Maybe now that we've turned the calendar page to a new year we can make resolutions for this blog, like never to ask how much people make or what the top-tier stores are. Pretty please?
What are the top tier stores? I am curious because I would really like to sell in one. I also want to make a lot of money, how much does everyone here make?
$2,000 a month and that's not even trying. I don't advertise, I don't have a CT, I'm not on FB, I don't tweet, I don't participate in blog trains or any of the store collabs. I'm not in the DCR and don't have a clue what's going on. I think I'm in a top tier store, but I'm not sure.
I doubt that many digital scrapbook designers make even $200/month. If you're making over $1000/month, I'm guessing you're in a "top tier" store and to be in a so called top tier digital scrapbook store, you (mostly) have to be good at what you do.
My suggestion for anyone who wants to be accepted to such a top tier store is to know your image editing program well. If you're using Photoshop (in my opinion, it's the best program if you're serious about designing anything for anyone), you should be able to extract well, even if it's only the odd thing you need to extract, adjust contrast correctly, adjust and manipulate colors well (using levels, curves, selective color, hue/saturation, etc.). You should know how to use alpha channels. Your products should be sharp where they need to be sharp but not so sharp that they appear grainy and soft where they need to be soft but not so soft that they appear blurry.
Illustrator is the creme de la creme. If you have Illustrator mastered in addition to Photoshop -you're well on your way and may even find opportunities more lucrative than the highest tier of digital scrapbook stores.
In the real world, $2000/month gross income is not a salary I would be willing to work for. After deductions, is that even minimum wage?
Since minimum wage is $7.25/hour. That would be $7.25/hour, that would be $290 gross per week, or $15080 per year, and $1256 a month. So yes, dear, $2000 per month would beat minimum wage. Unless your hubby puts you in the 1%. [Calculators are your friend] And if so, then why are YOU working for peanuts? Subtitle= getcher nose outta the air before you trip and fall in da shit.
Since minimum wage is $7.25/hour. That would be $7.25/hour, that would be $290 gross per week, or $15080 per year, and $1256 a month. So yes, dear, $2000 per month would beat minimum wage. Unless your hubby puts you in the 1%. [Calculators are your friend] And if so, then why are YOU working for peanuts? Subtitle= getcher nose outta the air before you trip and fall in da shit.
________________________________ Not the original OP but a few thoughts....
First off, very, very few designers make $2,000 a month. I don't care what's said here. It's bullshit. Of the thousand designers out there, maybe 100 might do that. I'd be will to bet that most are making less than 200. Start a poll if you like.
If this is a hobby that you enjoy doing that's one thing, but if you (plural you) are doing this for income and you're not making enough to justify even a minimum wage job, then you should get out of the house and actually find a job that pays.
Think of all the time you put into this. First you make the product, then you have to upload, market, etc. If you're in a store you might have to host challenges, comment, post to your blog and the store blog, ... the list is endless. What is your time worth?
If I had to live on what I made, I'd be screwed. On a good month, I'll make around $1,000 but it usually falls between 600-800 and I consider that pretty decent for the amount of time I spend, which isn't much.
$2,000 a month is diddly squat for pay but pretty good for a general digital scrapbook designer. I have a full-time job so I can put food on my table and a roof over my head, so any money I make fooling around in Photoshop is like my second part-time extra-cash job.
I'm also a SAHM so by the time you figure that I don't have to pay for daycare, maintain an appropriate work wardrobe, gas for the commute etc......I would need a pretty darn good job to come out ahead. You can't beat the flexibility.
Oh for crying out loud people. 7:49 was being sarcastic. Mentioning all the things the other poster asked us all not to post about anymore. We need a thief or pirate or juicy store closing already - so boring. And don't give me the boring - well you start a new topic then - shpeil. Let's just all admit there's nothing to talk about and share our favorite apps or something. At least we might learn something new.
I posted at 8:30. I work full time from home for my 'regular' employment. I also don't have gas, wardrobe, etc. to pay for. I still wouldn't be able to support my home and family on a income of $2,000 a month even if that's a net figure. I have 2 kids and a mortgage. Then there's the utility bills including cable and internet, insurance and groceries. My mortgage/property taxes & insurance alone is $850 a month and that's not high at all.
If you can and it's working for you, more power to you. I'd like to move where you are.
^^^^^ 9:02 probably isn't the family's primary wage earner. I'm a SAHM and I'd love $2k/month beyond what my husband makes without having to pay for daycare. I have no interest in becoming a designer though.
I posted at 8:30. I work full time from home for my 'regular' employment. I also don't have gas, wardrobe, etc. to pay for. I still wouldn't be able to support my home and family on a income of $2,000 a month even if that's a net figure.
___________________________
I can't image working from home full time unless your children are below the age of 5. If you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. Plus the adult interaction is gone. There aren't any pluses as far as I'm concerned.
I can't image working from home full time unless your children are below the age of 5. If you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. Plus the adult interaction is gone. There aren't any pluses as far as I'm concerned. ----- Not the original poster, but working from home is perfect for me. I have depression and social anxiety. The less 'adult interaction' I have, the better. I'm a designer at a relatively large store and you'd never know I had issues. I post on the forum daily and interact with my customers daily. it's the person to person I can't handle.
I can't image working from home full time unless your children are below the age of 5. If you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. Plus the adult interaction is gone. There aren't any pluses as far as I'm concerned. ----
Oh yes, because obviously if you work from home you have no opportunity to interact with adults. Ever. *eyeroll*
Not the OP either, but I've worked from home for several years and I get to CHOOSE my adult interaction, which means I don't need to deal with the morons I'd HAVE to interact with if I worked in an office somewhere.
It's not one of Robyn's best, I'll grant you. ------------------------------
Agreed, her stuff is usually a lot better, she does lovey work. That one looks like it is DSP branded tho, it doesn't have her usual packaging, so maybe that has something to do with it.
It's not one of Robyn's best, I'll grant you. ------------------------------
Agreed, her stuff is usually a lot better, she does lovey work. That one looks like it is DSP branded tho, it doesn't have her usual packaging, so maybe that has something to do with it.
^^^^ Exactly. People, in general, suck and the less I have to deal with them, the better.
I have to laugh at the other poster's wardrobe comment. Really? Why on earth would you assume I have nothing to wear just because I don't require a wardrobe for my job?
Newsflash: People can actually work at home AND have a social life. I actually was out all afternoon at the mall and outlet shops today.
The only difference between a ob outside of the home and a job at home is that I don't have to leave to go to work. That's it.
OT-I have no intentions of becoming a designer but I wish I could come up with some type of sahm extra income whenever I retire. I'm sure I'll still be crafting-hate to let that go.
Not the OP either, but I've worked from home for several years and I get to CHOOSE my adult interaction, which means I don't need to deal with the morons I'd HAVE to interact with if I worked in an office somewhere. ------
This! I would love to work from home for this very reason.
f you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. --------
What? I can wear jeans and a t-shirt to the grocery store, but I couldn't wear them to the office. I have some nice dressy clothes, but again, I couldn't wear them to the office.
I can't image working from home full time unless your children are below the age of 5. If you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. Plus the adult interaction is gone. There aren't any pluses as far as I'm concerned. ----
It's people like you that make dislike working in an office. It's all so very black and white and idiotic. You are so very sure that your view is the only view. Ugh, let me get a job from home, please!
I'm totally confused by the wardrobe comments. I'm a SAHM too and if I went out and got an office job, I'd probably have to spend a good deal of money on some appropriate clothes. Yes, I have several pairs od dress pants and a dress or two, but what a person wears for casual or even a night out is very different than what I'd need to go into an office every day. It's definately a job related expense that most people don't recognize. It's like my husband's dress shirts, ties, and suits, it's not what he wears on the weekend if he's at home!
I'm totally confused by the wardrobe comments. I'm a SAHM too and if I went out and got an office job, I'd probably have to spend a good deal of money on some appropriate clothes. Yes, I have several pairs od dress pants and a dress or two, but what a person wears for casual or even a night out is very different than what I'd need to go into an office every day. It's definately a job related expense that most people don't recognize. It's like my husband's dress shirts, ties, and suits, it's not what he wears on the weekend if he's at home! ______________________________
Why would anyone wear dress clothes at home anyway?
What a person wears for a night out probably depends on where you go when you go 'out'. Don't you put on a nice pair of pants and top to go to a movie or dinner? Or do you always wear jeans? Working women don't wear 3 piece suits to the office anymore or dresses unless they want to but they do have nice clothes to wear. You don't have to spend a lot, there are always sales at the nicer department stores.
I work outside the home and I can wear my work clothes when I go out. In fact I do, all the time. I have really dressy clothes and some casual - all are appropriate in an office setting and many are just as appropriate when my husband and I go out.
My husband also has a job where he has to dress up - tie, sometimes suit jacket, etc. No he doesn't wear a tie when we go to dinner but he does wear a pair of dress slacks and a nice shirt - sometimes with a sweater over it. I also dress up in nice clothes. When we go to church, he does wear a tie, and I also dress up a bit more. When we attend 'functions' often boring but we have to go, we both dress up.
But no - he wouldn't wear his tie at home and I wouldn't wear a blazer either.
Oh yes, because obviously if you work from home you have no opportunity to interact with adults. Ever. *eyeroll*
Not the OP either, but I've worked from home for several years and I get to CHOOSE my adult interaction, which means I don't need to deal with the morons I'd HAVE to interact with if I worked in an office somewhere.
________________________________
You know I can tell you don't get out much by your juvenile *eyeroll* comment. Please stay at home.
You know I can tell you don't get out much by your juvenile *eyeroll* comment. Please stay at home. ----- I have a pretty active social life and most months am begging for a quiet weekend where we're either home or am not hosting a gathering. I also have a weekly girls night out. Plus I took 3 trips last year to attend fun events with friends who live out of state. Your concern is sweet though.
Wow, someone really has a hard on for Robyn Gough! What did you do, go hunting for the worst product you could find by her? My bet is you are the same poster who posted about her at the start of another comment space a little while back.
She must read here because whatever that product was is gone.
I REALLY wish people would stop being so sensitive about the things said on this ridiculous blog.
Grow some balls, ladies and quit being so butthurt by the fools who post here.
January 8, 2012 7:51 AM ------------- I'll admit that I've had my feelings hurt by something that was said about my designs here in the past. I think it's normal to feel a little bit bad when someone talks badly about me. I'm not a sociopath after all.
I was able to take some constructive criticism from what was said, and in the end I'm grateful for the feedback that I got from here. I wish it had been delivered a little more gently, but this is a smack blog after all.
7:51, I think you should "grow some balls" and tell us all who you really are. We can all go check you out and come back here and post what we all hate about you, your avatars, your designs or scrapbook pages, your Facebook posts, etc. I'm sure since we are all just anons and you are so tough, nothing that we say about you will have any effect on you at all.
If you design something, put it up for public viewing and sales but then pull that design out of the store because of what some anon text says on a smack blog, I'm guessing you don't have much self-esteem or confidence in your design abilities.
So why would anyone put themselves in a place where public scrutiny and criticism happens every time someone looks at your stuff if you can't handle it?
If you felt confident enough about it to put it up for sale to begin with, why take it out after one or two morons voicing a personal opinion? It's silly and a waste of time.
If you felt confident enough about it to put it up for sale to begin with, why take it out after one or two morons voicing a personal opinion? It's silly and a waste of time. -------------
Maybe she had another look at it and decided to take it down. It happens. I had something that I thought was fabulous and then a few people said something negative about it and I took another look at it, and they were right. I took it down and remade it.
at a good store a designer can clear a grand easy providing they do the following. have continual new releases, promote regularly, and build a strong personal relationship with the customers. there is absolutely no way a designer is clearing more than 500 if they don't do the prior mentioned things, if they say they are they are lying. and it doesn't matter how good a designer is, because some pretty piss poor ones make at least 500 if they are doing the before mentioned things.
at a top tier store, and there are very few of those, a grand can come easy but only 2 can be reached if they are doing the prior things at a top tier store.
its just how it works. if you work for it, you get it. if you don't, you don't simple as that.
if you want to know who is making what without having to ask around- check your inboxes or facebook for the weekly newsletters or gifts from designers. those that have one and a new release each week and are at a good store you can be sure that they are reaching the 500-1000 mark easily.
and by good or top stores i mean the ones that have been around at least 3 years and you guys either love to hate or love to love. SSD SO TDC GP SBG A5D you get the idea
“have continual new releases, promote regularly, and build a strong personal relationship with the customers”... “some pretty piss poor ones make at least 500 if they are doing the before mentioned things”
I hate it when people who don't have a clue about copyright law decide to sell "their designs". It makes all of us look bad. Stupid. Ignorant. Thieves. Or like we just don't give a shit about copyright law, which I absolutely do care about, and am careful to follow.
I did report it to Etsy, but it probably wouldn't hurt for others to report it too. Maybe it'll get taken down that much quicker.
Just read the talk about Digiscrapapalooza in the other post and wondered who some of you would actually want to meet and/or hang out with at a get together like that? Who would you turn up to see? I have a few designers I think seem interesting and fun that I'd actually enjoy having a conversation with.
Why do people say "grow some balls" when they want people to be tough. Balls are sensitive and vulnerable. If you really want someone to be tough, tell them to grow a vagina. Those things really take a pounding!
We repeatedly read about how much designers can, want or should make but although we sometimes get some "gross" figures, I am curious as to how much it ends up PER HOUR. Considering that a previous poster mentioned that one has to design good products (which is not a repackaging of CU, we agree), release something every week, do marketing, advertising, possibly be active in forum, galleries, FB etc., that takes time and a lot of work. But in the end, does that equal minimum wage? Even making $1000 a month if one works the equivalent of full time on this, it is not much, is it? Maybe it depends on each area miminum wage too I guess, but still. Kind of curious about that kind of math.
I don't think you can realistically figure per hour, though. Our products sell over time.
For example, I have a product I released in Sept. To date, it has grossed me 850.00. A product I released last month has grossed me $250. I spent comparable time on each, but you can't say that I made a better hourly wage on the first, it's just been out longer.
I don't think you can realistically figure per hour, though. Our products sell over time.
For example, I have a product I released in Sept. To date, it has grossed me 850.00. A product I released last month has grossed me $250. I spent comparable time on each, but you can't say that I made a better hourly wage on the first, it's just been out longer.
^^^^^^ I don't think that the time when a product is sold makes any difference. If you work 20 hours every week to create products, market etc. and overall you get X amount of money for having worked X number of hours, that is calculable. The products I don't sell this week after I release it, will be compensated by products I released last week and so on. We can definitely calculate an overall value, can't we?
Any designer can easily figure out an hourly average. It doesn't matter if one kit sells better than another. Just take an average of your NET sales and an average of your hours spent each week.
I net (on average) $1500/month. I work an average of 15 hours/week on design stuff. That includes making products, advertising, blogging, etc. (I release 2-3 times a month). That makes my total monthly hours 60. Which makes my average hourly rate $25.
I know I could make more money/month if I worked more hours and released a lot more, but quite frankly, I don't want to.
I spent comparable time on each, but you can't say that I made a better hourly wage on the first, ^^^^ You don't calculate an HOURLY wage per PRODUCT. It is called HOURLY because it is based on HOURS, which is a TIME unit. Two employees paid the same HOURLY wage will get the same pay for the same hour, regardless if one worked on more products, projects, etc.
while its true that i absolutely can NOT stand COLS (good old Amanda) - and abhor her ...."art" even more than that - now she is using copyrighted imaged in her art journal kits. I USED to have a slightly higher opinion of GDS - but NOT anymore.
I net (on average) $1500/month. I work an average of 15 hours/week on design stuff. That includes making products, advertising, blogging, etc. (I release 2-3 times a month). That makes my total monthly hours 60. Which makes my average hourly rate $25.
15 hours on designing AND marketing and you make out with that much money PLUS have 2-3 products a month? You must be a very well known designer.
How much time did you spend and money did you make in the beginning?
I don't understand how you can work 15 hours a week and make that much money. I'm jealous.
I make more than that per month on average, but I also work more like 40-55 hours per week, combining marketing myself, designing and scrapping with my kits.
Do you use CU in your kits? Are you able to remain super focused on your designs without interruption? Do you draw your own elements? I'm just trying to figure out how you are able to do it.
Do you use CU in your kits? Are you able to remain super focused on your designs without interruption? Do you draw your own elements? I'm just trying to figure out how you are able to do it. ----- Not the OP you were asking, but thought I'd chime in. Developing systems and routines, especially for the mundane preview making, marketing, etc., goes a long way to shaving off time spent. If you repeat the same pattern every time, going down a list, you'll get where you can practically do it in your sleep and you'll get really fast at it.
I don't ever design when the chance for distraction is high. I end up wasting too much time. When my kids were little and didn't go to school, I waited until nap time or after they'd gone to bed. Now that they're school aged, I design while they're gone. And I stay the hell out of my email and away from facebook, twitter, pinterest or anything else that has a tendency to suck me in. When I got serious about being as efficient as I could be, I realized that lots of starts and stops was where most of my time was wasted. It's hard for me to shift gears quickly, so I set work hours and stick to them. If I decide I'm going to design for two hours today, then once I start that's what I'm doing for two hours. I'm much more productive that way.
GDS = Go Digital Scrapbooking, where COLS, now OTB STUDIO's (HA) is selling at and trying ever so hard to copy Tangie Baxters success with her own "caravan" type dealie.
while its true that i absolutely can NOT stand COLS (good old Amanda) - and abhor her ...."art" even more than that - now she is using copyrighted imaged in her art journal kits. ------
Maybe I'm missing something, but which image in particular are you talking about?
You don't calculate an HOURLY wage per PRODUCT. It is called HOURLY because it is based on HOURS, which is a TIME unit. _____
Yes, I know. My point is that any product we do has residual sales, so unless you have been doing this a long time, and have plateaued with an average sales amount, you can't figure your hourly wage accurately. OR, this month, I might make $5/hour, because I spent a lot of time designing and releasing new kits, and next month, I might make $50/hour, because I only worked one hour and rode the curttails of my previous releases.
Otherwise, I've got 1K in sales this month already, and I only spent one hour blogging so far. Hot Damn, I rock. o.O
Aside from the "top tier" store convo, how are designers doing in their PERSONAL stores? Can they make as much as in a multi-designer store? Who do you think might do great in their personal store?
while its true that i absolutely can NOT stand COLS (good old Amanda) - and abhor her ...."art" even more than that - now she is using copyrighted imaged in her art journal kits. ------
Maybe I'm missing something, but which image in particular are you talking about?
^^^^^^^
not the OP but I would think the VW bus and the Fisher Price toy in particular
while its true that i absolutely can NOT stand COLS (good old Amanda) - and abhor her ...."art" even more than that - now she is using copyrighted imaged in her art journal kits. ------
Maybe I'm missing something, but which image in particular are you talking about
What about the Etch-A-Sketch and Rubik's cube?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I gotta say that it took me a little while to actually find the rubics cube and the etch a sketch, that preview is awful....so I thought I would look at her descriptions and see what she is calling these things and guess what you get no indication of what is actually in the kit.... go figure...
I'll grant all of those except for the VW bus. ---------------------------- Are you telling me you don't think Volkswagon would have that logo trademarked?? Sorry, no way that would be ok to use.
And the bus has the logo on it, which would be trademarked, and I would hazard a guess that the body shape of the bus is also trademarked to a current and existing company.
No, not trademarked. A design patent, yes, a trademark for the shape of the bus, no, sorry. And yes, you cold probably sell the image. Some of you need to get your facts straight before you start spouting off.
I'm not any of the PP here but your arguments inspired me to look further. I found this link that I think quite interesting. Even those practicing Intellectual Property law are not totally in agreement in details.
What I get from reading it: It's your risk. Most probably the big companies won't come after you. But who knows? They might and you can be in a lot of troubles. Personally, I avoid meddling in this gray area but then again that's just me.
Yes, I know. My point is that any product we do has residual sales, so unless you have been doing this a long time, and have plateaued with an average sales amount, you can't figure your hourly wage accurately. OR, this month, I might make $5/hour, because I spent a lot of time designing and releasing new kits, and next month, I might make $50/hour, because I only worked one hour and rode the curttails of my previous releases.
Otherwise, I've got 1K in sales this month already, and I only spent one hour blogging so far. Hot Damn, I rock. o.O January 9, 2012 6:48 PM
For the love of all that is Holy, please look up what an AVERAGE is. Idiot.
You don't need to be around forever and "plateaued" to have an average sales amount. You could be around 2 days and still be able to calculate an average if you have 2 brain cells you could knock together.
I don't understand how you can work 15 hours a week and make that much money. I'm jealous.
I make more than that per month on average, but I also work more like 40-55 hours per week, combining marketing myself, designing and scrapping with my kits.
Do you use CU in your kits? Are you able to remain super focused on your designs without interruption? Do you draw your own elements? I'm just trying to figure out how you are able to do it. January 9, 2012 3:19 PM
It takes me around 10 hours to make a complete kit. I also make additional products that all take between 1-2 hours each(think clusters, quick pages, etc). So, to make 3 kits/month I need 30 hours, then another 15 or so to make other items. Add in another 2 for the month to x-cart and I'm up to 47 hours to make a full month's worth of products releasing 3 out of the 4 weeks.
The other time (13 hours) is spent marketing my products (blogging, social media, forums), chatting in forums, commenting in galleries, etc. That gives me 3.25 hours EVERY WEEK (on average) to market and interact in forums. That is a LOT of time and something I'm looking to streamline more so it's even less time, but still quality interaction.
I use a lot of CU, but I make it my own whenever possible (I don't do too much to a string, for example). I occasionally draw my own items when necessary, but it's not often. I only work when I have uninterrupted time.
I think if you're spending a lot of time making a kit, you're a beginner or you're not organized. I know many fellow designers who hand draw everything and it takes them even less time than me to make a full kit. They're obviously familiar with whatever programs they use and have a full thought about what they're making before they get started. Just like I do. My files are as organized as my thoughts so finding what I need is easy - and quick.
I will say I took more time each week at the beginning of my design career and I made less $ starting out. But it took well under a year for me to have a system similar to what I have now and have a paycheck to match. It never took me more than 40 hours a week even my first week as a designer. If it had, I wouldn't be doing this today.
Both products have had like items made. You can go into stores and find similar products that look like the real thing but aren't the real thing and aren't called by their trade names. So if other companies can get away with using the "shapes" I guess so can designers!
It's not any different then using game pieces which could be trademarked for any particular game but a die is a die is a die, etc.
GDS = Go Digital Scrapbooking, where COLS, now OTB STUDIO's (HA) is selling at and trying ever so hard to copy Tangie Baxters success with her own "caravan" type dealie.
She has a very long way to go. At least Tangie's is interesting most of the time.
For the love of all that is Holy, please look up what an AVERAGE is. Idiot. ____
For the love of all the is Holy, please fuck off. If you are too stupid to figure out what I'm saying, perhaps you'd better be looking for your own two brain cells.
For the love of all the is Holy, please fuck off. If you are too stupid to figure out what I'm saying, perhaps you'd better be looking for your own two brain cells.
January 10, 2012 3:58 PM ------------
I'm not the person to whom you were responding, and I do understand what you are trying to say about your earnings fluctuating from week to week and month to month. But really, it is pretty easy to figure out an average per hour.
I have just added up all of my earnings for 2011 in order to prepare my tax return. Since I can see what I made for the entire year, and I know how many hours I work per week, an average per hour for 2011, is very simple math.
Of course, I don't count on making the exact same amount every pay period. I can figure that I'm going to make $29 an hour and count on that exact amount every week. For instance, in November, I generally make about 4 times as much as I make in July. But it's very easy to calculate an average per hour for a given time period.
oh for the love of God. OTB aka COLS must have heard about her crap being copyrighted/trademarked. but all she did was redo the damn preview to HIDE the elements. The VW is covered up - she removed the etch a sketch logo and replaced it with something else...tried to hide the fisher price toy....man oh man. yeah. that will fix it.
I'm not any of the PP here but your arguments inspired me to look further. I found this link that I think quite interesting. Even those practicing Intellectual Property law are not totally in agreement in details.
oh for the love of God. OTB aka COLS must have heard about her crap being copyrighted/trademarked. but all she did was redo the damn preview to HIDE the elements. The VW is covered up - she removed the etch a sketch logo and replaced it with something else...tried to hide the fisher price toy....man oh man. yeah. that will fix it. -------------------------------- It is still the same in the store. Does she think no one will look there. LOL
So? Please provide the source material for your outburst, thank you.
^^^^^^
from the vw trademark site:
Because of the cachet of the world-famous Volkswagen name, thousands of independent businesses and people make a living from or pursue a hobby related to Volkswagen products and services. Unfortunately, many of these businesses improperly attempt to affiliate themselves with Volkswagen by using Volkswagen trademarks and trade dress (for instance, the depictions or photographs of Volkswagen�s distinctively shaped vehicles) in advertising their products and services. Volkswagen appreciates the enthusiasm these people have for Volkswagen products. Volkswagen in no way wants to put these companies out of business, or prevent these businesses from advertising their products and services in a manner that is fair under Federal and state trademark laws. Volkswagen cannot, however, allow these businesses to use Volkswagen�s trademarks and trade dress in a way that creates the appearance that these businesses are affiliated with, sponsored by, or approved by Volkswagen when they are not.
So, what trademarks and symbols are included in Volkswagen�s �stable� of trademarks? Among others, Volkswagen claims trademark rights in the name �Volkswagen;� in the initials �VW;� in its distinctive logo; in the names and model numbers of Volkswagen automobiles; in its advertising slogans; in the design of the classic Beetle; and in the design of the New Beetle. In addition, Volkswagen has trade dress rights in the distinctive shapes of its vehicles.
As a result, if a business not affiliated with Volkswagen uses any Volkswagen trademark, whether through the use of photographs, depictions or silhouettes, or any confusingly similar variation thereof, without Volkswagen�s express, written consent, then that business is violating Federal and state trademarks laws. That business is also misleading the public into believing that such business is affiliated with Volkswagen. It is also not sufficient for a business to state that it is not affiliated with Volkswagen but continue to use Volkswagen trademarks without permission. The business is still misappropriating the goodwill and reputation developed by Volkswagen, and attempting to capitalize on or profit from Volkswagen�s goodwill and reputation. Even with the best of intentions, unauthorized use of another company�s trademark is against the law and misleading to the general public.
sorry for the long posts - but someone here keeps arguing that its OK to use those images and its clearly NOT. all I had to do was google volkswagon trademarks- and bingo, there is the information.
she's selling the damn image...and if you would READ what Volkwagon says - - she can NOT do that. the images, shapes..all of it. go back to work - you obviously haven't learned enough in the legal profession yet.
Not taking position for or against Hummie, as I don't know her really, I did read that she set up her store with xcart, which is definitely not cheap. Isn't that strange to open a first shop with such expenses?
Sigh. She's not selling the goddamn trademark, if she were, I'd be agreeing with you, but she's not.
Besides, anyone believing she's associated with VW by use of that image is an idiot.
When you quote screeds of material, make sure you actually understand what's being said.
Having worked for over 20 years in the legal industry, yes, I have some clue.
^^^
Holy Shit. I absolutely cannot believe how stupid you are. She is selling something that is trademarked. That is illegal. No one said she was selling the trademark itself. I feel sorry for anyone you did work for in the 'legal industry', if indeed that claim is true.
Holy Shit. I absolutely cannot believe how stupid you are. She is selling something that is trademarked. That is illegal. No one said she was selling the trademark itself. I feel sorry for anyone you did work for in the 'legal industry', if indeed that claim is true. -------------------------------- My guess she is either a pirate, because they all work in the 'legal industry' or COLS herself. LOL
Having worked for over 20 years in the legal industry, yes, I have some clue.
_______________________________ I also worked in the legal industry for 15 years as a paralegal. That doesn't mean I know jack about copyright law. I sure don't.
Unless you can specifically say, "I worked as a copyright/trademark lawyer," you don't have a clue about anything.
Outside of the outright stealing of the Volkswagen, if you dare to scroll down on her preview of papers she has a tie dye paper with ADS of old products like Twister is clearly seen. She must be going senile or is completely desperate (probably both).
Looks to me like someone did go out and find the information. Also looks to me like COLS is not adhering to it. If VW cares, I'm sure they'll send her a cease and desist. And I'm sure they know the law since they have the money to hire actual attorneys.
I bought a kit from Amy Stoffel a few weeks ago but never unzipped. I did today and I gotta say I was a little underwhelmed. The quality was good. The papers were good. What was underwhelming were the elements. There was nothing wrong with them, they just didn't excite the scrap out of me. KWIM? On the preview it was more visually appealing but when I'm trying to work with it today, I just can't get it to work. I just checked out her gallery and saw some great layouts using the kit... maybe time for some scrap-liftin'. Any of you have this problem with her or for that matter, anyone other designers kits?
Any of you have this problem with her or for that matter, anyone other designers kits?
All the time! But I can't really blame it on the designer now, can I? Unless I'm jus in the mood to shop, I have to step back and loo at it objectively and take my time. Read what's in it (except at SSD, where they always make the kits sound better than they are). Then I have to look, really look at individual items, and look to see how many are truly distinctive.
I get caught falling for great previews ALL THE TIME! (Although I've never bought from Amy Stoffel that I can recall) Which is probably why they are the designers and I'm not. :)
It's too bad when we purchase products only to find that they don't live up to our expectations. However, being able to create an attractive and eye-catching preview is a big thing. I know some designers who's products are really beautiful when the layouts are finished, but unfortunately, their previews suck. If they had better previews, they'd likely sell more product. I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
off to check her store...LOL-hey Amanda! You learn anything yet???? ------------------------------------ What about the etch a sketch or whatever they are? That is still on there.
This place is just so crazy... Speaking of crazy... See how I just segued into that!!! lol... I was reading Bethany Harty's blog (Elegant Wordart by Bethany) the other day and was a little disturbed by something she posted. We all know how crazy she is from her stint in the psych ward last year so it doesn't come as any surprise but she is truly a mental case. Her hubby is in the military and she's always preaching about how she's pro-military and all that but... A few days ago she forgot her ID and was having a hard time getting back onto post. The guy who was giving her the hard time (it was his job), she made the comment that she hoped that the terrorists got him!!!! Can you believe that a military wife would actually say that about an American soldier!!!! That has to be one of the worst things that any American could ever say about anyone else, especially a military man!!!!! I was so disgusted!!!! I wonder what her precious Captain America (that's what she calls her hubby now)thinks about that? He just got back from overseas deployment for a whole year. She is really nuts!
I bought something from Secret Stash when they had that Farmer Market thingy at SO before Christmas and I gotta say, I was very disappointed in the lack of elements in the kit. It was another case of the preview being much better than the kit. Her quality is good and the elements are cute but it's nothing that I couldn't create myself. I really don't think I would buy from her again. No offense Erin! :)
So, Meredith Cardall announced her new store, and as we all knew, it's Crap Orchard.Ooops, did I just say that, I meant Scrap Orchard!
I don't see what all the hype is about her. Am I missing something? I think her choice of colors palettes are crap and she's spending to much time trying to create original elements that are, well, in all honesty, a little weird looking. Her textures are horrible and in general I am just not a fan.
I bought a few things from her when she was at 9th&Bloom and vowed to not spend any of my hard earned money on her again.
She should fit in quite well with the "designers" at the Orchard.
I want to bring something serious to your attention... Dawn Miller aka Daybreak Scraps, son was killed in a motorcycle accident last week. He was only 19 or 20 ish and had just graduated from college. If you wanted to pay your respects to her and her family, you can visit her Facebook page.
I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
I really hate Bella Gypsy's previews!!!! The shadowing is just creepy and they all look the same. He kits are horrid in general and I would never buy from her because there is never anything different in them. She uses the same ribbons, flowers, buttons, and all her papers are textured the exact same way. I will not buy from her again. I guess we know who the talent was in that duo... the sister who was smart enough to get a real job!
As the age old saying states... It's the clothes that make the man... The same can be said of a kit. It's the preview that gets the sale.
I've seen lots of kits that had the most horrendous previews but when I was using the kit, it was original and clever and well worth the money someone would pay for it.
I CT for a few designers who have repackaged previews based on ct comments about the quality of previews. If the preview sucks, I wouldn't buy it.
I have an amazing ct who aren't afraid to tell me when something isn't up to their high standards. They are some of the best scrappers out there and they want my product to be great quality, easy to scrap with and reflect well on my business. If it sucks, they won't scrap with it. Ask your ct to be honest with you and point out those important things like quality, overall kit cohesiveness, as well as the finished preview.
Anonymous said... I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
Please, do tell us who this designer is.
January 12, 2012 8:45 AM
Not the OP, but I think I know who she is. Hint: she's European.
I think that one of the best preview makers out there has to be (don't hate me for saying this) is Kristin CB. Her layering is exquisite and her shadows are perfect.
Secret Stash has beautiful previews. I love how she scatters her elements over the whole preview. And again great shadowing.
I like Connie Prince's previewing style. It's really easy to see what's in the kit. She includes everything on there.
For me, it's all personal preference. I buy from all three of these ladies and love the differences between all of their styles. It's the previews that grab me and keep me coming back to see what else they have.
The guy who was giving her the hard time (it was his job), she made the comment that she hoped that the terrorists got him!!!! Can you believe that a military wife would actually say that about an American soldier!!!! --------------------- I took it to mean that she hopes the terrorists go to his lane (because they wouldn't get through), not that they will "get him".
Anonymous said... I'd be interested to hear who everyone thinks makes good previews as well as the bad ones.
January 12, 2012 1:45 PM
Two of my favorite designers: Kristin Aagard: I love her kits but the previews are a mess. There is nothing "artistic" in them, but they do show all the content. Irene Alexeeva: I like both her kits and previews. And her quickpages! I've even printed one of her previews and turned it into a necklace!
I personally prefer the previews that show what is in the kit over the ones that are supposed to be artistic. I want to see what is in the kit. I don't want to see a pretty cluster in the center of a preview that shows only half the actual elements. I don't like a messy preview though. I also don't like the previews that put a blank square between the elements and the papers. It makes me wonder if the elements will work with the papers.
I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
Please, do tell us who this designer is.
January 12, 2012 8:45 AM
Not the OP, but I think I know who she is. Hint: she's European.
-----------
Don't take a degree to know that the OP is talking about Valentina's creations.
I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
Please, do tell us who this designer is.
January 12, 2012 8:45 AM
Not the OP, but I think I know who she is. Hint: she's European.
-----------
Don't take a degree to know that the OP is talking about Valentina's creations.
*********
Nope. Not her. And I would gladly share except that I really admire that she has done that well that quickly, and since this is a smack blog, I know better than to stir shit up for her. And no, I'm not her, or a friend, or on her CT. But I am a designer who has been around for four or five years and I know that doing that well that quickly is RARE. I think she still has a long way to go to be really good, but I'd hate to trash her momentum by throwing her to the wolves on this site. And for the record, I'm one of the first ones to stir shit on here. It's my guilty pleasure! LMAO
I think she still has a long way to go to be really good, but I'd hate to trash her momentum by throwing her to the wolves on this site. ------ Then why even bring her up at all? What an idiot.
I think she still has a long way to go to be really good, but I'd hate to trash her momentum by throwing her to the wolves on this site. ------ Then why even bring her up at all? What an idiot.
************
So you have something to bitch about! LOL
And no, it's not Blagovesta, but yes, she is probably doing well too!
Thoughts on Cajoline and her stores getting sued over a CT using a copyrighted photo without permission on a LO that was used for advertising? _______________________________
I was always irritated when various CTs used baby pictures, etc. off the web without any permission from the original photographer. This might put a stop to that.
I just wanted to agree with the post about Meredith Cardwell at Scrap Orchard. I thought the designers at SO were supposed to be good but lately, I've browsed several stores and found nothing even remotely worth using a discount or even free coupon for. There are some ones I love there, and I just wonder what is all the hype about this store.
I like Scrap Orchard, but some of the new designers they've brought on make no sense to me. They shouldn't have even bothered with Chelle, WMsquared, or Meredith Cardall, just to name a few.
I agree about Scrap Orchard. They used to be one of my favorite stores and I loved most of the designers there but it seems like some of them have either left or aren't putting up new product very often. And the latest designers... yuck! I used to hang out there quite a bit but am just not that impressed anymore. I used to look forward to their weekly releases but not anymore. I rarely see stuff I like now. Seems like they have become quite the template designer store lately. Pretty bad when you can't find enough decent designers that half of what you sell now are templates. Not that templates can't be good sellers, but maybe the good designers are running out of ideas. I really miss seeing more new releases from Julie Bullock, Kat, and even Captivated Visions doesn't seem as active lately. NOT anywhere near a top-tier store anymore. And most the active people in the forums are their own staff and CT strokin' each other.
So Secret Stash has started this new promo where fb visits and blog posts earn $ gc for her store. I get that this will drive her fb up in feeds but seems like it is giving it all away for nothing.
So Secret Stash has started this new promo where fb visits and blog posts earn $ gc for her store. I get that this will drive her fb up in feeds but seems like it is giving it all away for nothing. --------- I don't think it's all for nothing. More sharing and tweeting = more exposure and possibly more sales. I think as long as she's consistent with new releases, it will more than likely help her.
I will more than likely try it out after I research it a bit more.
Where can I find more info on "Cajoline and her stores getting sued over a CT using a copyrighted photo without permission"? If it in the DCR, can anyone share or elaborate please? Thanks.
So Secret Stash has started this new promo where fb visits and blog posts earn $ gc for her store. I get that this will drive her fb up in feeds but seems like it is giving it all away for nothing.
I have information from a store owner who received the letter regarding this issue. She stated this only involves the specific stores that carry her products, the PU products and the CT member who used the copyrighted image. The image was a photo that was copyrighted, turned into a tube and claimed as her own.
I was told that we don't need to remove our products if we have used some of her CU stuff in our kits. But, she did state to stop using her products until further information comes in. Right now, the lawyers are only dealing with her and her stores. Apparently, she's making it worse for herself by not responding to anyone about this issue. She's already been removed from one of her stores.
It's only allegedly...nothing has been proven yet. It was the CT that allegedly took an image illegally, turned it into a tube and claimed it as her own by not giving credit to the photographer. Because of the one image, they are investigating ALL her stuff as a designer.
It is certainly a wake up call, but this has also created a huge and unnecessary panic attack.
Somehow, that copyright story is the "worse case scenario" that everyone thinks will happen to someone else, but never in our little industry. It might be sad that only ONE designer or store gets sued, but it is a reality: it CAN happen to anyone so everyone better be careful about using just about anything from the net. You obviously don't have a clue when something like that will hit you, and some designers (and CT members) are really taking a lot of chances, over and over again (including someone mentioned just a bit earlier in this blog).
We just cannot say "they won't come after the little store/designer in our industry; it is not worth their time" anymore!
Scrap Orchard once was the place to be. The main point here being "once was".
I like Captivated Visions but I find that she is pumping out the same old stuff over and over. Her color palettes are too similar. Once you buy one kit, they're all the same. She has such talent but she needs to try something different.
Suzy Q Scraps is the same thing!!! Her kits all use the same epoxy elements and those strange little "velvet" hearts. I think it's time she colors outside of the design lines and creates something new. I used to buy from her but everything is just too similar for my tastes. But, she does create the cutest little doodles.
Irene Aleexeva is an amazing graphic artist and I've used her kits to create some really beautiful wall art but I just can't scrap well with them.
Secret Stash is cute. Her kits are cute and her previews are good but it's nothing that I couldn't put together myself using LOTS of cu stuff.
Jady Day Studio is cutesy too. I do like her previews and her quality is amazing. Easy to scrap with.
Meredith Cardall is trying so hard to fit into the SO theme and hype that she redesigned her whole style to fit. I thinks she's an amateur and needs to find a style that suits her, not SO.
I've used at least one thing from each designer at SO and will probably buy from them in the future if I see something that really stand out.
Nope, mine are up. In the first half of this month, I've already doubled my monthly average from 2011. I have no idea why, but I'll take it. I just assumed everyone's sales were up now that the holidays are over and people don't have their money tied up in buying things for others.
What exactly are you looking for in a kit to make it "different?" I'm not being snide, I really want to know.
I would think most customers don't buy everything a designer makes, so the same basic elements (like flowers, frames, etc) hardly seem like a reason to not buy from someone. For me, as a scrapper, that doesn't even matter. I actually prefer it. Then my albums look very consistent because the elements are the same or similar. All that varies are the colors based upon the pages.
I did really well the first week of January but it slowed down this week. Then yesterday I did almost $75 in sales so i'm back on track again. After my new releases this weekend, I will definitely surpass last January's totals by a pretty significant amount. I only made $420ish last January so this January will be soooo much better!
For all of the designers here, does wordart sell? I see so many designers who sell mostly wordart and so many more who include them as extras in kits or bundles. Does it sell?
So Secret Stash has started this new promo where fb visits and blog posts earn $ gc for her store. I get that this will drive her fb up in feeds but seems like it is giving it all away for nothing.
Rule #1. You can't sell it if your buyers don't see it.
Looking at last year's numbers make me cringe! This January is going really well so far! $400 and counting - and for anyone who cares, I'm not in a top store, I have been around for a bit (< 2 years)
I've been around for about 5 years, not top tier but in a close 2nd tier. I've only made about $250 so far this month. I made $829.60 last Jan. I hope I catch up before the month ends. I usually average each month around $600-$850 with very little promotion. I usually depend on the store for most of my promotions. I do have a blog and Facebook page that I'm so so active on.
Im curious about the Meredith Cardall comment (no, I'm not her, but I've been watching her) I don't see any changes made to her style to fit SO - can you elaborate?
I agree that Meredith hasn't changed her style. Her kits are the same as before. And having been on her CT prior to her moving to SO (whole other issue), her stuff looks the same. She's created add-ons and changed how she does her previews but that's fine. But the actual product is exactly the same.
In regards to the wordart poster, there are lots of people who have wordart out there and there are a few that by far are better than the rest. It all depends if you're talking about black or greyscale quotes or titles or if your talking about wordart clusters/titles created out of the designers kit. I've sold both in the past and both sold well. I don't usually bother with it now because my business focus has shifted and I don't design much digital anymore. I mostly scrap and CT now.
I just looked through Meredith's new SO store and I agree about the previews. They look amazing!!! I can see slight variances in her style since her Elemental Scraps days but if anything, she has definitely improved. I know that she's been taking design classes/courses and I can see it in her kits. But that's the evolution of a serious designer who has been taking the necessary steps to improve her skills and grow her business. (I am in no way affiliated with SO or Meredith Cardall Designs).
"What exactly are you looking for in a kit to make it "different?" I'm not being snide, I really want to know."
Me too. I think my kits are becoming a little predictable. What are scrappers looking for now?
ps: I like Captivated Visions because of the "sameness" between her kits. I agree with the previous poster that I like continuity between my pages. If they're in a finished book, it's nice to see that that all kinda match. I have a book that I made last using all kits from Tracie Stroud and it looks amazing.
Is anyone else starting to think that someone is in here trying to bring Scrap Orchard into the limelight? There's an awful lot of SO related posts today. Coincidence? I think not.
LIMELIGHT!!! Are you crazy? This is an anonymous "SMACK" blog. The only people who read this are designers and CT's. If SO is trying to drum up some business and exposure, they should be at DST, DSA, or any of the other promotional sites. Get a life!
I think Karla Dudley's previews are difficult to see. I actually love her products but her previews are too much alike that its hard to differentiate the kits and make out the detail of the elements.
There are a lot of SO posts, because it's the topic of discussion at the moment, must be nothing else going on.
On topic, I'd take a kit from Meredith or Secret Stash any day over the mess that Julie Bullock puts out. I have 5 kits from her that I picked in a $1 sale and they aren't even worth that dollar. Just a hodge podge of junk and the papers are awful.
Just happened upon an old DST thread, sorry it is in the DCR for those of you can't access, but was reading through it and I think I have worked out who has the hard on for Robin Gough. She sounds really defensive about a comment Robin made. Guess she thinks she needs to do payback! http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=273702
It is actually an interesting thread and probably relevant re the current copyright drama.
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
679 comments:
1 – 200 of 679 Newer› Newest»How's this for that legendary quality of DSP? Ugliest kit of the New Year?
forgot the link:
https://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15874
^^^^
Hard to say as I haven't seen every single kit uploaded this New Year week.
I have to mention though, that kit was actually uploaded in December, so not a kit of the New Year at all.
It's not one of Robyn's best, I'll grant you.
Just wanna say Happy New Year to the blog owner and all hanging out here. Hope this is a good year for you. Play nice.
Maybe now that we've turned the calendar page to a new year we can make resolutions for this blog, like never to ask how much people make or what the top-tier stores are. Pretty please?
Nope. I still want to know. LOL
i wanna know how much designers are making too, lol
No, no, no! I still want to know how much designers make.
I don't.
What are the top tier stores? I am curious because I would really like to sell in one. I also want to make a lot of money, how much does everyone here make?
LMAO ^^^
$2,000 a month and that's not even trying. I don't advertise, I don't have a CT, I'm not on FB, I don't tweet, I don't participate in blog trains or any of the store collabs. I'm not in the DCR and don't have a clue what's going on. I think I'm in a top tier store, but I'm not sure.
I'll bite. I range between 200-1200 per month, and I've been selling about 9 months.
I have no idea if my store is considered top tier, but it's the only one I'd sell at. ;)
^^^^
That's all that matters.
So what sells the best now - CU, PU or templates?
templates??? LMAO.
I'd say CU LOL!
CU for sure!
Considering how many customers are asking for templates, I wouldn't be so quick to laugh.
Or P365/366 and P52? This the season to start a new project.
I doubt that many digital scrapbook designers make even $200/month. If you're making over $1000/month, I'm guessing you're in a "top tier" store and to be in a so called top tier digital scrapbook store, you (mostly) have to be good at what you do.
My suggestion for anyone who wants to be accepted to such a top tier store is to know your image editing program well. If you're using Photoshop (in my opinion, it's the best program if you're serious about designing anything for anyone), you should be able to extract well, even if it's only the odd thing you need to extract, adjust contrast correctly, adjust and manipulate colors well (using levels, curves, selective color, hue/saturation, etc.). You should know how to use alpha channels. Your products should be sharp where they need to be sharp but not so sharp that they appear grainy and soft where they need to be soft but not so soft that they appear blurry.
Illustrator is the creme de la creme. If you have Illustrator mastered in addition to Photoshop -you're well on your way and may even find opportunities more lucrative than the highest tier of digital scrapbook stores.
In the real world, $2000/month gross income is not a salary I would be willing to work for. After deductions, is that even minimum wage?
Since minimum wage is $7.25/hour. That would be $7.25/hour, that would be $290 gross per week, or $15080 per year, and $1256 a month. So yes, dear, $2000 per month would beat minimum wage. Unless your hubby puts you in the 1%. [Calculators are your friend]
And if so, then why are YOU working for peanuts?
Subtitle= getcher nose outta the air before you trip and fall in da shit.
You should know how to use alpha channels.
What do you use alpha channels for?
If you have Illustrator mastered in addition to Photoshop
------
Mastered? Even the experts agree that you cannot possibly master either, much less both. Sure, you can be highly proficient, but not mastered.
Sorry, I've been watching too much Star Wars lately and I hate it!
In the real world, $2000/month gross income is not a salary I would be willing to work for. After deductions, is that even minimum wage?
___________
I only do this 5-10 hours per week, though. That changes the wage quite a bit.
^^^^
it sure does
Since minimum wage is $7.25/hour. That would be $7.25/hour, that would be $290 gross per week, or $15080 per year, and $1256 a month. So yes, dear, $2000 per month would beat minimum wage. Unless your hubby puts you in the 1%. [Calculators are your friend]
And if so, then why are YOU working for peanuts?
Subtitle= getcher nose outta the air before you trip and fall in da shit.
________________________________
Not the original OP but a few thoughts....
First off, very, very few designers make $2,000 a month. I don't care what's said here. It's bullshit. Of the thousand designers out there, maybe 100 might do that. I'd be will to bet that most are making less than 200. Start a poll if you like.
If this is a hobby that you enjoy doing that's one thing, but if you (plural you) are doing this for income and you're not making enough to justify even a minimum wage job, then you should get out of the house and actually find a job that pays.
Think of all the time you put into this. First you make the product, then you have to upload, market, etc. If you're in a store you might have to host challenges, comment, post to your blog and the store blog, ... the list is endless. What is your time worth?
If I had to live on what I made, I'd be screwed. On a good month, I'll make around $1,000 but it usually falls between 600-800 and I consider that pretty decent for the amount of time I spend, which isn't much.
$2,000 a month is diddly squat for pay but pretty good for a general digital scrapbook designer. I have a full-time job so I can put food on my table and a roof over my head, so any money I make fooling around in Photoshop is like my second part-time extra-cash job.
I'm also a SAHM so by the time you figure that I don't have to pay for daycare, maintain an appropriate work wardrobe, gas for the commute etc......I would need a pretty darn good job to come out ahead. You can't beat the flexibility.
Oh for crying out loud people. 7:49 was being sarcastic. Mentioning all the things the other poster asked us all not to post about anymore. We need a thief or pirate or juicy store closing already - so boring. And don't give me the boring - well you start a new topic then - shpeil. Let's just all admit there's nothing to talk about and share our favorite apps or something. At least we might learn something new.
Fav Apps?
I posted at 8:30. I work full time from home for my 'regular' employment. I also don't have gas, wardrobe, etc. to pay for. I still wouldn't be able to support my home and family on a income of $2,000 a month even if that's a net figure. I have 2 kids and a mortgage. Then there's the utility bills including cable and internet, insurance and groceries. My mortgage/property taxes & insurance alone is $850 a month and that's not high at all.
If you can and it's working for you, more power to you. I'd like to move where you are.
^^^^^
9:02 probably isn't the family's primary wage earner. I'm a SAHM and I'd love $2k/month beyond what my husband makes without having to pay for daycare. I have no interest in becoming a designer though.
I posted at 8:30. I work full time from home for my 'regular' employment. I also don't have gas, wardrobe, etc. to pay for. I still wouldn't be able to support my home and family on a income of $2,000 a month even if that's a net figure.
___________________________
I can't image working from home full time unless your children are below the age of 5. If you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. Plus the adult interaction is gone. There aren't any pluses as far as I'm concerned.
I can't image working from home full time unless your children are below the age of 5. If you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. Plus the adult interaction is gone. There aren't any pluses as far as I'm concerned.
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Not the original poster, but working from home is perfect for me. I have depression and social anxiety. The less 'adult interaction' I have, the better. I'm a designer at a relatively large store and you'd never know I had issues. I post on the forum daily and interact with my customers daily. it's the person to person I can't handle.
I can't image working from home full time unless your children are below the age of 5. If you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. Plus the adult interaction is gone. There aren't any pluses as far as I'm concerned.
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Oh yes, because obviously if you work from home you have no opportunity to interact with adults. Ever. *eyeroll*
Not the OP either, but I've worked from home for several years and I get to CHOOSE my adult interaction, which means I don't need to deal with the morons I'd HAVE to interact with if I worked in an office somewhere.
It's not one of Robyn's best, I'll grant you.
------------------------------
Agreed, her stuff is usually a lot better, she does lovey work. That one looks like it is DSP branded tho, it doesn't have her usual packaging, so maybe that has something to do with it.
It's not one of Robyn's best, I'll grant you.
------------------------------
Agreed, her stuff is usually a lot better, she does lovey work. That one looks like it is DSP branded tho, it doesn't have her usual packaging, so maybe that has something to do with it.
^^^^
Exactly. People, in general, suck and the less I have to deal with them, the better.
I have to laugh at the other poster's wardrobe comment. Really? Why on earth would you assume I have nothing to wear just because I don't require a wardrobe for my job?
Newsflash: People can actually work at home AND have a social life. I actually was out all afternoon at the mall and outlet shops today.
The only difference between a ob outside of the home and a job at home is that I don't have to leave to go to work. That's it.
Oh for crying out loud people. 7:49 was being sarcastic.
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Yes, someone who noticed!
OT-I have no intentions of becoming a designer but I wish I could come up with some type of sahm extra income whenever I retire. I'm sure I'll still be crafting-hate to let that go.
Not the OP either, but I've worked from home for several years and I get to CHOOSE my adult interaction, which means I don't need to deal with the morons I'd HAVE to interact with if I worked in an office somewhere.
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This! I would love to work from home for this very reason.
f you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store.
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What? I can wear jeans and a t-shirt to the grocery store, but I couldn't wear them to the office. I have some nice dressy clothes, but again, I couldn't wear them to the office.
I can't image working from home full time unless your children are below the age of 5. If you don't have to buy a wardrobe you also probably won't have the right clothes to wear when you go anywhere else, unless the only place you go is to the grocery store. Plus the adult interaction is gone. There aren't any pluses as far as I'm concerned.
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It's people like you that make dislike working in an office. It's all so very black and white and idiotic. You are so very sure that your view is the only view. Ugh, let me get a job from home, please!
What do you use alpha channels for?
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Not to be mean, but why not type that question into google and find out.
I'm totally confused by the wardrobe comments. I'm a SAHM too and if I went out and got an office job, I'd probably have to spend a good deal of money on some appropriate clothes. Yes, I have several pairs od dress pants and a dress or two, but what a person wears for casual or even a night out is very different than what I'd need to go into an office every day. It's definately a job related expense that most people don't recognize. It's like my husband's dress shirts, ties, and suits, it's not what he wears on the weekend if he's at home!
^^^^
Exactly my thoughts!
I'm totally confused by the wardrobe comments. I'm a SAHM too and if I went out and got an office job, I'd probably have to spend a good deal of money on some appropriate clothes. Yes, I have several pairs od dress pants and a dress or two, but what a person wears for casual or even a night out is very different than what I'd need to go into an office every day. It's definately a job related expense that most people don't recognize. It's like my husband's dress shirts, ties, and suits, it's not what he wears on the weekend if he's at home!
______________________________
Why would anyone wear dress clothes at home anyway?
What a person wears for a night out probably depends on where you go when you go 'out'. Don't you put on a nice pair of pants and top to go to a movie or dinner? Or do you always wear jeans? Working women don't wear 3 piece suits to the office anymore or dresses unless they want to but they do have nice clothes to wear. You don't have to spend a lot, there are always sales at the nicer department stores.
I work outside the home and I can wear my work clothes when I go out. In fact I do, all the time. I have really dressy clothes and some casual - all are appropriate in an office setting and many are just as appropriate when my husband and I go out.
My husband also has a job where he has to dress up - tie, sometimes suit jacket, etc. No he doesn't wear a tie when we go to dinner but he does wear a pair of dress slacks and a nice shirt - sometimes with a sweater over it. I also dress up in nice clothes. When we go to church, he does wear a tie, and I also dress up a bit more. When we attend 'functions' often boring but we have to go, we both dress up.
But no - he wouldn't wear his tie at home and I wouldn't wear a blazer either.
Oh yes, because obviously if you work from home you have no opportunity to interact with adults. Ever. *eyeroll*
Not the OP either, but I've worked from home for several years and I get to CHOOSE my adult interaction, which means I don't need to deal with the morons I'd HAVE to interact with if I worked in an office somewhere.
________________________________
You know I can tell you don't get out much by your juvenile *eyeroll* comment. Please stay at home.
Why would anyone wear dress clothes at home anyway?
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Why are you asking this question? Not the OP, but she said exactly what you said, only with a whole lot less words.
You know I can tell you don't get out much by your juvenile *eyeroll* comment. Please stay at home.
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And your comment displayed maturity, did it? Hmm, I don't think so.
You know I can tell you don't get out much by your juvenile *eyeroll* comment. Please stay at home.
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Your comment earned 3 *eyerolls* from me. Congratulations and thanks for the exercise.
You know I can tell you don't get out much by your juvenile *eyeroll* comment. Please stay at home.
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I have a pretty active social life and most months am begging for a quiet weekend where we're either home or am not hosting a gathering. I also have a weekly girls night out. Plus I took 3 trips last year to attend fun events with friends who live out of state. Your concern is sweet though.
How's this for that legendary quality of DSP? Ugliest kit of the New Year?
forgot the link:
https://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15874
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Wow, someone really has a hard on for Robyn Gough! What did you do, go hunting for the worst product you could find by her? My bet is you are the same poster who posted about her at the start of another comment space a little while back.
adjust and manipulate colors well (using levels, curves, selective color, hue/saturation,
If that's all you know about manipulating colors then you don't know your program very well!!
She must read here because whatever that product was is gone.
I REALLY wish people would stop being so sensitive about the things said on this ridiculous blog.
Grow some balls, ladies and quit being so butthurt by the fools who post here.
She must read here because whatever that product was is gone.
I REALLY wish people would stop being so sensitive about the things said on this ridiculous blog.
Grow some balls, ladies and quit being so butthurt by the fools who post here.
January 8, 2012 7:51 AM
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I'll admit that I've had my feelings hurt by something that was said about my designs here in the past. I think it's normal to feel a little bit bad when someone talks badly about me. I'm not a sociopath after all.
I was able to take some constructive criticism from what was said, and in the end I'm grateful for the feedback that I got from here. I wish it had been delivered a little more gently, but this is a smack blog after all.
7:51, I think you should "grow some balls" and tell us all who you really are. We can all go check you out and come back here and post what we all hate about you, your avatars, your designs or scrapbook pages, your Facebook posts, etc. I'm sure since we are all just anons and you are so tough, nothing that we say about you will have any effect on you at all.
If you design something, put it up for public viewing and sales but then pull that design out of the store because of what some anon text says on a smack blog, I'm guessing you don't have much self-esteem or confidence in your design abilities.
So why would anyone put themselves in a place where public scrutiny and criticism happens every time someone looks at your stuff if you can't handle it?
If you felt confident enough about it to put it up for sale to begin with, why take it out after one or two morons voicing a personal opinion? It's silly and a waste of time.
Seriously?
http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15911]
I think I just threw up.
^^^^
Lactose intolerant maybe? It might not be great, and not something I would get, but haven't you ever seen worse?
^^^^
Lactose intolerant maybe? It might not be great, and not something I would get, but haven't you ever seen worse?
January 8, 2012 3:11 PM
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There is far worse in that store. It scares me so many of them are "instructors."
Grow some balls, ladies and quit being so butthurt by the fools who post here.
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I really hate this expression because it implies that women have to be men to be tough, which isn't true.
If you felt confident enough about it to put it up for sale to begin with, why take it out after one or two morons voicing a personal opinion? It's silly and a waste of time.
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Maybe she had another look at it and decided to take it down. It happens. I had something that I thought was fabulous and then a few people said something negative about it and I took another look at it, and they were right. I took it down and remade it.
Seriously?
http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15911]
I think I just threw up.
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Seriously? You have nothing better to do? That product is not that bad. Sure, it could do with some work but it's not throw up material.
Get a grip.
about the stores and sales
at a good store a designer can clear a grand easy providing they do the following.
have continual new releases, promote regularly, and build a strong personal relationship with the customers. there is absolutely no way a designer is clearing more than 500 if they don't do the prior mentioned things, if they say they are they are lying. and it doesn't matter how good a designer is, because some pretty piss poor ones make at least 500 if they are doing the before mentioned things.
at a top tier store, and there are very few of those, a grand can come easy but only 2 can be reached if they are doing the prior things at a top tier store.
its just how it works. if you work for it, you get it. if you don't, you don't simple as that.
if you want to know who is making what without having to ask around- check your inboxes or facebook for the weekly newsletters or gifts from designers. those that have one and a new release each week and are at a good store you can be sure that they are reaching the 500-1000 mark easily.
and by good or top stores i mean the ones that have been around at least 3 years and you guys either love to hate or love to love. SSD SO TDC GP SBG A5D you get the idea
She must read here because whatever that product was is gone.
I REALLY wish people would stop being so sensitive about the things said on this ridiculous blog.
Grow some balls, ladies and quit being so butthurt by the fools who post here.
January 8, 2012 7:51 AM
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You are an idiot! That kit was item of the week. A 99c loss leader only available for one week.
For the record, the icecream kit is also item of the week and will disappear after a week for those of you who think people are that thin skinned.
“have continual new releases, promote regularly, and build a strong personal relationship with the customers”... “some pretty piss poor ones make at least 500 if they are doing the before mentioned things”
I absolutely agree.
Another "Hello Kitty" kit.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81248944/digital-scrapbook-papers-hello-kitty
I hate it when people who don't have a clue about copyright law decide to sell "their designs". It makes all of us look bad. Stupid. Ignorant. Thieves. Or like we just don't give a shit about copyright law, which I absolutely do care about, and am careful to follow.
I did report it to Etsy, but it probably wouldn't hurt for others to report it too. Maybe it'll get taken down that much quicker.
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=2698
^^^^^^^
yeah, so?
Just read the talk about Digiscrapapalooza in the other post and wondered who some of you would actually want to meet and/or hang out with at a get together like that? Who would you turn up to see? I have a few designers I think seem interesting and fun that I'd actually enjoy having a conversation with.
Betty White said it best (and I'm paraphrasing)
Why do people say "grow some balls" when they want people to be tough. Balls are sensitive and vulnerable. If you really want someone to be tough, tell them to grow a vagina. Those things really take a pounding!
We repeatedly read about how much designers can, want or should make but although we sometimes get some "gross" figures, I am curious as to how much it ends up PER HOUR. Considering that a previous poster mentioned that one has to design good products (which is not a repackaging of CU, we agree), release something every week, do marketing, advertising, possibly be active in forum, galleries, FB etc., that takes time and a lot of work. But in the end, does that equal minimum wage? Even making $1000 a month if one works the equivalent of full time on this, it is not much, is it? Maybe it depends on each area miminum wage too I guess, but still. Kind of curious about that kind of math.
I don't think you can realistically figure per hour, though. Our products sell over time.
For example, I have a product I released in Sept. To date, it has grossed me 850.00. A product I released last month has grossed me $250. I spent comparable time on each, but you can't say that I made a better hourly wage on the first, it's just been out longer.
...Why do people say "grow some balls"...
^^
Ha! so true.
I don't think you can realistically figure per hour, though. Our products sell over time.
For example, I have a product I released in Sept. To date, it has grossed me 850.00. A product I released last month has grossed me $250. I spent comparable time on each, but you can't say that I made a better hourly wage on the first, it's just been out longer.
^^^^^^
I don't think that the time when a product is sold makes any difference. If you work 20 hours every week to create products, market etc. and overall you get X amount of money for having worked X number of hours, that is calculable. The products I don't sell this week after I release it, will be compensated by products I released last week and so on. We can definitely calculate an overall value, can't we?
Any designer can easily figure out an hourly average. It doesn't matter if one kit sells better than another. Just take an average of your NET sales and an average of your hours spent each week.
I net (on average) $1500/month. I work an average of 15 hours/week on design stuff. That includes making products, advertising, blogging, etc. (I release 2-3 times a month). That makes my total monthly hours 60. Which makes my average hourly rate $25.
I know I could make more money/month if I worked more hours and released a lot more, but quite frankly, I don't want to.
I spent comparable time on each, but you can't say that I made a better hourly wage on the first,
^^^^
You don't calculate an HOURLY wage per PRODUCT. It is called HOURLY because it is based on HOURS, which is a TIME unit. Two employees paid the same HOURLY wage will get the same pay for the same hour, regardless if one worked on more products, projects, etc.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=294844
while its true that i absolutely can NOT stand COLS (good old Amanda) - and abhor her ...."art" even more than that - now she is using copyrighted imaged in her art journal kits. I USED to have a slightly higher opinion of GDS - but NOT anymore.
^^
GDS? refresh my memory please?
^^^^^
It says Copyrighted on the preview!!! :)
I net (on average) $1500/month. I work an average of 15 hours/week on design stuff. That includes making products, advertising, blogging, etc. (I release 2-3 times a month). That makes my total monthly hours 60. Which makes my average hourly rate $25.
15 hours on designing AND marketing and you make out with that much money PLUS have 2-3 products a month? You must be a very well known designer.
How much time did you spend and money did you make in the beginning?
I threw up last week. COLS stole a photo of my vomit and turned it into a kit!
I don't understand how you can work 15 hours a week and make that much money. I'm jealous.
I make more than that per month on average, but I also work more like 40-55 hours per week, combining marketing myself, designing and scrapping with my kits.
Do you use CU in your kits? Are you able to remain super focused on your designs without interruption? Do you draw your own elements? I'm just trying to figure out how you are able to do it.
Do you use CU in your kits? Are you able to remain super focused on your designs without interruption? Do you draw your own elements? I'm just trying to figure out how you are able to do it.
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Not the OP you were asking, but thought I'd chime in. Developing systems and routines, especially for the mundane preview making, marketing, etc., goes a long way to shaving off time spent. If you repeat the same pattern every time, going down a list, you'll get where you can practically do it in your sleep and you'll get really fast at it.
I don't ever design when the chance for distraction is high. I end up wasting too much time. When my kids were little and didn't go to school, I waited until nap time or after they'd gone to bed. Now that they're school aged, I design while they're gone. And I stay the hell out of my email and away from facebook, twitter, pinterest or anything else that has a tendency to suck me in. When I got serious about being as efficient as I could be, I realized that lots of starts and stops was where most of my time was wasted. It's hard for me to shift gears quickly, so I set work hours and stick to them. If I decide I'm going to design for two hours today, then once I start that's what I'm doing for two hours. I'm much more productive that way.
GDS = Go Digital Scrapbooking, where COLS, now OTB STUDIO's (HA) is selling at and trying ever so hard to copy Tangie Baxters success with her own "caravan" type dealie.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=294844
while its true that i absolutely can NOT stand COLS (good old Amanda) - and abhor her ...."art" even more than that - now she is using copyrighted imaged in her art journal kits.
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Maybe I'm missing something, but which image in particular are you talking about?
You don't calculate an HOURLY wage per PRODUCT. It is called HOURLY because it is based on HOURS, which is a TIME unit.
_____
Yes, I know. My point is that any product we do has residual sales, so unless you have been doing this a long time, and have plateaued with an average sales amount, you can't figure your hourly wage accurately. OR, this month, I might make $5/hour, because I spent a lot of time designing and releasing new kits, and next month, I might make $50/hour, because I only worked one hour and rode the curttails of my previous releases.
Otherwise, I've got 1K in sales this month already, and I only spent one hour blogging so far. Hot Damn, I rock. o.O
Aside from the "top tier" store convo, how are designers doing in their PERSONAL stores? Can they make as much as in a multi-designer store? Who do you think might do great in their personal store?
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=294844
while its true that i absolutely can NOT stand COLS (good old Amanda) - and abhor her ...."art" even more than that - now she is using copyrighted imaged in her art journal kits.
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Maybe I'm missing something, but which image in particular are you talking about?
^^^^^^^
not the OP but I would think the VW bus and the Fisher Price toy in particular
What about the Etch-A-Sketch and Rubik's cube?
^^^^^
I'll grant all of those except for the VW bus.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=294844
while its true that i absolutely can NOT stand COLS (good old Amanda) - and abhor her ...."art" even more than that - now she is using copyrighted imaged in her art journal kits.
------
Maybe I'm missing something, but which image in particular are you talking about
What about the Etch-A-Sketch and Rubik's cube?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I gotta say that it took me a little while to actually find the rubics cube and the etch a sketch, that preview is awful....so I thought I would look at her descriptions and see what she is calling these things and guess what you get no indication of what is actually in the kit.... go figure...
^^^^^
I'll grant all of those except for the VW bus.
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Are you telling me you don't think Volkswagon would have that logo trademarked?? Sorry, no way that would be ok to use.
^^^^
She's not selling the logo, but the image of the bus. Yes, it does make difference.
And the bus has the logo on it, which would be trademarked, and I would hazard a guess that the body shape of the bus is also trademarked to a current and existing company.
^^^
No, not trademarked. A design patent, yes, a trademark for the shape of the bus, no, sorry. And yes, you cold probably sell the image. Some of you need to get your facts straight before you start spouting off.
Good grief - the bus HAS THE LOGO ON IT.
so 'you could probably sell the image' is you having your facts straight? I'd like to see your sources.
I'm not any of the PP here but your arguments inspired me to look further. I found this link that I think quite interesting. Even those practicing Intellectual Property law are not totally in agreement in details.
http://www.linkedin.com/answers/law-legal/corporate-law/intellectual-property/LAW_COR_IPP/700893-37709955
What I get from reading it: It's your risk. Most probably the big companies won't come after you. But who knows? They might and you can be in a lot of troubles. Personally, I avoid meddling in this gray area but then again that's just me.
Yes, I know. My point is that any product we do has residual sales, so unless you have been doing this a long time, and have plateaued with an average sales amount, you can't figure your hourly wage accurately. OR, this month, I might make $5/hour, because I spent a lot of time designing and releasing new kits, and next month, I might make $50/hour, because I only worked one hour and rode the curttails of my previous releases.
Otherwise, I've got 1K in sales this month already, and I only spent one hour blogging so far. Hot Damn, I rock. o.O
January 9, 2012 6:48 PM
For the love of all that is Holy, please look up what an AVERAGE is. Idiot.
You don't need to be around forever and "plateaued" to have an average sales amount. You could be around 2 days and still be able to calculate an average if you have 2 brain cells you could knock together.
I don't understand how you can work 15 hours a week and make that much money. I'm jealous.
I make more than that per month on average, but I also work more like 40-55 hours per week, combining marketing myself, designing and scrapping with my kits.
Do you use CU in your kits? Are you able to remain super focused on your designs without interruption? Do you draw your own elements? I'm just trying to figure out how you are able to do it.
January 9, 2012 3:19 PM
It takes me around 10 hours to make a complete kit. I also make additional products that all take between 1-2 hours each(think clusters, quick pages, etc). So, to make 3 kits/month I need 30 hours, then another 15 or so to make other items. Add in another 2 for the month to x-cart and I'm up to 47 hours to make a full month's worth of products releasing 3 out of the 4 weeks.
The other time (13 hours) is spent marketing my products (blogging, social media, forums), chatting in forums, commenting in galleries, etc. That gives me 3.25 hours EVERY WEEK (on average) to market and interact in forums. That is a LOT of time and something I'm looking to streamline more so it's even less time, but still quality interaction.
I use a lot of CU, but I make it my own whenever possible (I don't do too much to a string, for example). I occasionally draw my own items when necessary, but it's not often. I only work when I have uninterrupted time.
I think if you're spending a lot of time making a kit, you're a beginner or you're not organized. I know many fellow designers who hand draw everything and it takes them even less time than me to make a full kit. They're obviously familiar with whatever programs they use and have a full thought about what they're making before they get started. Just like I do. My files are as organized as my thoughts so finding what I need is easy - and quick.
I will say I took more time each week at the beginning of my design career and I made less $ starting out. But it took well under a year for me to have a system similar to what I have now and have a paycheck to match. It never took me more than 40 hours a week even my first week as a designer. If it had, I wouldn't be doing this today.
What about the Etch-A-Sketch and Rubik's cube?
Both products have had like items made. You can go into stores and find similar products that look like the real thing but aren't the real thing and aren't called by their trade names. So if other companies can get away with using the "shapes" I guess so can designers!
It's not any different then using game pieces which could be trademarked for any particular game but a die is a die is a die, etc.
GDS = Go Digital Scrapbooking, where COLS, now OTB STUDIO's (HA) is selling at and trying ever so hard to copy Tangie Baxters success with her own "caravan" type dealie.
She has a very long way to go. At least Tangie's is interesting most of the time.
For the love of all that is Holy, please look up what an AVERAGE is. Idiot.
____
For the love of all the is Holy, please fuck off. If you are too stupid to figure out what I'm saying, perhaps you'd better be looking for your own two brain cells.
For the love of all the is Holy, please fuck off. If you are too stupid to figure out what I'm saying, perhaps you'd better be looking for your own two brain cells.
January 10, 2012 3:58 PM
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I'm not the person to whom you were responding, and I do understand what you are trying to say about your earnings fluctuating from week to week and month to month. But really, it is pretty easy to figure out an average per hour.
I have just added up all of my earnings for 2011 in order to prepare my tax return. Since I can see what I made for the entire year, and I know how many hours I work per week, an average per hour for 2011, is very simple math.
Of course, I don't count on making the exact same amount every pay period. I can figure that I'm going to make $29 an hour and count on that exact amount every week. For instance, in November, I generally make about 4 times as much as I make in July. But it's very easy to calculate an average per hour for a given time period.
oh for the love of God. OTB aka COLS must have heard about her crap being copyrighted/trademarked. but all she did was redo the damn preview to HIDE the elements. The VW is covered up - she removed the etch a sketch logo and replaced it with something else...tried to hide the fisher price toy....man oh man. yeah. that will fix it.
your facts straight? I'd like to see your sources.
-
I'd like to see yours and I mean specifically related to that bus.
Good grief - the bus HAS THE LOGO ON IT.
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So? Please provide the source material for your outburst, thank you.
I'm not any of the PP here but your arguments inspired me to look further. I found this link that I think quite interesting. Even those practicing Intellectual Property law are not totally in agreement in details.
http://www.linkedin.com/answers/law-legal/corporate-law/intellectual-property/LAW_COR_IPP/700893-37709955
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Thanks for the link. It would appear that my original statement of the bus being okay is still valid.
oh for the love of God. OTB aka COLS must have heard about her crap being copyrighted/trademarked. but all she did was redo the damn preview to HIDE the elements. The VW is covered up - she removed the etch a sketch logo and replaced it with something else...tried to hide the fisher price toy....man oh man. yeah. that will fix it.
--------------------------------
It is still the same in the store. Does she think no one will look there. LOL
http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&cPath=29_180&products_id=10542
The only answer i would pay attention to on that link is the last one. He specializes in Intellectual Property Law whereas the others do not.
So no - I do not agree that your point is valid at all.
Good grief - the bus HAS THE LOGO ON IT.
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So? Please provide the source material for your outburst, thank you.
^^^^^^
from the vw trademark site:
Because of the cachet of the world-famous Volkswagen name, thousands of independent businesses and people make a living from or pursue a hobby related to Volkswagen products and services. Unfortunately, many of these businesses improperly attempt to affiliate themselves with Volkswagen by using Volkswagen trademarks and trade dress (for instance, the depictions or photographs of Volkswagen�s distinctively shaped vehicles) in advertising their products and services. Volkswagen appreciates the enthusiasm these people have for Volkswagen products. Volkswagen in no way wants to put these companies out of business, or prevent these businesses from advertising their products and services in a manner that is fair under Federal and state trademark laws. Volkswagen cannot, however, allow these businesses to use Volkswagen�s trademarks and trade dress in a way that creates the appearance that these businesses are affiliated with, sponsored by, or approved by Volkswagen when they are not.
http://www.vwtrademarks.com/vw.aspx?file=vwpolicy.htm
So, what trademarks and symbols are included in Volkswagen�s �stable� of trademarks? Among others, Volkswagen claims trademark rights in the name �Volkswagen;� in the initials �VW;� in its distinctive logo; in the names and model numbers of Volkswagen automobiles; in its advertising slogans; in the design of the classic Beetle; and in the design of the New Beetle. In addition, Volkswagen has trade dress rights in the distinctive shapes of its vehicles.
As a result, if a business not affiliated with Volkswagen uses any Volkswagen trademark, whether through the use of photographs, depictions or silhouettes, or any confusingly similar variation thereof, without Volkswagen�s express, written consent, then that business is violating Federal and state trademarks laws. That business is also misleading the public into believing that such business is affiliated with Volkswagen. It is also not sufficient for a business to state that it is not affiliated with Volkswagen but continue to use Volkswagen trademarks without permission. The business is still misappropriating the goodwill and reputation developed by Volkswagen, and attempting to capitalize on or profit from Volkswagen�s goodwill and reputation. Even with the best of intentions, unauthorized use of another company�s trademark is against the law and misleading to the general public.
BOOM!
sorry for the long posts - but someone here keeps arguing that its OK to use those images and its clearly NOT. all I had to do was google volkswagon trademarks- and bingo, there is the information.
The only answer i would pay attention to on that link is the last one. He specializes in Intellectual Property Law whereas the others do not.
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Sorry, but the guy above yours also specializes in Intellectual Property law, yes, that's what IP stands for. So my point is still valid.
Sigh. She's not selling the goddamn trademark, if she were, I'd be agreeing with you, but she's not.
Besides, anyone believing she's associated with VW by use of that image is an idiot.
When you quote screeds of material, make sure you actually understand what's being said.
Having worked for over 20 years in the legal industry, yes, I have some clue.
she's selling the damn image...and if you would READ what Volkwagon says - - she can NOT do that. the images, shapes..all of it. go back to work - you obviously haven't learned enough in the legal profession yet.
Oh poor, poor Hummie.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=3089339#post3089339
I guess she's distraught that no one signed up for her little competition (and wasn't there a designer call? Where's the store?)
"Due to personal struggles right now, I haven't been able to pull this together. I have no time.
Thanks to everyone who offered. If I can get this off the ground in the future, I will be sure to contact you again."
Not taking position for or against Hummie, as I don't know her really, I did read that she set up her store with xcart, which is definitely not cheap. Isn't that strange to open a first shop with such expenses?
Sigh. She's not selling the goddamn trademark, if she were, I'd be agreeing with you, but she's not.
Besides, anyone believing she's associated with VW by use of that image is an idiot.
When you quote screeds of material, make sure you actually understand what's being said.
Having worked for over 20 years in the legal industry, yes, I have some clue.
^^^
Holy Shit. I absolutely cannot believe how stupid you are. She is selling something that is trademarked. That is illegal. No one said she was selling the trademark itself. I feel sorry for anyone you did work for in the 'legal industry', if indeed that claim is true.
that is what 'uses any Volkswagen trademark' means.
Holy Shit. I absolutely cannot believe how stupid you are. She is selling something that is trademarked. That is illegal. No one said she was selling the trademark itself. I feel sorry for anyone you did work for in the 'legal industry', if indeed that claim is true.
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My guess she is either a pirate, because they all work in the 'legal industry' or COLS herself. LOL
Having worked for over 20 years in the legal industry, yes, I have some clue.
_______________________________
I also worked in the legal industry for 15 years as a paralegal. That doesn't mean I know jack about copyright law. I sure don't.
Unless you can specifically say, "I worked as a copyright/trademark lawyer," you don't have a clue about anything.
http://thedailydigi.com/pu-cu/
Is it just me or do they have the definitions for CU and CU4CU messed up?
http://thedailydigi.com/pu-cu/
Is it just me or do they have the definitions for CU and CU4CU messed up?
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Not you. They swapped them.
Outside of the outright stealing of the Volkswagen, if you dare to scroll down on her preview of papers she has a tie dye paper with ADS of old products like Twister is clearly seen. She must be going senile or is completely desperate (probably both).
I feel kind of sorry for her... kind of.
Unless you can specifically say, "I worked as a copyright/trademark lawyer," you don't have a clue about anything.
******
You're mistaken. Just because I've never worked as a mechanic doesn't mean I don't know anything about a car engine.
You can educate yourself. Ignorance is no excuse from the law. The information is out there you just have to be willing to find and adhere to it.
Looks to me like someone did go out and find the information. Also looks to me like COLS is not adhering to it. If VW cares, I'm sure they'll send her a cease and desist. And I'm sure they know the law since they have the money to hire actual attorneys.
So is Meredith Cardall going to SO?
YES!!! She is!!!
I bought a kit from Amy Stoffel a few weeks ago but never unzipped. I did today and I gotta say I was a little underwhelmed. The quality was good. The papers were good. What was underwhelming were the elements. There was nothing wrong with them, they just didn't excite the scrap out of me. KWIM? On the preview it was more visually appealing but when I'm trying to work with it today, I just can't get it to work. I just checked out her gallery and saw some great layouts using the kit... maybe time for some scrap-liftin'. Any of you have this problem with her or for that matter, anyone other designers kits?
Any of you have this problem with her or for that matter, anyone other designers kits?
All the time! But I can't really blame it on the designer now, can I? Unless I'm jus in the mood to shop, I have to step back and loo at it objectively and take my time. Read what's in it (except at SSD, where they always make the kits sound better than they are). Then I have to look, really look at individual items, and look to see how many are truly distinctive.
I get caught falling for great previews ALL THE TIME! (Although I've never bought from Amy Stoffel that I can recall) Which is probably why they are the designers and I'm not. :)
It's too bad when we purchase products only to find that they don't live up to our expectations. However, being able to create an attractive and eye-catching preview is a big thing. I know some designers who's products are really beautiful when the layouts are finished, but unfortunately, their previews suck. If they had better previews, they'd likely sell more product. I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
But can you be a new designer and make good money if you're not at top tier store?
well SOMEONE was paying attention to some GOOD FACTUAL COMPLAINTS!!! COLS, aka OTB, has now removed the copyrighted/trademarked images:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=294844
off to check her store...LOL-hey Amanda! You learn anything yet????
well SOMEONE was paying attention to some GOOD FACTUAL COMPLAINTS!!! COLS, aka OTB, has now removed the copyrighted/trademarked images:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=294844
off to check her store...LOL-hey Amanda! You learn anything yet????
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What about the etch a sketch or whatever they are? That is still on there.
This place is just so crazy... Speaking of crazy... See how I just segued into that!!! lol... I was reading Bethany Harty's blog (Elegant Wordart by Bethany) the other day and was a little disturbed by something she posted. We all know how crazy she is from her stint in the psych ward last year so it doesn't come as any surprise but she is truly a mental case. Her hubby is in the military and she's always preaching about how she's pro-military and all that but... A few days ago she forgot her ID and was having a hard time getting back onto post. The guy who was giving her the hard time (it was his job), she made the comment that she hoped that the terrorists got him!!!! Can you believe that a military wife would actually say that about an American soldier!!!! That has to be one of the worst things that any American could ever say about anyone else, especially a military man!!!!! I was so disgusted!!!! I wonder what her precious Captain America (that's what she calls her hubby now)thinks about that? He just got back from overseas deployment for a whole year. She is really nuts!
I bought something from Secret Stash when they had that Farmer Market thingy at SO before Christmas and I gotta say, I was very disappointed in the lack of elements in the kit. It was another case of the preview being much better than the kit. Her quality is good and the elements are cute but it's nothing that I couldn't create myself. I really don't think I would buy from her again. No offense Erin! :)
So, Meredith Cardall announced her new store, and as we all knew, it's Crap Orchard.Ooops, did I just say that, I meant Scrap Orchard!
I don't see what all the hype is about her. Am I missing something? I think her choice of colors palettes are crap and she's spending to much time trying to create original elements that are, well, in all honesty, a little weird looking. Her textures are horrible and in general I am just not a fan.
I bought a few things from her when she was at 9th&Bloom and vowed to not spend any of my hard earned money on her again.
She should fit in quite well with the "designers" at the Orchard.
WOW!!! Someone forgot to take her anti-bitch pill this morning!!!
I want to bring something serious to your attention... Dawn Miller aka Daybreak Scraps, son was killed in a motorcycle accident last week. He was only 19 or 20 ish and had just graduated from college. If you wanted to pay your respects to her and her family, you can visit her Facebook page.
So sad.
I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
Please, do tell us who this designer is.
...and now would be a good time to discuss previews that are not so good and could use some serious improvement.
I really hate Bella Gypsy's previews!!!! The shadowing is just creepy and they all look the same. He kits are horrid in general and I would never buy from her because there is never anything different in them. She uses the same ribbons, flowers, buttons, and all her papers are textured the exact same way. I will not buy from her again. I guess we know who the talent was in that duo... the sister who was smart enough to get a real job!
As the age old saying states... It's the clothes that make the man... The same can be said of a kit. It's the preview that gets the sale.
I've seen lots of kits that had the most horrendous previews but when I was using the kit, it was original and clever and well worth the money someone would pay for it.
I CT for a few designers who have repackaged previews based on ct comments about the quality of previews. If the preview sucks, I wouldn't buy it.
How do you know if your preview sucks if no one says anything? I think mine are good but who knows.
^^^^
Ask your CT or ask your store owner or the site CT. They should be honest with you about it. I know mine are.
I have an amazing ct who aren't afraid to tell me when something isn't up to their high standards. They are some of the best scrappers out there and they want my product to be great quality, easy to scrap with and reflect well on my business. If it sucks, they won't scrap with it. Ask your ct to be honest with you and point out those important things like quality, overall kit cohesiveness, as well as the finished preview.
Anonymous said...
I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
Please, do tell us who this designer is.
January 12, 2012 8:45 AM
Not the OP, but I think I know who she is. Hint: she's European.
Not the OP, but I think I know who she is. Hint: she's European.
____________________________
Why hint, this blog is anon. Just give us the name.
I'd be interested to hear who everyone thinks makes good previews as well as the bad ones.
Yes, please share the good previews. I'm hoping to learn something.
I think that one of the best preview makers out there has to be (don't hate me for saying this) is Kristin CB. Her layering is exquisite and her shadows are perfect.
Secret Stash has beautiful previews. I love how she scatters her elements over the whole preview. And again great shadowing.
I like Connie Prince's previewing style. It's really easy to see what's in the kit. She includes everything on there.
For me, it's all personal preference. I buy from all three of these ladies and love the differences between all of their styles. It's the previews that grab me and keep me coming back to see what else they have.
Yeah!!!! This blog is anonymous so why the secrecy? Is this high school and we're all giggling in the bathroom? ha, ha, ha... kidding!
The guy who was giving her the hard time (it was his job), she made the comment that she hoped that the terrorists got him!!!! Can you believe that a military wife would actually say that about an American soldier!!!!
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I took it to mean that she hopes the terrorists go to his lane (because they wouldn't get through), not that they will "get him".
Anonymous said...
I'd be interested to hear who everyone thinks makes good previews as well as the bad ones.
January 12, 2012 1:45 PM
Two of my favorite designers:
Kristin Aagard: I love her kits but the previews are a mess. There is nothing "artistic" in them, but they do show all the content.
Irene Alexeeva: I like both her kits and previews. And her quickpages! I've even printed one of her previews and turned it into a necklace!
I personally prefer the previews that show what is in the kit over the ones that are supposed to be artistic. I want to see what is in the kit. I don't want to see a pretty cluster in the center of a preview that shows only half the actual elements. I don't like a messy preview though. I also don't like the previews that put a blank square between the elements and the papers. It makes me wonder if the elements will work with the papers.
I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
Please, do tell us who this designer is.
January 12, 2012 8:45 AM
Not the OP, but I think I know who she is. Hint: she's European.
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Don't take a degree to know that the OP is talking about Valentina's creations.
I know a designer who is fairly new but sells at least $1500 a month already and I think it's party because she does great previews (on top of pretty darn good product). She also markets herself very well for a newbie.
Please, do tell us who this designer is.
January 12, 2012 8:45 AM
Not the OP, but I think I know who she is. Hint: she's European.
-----------
Don't take a degree to know that the OP is talking about Valentina's creations.
*********
Nope. Not her. And I would gladly share except that I really admire that she has done that well that quickly, and since this is a smack blog, I know better than to stir shit up for her. And no, I'm not her, or a friend, or on her CT. But I am a designer who has been around for four or five years and I know that doing that well that quickly is RARE. I think she still has a long way to go to be really good, but I'd hate to trash her momentum by throwing her to the wolves on this site. And for the record, I'm one of the first ones to stir shit on here. It's my guilty pleasure! LMAO
I do believe you are talking about Studio Blagovesta over at SBG.
Thoughts on Cajoline and her stores getting sued over a CT using a copyrighted photo without permission on a LO that was used for advertising?
I think she still has a long way to go to be really good, but I'd hate to trash her momentum by throwing her to the wolves on this site.
Good - let it drop, for her sake!
I think she still has a long way to go to be really good, but I'd hate to trash her momentum by throwing her to the wolves on this site.
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Then why even bring her up at all? What an idiot.
I think she still has a long way to go to be really good, but I'd hate to trash her momentum by throwing her to the wolves on this site.
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Then why even bring her up at all? What an idiot.
************
So you have something to bitch about! LOL
And no, it's not Blagovesta, but yes, she is probably doing well too!
How do you even know what's she making? Did you she tell you? I've worked in a few stores and we never told each other what we made.
Thoughts on Cajoline and her stores getting sued over a CT using a copyrighted photo without permission on a LO that was used for advertising?
_______________________________
I was always irritated when various CTs used baby pictures, etc. off the web without any permission from the original photographer. This might put a stop to that.
I just wanted to agree with the post about Meredith Cardwell at Scrap Orchard. I thought the designers at SO were supposed to be good but lately, I've browsed several stores and found nothing even remotely worth using a discount or even free coupon for. There are some ones I love there, and I just wonder what is all the hype about this store.
I like Scrap Orchard, but some of the new designers they've brought on make no sense to me. They shouldn't have even bothered with Chelle, WMsquared, or Meredith Cardall, just to name a few.
I agree about Scrap Orchard. They used to be one of my favorite stores and I loved most of the designers there but it seems like some of them have either left or aren't putting up new product very often. And the latest designers... yuck! I used to hang out there quite a bit but am just not that impressed anymore. I used to look forward to their weekly releases but not anymore. I rarely see stuff I like now. Seems like they have become quite the template designer store lately. Pretty bad when you can't find enough decent designers that half of what you sell now are templates. Not that templates can't be good sellers, but maybe the good designers are running out of ideas. I really miss seeing more new releases from Julie Bullock, Kat, and even Captivated Visions doesn't seem as active lately. NOT anywhere near a top-tier store anymore. And most the active people in the forums are their own staff and CT strokin' each other.
There are some ones I love there, and I just wonder what is all the hype about this store.
... I think they are active on this blog, too.
... I think they are active on this blog, too.
*****
And probably one of the active shit-talkers too.
So Secret Stash has started this new promo where fb visits and blog posts earn $ gc for her store. I get that this will drive her fb up in feeds but seems like it is giving it all away for nothing.
So Secret Stash has started this new promo where fb visits and blog posts earn $ gc for her store. I get that this will drive her fb up in feeds but seems like it is giving it all away for nothing.
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I don't think it's all for nothing. More sharing and tweeting = more exposure and possibly more sales. I think as long as she's consistent with new releases, it will more than likely help her.
I will more than likely try it out after I research it a bit more.
Where can I find more info on "Cajoline and her stores getting sued over a CT using a copyrighted photo without permission"? If it in the DCR, can anyone share or elaborate please? Thanks.
So Secret Stash has started this new promo where fb visits and blog posts earn $ gc for her store. I get that this will drive her fb up in feeds but seems like it is giving it all away for nothing.
I didn't think you could do that on FB.
From a few posts in the DCR:
I have information from a store owner who received the letter regarding this issue. She stated this only involves the specific stores that carry her products, the PU products and the CT member who used the copyrighted image. The image was a photo that was copyrighted, turned into a tube and claimed as her own.
I was told that we don't need to remove our products if we have used some of her CU stuff in our kits. But, she did state to stop using her products until further information comes in. Right now, the lawyers are only dealing with her and her stores. Apparently, she's making it worse for herself by not responding to anyone about this issue. She's already been removed from one of her stores.
It's only allegedly...nothing has been proven yet. It was the CT that allegedly took an image illegally, turned it into a tube and claimed it as her own by not giving credit to the photographer. Because of the one image, they are investigating ALL her stuff as a designer.
It is certainly a wake up call, but this has also created a huge and unnecessary panic attack.
Somehow, that copyright story is the "worse case scenario" that everyone thinks will happen to someone else, but never in our little industry. It might be sad that only ONE designer or store gets sued, but it is a reality: it CAN happen to anyone so everyone better be careful about using just about anything from the net. You obviously don't have a clue when something like that will hit you, and some designers (and CT members) are really taking a lot of chances, over and over again (including someone mentioned just a bit earlier in this blog).
We just cannot say "they won't come after the little store/designer in our industry; it is not worth their time" anymore!
Scrap Orchard once was the place to be. The main point here being "once was".
I like Captivated Visions but I find that she is pumping out the same old stuff over and over. Her color palettes are too similar. Once you buy one kit, they're all the same. She has such talent but she needs to try something different.
Suzy Q Scraps is the same thing!!! Her kits all use the same epoxy elements and those strange little "velvet" hearts. I think it's time she colors outside of the design lines and creates something new. I used to buy from her but everything is just too similar for my tastes. But, she does create the cutest little doodles.
Irene Aleexeva is an amazing graphic artist and I've used her kits to create some really beautiful wall art but I just can't scrap well with them.
Secret Stash is cute. Her kits are cute and her previews are good but it's nothing that I couldn't put together myself using LOTS of cu stuff.
Jady Day Studio is cutesy too. I do like her previews and her quality is amazing. Easy to scrap with.
Meredith Cardall is trying so hard to fit into the SO theme and hype that she redesigned her whole style to fit. I thinks she's an amateur and needs to find a style that suits her, not SO.
I've used at least one thing from each designer at SO and will probably buy from them in the future if I see something that really stand out.
Are anyone else's sales really down this month?
Nope, mine are up. In the first half of this month, I've already doubled my monthly average from 2011. I have no idea why, but I'll take it. I just assumed everyone's sales were up now that the holidays are over and people don't have their money tied up in buying things for others.
What exactly are you looking for in a kit to make it "different?" I'm not being snide, I really want to know.
I would think most customers don't buy everything a designer makes, so the same basic elements (like flowers, frames, etc) hardly seem like a reason to not buy from someone. For me, as a scrapper, that doesn't even matter. I actually prefer it. Then my albums look very consistent because the elements are the same or similar. All that varies are the colors based upon the pages.
I did really well the first week of January but it slowed down this week. Then yesterday I did almost $75 in sales so i'm back on track again. After my new releases this weekend, I will definitely surpass last January's totals by a pretty significant amount. I only made $420ish last January so this January will be soooo much better!
For all of the designers here, does wordart sell? I see so many designers who sell mostly wordart and so many more who include them as extras in kits or bundles. Does it sell?
So Secret Stash has started this new promo where fb visits and blog posts earn $ gc for her store. I get that this will drive her fb up in feeds but seems like it is giving it all away for nothing.
Rule #1. You can't sell it if your buyers don't see it.
Looking at last year's numbers make me cringe! This January is going really well so far! $400 and counting - and for anyone who cares, I'm not in a top store, I have been around for a bit (< 2 years)
I've been around for about 5 years, not top tier but in a close 2nd tier. I've only made about $250 so far this month. I made $829.60 last Jan. I hope I catch up before the month ends. I usually average each month around $600-$850 with very little promotion. I usually depend on the store for most of my promotions. I do have a blog and Facebook page that I'm so so active on.
Im curious about the Meredith Cardall comment (no, I'm not her, but I've been watching her) I don't see any changes made to her style to fit SO - can you elaborate?
I agree that Meredith hasn't changed her style. Her kits are the same as before. And having been on her CT prior to her moving to SO (whole other issue), her stuff looks the same. She's created add-ons and changed how she does her previews but that's fine. But the actual product is exactly the same.
In regards to the wordart poster, there are lots of people who have wordart out there and there are a few that by far are better than the rest. It all depends if you're talking about black or greyscale quotes or titles or if your talking about wordart clusters/titles created out of the designers kit. I've sold both in the past and both sold well. I don't usually bother with it now because my business focus has shifted and I don't design much digital anymore. I mostly scrap and CT now.
I just looked through Meredith's new SO store and I agree about the previews. They look amazing!!! I can see slight variances in her style since her Elemental Scraps days but if anything, she has definitely improved. I know that she's been taking design classes/courses and I can see it in her kits. But that's the evolution of a serious designer who has been taking the necessary steps to improve her skills and grow her business. (I am in no way affiliated with SO or Meredith Cardall Designs).
"What exactly are you looking for in a kit to make it "different?" I'm not being snide, I really want to know."
Me too. I think my kits are becoming a little predictable. What are scrappers looking for now?
ps: I like Captivated Visions because of the "sameness" between her kits. I agree with the previous poster that I like continuity between my pages. If they're in a finished book, it's nice to see that that all kinda match. I have a book that I made last using all kits from Tracie Stroud and it looks amazing.
Is anyone else starting to think that someone is in here trying to bring Scrap Orchard into the limelight? There's an awful lot of SO related posts today. Coincidence? I think not.
LIMELIGHT!!! Are you crazy? This is an anonymous "SMACK" blog. The only people who read this are designers and CT's. If SO is trying to drum up some business and exposure, they should be at DST, DSA, or any of the other promotional sites. Get a life!
I think Karla Dudley's previews are difficult to see. I actually love her products but her previews are too much alike that its hard to differentiate the kits and make out the detail of the elements.
There are a lot of SO posts, because it's the topic of discussion at the moment, must be nothing else going on.
On topic, I'd take a kit from Meredith or Secret Stash any day over the mess that Julie Bullock puts out. I have 5 kits from her that I picked in a $1 sale and they aren't even worth that dollar. Just a hodge podge of junk and the papers are awful.
Just happened upon an old DST thread, sorry it is in the DCR for those of you can't access, but was reading through it and I think I have worked out who has the hard on for Robin Gough. She sounds really defensive about a comment Robin made. Guess she thinks she needs to do payback!
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=273702
It is actually an interesting thread and probably relevant re the current copyright drama.
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