Interview with Simon Bratt of MrEco Designs

 Simon Bratt

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Simon Bratt

 

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Simon Bratt :

MrEco Designs

Main store, anything and everything that i think looks great or unusual.

Kays Artwork

Secondary store for UK artist Kay Gale as the primary distribution outlet for her artwork on products.



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

Simon Bratt :

Probably business cards and iPhone cases.



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Simon Bratt :

About 2 years



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Simon Bratt :

I found Zazzle while reading the usual forums at Microstock site Shutterstock where there was a dedicated forum of friendly people for Zazzle.



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

Simon Bratt :

Yes, Took about a year to get pro seller status, as i wasn't concentrating on Zazzle as much as other sites.



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

Simon Bratt :

I had lots of images for microstock so decided to try and make use of them on Zazzle. Zazzle is a good diversion from microstock, its fun to do and create products.



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

Simon Bratt :

Ideally have a theme for your store and to do promotion, neither of which i did, i should have done.



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

Simon Bratt :

First sale was a business card back in Jan 2010




Chrome globe with black background business cards

Chrome globe with black background business cards by Mreco99
The best business card printing is on zazzle

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

Simon Bratt :

Ive tried using a chisel and rubber hammer, once even tried a microscope and broken glass, but i ended up going back to the old favorite Photoshop and a humble laptop.



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Simon Bratt :

Zazzle doesn't stand still, it is always developing and coming up with other ideas, keeps it interesting. Designing your own store front and displays is something most people cant do for real, so a virtual store is the next best thing, and risk free of course.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Simon Bratt :

Ultimately creating images and photographs i love the look of from either every day objects or nature really spur me on. Probably incorrectly i create images i love first and hope they sell, rather than images that are needed. I hope this products designs and products that are more unique.



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

Simon Bratt :

It varies as it depends what sites need more attention, but probably about



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

Simon Bratt :
It depends on what you want from Zazzle, if your primary goal is to earn money, study the best selling items and top sellers and see what the public wants. If your using Zazzle as an outlet to your creative side, go for it, and see if its popular, and hopefully create your own niche.



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

Simon Bratt :

If under "creating art" you mean, photographing, editing, looking for subjects, looking for locations, planning, uploading, key wording, etc etc then umm, playing guitar, computing, computer gaming, other games like scrabble etc, TV, films.



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

Simon Bratt :

If you mean our own designs, then i have just started branching out with some funny creations and so are my mad animals range is my favorite. You know your favorites when you want to buy your own products.





Animal ark joke t shirt

Animal ark joke t shirt by Mreco99
Browse other tees made on zazzle

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

Simon Bratt :

1. Married, to my wife

2. Animal lover

3. No kids

4. Gadget lover

5. IT professional by trade.



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

Simon Bratt :

  Colorful autumn leaves commuter bags

Colourful autumn leaves commuter bags by Mreco99
Shop for more messenger bags.

Beautiful autumn leaves need to be caught at just the right moment to get their spectacular color range.







Glass love heart on a pillow

Glass love heart on a pillow by Mreco99
Browse Zazzle for a different throw pillow.

Expression of love is great on a pillow / cushion, good for hugging when your loved one is away, er, for girls mostly.






Tulips painting in acrylic by Kay Gale Bags

Tulips painting in acrylic by Kay Gale Bags by Mreco99
See other Blue Bags

Original art work by a published UK artist on all sorts of designs, as the only official outlet.




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

Simon Bratt :

I love the phone cases that look like something else, an old leather bag or rotary dial phone etc, but i don't use those sorts of cases, so i would probably buy any of the retro geek T Shirts as I'm 42 i grew up in the retro days of Spectrum, Atari, Acorn Electron, computers etc. Something that only older geeks understand, like an in joke, is particularly funny. Lots of people producing those, i cant single someone 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?

Simon Bratt :

It helps me exploit my creativeness and gives me a reason to keep developing photographic skill, which is the heart of all my creativeness.



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

Simon Bratt :

Twitter

Istock

Shutterstock

Fotolia

Dreamstime

123RF

BigStock

DepositPhoto

Veer

Zazzle

CanStockPhoto

 

Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

Simon Bratt :

As alot of people are able to do online stock and product creation, its not an easy please to make a living unless you have something extra to add, standard snaps wont cut it anymore.

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 Fred Ziegler of Florals by Fred

 Fred Ziegler of Florals by Fred

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Fred Ziegler

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Fred Ziegler :

Florals by Fred

The theme is nature and floral photography. I have been shooting floral mages for years so, the name seemed to be a natural “fit” for my store. I specialize in a rather eclectic mixture of things. Basically, I love nature photography but, I also enjoy fly fishing and Amateur Radio. SO the visitor to my store will find a mixture of all three but, mostly nature and florals.  

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Fred Ziegler :

Since April 2011

Rico: Are you a ProSeller?

Fred Ziegler :

Not yet.

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

Fred Ziegler :

Keep at it, don’t give up.

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

Fred Ziegler :

Photoshop, filter forge the Bible and, research on the internet.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Fred Ziegler :

You will find quite a number of products with Biblical quotes in my store. So my greatest inspiration comes from the Bible and my wife. She’s been a constant source of inspiration.

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

Fred Ziegler :

Between 20 and 30 hours

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

Fred Ziegler :

The words of Winston Churchill come to mind,
"Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up."

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

Fred Ziegler :

Fly fishing, Amateur radio and most of all, spend time with my family.

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

Fred Ziegler :

1. I use a Pentax K-5 or a Pentax K100D for my photography. (The K-5 is an awesome camera)

2. I’m a retired sewage treatment plant operator

3. I have 4 fish for pets

4. I’m an early riser

5. I squeeze the toothpaste tube in the middle

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

Fred Ziegler :

San Simeon Sunset 3 Stretched Canvas Print

San Simeon Sunset 3 by FloralbyFred
View more Photo Canvas Prints

I love sunrise and sunset, the most colorful times of day in my opinion. This photo was from a recent trip to the mid coast of California. There are some good memories associated with it. The warm tones reflecting on the water on stretches canvas are superb.



Red Rose for You Posters

Red Rose for You by FloralbyFred
Browse Flower Posters

Roses are some of the most beautiful flowers and the fragrance is immensely pleasing to most. This was shot in my front yard. The image really brings out the texture of the petals and the rich deep color of the rose.



Deuteronomy 7:9 Encouragement Card 

Deuteronomy 7:9 Encouragement Card by FloralbyFred
Join one of the biggest graphic design affiliate programs

Everybody needs a helping hand, a kind word or an encouraging thought from time to time. In the age of instant gratification, kindness is often forfeit. I designed this card as attempt to get folks to send a kind encouraging, uplifting thought to someone. The image is from the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA.

Rico:
This is one of my personal favorite designs from your shop


Silky Water 11 Poster

Silky Water 11 Poster by FloralbyFred
sell your art for free with Zazzle.

This silky water or long exposure was captured on the Santa Ana River, a small creek in the San Berrnardino Mountains near Seven Oaks, Ca. Photograph copyright © 2012 Fred Ziegler | Rico: I just love this print. The silky effect is beautiful!

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Fred Ziegler :

Facebook Florals by Fred

My Blog: Florals by Fred Blog

Interview with Claire "Pixie" Copley of Photography by Pixie

 Claire "Pixie" Copley of Photography by Pixie

Rico:
What's Your Name?

My name is Claire Copley but my middle name is Pixie and everyone calls me Pixie

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Pixie:

Gift's by Pixie

I sell lots of gifts with photography prints as well as some fractal art and graphic illustrations.

Hippy Gift Shop

This shop is full of gifts with crazy, psychedelic fractal art and illustrations in all colours of the rainbow.

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

Pixie:
I sell lots of greeting cards and mobile phone cases in my photography shop and posters, business cards and music speakers in my Hippy Gift Shop

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Pixie:
I joined Zazzle in January 2011 so just over a year

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

Pixie:
Yes I am a ProSeller, I earned enough to qualify after about 5 or 6 months but had to wait a couple more months for my ProSellers badge.

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

Pixie:
Create lots of quality products and promote them, then keep creating and promoting, creating and promoting!

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

Pixie:
I use a Canon D60 or a Samsung GX10 camera, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Pixie:
I am inspired by bright colours and patterns, especially the bright colours found in nature.

I love going out for walks and soaking up the bright colours of flowers or a sunset, I also love watching the reflections in water and could sit by a lake for hours watching the colours and patterns change.

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

Pixie:
It can vary dramatically! I'm a self employed Graphic Designer and these jobs come first so it depends on how much work I have on at the time, some weeks I hardly get to touch my shops but some weeks I can work on my shops while I'm waiting for designs to be approved or if I'm waiting for more information from my clients.

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

Pixie:
I think the best advice is the advice I was given when I opened my shops .. Create lots of quality products and promote them, then keep creating and promoting, creating and promoting!

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

Pixie:
That's such a hard question as I'm always creating art .. or sleeping!

I love scuba diving and capturing the underwater life on my camera.

I spend most Sunday evenings either learning about diving in a classroom or in a swimming pool practicing, then I take my camera when i go in the open water and get completely absorbed in the wonders that are in the ocean.

I also love going to summer festivals and of course taking my camera, when I'm not photographing at a festival I can usually be found spinning poi and creating a different kind of art.
I have also worked at lots of festivals, either helping to set them up or stewarding but still always have my camera handy to capture the colorful goings-on!

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

Pixie:
hmm 5 random things ...

I have 13 piercings and 9 tattoos

I could live on Coca Cola and Jelly Babies

I have a 17 year old black cat called Satan who still acts like a kitten

The Royal Scots Guards came and played a fanfare at our wedding!

I plan on spending the summer doing as much work as possible from the roof garden at my new office!

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

Pixie:


Pink Crazy Fractal Poster

Pink Crazy Fractal Poster by PhotographyByPixie
View more Pink fractal Posters

I created this Fractal a few years ago using both Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, I don't use fractal generating programs or plugins to create my fractal art, i like the uniqueness of fractals created by hand, it takes a lot longer but I enjoyed every second of creating this and still love looking at the crazy psychedelic patterns.

Purple Lotus Flower Poster

Purple Lotus Flower Poster by PhotographyByPixie
sell my art prints online with zazzle.

This photo of a purple lotus flower is very special to me as I took it while I was on honeymoon in the Maldives in 2010.

While we were away we used to sit in the bar with our laptop and download the photos from the day, we met some people over there and they said I should sell my photography prints as my lotus flower would look perfect on their bedroom wall.

When I got home I printed lots of photos and canvases and started selling them in a local gift shop, I also started researching ways to sell photography online and found Zazzle.

 Patchwork Owl Poster

Patchwork Owl Poster by PhotographyByPixie
Become a graphic design affiliate at zazzle.com

I created this owl collage in Photoshop and illustrator, each segment is filled with a different photo from my portfolio. I love owls and thought this was a perfect way to combine my photos and art.

I've received several 'Today's Best Awards' for different products that feature this owl and it's one of my best selling designs.

Rico:
This is one of my personal favorite designs from your shop

Abstract Graffiti Print

Abstract Graffiti by PhotographyByPixie
Look at more museum posters on zazzle.com

An abstract photo of red, lime green, blue, white and black graffiti. Rico:
Absolutely love the colors and the action of this print!

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Pixie:

My Graphic Design Company

Facebook

Google+ Profile Page

Google+ Hippy Gift Shop Page

Google+ Photography Gift Shop Page

Twitter

Blog

Squidoo

Pinterest

Interview with Jeff Rawson of JRD.Tees

Jeff Rawson of JRD.Tees




Rico:
What's Your Name?

Jeff Rawson

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Jeff Rawson :

 
JRD.Tees

TheBizCard

Fake Band Tees

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Jeff Rawson :

I have been with Zazzle since January of this year, but just started seriously designing in the past couple months.

Rico: Are you a ProSeller?

Jeff Rawson :

I'm not a ProSeller, but plan on being there this month.

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

Jeff Rawson :

Quality, not quantity. I could design a million tees or bumper stickers everyday, but I would rather make 3 or 4 GREAT designs that don't water down the shops.

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

Jeff Rawson :

I'm a Mac. Most of my work is done digitally using the Adobe Design Suite (Photoshop & Illustrator), but the art work uses a variety...colored pencil, acrylic, pastels.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Jeff Rawson :

I am inspired by everyday life. I am very sarcastic and observant, so just picking up day to day things/phrases/news inspires me to create something new and fun.

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

Jeff Rawson :

It really depends on my full time schedule. I work as a graphic designer during the day, and then do freelance design work at night. So any extra time I have to design goes to Zazzle. But if a great idea hits me, I'll drop what I'm working on to sketch it out or design it up for a shirt or business card.

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

Jeff Rawson :

See question #5. To me it is all about quality. I like the customer to have a variety to choose from, but that variety needs to be QUALITY! For instance, at TheBizCard, I probably don't have many more that 25 designs. There were more, but I cut out some of the clutter to just leave the quality designs THAT SELL.

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

Jeff Rawson :

When I'm not creating art, I am outside. I love to fish, hike and play with my dog, Hank. I'm into woodworking and gardening. I also have a 2 year old that keeps me incredibly busy.

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

Jeff Rawson :

 
1. My favorite foods are fried okra and sushi.
2. I love anything by Ken Follett.
3. I've been wearing a SillyBand my daughter gave me for 4 months.
4. I've always wanted to visit Ireland.
5. John Wayne is my hero.

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

Jeff Rawson :

I chose a design from each of my stores:

Aw Skee Skee Tshirts

Aw Skee Skee by rawson22
Join one of the biggest t-shirts affiliate programs

The Aw Skee Skee tee is my tribute to one of my favorite leisure activities, SkeeBall.

Yellow Tape Business Cards

Yellow Tape by TheBizCard
sell your paintings online for free at Zazzle

Yellow Tape Card. This is the best selling business card from TheBizCard shop. I'm guessing because its simple, retro, and awesome.

Postmaster Rodeo T-shirts

Postmaster Rodeo by FakeBandTees
View other Postmaster T-Shirts

Post Master Rodeo Tee. This shirt is a classic fake band tee you would find at the merch table after the show.

Rico:
This is one of my personal favorite designs from your shop 

The Colonel Posters

The Colonel by rawson22
Join one of the largest artwork affiliate programs

Beautiful work! As soon as I saw this I thought of my grandfather playing the guitar and singing to me when I was a kid every Saturday afternoon.

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Jeff Rawson :

I can be found at:
Twitter: @jeffrawson
Jeff Rawson Design
Jeff Rawson Design Portfolio

Interview with Deb Smith aka DebinSC

Deb Smith - aka DebinSC















Rico:
What's Your Name ? 

Deb Smith, but most people know me “on line” as DebinSC.

Rico:
List your shop(s) - 

DebinSC:
Debs Digs

Happy Dems Digs



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle? 

DebinSC:
About 2 and ½ years now, but I didn’t have enough time to get serious about it the first several months.

Rico:
Are you a ProSeller? 

DebinSC:
Not yet! But I’ve recently met the requirements, so I hope to be getting an invitation soon. I have over 2500 products in my shop and am working hard to double that.

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

DebinSC:
Quality first, then quantity; however, quantity is very important in increasing sales, as are good tags.

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

DebinSC:
I’m a photographer, first and foremost. I first learned about Zazzle from fellow ‘toggers and my intent originally was to get my photos into the marketplace. Over time, I’ve added some digital designs, but most of them begin with a photo.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

DebinSC:
The natural world! I’m never happier than when I’m in my garden, or exploring a creek or meadow somewhere. I can spend hours searching for butterflies, birds, and wildflowers. The majority of my photos are of wildlife, landscapes, & flowers.

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

DebinSC: 
Oh golly! My husband would say, “too much”! I’d say about 2-4 hours each day, but if I’m working on a new collection, I can spend an entire day there. I do have a “day job”, so it depends on how much time I have to devote to that.

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

DebinSC:
Consult experienced Zazzlers. Use the forums. You can learn so much there and get support, too. I’d also say that you should post the best work you can, and not sacrifice quality products just to have more items in your store.

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

DebinSC:
Garden, volunteer, read, and garden.

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

DebinSC:
I was born and raised in the South Carolina and love a hot summer day.
Although I come from a “red” state, politically speaking, I’m true blue.
My interest, aside from photography and the aforementioned gardening, is working with troubled teens.
This was my job in my former life, but now it’s my passion. There are so many kids out there who need just one caring adult in their lives. It’s so rewarding to see them come through trouble and go on to thrive.

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

DebinSC:
It’s so difficult to choose just 3! I’ll choose from posters.  

Abstract Ginger Leaf Spiral Poster

Abstract Ginger Leaf Spiral Poster by debinSC

This is a somewhat abstract image, but it’s an edited photo of a new ginger leaf, just as it unfurled. I liked the light coming through and the natural swirl pattern, almost a fractal.  

Shadows & Reflections Poster

Shadows & Reflections Poster by debinSC

This is just one of my favorite photos. I took it on a winter day in Central Park in New York. I was drawn to the interplay of the shadows, the light, and the reflections in the windows.  

Charleston Poster Print

Charleston Poster Print by debinSC

I like this one because of it’s subject. I shot this on a side street in Charleston, SC, near my home. It simply IS Charleston. The Palmetto tree, the state symbol, just shading the sign on the restaurant’s front, saying “Cool Inside”. Perfect!  

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online? 

DebinSC:
I have a photoblog at Deb's Digs
I’m on Twitter @dissmith

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