Interview with Diana Koenders aka pics4merch

Diana - pics4merch








Rico:
What's Your Name 

Diana Koenders

Rico:
List your shop(s) - 

Diana:

Pics4Merch

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Diana:

I opened an account in november 2010 but made a mistake by not checking the template option, so people could not personalize them nor could they remove the sample text I added on them. I changed all products on june 13, 2011 and that's when sales started.

Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Diana:

Yes

Rico:
How long from the time you open a shop until you made it to ProSeller?

Diana:

2 Months and 1 week.

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

Diana:

Well, as mentioned before, I made a mistake by not checking the template option on the text layers, but the best advice I got was on june 13th this year, when someone mentioned this and I was able to fix the problem.  

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

Diana:

I use Photoshop to enhance my photographs and create mixed media designs.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Diana:

My best friend, who is the kindest and most encouraging person out there :-)

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

Diana:

About 6 hours a day, 7 days a week, so approx 42 hours.

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

Diana:

That's an easy one : Make sure you check the template option on ALL layers :-)

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

Diana:

Walking, as it's a great way to clear the head and think of new designs or images to create.

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

Diana:

Oh poe... what can I say...
Not sure if it's something people SHOULD know, but perhaps I should mention the fact that having an autistic disorder, has really helped me to become a better photographer/designer. I can focus on things to the extreme, especially in regard to details and because of that, I design my products one at the time (i.e. I don't use quick create) I want each product to look the best as possible (something I can only achieve, creating it manually) and that's also the reason why I don't add a high volume of products to my store, despite the fact I work many hours on it, on a daily basis.

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

Diana: 

ZEN business card: 

Zen business card by pics4merch
Get your color business cards at zazzle

This is my best selling business card and the very first mixed media design I did. It was more like an experiment, but it really got me hooked, as it was a fun thing to do because with designing, you can basically create everything.

Day spa / aromatherapy / massage business card:

Day Spa Massage Therapist Aromatherapy by pics4merch
See more Day spa Business Cards

This is another example of a mixed media design. The background was added later in post processing and is actually a macro image of a small plant, with sun rays (created with a photoshop brush)

Planet earth is listening. Globe wearing headphones

World music. Globe with headphones and QR barcode by pics4merch

This is another, brandnew mixed media design, available on various products. I combined a photo of headphones with a 3D render of a globe and added it to a blue background with a world map and sheet music.

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Diana:

Twitter pics4merch
Dreamstime.com

Interview with Rhonda Albom

Rhonda Albom















Rico:
What's Your Name 

Rhonda Albom

Rico:
List your shop(s) - 

Rhonda Albom: 

Primary Shop: - Albom Design on Zazzle
Nearly all of my products are created in this store and categorized by style (Photo-seascape, photo-landscape, humor, etc). Then I have created a series of niche stores which categorize the same products differently. These stores actually hold no products but seamlessly link back to my original store. I have explained the processes and my logic here:  Niche-Strores
 
My niche stores include:
Albom Design on Zazzle
Fiji Pictures and Graphics
Laugh Quotes
New Zealand Fun
Planking Shirts by Albom Design 
 
I also have an independent store: Home School Projects
 
Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle? 

Rhonda Albom:
A bit over 2 years.

Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Rhonda Albom:  

Yes. I became a bronze level pro-seller recently, when Zazzle finally gave out the status this year. I crossed the $1000 commission earned mark about 20 months after I started on Zazzle.

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

Rhonda Albom: 
"Stop giving away all your work, join Zazzle and start making some money." Also to have a look at the Zazzle forum. So many really great Zazzlers there who are willing to help out. But remember, everyone can go there, so all advice is not always good advice. I wish I had spent more time learning at the beginning.

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

Rhonda Albom:  
Mostly I am a photographer and feature my un-edited work. However I do use photoshop for cropping, and occasionally for artistic enhancements (these would be major and obvious alterations. ) I also use Adobe Illustrator for graphic art and for adding text sayings or words to my photos.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Rhonda Albom:  

Nature, humor and my family.

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

Rhonda Albom:
Hard to say. I do internet work full time, about 40 hours per week. My blog is my primary project, and it frequently features Zazzle work. I also write on Squidoo, Wizzley and Best Reviewer - also often featuring Zazzle work, as well as other affiliates. So much of what I do is cross over that it would be difficult to isolate the Zazzle portion (for instance, is this interview "time spent on Zazzle"? ) In general I would say I spend 20% of time creating (art work or writing) and 80% publicizing.

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

Rhonda Albom: 

My current system:

1. Plan first (Think about and research your name before you open your store. I really wish I had done this, as "albomfamily" is not really a great choice, but with over 4700 products it is way to late to change. Also, decide a direction for your store before you begin making products. Planning upfront will save you lots of time later.)

2. Create (Take your time, only publish artwork you are really proud of, and only use the artwork where on product which it looks good. Don't make too many of the same product -a few sample t-shirts is plenty, as Zazzle makes it clear and easy to change shirt style. Otherwise the traffic to them gets split. Better to have 200 views to one shirt than 10 views to 20 shirts.)

3. Promote (Products generally will not sell themselves. I use Squidoo, Wizzley, Best Reviewer, Facebook, Twitter and my blog as my primary promotion tools. Also, promote products from other Zazzlers, aside from the great affiliate program, cross promotion is always helpful. )

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

Rhonda Albom:  

I am a travel photographer (at least that is what I want to be) so I travel when I can. I also homeschool my children who are snow sports athletes (both National Champions), so we tend to spend a lot of time in sport.

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

Rhonda Albom:
I write a humor blog LaughQuotes.com
I live in New Zealand.
I homeschool my kids.
I am married to a rocket scientist.
I was once thin.

Rico:
List 3 of your favorite designs. Tell me something about each design.

Rhonda Albom:
One of my newest: 

Memories of Malolo Lailai, Mamanuca Islands Fiji Shirt 

Memories of Malolo Lailai, Mamanuca Islands Fiji by Albomfamily

One of my most popular:

Why Live On the Edge Hoody 

Why Live On the Edge by Albomfamily
Shop Zazzle for another t shirt.Zazzle

One of my favorite shots:

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand Posters

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand by Albomfamily

Rico:
How may our readers contact you?

Rhonda Albom:  

Best contact through Laugh-Quotes (my blog): Laugh Quotes - Contact

Or email me at: coastalrhonda@yahoo.com

Interview with Michelle - Myshelle Gifts

Michelle








Rico:
What's Your Name?

Michelle  

Rico:
List your shop(s)

Michelle:

Myshelle Gifts
LIFE ON THE BEACH

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Michelle:
16 months

Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Michelle:
No

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

Michelle:
I read “ The top ten mistakes Zazzlers make and any other info I could find in the forum

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

Michelle:
My Camera, Photoshop I pay a subscription for graphics.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Michelle:
Zazzle shop keepers,particularly in the forum who give help and invaluable advice,offers to promote and even give freebies for designs that they could keep all to themselves.  

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

Michelle:  
Daily at the moment, creating and promoting.

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

Michelle:
Read as much as you can first,take your time do not become despondent if sales don't happen straight away,there are thousands of products out there.

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

Michelle:
My computer is my therapy and lifeline, I spend a lot of time watching and practising video tutorials. Reading,cooking.

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

Michelle:
1. Hmmm don't know if I should really tell this, I suffer severe depression,anxiety and agoraphobia.
2. For this reason I absorb myself in Zazzle, my computer, blogs, lenses and promoting.
3. Always looking for something new to learn.
4. I enjoy cooking
5. I have been a Hairdresser, Masseuse (therapeutic) Nurse Assistant.

Rico:
List 3 of your favorite designs. Tell me something about each design. 

Michelle:

Purple Shimmer Petals Posters

 

Purple Shimmer Petals by myshelle
Learn how to sell artwork online with Zazzle.

One of my most favourite photographed florals and best sellers on several different products.

Reiki Business card

Reiki Business card by myshelle
Learn how to sell my art prints online at Zazzle.

The first business card I made for my sister,the rose being of great sentiment to us both.

My Dad Fathers Day Mug

My Dad Fathers Day Mug by myshelle
Learn how to make money as an artist online at Zazzle.

My Dad who I love dearly.

Interview with Briana Blair aka BrianaDragon

Briana Blair aka BrianaDragon

















Rico: 
What's Your Name?

Briana Blair aka BrianaDragon

Rico: 
List your shop(s) -

Briana:
Blair Peacock Creations
Mandala Magic

Rico: 
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Briana:
Since April of 2009. Well, that's when I created my very first product anyway.  

Rico: 
Are you a ProSeller?

Briana:
I just made ProSeller under the new rules. I would have made ProSeller last year though if they'd had it fixed.

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

Briana:
Don't give up too soon. It can take a while to get that first sale, so just keep adding designs and products and know that the sales will come.

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

Briana:
Currently I'm doing almost exclusively digital work using PhotoShop, PSP and a Genius tablet. Sometimes I still use pen and paper, but not nearly as much as I used to.

Rico: Who or what inspires you?

Briana:
All kinds of things. Music, movies, TV shows, and my dreams. I see a lot of cool stuff in my dreams. If they ever come up with the technology, I would totally love a device that could record video of my dreams and let me make screen captures later. I'd never lose an awesome idea again!

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

Briana:
It depends. I don't spend much time on the site itself because my husband (the Peacock of Blair Peacock Creations) does most of the listing. I do spend time every day, sometimes a long time, promoting, blogging, doing interviews and all kinds of other stuff to get the word out about our shop. That is when I'm not making new designs.

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

Briana:
Ask questions and listen to what others have to teach you, but never take anything as gospel. Just because a way of working or promoting brings success to one person doesn't mean it'll work for everyone. Some people will give you "advice" that will drive you mad, or just not sync with the way you want to do things. Listen, learn, and develop your own way of growing your business. Also, try to provide a wide selection of products and designs. Selection will equate to greater interest and more sales.

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

Briana:
Movies music and video games. They inspire me and they're fun. I also spend a lot of time on FaceBook. Hubby and I also like RPGing together.  

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

Briana:
Really? Um....
1. I'm lousy at talking about myself. My work, fine; me... not so much.
2. I'm an ordained minister and I have an MsD in Metaphysics.
3. I wrote an entire sci-fi novel at age 12. Maybe one day I'll publish it.
4. I actually like Abba and The BeeGees, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
5. I legally changed my name at age 18, and I'm actually considering doing it again.

Rico: 
List 3 of your favorite designs. Tell me something about each design.

Briana:
Favorite? Wow, I like so much of my stuff... This is gonna be hard...

Skelly Mummy T Shirt 

Skelly Mummy by brianadragon
Join one of the biggest artist affiliate programs

- I'm not sure what it is about this one, but I was so happy with the way he came out. It took 18 layers, including bandage strips I did by hand. I love the little details like the web and spider. It actually came out cooler than the image in my head.

All Gods Universal Power Color - Religious Symbol Print 

All Gods Universal Power Color - Religious Symbol by brianadragon
Browse more Gods Posters

- This one is actually really special to me. I saw it in a dream. I was thinking of a symbol that would express everything I thought about God, and what it meant to me. I wasn't sure I'd be able to create something that really represented the vision in my head, but it came together perfectly. I think The Higher Power would be pleased.

Pretty Prancing Dark Unicorn with Flowers Ipad Case

Pretty Prancing Dark Unicorn with Flowers by brianadragon
Join Zazzle's iphone affiliate program

- A darker version of this unbelievably girly pink unicorn I made. The original drawing was done when I was about 11 or 12. This dark version exists because hubby was gagging over the "nasty fluffy sweetness" of the original. LOL.

Rico: 
Where else can our readers find you?

Briana: 
Brianadragon on Twitter  
My Personal Blog  
Books I've Written 
Blair Peacock Creations FB Fan Page  
My FaceBook Profile

Interview with Christina - Great Gifts Store

Great Gifts Store








Rico: What's Your Name?

Christina

Rico: List your shop(s) -  

Christina:

Great Gifts Store

Rico: How long have you been at Zazzle? -

Christina: April 2011

Rico: Are you a ProSeller?

Christina: Not yet!

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

Christina: To keep plugging away even when it seems like I'm not getting anywhere..

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

Christina: Picasa and Sumo Paint

Rico: Who or what inspires you?

Christina: Sandra Bullock has been my main role model for the last 16 years.

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

Christina: Varies between 20 and 40 hours.

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

Christina: Maybe to practice a few designs on a private store before starting on an open store.

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

Christina: Bicycling, watching movies or playing with my dog, Jojo.

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

Christina:

1) I'm an aspiring filmmaker
2) I love Twitter
3) I'm a coffee-o-holic
4) I dream of traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures
5) I'm a big music fan and always have a song rolling around in my head

Rico: List 3 of your favorite designs -
 
Christina:

New York Chrysler Building Shoes!

New York Chrysler Building Shoes! by GreatGiftsStore
Design your own customize your own shoes at Zazzle

This picture was taken on a trip to New York in 2009 with my Mom and my Best friend and is very close to my heart. I think it makes for a great pair of shoes!

I'll Be Home For Christmas Men's Shoes

I'll Be Home For Christmas Men's Shoes by GreatGiftsStore
Learn ways to make money as an artist on Zazzle.

Though I was inspired by the Military when I made these shoes, these are actually for anyone who can't go home for the Holidays. I think this concept makes for a very special pair of shoes and is probably my favorite design.

Sunlight Peaking Through the Trees Art - Poster

Sunlight Peaking Through the Trees Art - Poster by GreatGiftsStore
Join one of the largest artwork affiliate programs

My friend and Photographer, "A.D.B." is allowing her art to be displayed in my store and I think this particular photograph makes an amazing poster.

Rico: Where else can our readers find you?

Christina:
 
- Find the Great Gifts Store on Twitter
 

Interview with Hafapea

Hafapea















Rico: What's your name?

Hafapea - (no, it's not my realy name but, it is my nom de guerre)

Rico: List your shop(s)

Hafapea:

Designs by Hafapea Gift Shop
OCG: A Floral Gift Shop
OGS: Online Gift Shop
UMG: Unique Mandala Gifts
Princess Penelope's Persnickety Pixel Palace

Rico: How long have you been at Zazzle?

Hafapea:
I have been with Zazzle for almost three years. I began creating products late in December of 2008.

Rico: Are you a ProSeller?

Hafapea:
Yes, I am a Bronze Level ProSeller. At the time that I made ProSeller the requirement was that you have over $100 in sales for three months in a row. I was awarded my badge seven months after opening my shop, in July of 2009.

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

Hafapea:
The best advice I got when I was starting out was Tip #4 on a Squidoo lens called Zazzle 101 that read, "Zazzle is a numbers game. If you have 10 items you might sell something now and then. But if you have 10,000 items you are going to sell a lot. This is not to say that you should sacrifice quality for quantity, you need both. The bottom line is the more product you have, the more you will sell so get moving!" I am a sole parent and full-time college student, so time is not something I have a lot of. Of all the ways in which one can go about increasing sales, this is the one that I was able to do and, best of all, it worked!

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

Hafapea:
My medium is digital art and the tools that I use are Apophysis, a freeware fractal program, and Paint Shop Pro, a program similar to Photoshop that is much more affordable and user friendly.

Rico: Who or what inspires you?

Hafapea:
My life inspires me: my past, my present and the dreams I have for my future. My past is what has made me who I am and has a heavy influence over what I see when I look at a particular fractal, as well as what I end up calling the finished piece. My present is my son - the most wondrous being of love and light to have ever entered my life. The joy that his existence gives me is what inspires me to create in the first place. It is a feeling so intense that there are no words that can truly give it expression. My art is an attempt to make up for that. The dreams I have for my future are many but, the one that motivates me to keep going is that of being able to travel the world. When I travel, I don't like to vacation. I like to spend time getting to know the culture and the people from the area that I am in. If I can turn Zazzle into a real money maker, it will free me up to do just that. I can create digital art and Zazzle products anywhere that there is an electrical socket and an internet connection, which will allow me to go live on Bora Bora, if I want too.

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

Hafapea:
The amount of time I spend on Zazzle varies. If classes are in session, not much. During semester breaks I have been known to spend 12-18 hours a day there cranking out products. There are also times when I burn out on "working" and stay away from anywhere from a day to a week at a time.

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

Hafapea:
Visit Zazzle 101 and follow the advice that she gives you there. It's good stuff!

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

Hafapea:
When I am not creating art I like to spend time with my son, of course, and play Wizard101 - a game that I am highly addicted to for the simple fact that it is the closest I will ever come to attending Hogwarts.

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

Hafapea:
I spent 17 years of my life traveling the U.S. before getting knocked up with my son on my 36th birthday.
I love sushi, saki, mangoes, kava, Kona coffee and yerba mate.
I believe in faeries, dragons, gnomes, aliens, and the existence of all other beings that only I can see.
I am as crazy as you think I am and happier than you could possibly imagine.
One day I plan to spend an entire day in a secluded area doing nothing but drinking absinthe and reading the poetry of Rumi and Hafiz.

Rico: List 3 of your favorite designs

Hafapea:
I am one of those people who actually love their own art, so choosing three favorites is not possible. I was able to find three that there is something to tell about, though.

The first is Mother; this image is the one that started it all. It is the very first fractal that I ever created and it is the image that I used to launch my first Zazzle shop, Designs by Hafapea Gift Shop, back in 2008.

Mother Poster (from $10.45) by Hafapea
Become a graphic design affiliate for Zazzle.

Next is my piece of pixel art, Red Fu Dog; this image began as nothing more than a black outline. Using my mouse, I filled it in, pixel by pixel, creating what I think is a pretty awesome 3-D rendering of a Chinese Fu Dog.

Red Fu Dog Black Poster by PrincessPenelope
See other Far east Posters

The third piece is a fractal image that I call Sassafras Moon. Yes, I know that isn't the name of the poster, but well, November and Beaver Moon are more popular names, so the spirit of marketing dictated that I call it that. It is one of a series of 12 fractal moons that I created, each of which deeply resonate with the magic of my soul in their own way. Of the twelve, this moon is the one that I find to be the most peaceful in a harmonious, mandalic sort of way.

November Beaver Moon Poster (from $10.45) by Hafapea
Browse more Fractal Posters

Rico: Where else can our readers find you?

Hafapea:
Join my Fan Page
Follow my Hafatweets
Read my Blog

Interview with Olga Hutsul / Urban Designs by Olga Hutsul Photography

( Olga Hutsul Self Portrait)

Rico: What's your name? 

Olga Hutsul from Ontario, Canada





Rico: What are the name(s) of your Zazzle Shops/stores? 

Olga Hutsul :

Urban Designs by Olga Hutsul Photography
My World Travels

Rico: How long have you been at Zazzle? 

Olga Hutsul : Since March 2011

Rico: Are you a ProSeller? 

Olga Hutsul : No, but when I get there I will own the world!!!

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

Olga Hutsul : To plan the store well and to work on descriptions/tags. To actively promote what you have designed. Unfortunately do not have patience to follow them.

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

Olga Hutsul : My own photography is at the heart of everything I do. I use Photoshop for creating my designs. Planning on mastering illustrator as well. And really want to pick up pencil and brush again.

Rico: Who or what inspires you? 

Olga Hutsul : El Greco, Giotto, Salvador Dali, completely random phrases from the Bible, boats, Umberto Eco, decay, Albrecht Durer, my sufferings at Wagner’s opera(believe me they are by far stronger than that of his characters’), Nietzsche, moon, king Solomon, Dante, total inability to enjoy Picasso, brick walls, dragonflies, Ieronim Bosh, Plain White T’s ”Delila”, fishing nets, Anne Leibowitz, King Oedipus, chocolate ice cream, Dostoyevsky, white paper, Sagrada Familia (Barcelona), Russian poetry, huge empty spaces with large windows, Geometry, monasteries, my hopeless dreams of Venice...

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

Olga Hutsul : Average 3-4 hours a day

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

Olga Hutsul : Keep focused, when you design something have potential buyer / target group in mind. Think about the product how and when it could be used, who might be interested. Do not waste time on creating endless products based on backyard snapshots of flowers. Put more thought in your work. There is so much of everything out there that your designs really have to stand out.

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

Olga Hutsul : Read and hike

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

Olga Hutsul : There is not that many things I know about myself:
I get inspired (and carried away) easily
I love to travel – if I could I would do that for a living.
I am consumed by photography.
I dream about having enough time to do things I love.

Rico: What are 3 of your favorite designs? 
Olga Hutsul : 

Fire hydrant iphone 4 case

Fire hydrant by hutsul
Browse more iphone designs

Ladie's night invitation

Ladie's night invitation by hutsul
Shop for an announcement on zazzle

surreal apple speckcase

surreal apple speckcase by hutsul
Browse other iphone 3 cases

Rico: Where else can our readers find you? 

Olga Hutsul :
I also have my own website: Olga Hutsul Photography
My digital art prints can be purchased from here: Olga Hutsul Digital Dreams
And here is a link to my “funny” creative biography: My creative life as examined by invisible self