Showing posts with label t-shirts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label t-shirts. Show all posts

Monday, July 30, 2012

Interview with Leiha M of The Slore Store

Leiha and Mia
Leiha and Mia The Slore Store

A Store for those who don't take like to seriously


Rico:
What's Your Name?

Leiha and Mia



Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Leiha M :

The Slore Store

Our store is for those who don't take themselves too seriously. We find amusement in random things so our store is as random as we are. Mostly, the designs are humorous but we're getting ready to add photos and more abstract artsy designs for ipads and such.



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

Leiha M :
We are a relatively new store. Our shirts have been our best seller.



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Leiha M :
We opened our store 3/5/2011.



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Leiha M :
Zazzle was recommended to us when we were looking for a store to do print on demand.



Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?

Leiha M :
No



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

Leiha M :
Both Mia and I had been individually planning on opening a store, we had been working on a zazzle store for my boss and wanted to take the ideas that we had that weren't related to my boss and just have fun with it.



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

Leiha M :
Offer a lot of products, you never know what is going to catch someone's eye.



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

Leiha M :
Our "Kiss My Ass" in Gaelic shirt was our first sale.



Kiss My Ass Shirt



Kiss My Ass in Gaelic sounds so much nicer.



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

Leiha M :
Photoshop CS3



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Leiha M :
The control that we have over our store.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Leiha M :
Mia and I inspire each other. We're constantly texting ideas back and forth to each other. We have a stockpile of ideas and we're not working on adding them to our store.



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

Leiha M :
It hasn't been to much but that is changing. I am moving from full time to part time in my real job so that I can concentrate on the store as well as other projects.



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

Leiha M :
It takes time and work to create a successful store.



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

Leiha M :
Eat, spend time with family and friends and nap!



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

Leiha M :
Mine changes on a regular basis. Just looking at the store front makes me happy. At this moment, the Magically Delicious design is my favorite.



I'm Magically Delicious T Shirts



Fun with leprechauns.



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

Leiha M :

I jumped on stage with Rick Springfield.

Simon Cowell once called me Trouble.

Jason Segal is my boyfriend, he just doesn't know it.

I'm obsessed with The Voice.

I was an extra in a porn (my clothes stayed on!).



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

Leiha M :

This shirt idea I've had for awhile. It just makes me laugh.



Makeup doesn't cure ugly tee shirts



Makeup doesn't cure ugly Tequila does.



I love skull designs but wanted to think of a saying that went with it. I looked at the mouth full of chompers and thought, I bite!


I Bite Case For The Iphone 4



Fun with skulls.



Mia came up with this idea and I loved it. Kiss My Ass in Gaelic, it's always more fun to cuss people out in a different language.


Kiss My Ass Shirt



Kiss My Ass in Gaelic sounds so much nicer.



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

Leiha M :

We haven't spent a lot of time shopping in other stores, we usually just create what we want. I just purchased our "I Live With My Parents" in a onesie for my friend who recently had a baby. It's also a design that works for many adults I know too, LOL.



Parents Tees






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?

Leiha M :
We are still a new seller so we haven't really reached any goals but we plan on using Zazzle to really help supplement our income and maybe one day we will be able to work on Zazzle full time.



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

Leiha M :

Facebook

 

Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

Leiha M :

Mia is an incredible artist and it's wonderful that we have this venue to create ideas and share them with others. We have lots of plans for the store so stop by often:)

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Monday, June 11, 2012

Interview with Dennis of BabyGirl Limited


Dennis 
Dennis of Baby Girl Limited



Rico:
What's Your Name?

Dennis

Rico:
List your shop(s) - 

Dennis

Baby Girl Limited

Well BabyGirl Limited is pretty much about a Fashion statement. It's about what the younger crowd was wearing today. The tagline was Fashion with Style. I've put up many different types of designs that would appeal to the younger generation. When my daughter was younger I always would call her babygirl. So the name just stuck with me over the years. When I decided to get into designing i needed a name or a brand if you so call. The name BabyGirl Limited just popped in my head and i just started to make my designs around the name. As for the theme of it, well there really wasn't one at first. I was new to the online world when it came to selling stuff so i didn't really focus my time on any theme. This was the main reason i started a second store. Did more research on the topic then i did with this one.


Nocturnal Graphx

This is my second store and it's a bit more on the Darkerside of Art. I've always loved dark art even as a child. I've always seen the beauty in the more darker art pieces. The theme is more of the Fantasy art. for example Vampires, Werewolves, and Mystical Creatures.



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

Dennis :
Well I'd have to say i've sold more T-shirts then any other Product. I've always had a talent for designing T-shirt art. So It would only make sense to sell more of those type of products. I want to sell more then one type of product in the future. I'm working on my skills to design different type of art.



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Dennis :
That's hard to say, because it's been so long I really can't remember when it all started. If i had to give it a time, I would say for about 3 yrs now.



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Dennis :
I use to have a Cafepress account back in the day and let's just say i wasn't getting the results i was looking for with them, so i hopped on Goggle and typed in a search for selling prodcuts online. Zazzle was the first thing on the list. I clicked the link and been hooked ever since.



Rico:
Are you a ProSeller?


Dennis :
No, not yet i'm hoping to be one this year.



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

Dennis :
I've been doing Graphix Design for the past 8 yrs as a hobby and all my friends and family said that i should sell my designs online, so that's how i got into opening my own online store.



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

Dennis :
Many people on Zazzle Forms always told me to Promote, Promote, Promote my store in any way that i could. They also told me to make sure I kept my store looking fresh and new so that when People would click on my links they would find new things to see. I would have to say never give up. Once you find the little corner in the world all you have to do is make it grow. That's always been my main motivation from the start.



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

Dennis :
Here was my very first Sale.



Baby Girl Cherry Tshirt




Here is a classic Baby Girl T-shirt with a touch of cherries in it. On the back of the shirt is a nice heart design.



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

Dennis :
I've always used Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I know there are lots of other designing tools out there but I feel that those are the ones that work for me better. I've been using them for years and I've pretty much taught myself how to use them. So like i always say if it ain't broke then don't fix it.



Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Dennis :
The one thing i've always noticed with Zazzle is that they do listen to what you have to say. If you have a suggestion on a new product they listen to your ideas and find ways to fit it into there line of products they have. If you have question about the service or anything they are there to give you the help you need.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Dennis :
That's a really good question. I'd have to say that lots of things inspire me. For example I could be watching a movie and something in a scene could catch my eye and then a great design starts to build in my head. There are many different types of Artists out there that I hope to one day become. I'm a fan of art itself.



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

Dennis :
Not as much as i would like. I do my art in my spare time and hope that one day I could make it a Full Time (Job) for me. I try to put out at least 4 to 5 new desings each week, but I will have to say I'm not a big fan of putting one design on many different products. That is why my store doesn't have 100's of products. Each product has to have meaning behind it. I could do that just to make the money but it's more about the art with me then the money. Don't get me wrong the money is good, but I love what i do and I take pride in what I do. Each design has to be perfect before i will post it up for sale.



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

Dennis :
The Best Advise I could give someone is to never give up, because if you promote your store in a serious way you will see results. Visit the Zazzle forms as often as you can. You can find great ways to Promote your site on other people's websites and blogs.



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

Dennis :
Well, I have a full time job so that takes up most of my time, but I love to hang out with my friends and watch movies or even play a few video games in my spare time. I'm always thinking about my next design. I'm in the process of designing a mobile app for my store and a few blogs.



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

Dennis :
I'd have to say my Canvas Print Death to us all. I think it has a bit of elegants to it's style. in a more morbid way. The colors and vector art flows within the design.




Death to us All Canvas Print






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

Dennis :

1. I'm kind, loving, caring,

2. I'm a great listener and

3. I have a Heart of Gold

4. Only a few people in the world really know the real me.

5. I'm ok with that, because deep down inside I'm a Good Person that just loves Dark Art.



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

Dennis :



Hearts Bouquet Iphone 4 Cases



Number one. This is a Iphone 4 Case called Hearts Bouquet. This is a simple pattern that i thought of one mother's day. I thought it would be nice to give your mom a Hearts Bouquet that she could keep for the rest of her life instead of it dying away as the days past by.




Mystical Creature Tshirt




Number two. This one is called Mystical Creature Medusa. I've design this for a t-shirt. I've always loved the black and white designs on t-shirts I think it brings out the art more then if it was colored. This was created after i saw the movie "Clash of the Titans" and i just thought how cool would it be to own a Medusa T-shirt.




Futuristic Game over MacBook Sleeve



Number three. This design is called Futuristic Game Over. I've start to come up with ideas to start a line of products that where dedicated to a Catch Phrase "GAME OVER" This is more for the gamers out there who love the game.



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

Dennis :


"Dark Dragonling" Mousepad



I love this type of art. I'm a big fan of Japanese Animation. The style and color works very well with this art piece.



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?

Dennis :
That's a tough question. I'd have to say Zazzle has made me aware of a company that really wants to make a difference in the world and made me see that there is so much more in life. The things that the company has done with the partnering up with companies that want to do good for the planet, has somehow change my outlook on life.



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

Dennis :

Well let's see I have a fanpage on Facebook it's here :

Facebook Fan Page if you are into the Darkerside Of Art come check out my Fan Page. I'm in the works on putting up a blog all the details can be found on my fan page NocturnalGraphx.

I also have a fan Page for my first store and it's here :

Facebook Fan Page this Fan page is for the more sweetier things in life.



Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

Dennis :

First off I'd like to say thank you for your time and letting me tell the world about my online stores and that I hope to one day be a ProSeller on Zazzle. I'd also like to share that i do custom work for anyone and if anyone is interested in getting a custom made product you can contact me through my zazzle store or even better on my fan pages. Hope to hear from you guys soon. Take care.


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Monday, March 19, 2012

Interview with Belinha Fernandes of A Portuguese Love


Belinha Fernandes 
Belinha Fernandes of A Portuguese Love


Rico:
What's Your Name?

Belinha Fernandes

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Belinha Fernandes :

A Portuguese Love

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

Papelustro

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

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

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

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

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

Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rico:
What was your first sale?

Belinha Fernandes :
I don't remember anymore!

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

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

Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

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

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belinha Fernandes :

Free a story - read a book! postcard



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

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

Belinha Fernandes :

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

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

I love animals and nature

I live by the sea and can’t imagine otherwise

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

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

Belinha Fernandes :


Portuguese Rooster of Luck Christmas Ornaments



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



Secondhand smoke catching machine! mouse pads



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



The 12 Signs of Zodiac Note Books


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

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

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




Hello Pirate! T-shirts



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

Belinha Fernandes :

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

Rico: I chose this one for you

Hand Alligator Infant Creeper




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

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

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

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Belinha Fernandes :

Twitter

Blog

Facebook

Google +

Rico:
Anything else you'd like to share?

Belinha Fernandes :

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

And my thanks to Rico for this opportunity!

Rico:
It's my pleasure!

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Interview with Susan of Redneck Hillbillies


Redneck Hillbillies 
Redneck Hillbillies


Rico:
What's Your Name?

Susan

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Susan :

My two main stores:

Redneck Hillbillies

Redneck Hillbillies - Redneck gifts including several versions of the Confederate Flag, as well as things they love such as fishing,hunting,RVs and quadding, beer etc. I also have several Hick/Hillbilly or farmer type items that appeal to backwoods types that don't necessarily identify or appreciate the label of Redneck. I chose this name to match my YouTube channel, which was the start of all this nonsense! T-shirts and other apparel items, phone cases, funny invitations, and bumper stickers are the bigger sellers from this store. Many products started with photos, which prompted me to open my second store...

Country Corner

Country Corner - Rural photography. Landscapes and country scenes, farm animals (especially cows), my dogs, and anything else country-ish. I have quite a few interesting textures which work well on things like phone cases, and several party invitations and business cards designed for country folks.

Currently working on developing my two newer stores for anything not redneck or photography related:

NetSpeak

NetSpeak - This store is a place where I put any design inspired by stuff I see or hear about on the internet. The honey badger lives here! Most designs are simple clipart type graphics or text only. I have several crazy cat lady designs and other creatures (real or not) like BigFoot and aliens. It's grown to include several 2012 or end of the world type designs inspired by conspiracy theorists and preparers.

RetroZone

RetroZone - peace symbols, music, rainbows... fun textures and patterns which make great phone cases, mouse pads and laptop sleeves.

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Susan :

Just over two years! Wow, time flies. I didn't get busy until about April of 2010.

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

Susan :

Yes. It took me over a year to reach bronze ProSeller because the rules changed and the program was put on hold for several months.

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

Susan :

The best advice I got that I actually listened to was to put the design on any/every kind of product if it fits and works. Just because I personally would never buy an apron or totebag with that design on it doesn't mean someone else won't. Many items have sold that I almost didn't publish for sale. The best advice I didn't listen to when I started, but should have much earlier than I actually did, was to make my own templates.

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

Susan :

My camera, a couple different software programs for graphics/text and some special filters both online and on my computer to transform photos to resemble sketches or paintings.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Susan :

My family and lifestyle out in the country for my main stores. For the other two, facebook/twitter, blogs, my attitude - Things I wish I could say sometimes but never do! Often it's a "pretty" or "grungy" thing that I think looks cool. Anything and everything is briefly considered as a potential Zazzle product!

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

Susan :

It varies, but usually around 20 hrs a week on everything Zazzle related, including not only product creation, but promotion, reading the forums etc. That's about all I can fit in right now.

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

Susan :

Make your own templates, and then take the time to really learn how to tweak and adjust images to fit properly using Zazzle's controls. Make as many products as you can customizable using template text fields so it's easy for a customer to add their name or some other detail to really make it their own. Learn these as soon as you can, so you don't have dozens of faulty products to correct later!

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

Susan :

Cook beer! I'm a part time brew master and I really do enjoy my job.

I have an enormous vegetable garden that keeps me busy during the summer months.

RVing and road trips, or even just for an afternoon drive on or off-road, with my camera of course.

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

Susan :

1)I have a husband, two teenage girls and 2 dogs that are my whole life. Everything else is secondary. Even Zazzle!

2)Having said that, my Zazzle account is the first thing I check in the morning and the last thing I check at night!

3)I name all of our cattle with hillbilly names. Right now we are eating Jethro and Gus. They are tasty.

4)I am one of THOSE people who leave their christmas lights on the front porch all year long, just like the song.

5)I wear runners, gumboots or crocs most of the time. I don't like like flipflops and I don't even OWN a pair of heels.

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

Susan :


Hillbilly Party! Jean Overalls Plaid and Duct Tape Announcements



This is a fun invitation for country folks that can be adjusted to suit anyone, and any occasion.


Nothing Can Stop the Honey Badger T-shirts



This design is entirely text based, for people who prefer T-shirts without photos or graphics on them.


Shiny Silver Sequins Tough iPhone 4 Cover



This designs adds a touch of sparkle for girls who like bling and shiny things!

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


Porch Dog on Steps with Sad Eyes Postcard



An old dog lays comfortably on the wooden front porch steps, on guard duty and watching over her family in the yard. Color photograph with vignette effect.
Rico: Beautiful dog and I love the vintage effect!

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Susan :

Facebook

Twitter @RNHillbillies

Redneckhillbillies Website

Redneckhillbillies Blog

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Interview with A.J. of Transfinite

A.J. of Transfinite













A.J. of Transfinite

Rico:
What's Your Name?

A.J.
- I don't have any of myself, but here's a picture of my cat.  

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

A.J. :

Transfinite

The first store I created is called QUILTBAG Scraps. Its theme is items related to gay/lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex pride. (The acronym QUILTBAG means "Queer, undecided, intersex, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, androgynous/asexual, gay".) I'm neutrois (genderless) and pansexual (basically the same as bisexual, but with an emphasis on the fact that there are more than two genders), so I wanted to create products for my communities, and those related.

Transfinite2

My second store is called Kitten Fundamentalist, because I couldn't really think of a better name. It's just that when I decided to start making non-QUILTBAG items, I thought it would be a good idea to split them up. This store is basically for everything else I think of - political-related items, t-shirts with cute kittens on them, etc.

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

A.J. :
Technically, a year or so. I made a store, stuck a few items up, and then sort of abandoned the place. When I randomly got a sale a couple of weeks ago I remembered Zazzle, and decided to come back.

Rico: Are you a ProSeller?

A.J. :
Not yet!

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

A.J. :
I'm still more or less starting out, but the best advice I've seen so far is, you actually need to work at making and selling products. You can't just upload a random design, slap it on a bunch of things, and wait for the dough to start rolling in.

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

A.J. :
I run Linux, so I use The GIMP to create my designs. I've heard a lot of bad things about the program, but they're pretty much universally aimed at the Windows version; the Linux version of GIMP works amazingly well.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

A.J. :
I'm inspired by my interests. The queer community, liberal politics, adorable scampering kittens, the Japanese language... Sometimes I just browse public domain image galleries to see if anything inspires me, but generally it has to be something I'm interested in.

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

A.J. :
I have a lot of free time since I'm job-hunting right now, so I spend a couple hours a day on Zazzle... so maybe 20 hours a week? I know that sounds like a lot, but it's not all in one sitting. I'll stop by for five minutes to check the forums, go off to eat dinner, and then come back and spend half an hour uploading a design and making some products. That kind of thing.

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

A.J. :
Come up with lots of different designs and try putting them on lots of different products. You'd be surprised what works well!

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

A.J. :
Video games, reading, and writing. When I'm not making art, I'm working on a novel I'm writing (I know, isn't everyone?) and help translate Japanese shows and comics into English (unprofessionally).

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

A.J. :
 
1) I have a cat. She's currently inspiring me for several cat-related items.

2) I don't identify as either male or female, so I prefer to be referred to with gender-neutral pronouns; it, they, zie/zir, or something else, as long as it's not he or she.

3) I have Very Strong Feelings about equality and inclusiveness.

4) I live in the Pacific Northwest. That's probably why I don't get off my computer and go outside more often.

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

A.J. :


When you say I'm confused about my gender... T Shirts
 


"When you say I'm confused about my gender, you really mean YOU'RE confused about your gender." You're just confused is something trans and non-binary people hear all the time, and it really grates on the nerves. I'm planning to make a version that says "When you say I'm confused about my sexuality..." for bisexual, pansexual, and asexual people, soon.


Adorable Kittens Necklace
 


- "Adorable kittens necklace". This actually got featured on Zazzle's "Today's Best" a few days ago! As you might be able to tell, I am a cat lover (and I like to run, etc.). The same design is also available on shirts, mugs, bumper stickers, and other items.


Hentaigana: It's not what you think Shirt





- "Hentaigana: It's not what you think." This one is a really terrible pun... Hentaigana is an old-fashioned Japanese writing system that's not in use these days, but unfortunately, "hentai" (variant) is a homophone for "hentai" (perverted), a word often used to mean "anime porn". The handwriting on the front of the shirt is the word "hentaigana" written in hentaigana, and the octopus on the back... Well, look up "The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife" (but disable images first).

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


Heartsplosion Tee Shirt


Rico: Very nice design. I love the colors. 

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online? 

A.J. :I'm on Dreamwidth at transfinite (), but I mostly post about my boring personal life and silly fandom-related things. I never update my Twitter, and I don't like Facebook's privacy policies, so I don't have one. Dreamwidth at transfinite
Posted by at 8 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Interview with Matt Hymes of Hymes Design

Matt Hymes of Hymes Design

















Matt Hymes of Hymes Design


Rico:
What's Your Name?

Matt Hymes aka Hymes Design and that's what I look like. Trust me it's less scary that the real deal, so go with it, oh and he's wearing one of my shirt designs on a color I don't know if it comes in...weird right?

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Matt Hymes :
 
Hymes Design

It doesn't have a true theme at this point in time, basically it showcases my insanity. If I have an idea and it turns out mediocre to great I upload it to my store. I do currently limit my selection to shirts, ties, phone covers, speakers, and my favorite product the customizable keds "sneakers."

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Matt Hymes :
Technically a little over two years, but not accurately because I made a shop toward the end of 2009 uploaded a few designs and quit in a childish tantrum when a design was pulled do to trademarks. I then waited several months and read the guidelines finally before starting up again and this time uploading thrity shirts like it was an accomplishment, I waited three months before a sold anything, and in a fit of stupidity I ended up erasing that design after the sale which led to me giving up again. This time however I've come to zazzle with a different attitude, I am no longer trying to get rich, or find the secret to happiness I'm just having fun uploading designs and being a part of everything. Having been back for just over a week and a half I've already tripled my product lines, maybe quadrupled, and made two sales. Makes me wonder what changed about me that I finally grew up and did things right.

Rico: Are you a ProSeller?

Matt Hymes :
No I'm not a proseller, but when I become one I might be willing to share my secrets. The first being right there, read that sentence, "When I become one," you have to have confidence in your designs and the will to see it through to become a proseller, and this time around I have both.

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

Matt Hymes :
When I was first starting out I didn't seek any advice, and I failed because of it. This time around I read forums, studied other shops, and even browsed a few blogs and squidoos. The best advice I got from it all is that I was being childish the first two times I made a go of things. There are billions of designs in zazzle's marketplace and I expected thirty shirts to make me a living without promoting them anywhere, or bothering to mess with the keywords and descriptions. Epic failure on my part.

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

Matt Hymes :
90% of everything I do comes from adobe illustrator, the other 10% was in Photoshop at some point, but probably started in Illustrator. I draw cartoons, it's my only artistic talent away from the computer and Illustrator lets me do that and much much more. Plus the concept of vector designs being scalable without losing resolution etc. is pretty cool. My talents don't often lend me confidence in Photoshop, but I respect those who have mastered its intricacies. Don't get me wrong, I do web design and use Photoshop there a ton and it never lets me down, but for print work I prefer Illustrator ever single time.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Matt Hymes :
My inspiration comes from everywhere, movies, books, advertisements, but the things that inspire me most are searching google for keywords like "vector art" or "cool vector designs" etc. The true vector masters blow me away, but at the same time I find myself getting ideas from their masterpieces. It's like going to a museum and then getting out your notepad and doodling when you get home. I'll never produce a Mona Lisa, but I might just parody her with a mustache and a cowboy hat. Another source of inspiration is my dreams, I have one messed up mind sometimes...

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

Matt Hymes :
It's hard to say being so new to come back, but this last week I've easily put in 50+ hours I wouldn't be surprised if it was higher than that even. I don't anticipate having this kind of drive forever, but while I lasts I'm milking it dry. Plus I do freelance graphic design normally so when I get another client I'll have to put them over my store. At least until I'm making enough money through zazzle to justify turning down other work, which I don't see happening in the next few months.

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

Matt Hymes :
Realize what you're competing with, look through the marketplace, read some things (I know but sometimes you have to), and most importantly be prepared to put in the work. I can attest to the fact thirty designs, even good ones, won't make you rich. It's hard to find anything in the marketplace, and even if you truly stand out if nobody can find you then nobody will be buying your stuff. Think of zazzle more like a job and you'll do much better for it. Although if you're just looking for a place to display a few designs to impress your friends you can use zazzle for that too, but don't expect something like that to do much business.So to make it clear, what I'm saying is you have to stick with it, the more you put in the higher your chances of success.

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

Matt Hymes :
I watch movies, and TV shows like nobodies business. I also write fiction, but I'm not pompous enough to claim I'm a writer yet. When I'm published or at least self published, then I'll take that notch on my belt. The rest of my time is spent sleeping. Yeah I'm lame, my social calendar hasn't been full in ages.

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

Matt Hymes :
 
I snore, loudly, enough to wake myself up sometimes.

I hate vegetables.

In a zombie apocalypse I'd be the douche bag who closes the door on somebody who might have made it if I'd waited just a little longer, because hey I've seen the movies and somebody has to be that guy.

If I could have any super power I'd take super speed, which nobody ever seems to think is as cool as I do.

And lastly I hate heights, even climbing on top of a chair scares the crap out of me. I'd fight a bear before I'd climb a ladder to get on a roof, or go sky diving.

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

Matt Hymes :


Robot in Disguise Shirt




I actually plan to eventually redo this shirt. Maybe, I don't know, the idea still makes me laugh but there's something unbalanced about the text.


Argyle Pattern Low Top Sneakers, blue and orange Pro-keds Low Top Shoe



I cry when I think about how I'll never wear these shoes. My feet are wide, and it's a curse, because I'm like a girl with a problem when it comes to sneakers. Or hats, i have a huge head and hats never fit me... I'll be okay, just give me a minute.


Retro swooping stripes on brown, hitop sneakers. pro-keds high top sneaker



I probably have better shoes in my shop, but I love these, they came out better than expected, and while I've since seen something I could have done to make them better I'm not going to mess with them. Their simplicity reminds me that sometimes I should feel the design instead of trying to force it to be what I want it to be. I'm getting all zen up in here.

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

Random Patterned Tie



Random Patterned Tie tie
Random Patterned Tie by Hymesdesign
Create your own personalized neckties on zazzle.com

Rico: Love the colors and pattern!

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Matt Hymes :

Obviously I have a Zazzle store, but you have the link to that up there, stop being lazy and scroll up.

I have a Facebook but I don't like using it much so I'll be keeping it a secret.

I use twitter even less but I do have one, my user name is hymesdesign just like on zazzle. Twitter

And finally my webdesign website - Hymes Design



Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Interview with Jeff Rawson of JRD.Tees

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


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


Yellow Tape Business Cards


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


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 print
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
Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Interview with Deborah Miller of Visages

Deborah Miller













 


Deborah Miller of Visages


Rico:
What's Your Name?

Deborah Miller :

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Deborah Miller :

Visages

Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Deborah Miller :
Just about two weeks

Rico: Are you a ProSeller?

Deborah Miller :
No... not yet. One day soon I hope

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

Deborah Miller :
Promote... promote... promote and don't give up

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

Deborah Miller :
Acrylic paints, camera that needs upgraded badly, soft #6 pencil, oil pencils, PhotoPosPro software and most importantly, my imagination.

Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Deborah Miller :
If I look, I find inspiration everywhere but primarily I use nature, my pets (currently my ferrets), and I peruse the internet when I have a particular subject in mind.

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

Deborah Miller :
80 to 100 hours promoting, adding my art to product and reading the blog for research and such.

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

Deborah Miller :
Be a Nike and just do it. Then spend the time promoting. Lots of time! You can create a gazillion pieces of art but until you're known, you won't sell anything. I don't know much about promoting online so I do a lot of reading and research. This is also a must-do.

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

Deborah Miller :
You know? I almost can't remember since getting into Zazzle and putting my art onto things like postage stamps. I did play Scrabble nearly everyday, read, play with my ferrets, and learn. I LOVE learning.

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

Deborah Miller :
I love to sniff new books in the book store.
Nothing like the aroma of fresh ink. I would say the same about my oil pencils.
I art directed automotive magazines in the 90s. Mustang Monthly and Super Ford out of Lakeland, FL.
I can teach old dogs (yes, the animal) new tricks.
I HAVE to be productive; I can't just sit and waste a day.
I enjoy pleasing people.

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

Deborah Miller :

 
Monarch Butterfly Card:

After sitting for an hour in my back yard during the monarch migration, I finally managed to digitally capture this little guy resting on a vibrant flower. I used the zoom but to ensure I got all of his fine detailing, I crept forward as much as I dared. This is the final result of which I'm proud.


Ferretism (Sayings) T Shirt:


After getting a look from one of my ferrets, I couldn't help but imagine what he was saying to me. I searched the internet for ferretisms and sayings but found only a few. The idea blossomed from there. Shortly after creating the line, I sold a mouse pad! My ferrets are a constant source of entertainment and inspiration.


Panda Bear Apron:


Panda Bear Apron apron
Panda Bear Apron by Visages
I created this panda with pencil and oil pencil after I received a request to draw one. It took a full day and the end result was well received by the requester who loves to cook and wanted a panda bear apron. Most everything I create is simple. I'm not wont to add frills to my art...

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

FrankenFerret Shirt:

I just think this design is unique and quite cute!

Rico:
Where else can our readers find you online?

Deborah Miller : 
 
Posted by at 5 comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)