Interview with Erin Cooper of ShadoWind Original Art By Erin Cooper

 Erin Cooper


Rico:
What's Your Name?

Erin Cooper

Rico:
List your shop(s) - 

Erin Cooper :

ShadoWind Original Art By Erin Cooper

Most of my art focuses on the fantasy genre, but I also enjoy making animal and wildlife art. I have been going by the name Shadowind online since sometime around high school, I like the name as it evokes an imagery in my mind of what you would see if you could visualize the movement of the wind. I imagine would look similar to the way rippling water reflects and shines and casts shadows on things. The interplay between shadow and light fascinates me. I also love ravens which with their black color look like a little shadow on the wind.



Rico:
What type of product do you sell the most of?

Erin Cooper :

I sold a lot of my 2012 dragon calendars this year, besides that I think my greeting cards probably sell the most.



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Erin Cooper :

I believe it’s been about 3 or 4 years.



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Erin Cooper :

I found Zazzle through another artist and friend of mine who I met when I was attending school at the University of Saint Francis.

Here are his two shops: Tee Freak - Unique and Fun T-Shirts Sketchy Tees - Unique and Fun T-Shirts



Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?
If yes, how long from the time you open a shop until you made it to ProSeller?

Erin Cooper :

Yes, I think I got my pro seller status sometime at the beginning of last year. But I don’t remember when exactly.



Rico:
What made you decide to open your own store?

Erin Cooper :

At the time I already had a shop with cafepress, but It never sold anything and I never did much with it advertising or anything.

I liked the looks of zazzle's and I liked that they had some unique products that looked like fun to design (like shoes and skateboards).

I wanted a fresh start with new artwork at and a new shop so I thought I would try it out, I sold something the first week I opened my shop which I found very encouraging so I've been Zazzling ever since!



Rico:
What's the best advise you got when you were starting out?

Erin Cooper :

To use as many good/accurate keywords for products as possible when posting a product.



Rico:
What was your first sale (include link)?

Erin Cooper :

 

"Together we are One" Unicorn postcard was my first sale to someone from France!

Together we are One PostCard by Shadowind_ErinCooper
Design unique photo postcard at zazzle.com

Rico:
What medium/tools do you use to create your designs?

Erin Cooper :

Most often I will draw a design out on regular white computer paper, and then scan it in and color it using Photoshop. I will sometimes work with solely traditional medium like color pencil or acrylic paint and then just scan or take a photo.



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Erin Cooper :

I like how easy it is to design and post products!



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Erin Cooper :

Many things inspire me sometimes just little everyday situations or things. Other great artists certainly, to name a few I love the works of Susan Seddon Boulet, art by imaginism’s Bobby chiu, Josephine Wall paintings, and sculptures by M. Pena… and many other great fantasy artists. However I am also influenced by wonderful books I may be reading or by dreams I might have, or nature herself. My fourlegged friends are often inspiration to me, as are my friends and family.



Rico:
How much time a week to you spend on Zazzle?

Erin Cooper :

It can very quite a lot depending on my mood, how inspired I feel, the whether, how distracted I get by other things during the week. It can be anywhere from a couple hours every day all week long, to getting on and spending almost all day designing or on zazzle creating products a few days in a row until I am burned out on it.



Rico:
What's the best advise you can give someone just starting out on Zazzle?

Erin Cooper :

Try to stay active online, even if it’s just to get on and comment on other products you like or add a little update on your main page and change the featured products for the season it is. Advertise as much as you can by joining other art websites and linking back to zazzle, places like deviant art and forums and groups. When you comment on others art be very genuine, try to pick out what it is you like about the art and why and say so instead of a simple “this is great!”   Also never forget to always keep learning!



Rico:
What do you like to do when you are not creating art?

Erin Cooper :

When I am not drawing if the weather is nice I like to be outside, I love to hike in the woods, and garden. If the weather is not nice (snow and cold) I like to read, mostly fantasy novels but some new age and spirituality type stuff occasionally too.
I also hang out with and take care of my four legged furred and or feathered family including my horse, Cricket.



Rico:
For most each product or design they create is special. What is your most favorite design and why (include link)? 
 

Erin Cooper :

I try to come up with new designs all the time and the more I post the more favorites I end up having...but at the moment I think my most favorite design is my "learning the ways" dragon design

Learning the Ways~ mug by Shadowind_ErinCooper
Make a personalized mug on zazzle.

I think its one of my favorites now, because I got this design on one of my own hoodies for Christmas and it turned out really well and is so comfortable, I wear it all the time. I also like the mystery and magic surrounding the little dragon and how he seems more like an intelligent character rather than just a fire breathing monster. I try to put a lot of thought into the creatures I draw and design and what their stories might be behind them so they are more interesting to look at.



Rico:
Tell me 5 random things everyone should know about you?

Erin Cooper :

I am always trying to become a better artist and person

I can’t stand people who disrespect or are outright cruel to animals

I try my best to live in the moment

I am a really quiet person and very introspective

I would like to live in and earthship someday



Rico:
Include links to 3 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.

Erin Cooper :

 

Learning the Ways~dragon shirt

Learning the Ways~dragon shirt by Shadowind_ErinCooper
Create your own personal t-shirts online at zazzle.com

I have this one on a dark blue hoodie I got at Christmas and it prints out great! I’m going to be doing the dragon in different colors soon too because my brother wanted this same design with a green dragon. I like to think of dragons as having their own intelligence and culture rather than just being scary vicious monsters. In my opinion dragons like many real reptilian creatures sometimes get a lot of bad press they don't deserve and are often cast as the enemy or villain in stories so in my work i try to depict them a little differently. This dragon is study on different types of magic specifically crystal gazing.





Different! Upside Down Owl Greeting Card

Different! Upside Down Owl Greeting Card by Shadowind_ErinCooper
Get unique custom made cards online at zazzle.com.

A lot can be said of being proud to be different and unique! I believe in keeping an open mind at all times and find value in what many call weird or unusual, i think we should celebrate these sorts of differences don't you? This little owl design is and adorable way to do just that!





Toadstools~ jar candy jars

Toadstools~ jar by Shadowind_ErinCooper
See more Toadstool Candy Jars

I just love how these mushrooms turned out, I see mushrooms when I walk in the woods all the time and they are just fun to look at and draw aren’t they? Plus they are surrounded in faery lore and mythology. I watched this program about fungi that told how certain shelf mushrooms can be used to clean up oil spills. I think fungi are fantastic and under rated, people are leery of them because they have been used as psychedelics but I think everyone should learn a little more about them!




Rico:
If you could purchase ANY item (of someone else’s) what would it be? Why?

Erin Cooper :

 

The Great Feline Mouse Pads

The Great Feline by Philip_Straub
Create own mousepad on zazzle.

There are lots of other zazzle artists designs and products I like a lot, it would be really hard to choose just one!  If you really want to see all the stuff I like check out my wishlist/likes on my profile page :D ;)



Rico:
Zazzle has helped many people meet goals that they otherwise wouldn’t have achieved. What has Zazzle helped you to achieve in your personal life?

Erin Cooper :

Well currently I don't have a steady job doing anything else. I do freelance art jobs when I can find them, but Zazzle has helped me to earn some cash since graduating and to feel like I am continuing my art career even though I am otherwise unemployed.



Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online? (Facebook, Twitter, other blog or website)

Erin Cooper :

Deviant Art

Twitter

Facebook

Elfwood (this one doesn’t get updated much)

Webs page

 

Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share? 

Erin Cooper :

Readers please check out my friend’s shop too if you have time! Tee Freak - Unique and Fun T-Shirts


To see more of Erin's wonderful art visit ShadoWind Original Art By Erin Cooper

Interview with William Ballester of Surreal Posters

 William Ballester 

Rico:
What's Your Name?

William Ballester

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

William Ballester :

Surreal Posters

Invites Now

Vintage Store GIFTS

Vintage Posters mousepads surreal gifts ties

Gifts Gifts

SHIRT CENTRAL

Military T-shirts Posters and Gifts

Business Cards Wedding Invitations



Rico:
What type of product do you sell the most of?

William Ballester :

Invitations



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

William Ballester :

I started in 2008 with just one store, and not working very much at it, as I had a full time job that time.



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

William Ballester :

My wife find it, I had a “normal job” and I really didn’t have time for something like that.



Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?
If yes, how long from the time you open a shop until you made it to ProSeller?

William Ballester :
Yes, 2 years, but as I said before I wasn't doing very much till I became a ProSeller.



Rico:
What made you decide to open your own store?

William Ballester :

Just to be next to my wife and to see what I could do.



Rico:
What's the best advise you got when you were starting out?

William Ballester :

Do plenty of new things daily and don't give up.



Rico:
What was your first sale?

William Ballester :

My first sale was a Tie, (a horrible one) back in 2009.



Rico:
What medium/tools do you use to create your designs?

William Ballester :

Bryce 7 & Photoshop 7.



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

William Ballester :

The ability to add images to anything and enlarge them or make them smaller and create so many different products, too many aspects to choose a favorite one.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

William Ballester :

Shan from Zizzago™ I love the way Shan makes invitations and posters and I love the way she creates and mixes colors, specially Gold.



Rico:
How much time a week to you spend on Zazzle?

William Ballester :

Now I spend 70 or 80 hours a week easily.



Rico:
What's the best advise you can give someone just starting out on Zazzle?

William Ballester :

The same that was given to me, create more and more daily, and don't give up.



Rico:
What do you like to do when you are not creating art?

William Ballester :

Look at the work of other artists.



Rico:
For most each product or design they create is special. What is your most favorite design and why (include link)?

William Ballester :

My favorite design it’s one surreal poster that I made when I started the shop surreal posters and here it is :



The Eggs the Smile and the Lightning Poster

The Eggs the Smile and the Lightning Poster by surrealposters
Create own poster online at zazzle.com

Rico:
Tell me 5 random things everyone should know about you?

William Ballester :

I am Spanish-Australian

I spend 48 years been a musician (pianist)

I usd to be good looking in my younger years

I am still good looking



Rico:
Include links to 3 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.


William Ballester :
 


The Lobster the Eggs and the Smile Poster

The Lobster the Eggs and the Smile Poster by surrealposters
See another framed artwork on Zazzle

Surreal Posters & Prints The Lobster the Eggs and the Smile Poster




Gold Teal and Red Art Deco Invitation

Gold Teal and Red Art Deco Invitation by invitesnow
View other announcement designs on zazzle.com

Gold Teal and Red Art Deco Invitation gold party




White Tiger and Black Business Card

White Tiger and Black Business Card by cardsbusinesscards
See more upscale business cards.

White Tiger and Black Business Card elegant, classy, unique,



Rico:
Zazzle has helped many people meet goals that they otherwise wouldn’t have achieved. What has Zazzle helped you to achieve in your personal life?

William Ballester :
It Has allowed me to stop my “normal Job” and just work from home, zazzling all day, I do work more hours than any other normal job, but it is different, I can start whenever I want to, or go away whenever I want to, it is a pleasure to work from home.



Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online? (Facebook, Twitter, other blog or website)

William Ballester :

Squidoo - Invites Now



Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

William Ballester :

I am proud to say that I am a full time zazzler now, and anuone can do it, just don't give up.

Interview with Sean Parsons of Mystica Maxima

 Sean Parsons

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Sean Parsons

 

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Sean Parsons :

Mystica Maxima

This was my first "real" gallery. I have always been interested Buddhism, Zen and spiritual things in general, which is why I joined Zazzle in the first place. I wanted to promote alternative ways of thinking and do my part to try to popularize things the general public aren't necessarily aware of. "Mystica maxima" is a corruption of Latin, meaning "a very holy place".

Art Through the Ages

I have an enormous respect for all artists, but especially those from the Medieval era to that of Post-Impressionism. Works by Bouguereau, Moreau, Caravaggio and Klimt are some of my favorites. In creating this gallery, I felt I could showcase all of the artists that had been of particular interest to me. Many of my friends are artists, or are interested in art. It isn't everyday you have the ability to purchase anything from a coffee mug to an Ipad with your favorite work of art on it!

Native Americana

By heritage, I am Cherokee-Iroquois, so it was a given that if I had some success at my previous galleries, I would definitely open one based on Native culture. Unlike 'Mystica' and 'Art', I've added links on various organizations that I hope people go to when visiting. I should also add that 10% of my earnings for this gallery go directly to a relevant charity. I can't use their name here due to self-promotional issues, but the money gets to where it needs to.



Rico:
What type of product do you sell the most of?

Sean Parsons :

Postcards! I sold 89 in a day from the same customer. I assume it was a business stocking-up, but I can't say for sure. They're still my biggest seller. I almost didn't include them at all since I thought the pay-out was too small, but I'm happy to say customers usually buy them in bulk.


Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Sean Parsons :

I joined Zazzle in April, 2011, after losing my job as an assistant chemist. I didn't really do much until August of the same year, and now things are finally taking off!


Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Sean Parsons :
Not sure how to answer this one. The guidelines state making 100.00 in lifetime earning by .com customers. I hit that mark on December 15, 2011, but still waiting on the badge. I read in the forum they're giving them out in late February, so we'll see! Rico: Update: Sean got his well deserved badge! 

Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Sean Parsons :
It was late March or very early April of 2011. I was filling-out online applications and CNN had a feature on Zazzle. I promptly went to the site, signed-up, and have been at it ever since. I knew before the end of the CNN feature that I'd found my new place of employment, lol.




Rico:
What made you decide to open your own store?

Sean Parsons :
I immediately understood the potential when I signed-up. There was no question I was going to create as many products and stores as possible, and since last April, things have only gotten better.
 

Rico:
What's the best advise you got when you were starting out?

Sean Parsons :
READ THE FORUMS!! Seriously! I have been saved from so many pitfalls, I couldn't even begin to explain. The forums have been around awhile, so pretty much any question you have has already been asked. Not all, of course, but a good 99%. Zazzlers on the forums really go way out of their way to help you out--especially if you're a newbie. Plus there's tons and tons of information on learning html (Sugar vs. Spice and Bradley from Ars Celtica come to mind), ways to promote and just generally get a helping hand on whatever you need!




Rico:
What was your first sale (include link)?

Sean Parsons :
A black and silver pinback button in the form of the zodiac sign of Cancer.

Silver Cancer by thespiritualsource
See other Cancer Buttons

Rico:
What medium/tools do you use to create your designs?

Sean Parsons :
GIMP (Gnu Imaging Manipulation Program). I can't say enough about it! It's a free alternative to PhotoShop, which can run upwards of 500.00, yet GIMP can do practically anything PhotoShop can do. It takes a while to learn, but is well worth the time!

Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle? 

 

Sean Parsons :
Personally, since I consider this a full-time job, I have no one barking orders and I don't bark orders to anyone. From the artistic point-of-view, the ability to sell art knowing that someone will be enjoying what they've purchased, is definitely the best part.

 

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Sean Parsons :
Many people inspire me. I'm a history/philosophy buff, and it's the people that had the world against them and still stuck to their guns because they believed in themselves. Einstein was a failure for years as a patent-clerk; Darwin definitely had his opposition, and there are plenty of others to draw inspiration from. Ordinary people would have given-up, yet they pushed forward and are now household names for many people. 

Rico:
How much time a week to you spend on Zazzle?

Sean Parsons :
I have a 2-year old daughter, so it differs from week to week. I try to fit in 6-8 hours every week (before she wakes, during her nap and after she goes to sleep), sometimes more, sometimes less. I also try to split my "Zazzle-time" up between creating products, and promoting the sites. 

 

Rico:
What's the best advise you can give someone just starting out on Zazzle?

Sean Parsons :
Aside from joining the forums, I'd say don't get too discouraged! I've heard it again and again that this CAN be a career, if you take it seriously, but it is NOT a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time to learn how to create products, templates and programs; it takes time to learn to promote...just understand that you do have to put a lot of effort into promoting until you see any significant changes. 

 

Rico:
What do you like to do when you are not creating art?

Sean Parsons :
Read and hang-out with my daughter. What could be better?!

 

 

 Rico:
For most each product or design they create is special. What is your most favorite design and why (include link)?

Sean Parsons :
'Golden Papyrus', by far. I'm an armchair Egyptologist, and using GIMP software to manipulate a page of the Papyrus of Ani, and having it come out like it did, was very special.

 

 

Rico:
Tell me 5 random things everyone should know about you?

Sean Parsons :

1.) No matter how I try, I cannot for the life of me grow a beard!

2.) I'm left-handed.

3.) Learning T'ai Ch'i (we'll see how that goes, however!)

4.) I've lived in 9 different cities and 5 states.

5.) I'm a Jeopardy fanatic! 

Rico:
Include links to 3 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.

Sean Parsons :

'Golden Papyrus' Plaques

'Golden Papyrus' by thespiritualsource
Browse Papyrus of ani Plaques

This was one of my first decent designs using GIMP. It was basically just a worn black & white from an old book, and after learning some cool tricks, it turned out amazing! The contrast between the gold and black, for me, has made this one of my top sellers.

'Blue Diamonds' Print

'Blue Diamonds' by nativeamericana
Get the best in online poster printing at zazzle.com

I don't have much of an interest in patterns in general, but this one really wakes me up! It reminds me of one of the hippie posters from the 60s that if you stared too long at it, you'd get vertigo.  

 

'Snow Princess' Poster

'Snow Princess' by nativeamericana
See another framed artwork on Zazzle

This was a black & white photo one of my relatives had given me long ago; pretty plain and not very interesting by any means. Again, using GIMP software, I was able to bring this young woman back to life with vibrant colors and a snowy, swirly foreground. This one is hanging on my wall as we speak!   

Rico:
If you could purchase ANY item (of someone else’s) what would it be? Why?

Sean Parsons :

Sagittarius Zodiac Sign Tile

Sagittarius Zodiac Sign by EarthMagickGifts
See other Sagittarius Tiles

Probably 'Sagittarius Zodiac Sign' Tile, by Specialeetees' 'Earth Magick shop. There are a huge number of extraordinarily talented Zazzlers, but personally, I enjoy her creations the most.   

Rico:
Zazzle has helped many people meet goals that they otherwise wouldn’t have achieved. What has Zazzle helped you to achieve in your personal life?

Sean Parsons :
I am a single parent to a wonderful 2 year old daughter, and I get to spend a lot more time with her now that I work from home. I will be achieving much, much more in the future, but being allowed the opportunity to spend as much time with my daughter is incomparable.    

 

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online? (Facebook, Twitter, other blog or website)

Sean Parsons :

 
Facebook Mystica Maxima

Facebook Art Through the Ages

Twitter Mystica Maxima

Google + Mystica Maxima

 

Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

Sean Parsons :
Just another tip for we newbies: promotion is just as important as creation! If you plan on making any money, you should spend at least as much time promoting as you do making your products, and get the Google Keyword Tool--it's FREE!

Interview with Nina Džeko of Ninche Store

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Nina Džeko

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Nina Džeko :

Ninche Store

Ninche is my nickname so I want it to keep it simple! I don't have special theme, I do various things, depending on my mood. But mostly I do designs for paintball.

Ninche Photo Store

Ninche Hubby Store

 

Rico:
What type of product do you sell the most of?

Nina Džeko :

T shirts.


Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Nina Džeko :

Since October 2011. That is 4 months. Still kind a new, I guess.



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Nina Džeko :

My husband found it, not sure how...I do t-shirt designs for paintball and other localy, so starting on zazzle was great idea :)



Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Nina Džeko :

I'm not a Proseller, but my goal is to be one :)



Rico:
What made you decide to open your own store?

Nina Džeko :

The idea that someone who is "far away" might see, like and buy my products!



Rico:
What's the best advise you got when you were starting out?

Nina Džeko :

The best advice I got is to be patient and just work,work,work.



Rico:
What was your first sale (include link)?

Nina Džeko :

T-shirt!



Rico:
What medium/tools do you use to create your designs?

Nina Džeko :

Mostly, I use Illustrator or Inkscape, and Photoshop when it comes to photography.



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Nina Džeko :

Hm..everything, really. I like how people support each other.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Nina Džeko :

For Hubbystore I just started with, my inspiration is my Hubby and designs he would like to wear.

For Ninche store...well I'm big fan of pop art and graphic novels. I'm also inspired by things I do- like paintball.

Certain artists I admire influence me, of course.Some ProSellers are on that list :D



Rico:
How much time a week to you spend on Zazzle?

Nina Džeko :

It's hard to say...sometimes it's 10 hours a week and sometimes is 20.



Rico:
What's the best advise you can give someone just starting out on Zazzle?

Nina Džeko :

Honestly, the same advice I received : be patient and just work. Simple as that.



Rico:
What do you like to do when you are not creating art?

Nina Džeko :

When I'm not creating art I like to do outdoor activities like trekking. My "indoor" activities are playing chess or Sudoku. I like to read and cook. I adore to spend time with my friends and above all I love to travel with my husband.




Rico:
Tell me 5 random things everyone should know about you?

Nina Džeko :

5 random things about me that everyone SHOULD now are:

80's music videos always cheer me up,

I'm really bad at telling jokes 'cause I start to laugh and can't finish it,

chocolate with chili is my favorite,

I can't whistle,

I collect comic books and one of my favorite movies is "Big Fish" by Tim Burton.



Rico:
Include links to 3 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.

Nina Džeko :

CMYK Bird Bag

CMYK Bird Bag by Ninche
Create a one-of-a-kind customised bags online at Zazzle.

I really like this birds because they are gentle and modern in my favorite cmyk combination. They can be applied on almost every background color and look good on different products.




Little Lady Drama in a Rocket Speck iPad Case

Little Lady Drama in a Rocket Speck iPad Case by Ninche
Try Zazzle's iPad cases designer at Zazzle.

Little lady drama is my favorite character: mean kid that lives in all of us. It is playful and funny and I like it.




Chic Paintball Shirt

Chic Paintball Shirt by Ninche
Design your own custom photo t-shirts online at zazzle.com

Love paintball. Love working on a paintball field and love not to look like a boy when I'm there. That's why I wanna make cool shirts for paintball players. (For girls and boys also) :D



Rico:
If you could purchase ANY item (of someone else’s) what would it be? Why?

Nina Džeko :

Office Propaganda: Wash your hands Poster

Office Propaganda: Wash your hands by stevethomas
Find more matted prints

I love his work! I love old propaganda style and visual solutions, and this guy's work is awesome!



Rico:
Zazzle has helped many people meet goals that they otherwise wouldn’t have achieved. What has Zazzle helped you to achieve in your personal life?

Nina Džeko :

I can organize my day differently; don't have a deadlines like when you do projects for someone else. I can do it anywhere, anytime and I love it!



Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Nina Džeko :

Facebook and Squidoo at the moment.

Interview with Kathryn Strick of KAStrick Designs

 Kathryn Strick of KAStrick Designs

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Kathryn Strick

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Kathryn Strick :

KAStrick Designs


Rico:
What type of product do you sell the most of?

Kathryn Strick :

I am placing my designs on clothing & accessories, mugs, and laptop sleeves primarily. Zazzle is bringing out new items all the time, so I will be looking for those items where my designs can best be presented. Right now I am focusing on messenger bags and place mats.


Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Kathryn Strick :

Two months


Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Kathryn Strick :

Not yet


Rico:
What's the best advise you got when you were starting out?

Kathryn Strick :

The information on the forums has been very helpful for marketing and networking.


Rico:
What medium/tools do you use to create your designs?

Kathryn Strick :

My Toshiba laptop and MandalaMaker 2.0 software. For some designs I have used Paint.net as well as the texturizing available through Microsoft Word of all places!


Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Kathryn Strick :

I am inspired by nature, various cultural and spiritual influences. I lived in Colorado for a time in the 80's, so the colors of the southwest and Native American design are a big influence. Poetry and song lyrics will often come to mind while I am creating a design.


Rico:
How much time a week to you spend on Zazzle?

Kathryn Strick :

Since I am just starting out while working part-time, raising a family, and doing volunteer work, probably 10-20 hours a week. I try to create one design every couple of days, and then place the designs on the items for my store.


Rico:
What's the best advise you can give someone just starting out on Zazzle?

Kathryn Strick :

Don't compare your artistic work with others. Stay true to your inner muse. There will be a niche just for you.


Rico:
What do you like to do when you are not creating art?

Kathryn Strick :

I am a professional counselor & therapist using Reiki and other energy therapies; cooking & baking; an avid reader of science fiction and suspense novels; a hospice volunteer; enjoying time with my husband and teenage sons.


Rico:
Tell me 5 random things everyone should know about you?

Kathryn Strick :

I've stood in both oceans,

hiked down Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point in the Grand Canyon,

would move to Montana in a heartbeat,

never stopped looking for a horse on Christmas morning,

and yes I do believe we are not alone in this vast Universe.


Rico:
Include links to 3 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design. 
 

Kathryn Strick :




Red Star Kachina 2012 Magnets

Red Star Kachina 2012 by KAStrickDesigns
More Digital Magnets

There are Native American prophecies about the appearance of the Red & Blue Star Kachinas signaling the transition from the 4th to the 5th world. Kachinas are supernatural beings who bestow health, happiness, and long life upon the people.





Up up and Away 2012 Mug

Up up and Away 2012 by KAStrickDesigns
Make a unique personalized coffee mug online at Zazzle.

Clare Goodwin chose this design for her Center of the Circle Newsletter in Deceber 2011, when I was chosen artist of the month. Alan Goodwin is the developer of the MandalaMaker 2.0 software that I use to create my designs. I had only been using the software for a month, so I was very pleased to have been noticed!






Courage 2012 sticker

Courage 2012 by KAStrickDesigns
Browse more Mandala Stickers

This is a richly colored, strong mandala, featuring a central yantra. A yantra is used as a meditative focus, and while you see it in two dimensions, it is actually a multidimensional structure for accessing higher consciousness.


Rico:
One of My Favorite Designs from you shop: 
 




Dreamcatcher 2012 neck tie

Dreamcatcher 2012 by KAStrickDesigns
Browse more Digitalart Ties

Dream-catchers filter out bad dreams according to Native American lore. They are burned to nothingness in the rising sun the next morning.Rico: I love dream catchers! Love this design and colors.


Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Kathryn Strick :

My designs are available through Fine Art America as canvas and acrylic prints, framed and matted, or art cards.

KAStrick Designs Fine Art

My Facebook Fan Page is KAStrick Designs.

KAStrick Designs Facebook Fan Page
 

Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

Kathryn Strick :

I am looking at other formats to have my designs printed on tiles, cloth, and ceramic dinnerware. There are local art shows coming up that I am exploring as venues for getting my designs known here at home.

When I was in high school we took an interest survey for career planning. My results said I should be either an artist or a forest ranger. I spent the majority of my adult life in science, education, and technology. I'd like to find the fulfillment of my artistic side in this last part of my life.

Interview with Boriana Giormova of Cute and Strange Creatures Store

 Boriana Giormova

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Boriana

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Boriana

I have two shops. The first Cute and Strange Creatures Store

I love to create characters and all kinds of creatures - cute, strange, evil, lovely. The designs in the store are made with these creatures, hence the name.

My second store is  Borianagpenci

and I have just started building it. It's the store where I sell cards, prints and magnets with my pencil drawn illustrations. The pencil drawn artwork style is different from the more polished, digitally made illustrations, so I felt the need to separate the stores.


Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Boriana

I have been with Zazzle from August 2007, but just recently became more consistent in creating products and managing the store.


Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Boriana

It's been so long ago that I don't remember very well. I think it was through Deviantart, which I was using a lot at that time.


Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?
If yes, how long from the time you open a shop until you made it to ProSeller?

Boriana

Yes, I've just become a Proseller, 5 years after joining Zazzle.


Rico:
What made you decide to open your own store?

Boriana

I was very excited by the idea of making money from my art, so I decided to give it a try.

Rico:
What's the best advise you got when you were starting out?

Boriana

The best advice by far was to be consistent in creating quality products and to read and write in the Zazzle forums - there is a huge amount of useful information there, as well as many people who are promoting as well as creating wonderful products.


Rico:
What was your first sale (include link)?

Boriana

My first ever sale was of the Dazzled Bug kid shirt which turned out to one of the all time bestsellers from my store.

Dazzled Bug kid by borianag
Make photo tshirts from Zazzle.

Rico:
What medium/tools do you use to create your designs?

Boriana

I first sketch the idea with a pencil and paper. Then I make photos of the sketches and create the final image in Illustrator. At the end I import the file in Photoshop - whether to add a texture or just save the final file.


Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Boriana

My favorite aspect about Zazzle is the opportunity to see my designs as they will look on the products and the fascinating thought that someone somewhere is wearing/using/enjoying something created by me.


Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Boriana

There's inspiration everywhere around me. I love to look at projects in Behance.net, art and design blogs. I read a lot of books and sometimes the images just pop and they're so vivid that I have to draw them. My kids are great idea generators, too: "Mom, this is a funny dinosaur. Now let's see it fart." :)


Rico:
How much time a week to you spend on Zazzle?

Boriana

As a stay at home mom of two, I spend almost all of my free time creating artwork or products - that's about 40 hours a week, maybe.


Rico:
What's the best advise you can give someone just starting out on Zazzle?

Boriana

Create products daily, try to think as someone who will buy and use them. Use the Zazzle forums and social networks for promotion because even if you offer the greatest products in the world, there is no use if people can't see them.


Rico:
What do you like to do when you are not creating art?

Boriana

I love spending time with my husband, playing with the kids, playing video games, browsing, reading, listening to music...


Rico:
For most each product or design they create is special. What is your most favorite design and why (include link)?

Boriana

My most favorite item designed by me is the Happy Singing Robot Grunge mousepad. I love robots so much and this one has become something as a long-time friend of mine. It's a bit silly and funny and it's a very, very friendly one.

Happy Singing Robot Grunge by borianag
Make your own mouse pad on zazzle.

Rico:
Tell me 5 random things everyone should know about you?

Boriana

First: I have a good sense of humor.

Second: I'm a painful perfectionist (trying to loosen it up a bit).

Third: I love science - and have a master's in Pharmacy and a will have soon a second one in Graphic design.

Fourth: I worry too much.

Fifth: I need listening to music as I need breathing.


Rico:
Include links to 3 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.

Boriana

Dazzled Bug blue iPod Touch case

Dazzled Bug blue iPod Touch case by borianag
Design custom i phone covers at Zazzle

This design turned out to be a big seller during the recent Christmas holidays. It features the fluffy Dazzled Bug - a cute character I made a long time ago for a site we made with my husband.




Happy Singing Robot Grunge Mouse Pad

Happy Singing Robot Grunge by borianag
See other Robot mousepad Mousepads

It's a blue paper textured mousepad with a funny singing robot. I love robots and I frequently draw them, though I haven't created enough products with them yet.




Red Evil Flower Bug T-shirt

Red Evil Flower Bug T-shirt by borianag
More Evil creature T-Shirts

This bug is evil and at the same time cute, holds a flower while grinning and is a lovely funny creature.


Rico:
If you could purchase ANY item (of someone else’s) what would it be? Why?

Boriana

Piggy mouse pad

piggy mouse pad by fawnbaby
Make unique custom mouse pads no minimum at Zazzle.

I absolutely love this Piggy mousepad the illustration is great and it's so funny.


Rico:
Zazzle has helped many people meet goals that they otherwise wouldn’t have achieved. What has Zazzle helped you to achieve in your personal life?

Boriana

Zazzle has helped me to make the decision that I will do what I love to do.


Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Boriana

I have a blog - My Grinning Mind where I present the various things I create, I've also made some desktop and iPhone wallpapers with the creatures which can be downloaded from the blog. I share a lot of interesting things I've seen or read on Twitter - I @borianag. I also love Pinterest and use it daily Boriana Pinterest it's a wonderful tool for collecting and organizing inspiration.

Interview with Belinha Fernandes of A Portuguese Love

 Belinha Fernandes of A Portuguese Love

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Belinha Fernandes

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Belinha Fernandes :

A Portuguese Love

I picked this name because at first when I created the store I wanted to sell Portuguese culture and tradition inspired designs. My first choice was A Portuguese Girl but there was already a store with that name in the POD universe. So I gave it up and picked this one instead. Then I thought it was a mistake because I do not sell ONLY those kind of products and it might disencourage people to take a look.

Papelustro

When we were children we all played with safe scissors and colorful paper. In Portugal we call Papel (Paper) de lustro (polish) to a kind of thin, glossy and colorful paper that children use in kindergarten and elementary school to make collages and paper cut works. Today there are a lot more attractive materials than these sheets of red, yellow, blue, brown, black and gray paper. So papel de lustro is somehow forgotten by educators. And that's the origin of my name, Papel+lustro. This store was created to sell copies from my original collages that can be seen at http://www.papelustro.blogspot.com. All collages are made from magazine scraps and papel de lustro. People asked me copies of those blog collages and that’s how I discovered Zazzle.

Rico:
What type of product do you sell the most of?

Belinha Fernandes :

The products I sell the most are birthday party invitations and souvenirs from Portugal at A Portuguese Love. My Papelustro postcards also sell well but this store has just a few products.

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Belinha Fernandes :

I’ve been on Zazzle since March 2009. I opened Papelustro first. Then I opened A Portuguese Love in October of the same year.

Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Belinha Fernandes :

I knew about POD possibilities for some time before I tried Zazzle. I just made a search on the web and examined all POD available. I liked Zazzle more.

Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?
If yes, how long from the time you open a shop until you made it to ProSeller?

Belinha Fernandes :

Yes, A long time! I got my badge last year on December 2011. My stores were inactive for a long periods in the first two years, I think people can made ProSeller much earlier, don’t feel discouraged when you read this.

Rico:
What made you decide to open your own store?

Belinha Fernandes :

I have a blog where I post paper collages. Many people asked me if the collages were for sale. They were not and I did not want to sell it. So I needed a way to make prints of those collages so I could sell it. That's why I decided to open my first store, Papelustro.

Rico:
What's the best advise you got when you were starting out?

Belinha Fernandes :

A few experienced Zazzlers told me that Zazzle was like any other business out there and that if I was expecting to make some money out of it I should work hard in creating and promoting the store. I should think first about my clients needs and not myself. If I was just there for the fun then I could relax and take it easy. This is true and today I can give the same advice to anyone who is starting out.

Rico:
What was your first sale?

Belinha Fernandes :

I don't remember anymore!

Rico:
What medium/tools do you use to create your designs?

Belinha Fernandes :

All work on the stores is original work. I create Papelustro’s illustrations with paper and glue and then I finish it on Photoshop. A Portuguese Love has some photos and vector work that I create in several programs like Illustrator, Corel Draw or Freehand.

Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Belinha Fernandes :

I think that the possibility for people to customize products is absolutely fantastic.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Belinha Fernandes :

Children world inspires me a lot. I like to use happy colors and shapes. I try to create simple and clean designs. Some lines of products are inspired by traditional Portuguese culture and traditions. They will appeal to Portuguese but also to everyone who's fond of Portugal or to the ones who simply like pretty things. Papelustro shows a kind of more experimental work but there’s a strong connection to the child universe in my characters too.

Rico:
How much time a week to you spend on Zazzle?

Belinha Fernandes :

It depends. Last Christmas I spent most November nights and weekends working in my Christmas collection! It takes a lot of time to create from scratch, upload and choose the proper keywords to Zazzle. Whenever I have some free time I create a new drawing for Zazzle or promote a little. Instead of watching TV I work for Zazzle. That’s what I do.

Rico:
What's the best advise you can give someone just starting out on Zazzle?

Belinha Fernandes :

Maybe it’s the same advice that was given to me. Prepare for work hard. Even if you love to create there will be times when you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work. Zazzle means you have to work in creation and promotion. The work is never done! But if you love to create then you can expect to be rewarded in a lot of ways. I love selling my art work to person miles away. It still makes me go WOW! Each time it happens.

Rico:
What do you like to do when you are not creating art?

Belinha Fernandes :

Besides working for my store and blogging about it I enjoy movies a lot and never miss an afternoon end at the beach in the summer. I do copy work, illustration and I also teach people how to use graphic software.

Rico:
For most each product or design they create is special. What is your most favorite design and why?

Belinha Fernandes :

Free a story - read a book! postcard

Free a story - read a book! by papelustro
View other Literature Postcards

This is one of my collages. I believe it's one of my best works. I find this postcard really special. Maybe because I like reading and books so much.

Rico:
Tell me 5 random things everyone should know about you?

Belinha Fernandes :

I’m Portuguese and proud of my country even if we’re facing such hard times in Europe right now

my passion is graphic arts even if I went to Law school in the past

I love animals and nature

I live by the sea and can’t imagine otherwise

I like to read poetry out loud (for myself)!

Rico:
Include links to 3 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.

Belinha Fernandes :

Portuguese Rooster of Luck Christmas Ornaments

Portuguese Rooster of Luck by aportugueselove
Browse more Portuguese rooster Ornaments

O Galo de Barcelos - Barcelos's Rooster- is the unofficial symbol of Portugal. Many shops sell the traditional ceramic rooster all over Portugal. It's associated to a legend and it stands for good luck because the rooster crow saved a prisoner from death. It's lively colors bring happiness to every home. If you want to wish good luck to someone offer the very special Portuguese Rooster of Luck!



Secondhand smoke catching machine! mouse pads

Secondhand smoke catching machine! by aportugueselove
More Secondhand smoke Mousepads

As you might already know exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer and heart disease in nonsmoking adults, and it increases the risk for sudden infant death syndrome, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other serious respiratory conditions in children. So we should not underestimate secondhand smoke presence. These cute products were created to raise awareness about it among children and families.



The 12 Signs of Zodiac Note Books

The 12 Signs of Zodiac by aportugueselove
Browse Zazzle for a different spiral note book

The word Zodiac means animals and refers to the configurations of creatures as seen in the twinkling stars at night. Astrology has been used by many civilizations for thousands of years. Some believe it, some don't. But everybody knows their sign! I created a collection of cute Zodiac Sign characters for kids. But I guess adults might like it too!

Rico:
Here is one of my favorite designs of yours;




Hello Pirate! T-shirts

Hello Pirate! by aportugueselove
Put your favorite picture on shirts.

Rico:
Very cute pirate design!
Rico:
If you could purchase ANY item (of someone else’s) what would it be? Why?

Belinha Fernandes :

That's an impossible answer. I see so many wonderful creations at Zazzle! Anything from Hand Critters. This was the first store I remembered. It's an injustice to all those I like too! This guy uses the simple shape of his hand to create all the designs. It's so creative. It's so simple and it works so well!

Rico: I chose this one for you

Hand Alligator Infant Creeper

Hand Alligator Infant Creeper by handcritters
View more Alligator T-Shirts

Rico:
Zazzle has helped many people meet goals that they otherwise wouldn’t have achieved. What has Zazzle helped you to achieve in your personal life?

Belinha Fernandes :
Zazzle has helped many people meet goals that they otherwise wouldn’t have achieved. What has Zazzle helped you to achieve in your personal life?

I have always wanted to sell my illustrations to others. Sometimes I still can't believe that I am doing it!

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Belinha Fernandes :

Twitter

Blog

Facebook

Google +

Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

Belinha Fernandes :

Zazzle has been a good experience also because I’ve been making some virtual friends all over the world.

And my thanks to Rico for this opportunity!

Rico:
It's my pleasure!