Showing posts with label greeting cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label greeting cards. Show all posts

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Interview with Rusty of Rusty Doodle Zazzle Store Part 1

 
Rusty

Interview with Rusty Part 1
 
 
Rico:
What's Your Name?

Rusty :


Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Rusty :

Rusty Doodle Zazzle Store

My first store on Zazzle and essentially the main one now is “Rusty Doodle” I choose this name simply because I have always liked the name “Rusty” and doodle is a word that relates to the manner that I draw. I love to draw cute and fun stuff and I have been told that designing for baby and kids should work better for me. Hence, I have a decent collection of invites and party favors for baby showers and kids’ birthdays. I also add new designs to meet with the ongoing occasions like Valentine’s Day and Christmas and a section for funny cartoons for the adult crowd. All in all, I just hope to bring a little bit more happiness and cheer to the world with my doodles.

Dad Photography

The second store which is still very much in the development stage is “dadphotography” . This store features mostly the photographs that my dad took and some of mine. I admire my dad’s photography skills and will like to share them with a wider audience. It is also a challenge of sorts to prove to him that Zazzle works.



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Rusty :
I can’t remember for certain but I would say from the internet while I was searching something along the lines of making a living online for cartoonists and illustrators.


Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Rusty :
6 months now.


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

Rusty :
Not yet but I am half way there. J


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

Rusty :
I wrote a Squidoo lens (http://www.squidoo.com/switching-to-work-for-passion) on this question but the short version of it is that one fine day I decided that I want to work for my passion (i.e. doodling) instead of following the rat’s race. And Zazzle is a wonderful free platform for budding artists!


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

Rusty :
Gosh, there are so many talented artists on Zazzle and sometimes I do feel lost!
This quote by Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert comic series on why he is successful do keep me going though: - “I succeeded as a cartoonist with negligible art talent, some basic writing skills, an ordinary sense of humor and a bit of experience in the business world. The “Dilbert” comic is a combination of all four skills.”

Similarly, I hope that people are able to appreciate my own unique blend of doodles, humor and thoughts from my Zazzle store.


Rico:
How would you describe your design style?

Rusty :
I am a self-taught cartoonist and illustrator with a style leaning towards digitally created cartoons, doodles and vector art. But I suppose there is always room to venture into other design styles.


Rico:
What type of product do you prefer to design?

Rusty :
I have no preference as to which product to design for, although I have not tried some products yet. I would say though that my doodles tend to fit better for invitations, cards, party favors and kids related items.


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

Rusty :
I got lots of useful advice from fellow Zazzlers and there is still much to learn. From using the right tags and description for my designs, focusing on a niche, using quick create, store layout to promoting my designs.
The best one, which I got from a number of Zazzlers, is “Be patient and keep working at it!” Every other time I feel stuck with my progress at Zazzle, I will think of this piece of advice and remind myself that persistence and hard work are attributes of successful Zazzlers.


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

Rusty :

My very first sale (outside of family) is to Mr Oh, a fellow blogger and a talented cartoonist that I know from WordPress. Truly thankful for his support!

Santa and Reindeer Christmas Greeting Postcard

A sweet Christmas postcard with blue and snow background. It comes with a cute cartoon of Santa and reindeer attempting to deliver presents to a tent by crossing a wooden bridge. The message reads "Christmas Greetings no matter where you are". The postcard is suitable for your loved ones or friends who are currently staying far away and you wish to let them know you think of them at Christmas no matter the distance apart.


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

Rusty :
Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop and Wacom Bamboo Manga tablet to draw the designs digitally but a simple sketchbook and pencil to draft out the ideas.


Rico:
A few of my Favorite designs from Rusty Doodle Zazzle Store :


Cute couple flying on a heart-shaped hang-glider invitation


Vector cartoon of a cute couple flying off on a romantic, heart-shaped, pink stripes, hang-glider. To illustrate that love is a beautiful love adventure. Suitable for valentine's day or any other romantic occasions like wedding favors, engagement, birthdays. Template available for easy customizable of wedding details.



Cute cartoon of a pair of blue birds in love Dry-Erase board

Cute cartoon of a pair of blue birds in love with hearts standing on a strips border. Ideal as a romantic and adorable gift for Valentine's day, Anniversaries etc.



Cute Birds with Shades Dancing & Partying Personalized Announcement


Cute and Funny Cartoon of colorful birds with fashionable shades dancing and partying under a disco ball with sparkling lights.



Cute & colorful cartoon of birds and a peacock mugs


Cute and colorful vector art of 3 yellow birds and a blue peacock standing on a wire. Words read "I'm different." Something to put a smile on your face and remind you that you are an unique and beautiful individual.



The second half of the Interview with Rusty : will be posted on Wednesday May 1, 2013. So come back for more with Rusty!


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Monday, December 17, 2012

Interview with Josh of Kreatr

 
Kreatr


Rico:
What's Your Name?

Josh



Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Josh:

Kreatr

This store features a variety different products but is focused mainly around celebrations, such as weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and cocktail parties.

Wedding Events

As you can tell is concentrated around wedding events. There you will find thank you cards, wedding invitations, rsvp cards, bachelorette gifts.

HOLIDAY SEASON

This store is geared around holidays. In this particular store you will see custom designs/products for all the major holidays.



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Josh:
December 2010



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Josh:
A friend had shown me the site, and from there i was hooked.



Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Josh:
Yes.



Rico:
What type of Holiday product(s) do you sell the most of? (ex: t-shirts, mugs, electronics, etc.)

Josh:
invitations and phone cases



Rico:
What's your best selling Holiday Design?

Josh:


Party Ticket Personalized Announcements





Rico:
What is your favorite Holiday?

Josh:
My favorit holiday would have to be Christmas.



Rico:
What's your favorite Holiday tradition?

Josh:
Spending time with family when we all open up presents around the Christmas tree.



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

Josh:
Never Give up, ever! and to love what you do.



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

Josh:


Baby's First Ornament


Front of Ornament

Back of Ornament
Baby's First Ornament
Baby's First Ornament by Kreatr
Create your own personalized Christmas ornaments on zazzle.



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

Josh:
Photoshop & Illustrator



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Josh:
Their expansion of tools and products.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Josh:
Anything & Everything.



Rico:
Do you sell Holiday products all year or just in season?

Josh:
All year.



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

Josh:
Find your niche then, design, design, design!



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

Josh:
Hang out with friends, exercise, read books.



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

Josh:

Grape Vine Wedding Invitation



This was one is one of my favorites because i designed it for my sister's wedding



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

Josh:

Collect crystals.

Owned several chameleons.

Ran a marathon.

Skydived for my birthday.

I love camping.



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

Josh:




Sunflower Babyshower Invitation


Front of Invitation

Back of Invitation

Sunflower baby shower invitation, nature inspired..




Diabetes Awareness Shirt



Diabetes Ribbon, for good causes. Created this thinking of my grandfather who passed away with diabetes.



Peace on Earth Square Stickers



Customizable Holiday Stickers.



Rico:
If you could purchase any Holiday item (from another Zazzle store) what would it be? Why?

Josh:

It would be one of those funny mustache designs because they are hilarious and witty..



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?

Josh:
It has given me a sense of direction.



Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Josh:

Twitter

See the latest with my stores and get tips here

Facebook - just add me as a friend and say hi here

 

Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

Josh:
Just to "Live what you Love"


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Monday, November 26, 2012

Interview with Julie of Bebop's Place

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Julie



Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Julie:

Bebop's PlaceI chose this name because I love jazz and Bebop is one of my nicknames. The great percentage of products are based on my nature photography. I also do a little graphic design.

Bebops WeddingsI was offering complete wedding collections in my main store but found it hard to keep them organized. So I created Bebop's Weddings as an offshoot. It is devoted exclusively to complete weddings collections (invitations, other stationery, gifts, bags, etc.)



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Julie:
2 1/2 years



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Julie:
I belong to a photography website called Daily Pics (http://dailypics.ning.com/). Several photographers on the site were very enthusiastic about their Zazzle experience and I decided to give it a try.



Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Julie:
Yes



Rico:
What type of Holiday product(s) do you sell the most of? (ex: t-shirts, mugs, electronics, etc.)

Julie:
Cards



Rico:
What's your best selling Holiday Design?

Julie:


Country Church and Fence Christmas Greeting Card


This tasteful, elegant Christmas card creates a classic rural winter feeling...a fenced field and the country church just over the hill. The sky is blue against the pure white snow. The text reads: Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It can be customized to suit your needs.



Rico:
What is your favorite Holiday?

Julie:
Summer Solstice



Rico:
What's your favorite Holiday tradition?

Julie:
Staying up with the sun on the day of the Summer Solstice



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

Julie:
Be patient, add quality products, take time with the tags and descriptions.



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

Julie:


Bunny Hat



Here comes Peter Cottontail on a hat! Fun for Easter or any time of year.



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

Julie:
My number one tool is my Canon SX20 camera. I am never without it. From the raw photos, I do a lot of post-processing in Photoshop Elements.



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Julie:
I am still thrilled each and every time someone likes one of my creations enough to purchase it. I feel I am sharing my love of beauty in that way.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Julie:
The world of nature is my chief inspiration.



Rico:
Do you sell Holiday products all year or just in season?

Julie:
Mostly in season though there is the occasional out of season sale.



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

Julie:
The same advice I got: Be patient, add quality products, take time with the tags and descriptions. I would add taking time for promotion. Haunt the Zazzle Forum for opportunities!



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

Julie:
I have large vegetable and flower gardens and they keep me busy. I also love to read and hike the wild, natural areas near my house.



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

Julie:

Winter Wonderland 3 Ring Binder



I was wandering in the woods beyond our house after a winter storm. The sun had come out, the sky was pure blue, and snow was very deep. I came upon this lovely evergreen tree which seems to express the essence of the wonderment I was feeling. I took the photo and it came out just as I had hoped. I have this image on lots of products.



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

Julie:

I'm a retired library worker.

I'm a mother.

I am the third generation of photographers in my family (my grandfather and father each had studios).

I love to cook.

I live on 20 acres in the wilds of upstate New York.



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

Julie:


Larch Cone Christmas Ornament



Our road is lined with larch trees and I just love the tiny cones they form. They remind me of wooden roses. I took this "portrait" of a larch cone and applied a white vignette filter in Photoshop Elements to achieve the dreamy effect.




Feasting Chipmunk Christmas Card



This chubby little chipmunk was eating bird seed on our back deck one snowy day. I was able to get this photo of him stuffing his cheeks with seeds. He is on lots of my products and is very popular.




Bunny Christmas Invitation




During a very heavy snowstorm I looked out the window and saw this bunny rabbit huddled under an evergreen tree getting shelter from the storm. I shot the photo right through the window and have since put the design on tons of products.



Rico:
If you could purchase any Holiday item (from another Zazzle store) what would it be? Why?

Julie:



Falling Blue Snowflakes Wall clock



That's a tough one. Lots of beautiful stuff to choose from. I am especially in love with this clock from an extremely talented Zazzle artist, M.M. Anderson. Her artwork is whimsical, colorful and always beautiful.



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?

Julie:
I guess the recognition I've gotten from the products I've created has helped me to have some confidence in my own creative abilities.



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

Julie:

Twitter

Blogs to which I post my products and other Zazzlers' products every day: 

Seeking Floral Beauty

Totes, Purses, Messenger Bags

Creatures of the Planet

The Daily Rainbow

Practical and Beautiful


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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Interview with Nique of Noteable Expressions

Nique Noteable Expressions




Rico:
What's Your Name?

Nique



Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Nique :

Noteable Expressions Wedding Invitations and Stationery

Be Seen Branding Business branding products

ICases 4 u Cases of all kinds for your Electronics



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Nique :
I started with Zazzle in January of 2010



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Nique :
I found Zazzle through a happy accident. I first came across Zazzle when I was looking for a place to print some t-shirts for a design group that I belonged to.



Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Nique :
Yes



Rico:
What type of Holiday product(s) do you sell the most of? (ex: t-shirts, mugs, electronics, etc.)

Nique :
Greeting Cards



Rico:
What's your best selling Holiday Design?

Nique :


Blue and White Snowflake Ornament Photo Greeting Card



A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background is a beautiful royal blue color with white snowflake ornaments hanging at different heights. In the the center is a globe shaped ornament that seres as a frame for your photo. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizeable text.



Rico:
What is your favorite Holiday?



Nique :
Christmas with Halloween a very close second.



Rico:
What's your favorite Holiday tradition?

Nique :
My favorite Christmas tradition as a kid was that we always had to go to bed on Christmas Eve but then around midnight we would hear Santa and his reindeer up on the roof waking up us. We would hear stomping on the roof and bells ringing and we would know that Santa had arrived! We would get so excited! Unfortunately, I am too afraid of a second floor roof so Santa has had to leave other evidence for my kids.



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

Nique :
To be true to myself and to not give up.



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

Nique :


Grace: Dramatic Swirls in Grey and White Stickers



Envelope Seals/Stickers. Dramatic swirls add grace and elegance to this unique invitation. Bright white paper with gray accents. Matching full ensamble for your wedding: Save the Date cards,Response Cards, Table Tents, Postage and more. If you would like this design but in a different color, please contact me via the link on the front page.



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

Nique :
I use a variety. I paint with acrylics, prisma colors, photography, and Photoshop.



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Nique :
I love that there is so much variety to create on. No matter what your subject matter is there is a perfect fit for it!



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Nique :
Everything! For my weddings, I find that I am inspired especially by materials and nature.



Rico:
Do you sell Holiday products all year or just in season?

Nique :
All year round - I carry items for most holidays plus you never know when someone is going to have a "Christmas in July" party.



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

Nique :
You have to take your time and just focus on enjoying your art. If you lose that you lose part of what makes your art special.



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

Nique :
Spending time with my daughters - cooking together, playing board games, and just being silly.



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

Nique :


Elegant Gold and Red Stripe Photo Christmas Card



My favorite greeting card is this one: Elegant Gold and Red Stripe Photo Christmas Card because it is the one I created last year for my own family's Christmas card and it turned out beautiful!



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

Nique :

I'm married

Mom to two girls

My favorite musical is The Rocky Horror Picture Show

I'm addicted to the show Glee

And I LOVE what I do on Zazzle



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

Nique :


Folk Art Snowman on Parchment Greeting Card



A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background looks like parchment. In the middle is a folk art style snowman holding a welcome sign. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizable text.




Red and Gold Damask Photo Greeting Card



A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. The background for this card is a beautiful red with a gold damask pattern. There is a gorgeous gold frame to highlight your photo. Inside is a lovely greeting and your customizeable text.




Victorian Holiday Sleigh Christmas Card



A beautiful card perfect for wishing your friends and family Merry Christmas. This card featured a beautiful scene that reminds us of the victorian era. There is a winter wooded scene and a couple in a sleigh riding over a snow covered bridge.



Rico:
If you could purchase anyHoliday item (from another Zazzle store) what would it be? Why?

Nique :


Vintage Santa Claus Dinner Plate



I love this vintage look - and collect Santas.



Rico:
Zazzle has helped many people meet goals that they otherwise wouldn’t have achieved. What has Zazzle helped you
 
Nique :
This past summer I was able to take my family plus parents on a cruise and week long vacation to the Yucatan - it was amazing!



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

Nique :

noteableexpressions.net

Twitter

Facebook

Posterous


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Saturday, September 17, 2011

Interview with Debi Cady of DebiCady

Debi Cady




Debi Cady's mini dachshund Ringo



Rico:
What's Your Name?

Debi Cady :

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Debi Cady :
 
DebiCady

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Debi Cady :
Since 2010 (can't remember which month) Rico: Are you a ProSeller?

Debi Cady :
No, but hopefully one day I will be!

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

Debi Cady :
Hmm... I really didn't get much advice from anybody, to be honest.

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

Debi Cady :
I do most of my illustrations in ink or digital paint. I occasionally dabble in photography as well.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Debi Cady :
So many things! God, nature, colors, music, literature, architecture... far too many things to list here.

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

Debi Cady :
It depends. Some weeks it's only an hour or two, but when I have a new design to post I spend a lot more time there.

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

Debi Cady :
Post your designs on as many products as you can (as long as they will look good on them), and post as many designs as you can, as long as they are designs you are happy with. Don't be discouraged if you don't make sales right away, eventually you will. Stay positive, and look into as many different marketing ideas as you can.

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

Debi Cady :
Knit, sew (although I consider these things to be art too), play with my dog, read, learn foreign languages, dance, sing, spend time with family and friends, watch movies.

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

Debi Cady :
I am a Christian (although you could probably tell that from some of my art)
I absolutely adore animals!
I love learning about other cultures and languages - I speak Chinese (Mandarin), basic Russian, and I'm learning Korean. I also know a smattering of a bunch of other languages.
If I weren't an artist, I would love to be involved in costume or fashion design.
I used to work as a Chinese>English translator before I decided to focus on my art.

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

Debi Cady :
It's so hard to choose, because in one way or another they are all my favorites! But here are three I think turned out particularly well (I'm linking to the greeting/note cards, but they are all available on other products too):


Our Lady of Guadalupe:




The original illustration is the size of a baseball card, yet I think it is one of my best. It's also one of my best sellers ^-^ I have always loved reading the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, it's very beautiful.





Emelya and the Magic Pike:


This is an illustration from my book, "Dachshund Furry Tails: Russia". The story is about a very lazy boy who catches a pike, and is planning to eat it, but the pike tells him if he sets it free it will grant him any wish he may have. Aside from it being a very cool fairy tale, I like this illustration because the pike reminds me of my grandfather, who passed away years ago - he used to hunt and fish a lot, and that was one of the fish he often caught. Also, I just really like the way this illustration turned out ^-^.





The Snow Maiden (Red Version):


The Snow Maiden is another fairy tale I really love, it's about a childless couple who make themselves a daughter out of snow, and she comes to life. This illustration is a new version I did, with the Snow Maiden dressed in white and red, I also offer another version where she is dressed in blue. I am very happy with both versions.

Rico: 

This is one of my personal favorite designs from your shop


Christmas Dachshund (Ver.1) Card


Ringo is just too cute to resist!

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?




Debi Cady :My Cafe Press store
My Red Bubble Store
My Blog
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