did not get a mentor unless they requested one.
I was talking about having a review of DSA instead of more of the Blog Train. It had nothing to do with Simon's review. Is that clear enough for you?
August 7, 2011 9:49 AM
Simons review was of DSA. How is that for clarity?
--------------------
And - I was talking to Piers (ie - I would rather see PIERS do a review of DSA rather than (or INSTEAD OF more Blog Train....). Again, it had NOTHING to do with Simon or her review. So, your point makes no sense.
How many different textures do you expect to see in a kit with 12 papers? Should the solids be all one texture? I realize this is a matter of personal preference but I was once turned down by a store because I didn't vary my textures more per kit.
Just curious.
I use the same textures on all my papers within the same kit - unless it has folds, creases, that kind of thing. But the base texture is the same throughout - makes it cohesive. I think being turned down for a store because you didn't vary the textures is ridiculous.
Just to add - textures is different than brushwork and other touches I add to each paper to make them different. I do do that - my papers do not all look the same.
I use the same textures on all my papers within the same kit - unless it has folds, creases, that kind of thing. But the base texture is the same throughout - makes it cohesive. I think being turned down for a store because you didn't vary the textures is ridiculous.
-----------------
ITA about keeping with a general texture in a kit to keep it cohesive, although I will say that I usually keep to a couple (not just one). One for a "scrapbook" weight paper (like when you buy 12X12 patterned sheets at the store), and one for cardstock weight. But other than that, I try to keep it somewhat consistent throughout, going along w/ what you would want/get if you bought a scrapbook set at a store.
How many different textures do you expect to see in a kit with 12 papers? Should the solids be all one texture? I realize this is a matter of personal preference but I was once turned down by a store because I didn't vary my textures more per kit.
Just curious.
--------------
Re: being turned down by the store. Wonder if this was a case of every solid paper you had in the kit all had the same creases in the same places, etc. Keeping w/ one texture is one thing (cohesiveness, as just stated above). Making every paper identical w/ only variation being color is, IMO, another thing completely. Especially w/ the recent trend toward wrinkled/creased papers in kits... it looks ridiculous to scrap a page w/ multiple papers that all have the same creases in the same places, as this would rarely if ever happen IRL if you were scrapping w/ paper. Just a thought.
When I see previews that include a line of papers that are textured exactly the same (I often see this with solids ... all lined up with the same exact textures) I think the designer is either lazy or really naive. Most scrappers can recolor a solid, they don't need the same one in every color of the kit.
When I see previews that include a line of papers that are textured exactly the same (I often see this with solids ... all lined up with the same exact textures) I think the designer is either lazy or really naive. Most scrappers can recolor a solid, they don't need the same one in every color of the kit.
August 7, 2011 2:38 PM
This is one of the great myths of digital scrapbooking. Don't be fooled by these comments made by designers who *think* they know. They don't. I've polled my customers over the years and a shocking majority do NOT know how to do this.
Regardless, change up some of the brushwork for each solid. It only takes a few mins.
I like this discussion about textures. I actually used to agree with the person who thought it looked lazy to have the same texures on each paper. In the past I included a different texture for each paper thinking that is what scrappers wanted. Now I usually keep the texture down to 1 or 2 types per kit. By that, I mean I will use one or two types of materials to create the overlays (I make my own). So I might use that specific paper flat and folded and slightly wrinkled. But all of them have the same base texture since they were made using the same material. I feel like it makes my kits look much more cohesive.
I don't ever recolor the same paper though. Not even the solids. I like there to be a bit variety in the coloring and brushwork.
My customers seem to prefer this current method. Basing that on their comments to me.
I also use the same base texture for each paper. After that I add different overlays to give each a different look. Brushwork is also different for each. I always think it is lazy to recolor the exact same paper without variation for solids in a kit.
Thank you everyone for the interesting discussion on textures.
@Sara:
I didn't want them to quit at the start just b/c they have a crappy camera.
-----------
1st and foremost: thanks for all your work in this thing (I am not a participant) and for your input here.
There are no crappy cameras just crappy photographers. Give 2 people the same camera and tell them to take photos of the same bottle and you'll be amazed what comes out of it. Or try a chimp for that matter.
As a matter of fact I would always like to have a chimp in any contest/ assigment just for a chimp benchmarking.
QUOTE
A photographer is invited to dinner. At the party she takes shots and brings in some prints the next week. The lady of the house is happy with the prints and says 'You must have a very good camera, the photos are so good'. The photographer ponders and eventually says 'You must have a very good oven because your dinner was so delicious'.
UNQUOTE
As a matter of fact my blood pressure still goes up when people say to me 'Can you take the photos, they always turn out great, you have a great camera'.
Here are my 2 cents on 'crappy cameras':
So if they did get it to a mentor on time surely the kits should be a better quality? Since so many are a 'mish mash' etc what was the point of the mentor?
---
I'm not really sure how you are equating quality with mish mashy, they aren't the same thing at all.
I agree with some of Simon's reviews about kits being mishy mashy but not others.
There are no crappy cameras just crappy photographers.
------
Amen!
There are no crappy cameras just crappy photographers. Give 2 people the same camera and tell them to take photos of the same bottle and you'll be amazed what comes out of it. Or try a chimp for that matter.
----------
While this may be true, give an amazing photographer a cheap camera with a crappy plastic lens and a nice professional grade DSLR, and it's not hard to guess which image will be better.
There are some point and shoot cameras that are never going to produce an image that will make a quality element. No matter how talented a photographer you may be.
I thought that Sugar Kissed designs was smart in realizing this. Her use of the pretty guilded effects to her poor images, was a smart and creative way to deal with the inablility to capture a quality image.
While this may be true, give an amazing photographer a cheap camera with a crappy plastic lens and a nice professional grade DSLR, and it's not hard to guess which image will be better.
-------
That would depend entirely on what the photographer was after. All those cheap plastic cameras are back in vogue and the images are still amazing.
That would depend entirely on what the photographer was after. All those cheap plastic cameras are back in vogue and the images are still amazing.
-----------
In this particular instance, the photographer is after a clear, crisp image that will look unpixelated and defined as an extracted element at 100%. If you can capture that with a point and shoot crap camera, then you definitely are an amazing photographer.
^^^^^
I actually have a very good P&S Camera, not all of them are created equal.
Piers said, "The trick is to find multiple people's opinions and compare them to each other, and see if there's a trend."
I'm a designer whose store has already been reviewed by Simon, and reading this got me thinking....it would be interesting to see some of the stores that have already been reviewed by Simon be reviewed by Piers, Randi and others as well. See if this holds true. I've already taken into consideration what Simon has said, but it would be interesting (and helpful!) to know if others think the same.
I would be happy to review it. But there have been a lot of stores reviewed, and I don't have time to go back and look to see which stores they were. If you give us a little list of them, I'll do one or two sometime this week.
Which stores do you want reviewed?
As a matter of fact I would always like to have a chimp in any contest/ assigment just for a chimp benchmarking.
---
LOL i love this. I think I agree :)
And yes.. I totally get you.. b/c I hear the same.. you have a great camera. But.. not everyone has a dslr and there are bad p&s's out there.. my daughter has one LOL My main concern on that challenge was how well they extracted something, not how well they photographed something... better that way?
And.. you're welcome... when this is over I think I'm gonna sleep for a week LOL
What store did you want reviewed? I know Simon did a few, but point me to the one you want and I'll be happy to check it out. Now if I end up spending a lot of money I'm going to blame you though..lol..jk (kind of). :)
I would like to see Randi or Piers do SSD again. (and no crazy lady, I don't mean Sugar Shack)
SSD again? Aren't we sick of reading about them? Let's try a different store. I don't think SO was done,were they?
How about Cat Scrap? I'm tired of seeing the same stores over and over.
Three years ago OScraps was my favorite store. I still love Paislee Press and I do like One Little Bird although the kits are small for the money, but that is about it.
-------------------------------
Just wanted to comment on this because I've bought both Paislee Press's and One Little Bird's most recent kits and if you look at the size of the kit compared to the kits at SSD (which are the same price) the kits all actually have about the same amount of elements and papers. I think it's just Paislee Press, One Little Bird and a lot of other C&S sort of designers that weren't mentioned here do their previews in a way that spreads the elements out so that they're organized and visible, and people tend to mistakenly think the kits are "smaller" because they'll resize things and flip things to make them fit on that element card. Whereas other designers just pile all their things up full-sized in a big cluster on top of their paper and that tricks the buyer into thinking there's a big pile of stuff in there - but if you look at the item counts, it's not really much of a difference.
Also a lot of the more clean & simple designers don't toss in a bunch of filler, like 5 silk flowers and a half dozen different ribbons. They're a little more purposeful about what they put in.
So my point is that I think it's unfair to say things like the kits are smaller for the money, they're really not. A lot of these big monster kits are just stuffed with a bunch of filler CU items in that you won't use anyway and that don't have a whole lot to do with the actual kit. That way they can say "Over 60 elements!" but most of it junk you already have or don't need. I don't need matching stitches in every single kit I buy, I have my favorites already. It'll get their item count up, but I probably won't use the stuff. I tend to use everything in these cleaner kits at some point.
Most full kits from established designers are getting up into the $6.50-$7.00 range now, so it's not out of the ordinary.
Just my 2 cents.
So my point is that I think it's unfair to say things like the kits are smaller for the money, they're really not. A lot of these big monster kits are just stuffed with a bunch of filler CU items in that you won't use anyway and that don't have a whole lot to do with the actual kit. That way they can say "Over 60 elements!" but most of it junk you already have or don't need. I don't need matching stitches in every single kit I buy, I have my favorites already. It'll get their item count up, but I probably won't use the stuff. I tend to use everything in these cleaner kits at some point.
-------
Couldn't agree more. I call the filler items packing peanuts.
Personally I do want stitches and ribbons in every kit - not in every color, but at least one or each. I don't want to be recoloring as I scrap.
^^^^
And there's the dilemma. I don't want ribbons in every kit, maybe stitches, if they are unique, which, sadly, they rarely ever are.
Re the photographer-camera/cook-oven story: thank you! So true! If I had a dime every time a colleague/fb friend asks "oh your scrapbook pages are so fabulous. Which program did you use?", i'd be so rich by now.
Great comments about kits & contents, cameras etc
I'd be very interested to hear thoughts on extracting. Camera v scanner - which do you use or do you use both at times?
Personally I do want stitches and ribbons in every kit - not in every color, but at least one or each. I don't want to be recoloring as I scrap.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree. I do know how to recolor, but I don't want to when I'm scrapping. And I don't think a great majority of scrappers know how to recolor. Yes, I know some do, so don't start freaking out, but I see a lot of scrappers post that they don't know how and wouldn't know where to start. So including all the 'extra packing peanuts' is helpful for them and a time saver for others.
I agree. I do know how to recolor, but I don't want to when I'm scrapping. And I don't think a great majority of scrappers know how to recolor. Yes, I know some do, so don't start freaking out, but I see a lot of scrappers post that they don't know how and wouldn't know where to start. So including all the 'extra packing peanuts' is helpful for them and a time saver for others.
^^^^^^^^^^^
Yeah I have to agree, a lot of people I know do not know how to recolor as well. So for them and those who do not want to have to recolor every time they scrap, I know they would appreciate the extra items even if they are taking up hard drive space to those who do know how to recolor.
^^^^^^^
packing peanuts - I like that term. I add a staple and some stitching to every kit. I am also on some CT teams - and let me tell you - when a designer wants you to use only their product for the LO (which is fine) but not one staple or stitched line can be found anywhere...any kind of fasterner...it gets frustrating. I don't think of the recoloring problem as much as I do from a beginner point of view. It never hurts to add these items in . I stick to around 40 elements including those things...and there is plenty to play with.
I'd be interested in seeing a review of GingerScraps, when someone has time.
Piers and Randi -- It'd be great it you could do SSD and SO. :)
^^^
I've got a very busy week ahead, but will do my best to oblige. It won't all happen this week. First, I owe someone BTB #41-50 (that request came in first), and then I'd love to do SSD and SO (those requests came next). It'll take a little time, so be patient, but I do think it will be interesting to see a few reviews here of each offering (whether a store, the blog train, the DSA competition, etc.) so we can all compare/contrast.
packing peanuts - I like that term. I add a staple and some stitching to every kit. I am also on some CT teams - and let me tell you - when a designer wants you to use only their product for the LO (which is fine) but not one staple or stitched line can be found anywhere...any kind of fasterner...it gets frustrating. I don't think of the recoloring problem as much as I do from a beginner point of view. It never hurts to add these items in . I stick to around 40 elements including those things...and there is plenty to play with.
----------
I couldn't agree with this more. The single best thing any designer (or designer-wanna-be) can do for themselves is scrap. Join a CT, or just use your own kits and create a LO or two, it doesn't matter. But scrap. Otherwise you get caught up in the creative process and start to lose touch with what the end-user wants/needs from a kit. Creativity is great, yes, but there comes a point where people really do need the basics in each kit, even if it seems boring. If you're also adding unique elements and interesting paper patterns to each kit (separating each kit from the last), the addition of basics to each kit shouldn't necessarily be viewed as "packing peanuts" but as "end-user necessities". It's the designers who ONLY add these packing peanuts (and nothing unique) that don't get it.
Simon did both SO and SSD. It will be great to see if the other reviewers have anything different to say.
Post a Comment