Monday, September 30, 2013

Interview with Dorin Cojocariu of Dorinco



Rico:
What's Your Name?


Dorin Cojocariu :

Rico:
List your shop(s) -


Dorin Cojocariu :

My main shop is:

Dorinco

I specialize in customized postage/ personalized (personalised) postage stamps. As an advanced stamp collector/philatelist/maximaphilist, my main interest is about Wild Mammals. Also, whatever else catches my eye--I have a collection (among several collections) showcasing at least one philatelic item (normal stamp, not personalized) from just about every theme of interest. For example: Sports. I want to have at least one stamp for each sports discipline and some subcategories. At least one stamp showing a discus thrower, etc. Just for educational purposes. For the love of the hobby.

I designed, bought and sold many types of personalized stamps, collaborating with friends and partners from several countries.

Maximaphily is my most preferred area of philately, because you can create your own philatelic items by choosing which postcard, stamp and postmark you want to use. At the end, see my links to my websites.

My second shop is:

zzl_693463283865848

The name was assigned by Zazzle when I was experimenting with the Zazzle Instant phone app.

In this store, most items are created with Zazzle QR (QuickCreate).

Speed in creating is more important here than individual quality. I don't have the time to fix every item (Zazzle could have done a better job at automatically sizing and resizing images for different products in QuickCreate).



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle? How Long did it take to achieve ProSeller status?


Dorin Cojocariu :
I discovered Zazzle in 2006, and I started my shop then. After a couple of years, I got the ProSeller status. I never had enough time to promote my Zazzle activities on a large scale.


Rico:
Who or what inspires you?


Dorin Cojocariu :
Any compelling image, or idea that I envision.


Rico:
How would you describe your design style?


Dorin Cojocariu :
Photographic, with mastery of text (fonts, size, color, positioning, etc.)


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


Dorin Cojocariu :
I don't have anymore access to my old Mac graphics software, but I don't usually have the time and the need for DRAWING something. I'd rather use what I find, if the copyright allows it.


Rico:
What makes your shop stand out from the rest?


Dorin Cojocariu :
Probably I am one of the most advanced designers of personalized Zazzle stamps in the world. Over 150 designs created, of which I have actually bought over 50 designs, and I sold (or Zazzle sold for me) in several continents.


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


Dorin Cojocariu :
In 2006, my friend Peter E. told me to design new stamps by customizing my old stamp designs, thus getting an additional 10% royalty. That I did.


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


Dorin Cojocariu :
DO NOT expect to make a living out of this, from now on. Even if you work all day long, by now the Zazzle products marketplace is saturated with the competition from your fellow Zazzlers. Do it primarily for fun, like me, and then you'll see.


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?


Dorin Cojocariu :
Zazzle allowed me to have creative fun, especially about stamp designs that I really wanted to have in my collection.


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


Dorin Cojocariu :

I'm from Romania/USA.

My greatest achievement is my family.

I'm famous for global promotion of philately / maximaphily. Designer of personalized
phila​telic ​ items​ .

My hidden talents are foreign language skills.

I could design ANY Zazzle product, for anybody in the world, not just personalized stamps. If you browse my stores, you'll see, if you have patience, that I already designed in every product line.


Rico:
Include links to 5 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.


Dorin Cojocariu :


Siberian tiger hug postage stamps

I love how the tiger cub opens up his loving arms to play with Mom. 



Some Zazzle custom stamps by dorinco Case For The iPad Mini

These are some of my personalized stamps designs. I have many cool creations. :) 


Bengal Tiger 2 iPhone 4/4S Case

Smartphone covers are a super-cool way to make a silent statement, only when you want, by pulling them out and letting the viewership marvel at them, start talking with you (if that's what you want), etc.


grey,squirrel,maximum+card, MPP postmark cute Cover For iPhone 5

This is a custom maximum card/maxicard/dorincard that I created with a postcard made from a real photo print taken by me in downtown Washington, D.C. Then I affixed the USPS stamp and I postmarked it with my own postmark (Mailer's Postmark Permit). Ask me, and I'll give you details.


Giant panda Tai Shan and Mei Xiang Washington DC iPhone 5 Covers

The stamp featured on this phone case shows the two famous and lovely giant pandas from the National Zoo, Washington, D.C., 2006. The mom, Mei Xian, just gave birth to another cub a few days ago.


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


Dorin Cojocariu : 
 
I can be found on Facebook

On Linkedin: Linkedin

On Twitter: @Maximafil

"Philately (stamp collecting) in general, and maximaphily in particular, as a confluence of domains: learning, writing, web design, business administration, etc. Squidoo
 

My Picks: 

Superb collage 3 of cool images iPad cover



Great Blue Heron maximum card Audubon Postcard

Great Blue Heron maximum card, after a drawing by Audubon. Chesapeake Bay stamp. Mailer's Postmark Permit postmark. 


Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, Alaska Canvas Prints

Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights shines above Bear Lake at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, 


Su_Lin_giant_panda_bear_cub_at_the_San_Diego_Zoo Poster
Su_Lin_giant_panda_bear_cub_at_the_San_Diego_Zoo Poster
Su_Lin_giant_panda_bear_cub_at_the_San_Diego_Zoo Poster by dorinco
Find other designs of Art & Posters at Zazzle.com



Rocks pattern 1 mug
Rocks pattern 1 mug
Rocks pattern 1 mug by dorinco
Check out Rocks Mugs online at zazzle



Monday, September 9, 2013

Interview with Anca of Invitation Kits


Interview with Anca of Invitation Kits


Rico:
What's Your Name?


Ancuta Neagu :


Rico:
List your shop(s) -


Ancuta Neagu :

I have 3 shops on Zazzle:

Cool Designs This was the first one opened one year and a half ago when I first met Zazzle and I didn’t know much what I was doing J. I started to learn how Zazzle works, how to use Quick Create and templates and how to deal with categories. At present, it is focused in two directions: Romantic Gifts and Clever Gifts, two niches I am in the process to develop.

Cool Designs

The Good Old Times – This shop was inspired by a few family albums which I inherited from my maternal grandma. The pictures are featuring my grandma’s sister, Vera and her friends living in France in the 1930’s. I created some products with these pictures and with patterns taken from these pictures. 1930s was the time of Art Deco maturity with elegant and functional things reflected both in home decoration and in dressing style. This site is focused on vintage lovers’ niche.

The Good Old Times

Invitation Kits – This is the third one addressing wedding invitations and favors niche. The invitations styles are elegant, classy and Art Deco inspired.

Invitation Kits



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle? How Long did it take to achieve ProSeller status?


Ancuta Neagu :
I became a Proseller after a few months since I started with Zazzle. I used to promote my products on Squidoo, but as I said before, that time I didn’t know much what I was doing. I sold (by chance) a throw pillow, then another three pieces of the same item. It was probably promoted on Pinterest by someone seeing my Squidoo lens, I really don’t know. But, this was the moment I realized it’s about the time to take Zazzle seriously.


Rico:
Who or what inspires you?


Ancuta Neagu :
In general I am inspired by images I see, by gift ideas or simply by imagination.


Rico:
How would you describe your design style?


Ancuta Neagu :
I am not a professional designer (though I wished to be…). I worked in home decorations, I had a window decorations store and I am quite familiar with visual arts. I learned to combine colors and shapes and I use simple techniques to realize nice looking things with significance for an eventual customer.


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


Ancuta Neagu :
I use photography and combinations of prints and realize my designs in Photoshop.


Rico:
What makes your shop stand out from the rest?


Ancuta Neagu :
I think it is the originality of the images I am featuring there. There are unique photos dating from old times that vintage lovers could appreciate. I don’t like to get inspiration from what is selling. I try to propose new images and ideas.


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


Ancuta Neagu :
To be patient.


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


Ancuta Neagu :
To be patient and keep working and learning no matter what.


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?


Ancuta Neagu :
I have the chance to do what I really like to do. Creating products on Zazzle is for me a joy which can be finally very good rewarded. Knowing that I can earn money from it, I doesn’t feel guilty spending time on it!


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


Ancuta Neagu :

I have been working in corporate environment more than 15 years. Then, I started my own business and I lost it going in debt after only 5 years.

After my offline business went bankrupt I found online a world which helped me let the failure behind and start over.

I am coming from a country (Romania) that, after more than 20 years of democracy is still in the process of re-gaining its identity.

My grandma was born in Odessa (that time part of Russian Empire) and emigrated in Romania after the Russian Revolution. Her sister, Vera, immigrated to Paris.

I try to combine my origins’ inheritance and the lessons I learned in everything I am doing know and teach my 13 years’ old daughter to fight in life for only one thing: her freedom.


Rico:
Include links to 5 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.


Ancuta Neagu :

Black and white wedding invitation Art Deco style
Black and white wedding invitation Art Deco style
Black and white wedding invitation Art Deco style by invitations_kits
Look at other Black and white wedding Invitations at zazzle.com


This is the first invitation sold – it was inspired from my family album (in the picture are my aunt and her friends) and the black and white pattern is taken also from one of these photos.



Red black rose wedding invitations
Red black rose wedding invitations
Red black rose wedding invitations by invitations_kits
Find other Red black wedding Invitations at zazzle.com


This is an invitation for a romantic red black wedding – I think this could inspire a sophisticated wedding theme.


Jazz Age Art Deco wedding invitations
Jazz Age Art Deco wedding invitations by invitations_kits
Look at other Art deco wedding Invitations at zazzle.com

Jazz Age Art Deco wedding invitations
Jazz Age Art Deco wedding invitations by invitations_kits
Check out Art deco wedding Invitations online at zazzle

This is an invitations designed for Jazz Age inspired weddings. Jazz Age is part of 1920’s Art Deco style. It is for roaring twenties inspired weddings – for non-conformists and free spirits.



Black and white elegant wedding invitations

Black and white elegant wedding invitations
Black and white elegant wedding invitations by invitations_kits
Check out more Black and white wedding Invitations at Zazzle

Very classy and elegant. For conservative people and formal wedding ceremonies.



Glamorous purple wedding invitations vintage style


This one – purple glamorous - I like the most. Inspired also from the crazy twenties. I haven’t sold it (yet!).


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


Ancuta Neagu : 
 
I can be found on Facebook

On Pinterest: Personal account

On Pinterest: Business account

On Pinterest: My Website

My Picks: 


Black messenger bag with red rose laptop messenger bag




Blue sky posters

Serenity in a summer day.



VHalloweenintage Throw Pillows

Halloween party supplies vintage look. 



SAVE THE DATE magnet black and white wedding
SAVE THE DATE magnet black and white wedding
SAVE THE DATE magnet black and white wedding by invitations_kits
Look at other Black and white wedding Magnets at zazzle.com




Vintage style t-shirt neck tie



Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Interview with Dmitry Saltykov of Diram's Wares




Interview with Dmitry Saltykov of Diram's Wares


Rico:
What's Your Name?


Dmitry Saltykov 


Rico:
List your shop(s) -


Dmitry Saltykov :

Most of my stores go by the name Diram, it's what some of my friends jokingly call me.

My first and biggest shop is Diram's Wares which focuses primarily on kitchen products, such as aprons, mugs, coasters and plates. Diram's Wares

The second shop I have is Diram's Travels which features pictures of Canada coast to coast (From Victoria, BC to St John's, NL) on postcards, canvas prints, postal stamps and posters.

Diram's Travels

Features pictures of Canada coast to coast (From Victoria, BC to St John's, NL) on postcards, canvas prints, postal stamps and posters.

iDiramStore

Features electronic cases for various iOS and Android devices.


Diram's Pillows

and Diram's Pillows which sells just pillows.



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle? How Long did it take to achieve ProSeller status?


Dmitry Saltykov :
I have been on Zazzle since April 2012. I achieved Zazzle Pro status in August 2013.


Rico:
Who or what inspires you?


Dmitry Saltykov :
I did not make a sale for two months after I started, but when that first sale finally came I realized that this is an opportunity I should not pass. Also being on the Zazzle forum and seeing how much effort people put into it really inspired me to work harder.


Rico:
How would you describe your design style?


Dmitry Saltykov :
I usually have floral and pattern designs, as well as nature and food photography.


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


Dmitry Saltykov :
I use GIMP for my art store, and my Xperia T (12mp) phone camera for my photography store.


Rico:
What makes your shop stand out from the rest?


Dmitry Saltykov :
My main store features hohloma, traditional Russian floral artwork, it's very beautiful and unique and pays homage to my heritage. My travel store has a lot of memories for the time when I got to see a good chunk of Canada.


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


Dmitry Saltykov :
Don't give up and don't be discouraged during slow times.


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


Dmitry Saltykov :
The forum has a lot of useful information and support for newcomers.


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?


Dmitry Saltykov :
Zazzle has allowed me to realize that it is not mandatory anymore to rely just on your traditional job income in this turbulent economy, which in turn gave me a piece of mind.


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


Dmitry Saltykov :

I was born in Russia and lived there until I was 16.
I am fluent in both Russian and English.
The next language I want to tackle is Spanish.
I had a chance to travel Canada coast to coast.
I think tea is much better than coffee.


Rico:
Include links to 5 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.


Dmitry Saltykov :

Tea Biscuit Throw Pillow

This is one of my favorite pillows, just picture how awesome it is to sleep on a cookie?



Modern Green Throw Pillow

This is another pillow I really like. The color and the subtle ornament on it is beautiful. 



Hamburger Apron
Hamburger Apron
Hamburger Apron by DiramsWares
Design your own customizable aprons at zazzle.com.

This apron would be a gift for barbecue lovers.



Maple Leaf Coffee Mugs

This mug is just simple, artistic and Canadian. 



Tree and Wind Party Plate

This plate is very unique and artistic. It symbolizes the end of summer. 



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


Dmitry Saltykov :
I was on Facebook before, but no longer. I just recently started using Pinterest because it seems like a relatively simple photo sharing platform. I can be found on Pinterest



My Picks: 



Colorful Butterfly Napkin
Colorful Butterfly Napkin
Colorful Butterfly Napkin by DiramsWares
Look at more Colorful Napkins at zazzle




Lazy Pandas Mug
Lazy Pandas Mug
Lazy Pandas Mug by DiramsWares
Browse Lazy Mugs online at Zazzle.com




Double Dragon Dinner Plates
Double Dragon Dinner Plates
Double Dragon Dinner Plates by DiramsWares
Browse more Dragon Plates at Zazzle




Blue Bird Ornament Drink Pitcher
Blue Bird Ornament Drink Pitcher
Blue Bird Ornament Drink Pitcher by DiramsWares
Browse other drink pitcher designs on Zazzle.




Pumpkin City Placemats


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Interview with Marisu Valencia of Original Designs by Marisu Valencia

 
Marisu Valencia

Interview with Marisu Valencia



Rico:
What's Your Name?


Marisu Valencia 


Rico:
List your shop(s) -


Marisu Valencia :

Original Designs by Marisu Valencia

Marisu Valencia is my "primary" and (name) brand shop that specializes in customizable gifts where you will find original drawings and designs inspired by my love of nature, animals—and all kinds of art! My style ranges from whimsical to trendy to classic and this store features all of them. I went to school for graphic design and worked for well known companies such as Ralph Lauren, Discovery Communications and DC Comics--but started freelancing full-time six years ago to spend more time with my then, 8 year-old son, who is now 14. My cousin who is a successful licensed artist, suggested that I open a store on Zazzle -- and once I started applying my art to Zazzle products, I realized I found a "job" I really enjoyed and was hooked! When someone purchases one of my products on Zazzle, I feel such a sense of accomplishment I never felt when I was creating art for corporate America. My other store is Haute Dog which is completely pet driven. Each pet product is customizable with my original art exclusively for pets. One of the most fun items in this pet store are my designer parody dog tees.


Original designs for the Haute Dog

original drawings and designs inspired by my love of animals and fashion. Please don't hesitate to contact me for design requests. Remember to LIVE. LOVE. BARK. EVERYDAY. For home and gifting needs ... visit my other store... Whimsical designs for happiness and home by Marisu



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle? How Long did it take to achieve ProSeller status?


Marisu Valencia :
Since November 2012. ProSeller Since February 2013. 3 months.


Rico:
Who or what inspires you?


Marisu Valencia :
"In a world where you can be anyone you want to be, be yourself".


Rico:
How would you describe your design style?


Marisu Valencia :

Trendy, whimsical.


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


Marisu Valencia :
My computer.


Rico:
What makes your shop stand out from the rest?


Marisu Valencia :
All the art in my store are my own original designs. I also have several wrapped canvas' with 7-8 areas to add photos to create a beautiful collage--these are my best sellers!


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


Marisu Valencia :
Create art that is event/occasion driven.


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


Marisu Valencia :
Same advice I got starting out.


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?


Marisu Valencia :
Zazzle has given me the opportunity to be my own boss and know that with hard work, success can follow.


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


1) I love my son more than anything in this world.
2) My niece Taylor is one of my best friends.
3) I love animals.
4) I am a foodie.
5) I was a tour dancer for The Beach Boys.


Rico:
Include links to 5 of your favorite designs you want me to feature. Tell me something about each design.


Marisu Valencia :

Personalized Mother's Day Photo Collage Gallery Wrap Canvas


You can add 7 photos to this collage with a beautiful graphic background containing different ways you say "Mom".


Add 7 of your personal photos to this canvas print and create a memorable token for a mom you know. High quality photos surrounded by the many ways to express MOM in pretty pink type and faded newsprint graphic on eggshell background. Add your photos in Personalize it section 2) Click Change and upload your image --no need to resize. Your image will fill up the space in the frame automatically. Customize text and you're done! Design by Marisu Valencia, copyright 2012.



Graduation Collage - Fully Customizable - Gallery Wrapped Canvas


Collage with a mod background filled with happy words and illustrations for a graduate! Customize with graduate's name.


Add 7 personalized photos to this beautiful glossy canvas wrap and create a memorable treasure for your graduate. Full-color high quality photos on a mod graphic background filled with happy words for the GRADUATE. To add photos: 1) Go to Personalize it section 2) Click Change and upload your image --no need to re-size. Your image will fill up the space in the frame automatically.


Personalized MR & MR Mugs


Mustache mugs for the gay couple who wants to declare their love! Customize with wedding date.


Adorable and whimsical design by Marisu Valencia. Mr. & Mr. Mustache mugs!! For the gay couple who wants to declare their love. Ready to PERSONALIZE with couple's surname and/or wedding date!



Saks Fifth Avenue Logo Parody Dog T Shirt


Parody on the luxury store with classic script molded after the original logo.


For the Haute Dog. Barks Fifth Avenue, a parody of the famous luxury store, Saks Fifth Avenue. Molded after the original logo, the classic script lettering is easily recognizable to any Saks fan. A must for dogs and their humans who love fashion! Customize with your pet's name!



Customizable Vintage Toy Dogs on Stripes Pet Bowl


Pet bowl with stripes and dog illustrations with vintage feel.


Colorful striped pattern with beautiful vintage dog illustrations. A customizable name plate makes it even more special. A great addition to any home decor.



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


Marisu Valencia : 
 
Marisu Valencia website

Facebook

Twitter @MarisuValencia



Rico:
Here are a few of my favorite designs;



Mrs. Always Right T Shirt


Mrs. Always Right T Shirt
Mrs. Always Right T Shirt by marisuvalencia
Design your own custom shirts online at Zazzle

Adorable and whimsical design by Marisu. She may be married to Mr. Right but she is Mrs. {Always} Right! Buy matching Mr. Right tee for the hubby!



Inspirational Vampire Girl & Black Cat Mug



Vampire may be a 200-year-old creature of nightmare and legend, but that doesn’t mean that she has to be uncivilized. She and her pet cat live and drink life to it's fullest. Drink your favorite beverage while making a statement with these mischievous characters!



Love Is Shabby Chic Pillow


Love Is Shabby Chic Pillow
Love Is Shabby Chic Pillow by marisuvalencia
Browse Love Pillows online at Zazzle.com


Love Is , a favorite Bible verse, covers the entire pillow in beautiful type. Distressed beige background with beautiful vintage pink flowers. Great for the shabby chic or french country home decor lover. Give this as a gift for that someone special. Design by Marisu Valencia™.



Personalized Floral Damask Photo Collage Stretched Canvas Prints



Beautiful canvas wrap decorated with gorgeous vintage flowers on a blue damask. Add 7 of your personal photos to this canvas print and create a memorable token. Add your photos in Personalize it section 2) Click Change and upload your image --no need to resize. Your image will fill up the space in the frame automatically. Customize text and you're done! Design by Marisu Valencia, copyright 2013



Customizable Safari Leopard & Zebra Animal Print iPhone 5 Covers



Safari Leopard and Zebra print in vibrant orange and magenta colors. Beautiful gold nameplate for you to personalize. Font style, size, colors and other adjustments are easily done by clicking on the "Customize it" button. Go ahead—show everyone your wild side!