Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Interview with Afsaneh Bahrami of Sumwoman



Interview with Afsaneh Bahrami

Rico:
What's Your Name?

Afsaneh Bahrami

 

Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Afsaneh Bahrami :

Sumwoman

Features unique geometric patterns, shapes and symbols. As well as growing collection of custom designed invitations.

Wacky Media

Features original cartoon drawings, one-liner jokes and funny oddball quotes. The name says it all, I guess.

Mystic Persia

Features Persian themes like tapestry, miniature art. As well as colorful mandalas and mantras for meditation.

Truth Induced Paranoia

Features political messages well suited for our conspiratorial times.



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

Afsaneh Bahrami :
I created my first store in December 2010 and I sold my first item about a month later. It took me a while to get to the first pro-seller rank. As I continued to add designs and more products, my sales increased enough that I reached Bronze Proseller rank. I'm hoping to learn the art/craft/science of self-promotion which I think will really help me to reach Silver.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Afsaneh Bahrami :
All sorts of things inspire me, nature, current affairs, history, symbols. It seems I have developed a roving eye since becoming a designer at Zazzle. I am always examining every image that crosses my path. I look at the color, line arrangement, motif, themes, context, subtext, etc., I no longer just look at things around me, I analyze them with a view of perhaps drawing some inspiration for a future design.



Rico:
How would you describe your design style?

Afsaneh Bahrami :
My style is eclectic. For now, I keep things simple. Eventually, I would like to create digital versions of my paintings and illustrations done by hand.



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

Afsaneh Bahrami :
I work on Linux Debian OS. I use Gimp mostly. I used to work with Xara for vector illustrations but as of recently, I'm trying out Inkscape.


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

Afsaneh Bahrami :
To be honest, I don't know if my stores stand out from the rest. At least, not yet. I think that's the next thing to work on. Once I begin transferring my hand drawn and hand painted collection, I may earn the title unique.



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

Afsaneh Bahrami :
It's difficult to narrow it down to just one. The forum section is full of helpful entries from store owners, going back several years. In the beginning a spent a good portion of my time searching through the forum. Then for quite awhile, I focused on designing and setting up store-builder sites. Recently, I have found my way back to the forum. Tons of good advice on the forum.



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

Afsaneh Bahrami :
Work on quality and scalability of the design. Work on themes, niches and special events. I think being good at self-promotion is the key to becoming a proseller.



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?

Afsaneh Bahrami :
Definitely, I have become very proficient at using graphic editors like Gimp, but I still have tons of things to learn. By necessity, I have become better at using social network sites and blogging sites to promote my designs.



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

Afsaneh Bahrami :


1. I have a background in theater, film and television. Over the years, I have written and performed stand up comedy. I hope to make a living from it one day.

2. When I was young, I used to draw a lot. The thing that pulled me into computers was graphic editor programs. I never thought I would make money from my designs.

3. Think Positive, Say Positive and Do positive.

4. I love conspiracy theories.

5. I'm really glad I discovered Zazzle.



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

Afsaneh Bahrami :

Silver Hearts Head over Heels in Love invitations (by request, I greatly altered a previous design, I think it worked out well).


Silver Hearts Black Top Hat and High Heels Personalized Invites



Silver Hearts Black Top Hat and High Heels Personalized Invites
Silver Hearts Black Top Hat and High Heels Personalized Invites by sumwoman
View Head over heels love Invitations online at zazzle

Silver Hearts Black Top Hat and High Heels. Head over Heels in Love. customizable with name of bride and groom. Stylish, fun and playful wedding invitation theme. Black Top and delicate High Heel Shoes on silver background with a border of playful silver pink hearts Black hat and six inch stiletto shoes on silver pink hearts as background pattern. Get married with stylish, passionate, vibrant wedding theme.



Vertical Stripes Retro Colors Blue Yellow Red (for some reason Zazzle really liked this design. I placed it on a bunch of products and got a few TBA's)

Vertical Stripes Retro Colors Blue Yellow Red Organizers


Vertical Stripes Retro Colors Blue Yellow Red Organizers
Vertical Stripes Retro Colors Blue Yellow Red Organizers by sumwoman
Check out other Vertical stripes Planners at zazzle.com

Retro Stripes vertical stripes Retro Colours Blue stripes, Yellow stripes, Orange Red Stripes, Chocolate Stripes Retro coloured vertical stripes.



Purple Lotus flower meditation wheel OM (I really like mandalas AKA sacred circles. This design is popular as a poster)

Purple Lotus flower meditation wheel OM Posters



Purple Lotus flower meditation wheel OM / stylized lotus flower meditation / OM in sanskrit / blue purple violet



Watermelon Wedgies (What can I say, I like watermelons)

Watermelon Wedgies iPhone 5 Covers


Watermelon Wedgies iPhone 5 Covers
Watermelon Wedgies iPhone 5 Covers by mystic_persia
Check out Watermelons iPhone Cases online at zazzle

Two watermelon wedgies / Watermelon skin / green stripes bordered by watermelon wedges / Pop art fruit themes / half watermelon / side section watermelon / red watermelon / black seeds / striped watermelon green skin.



LOL is the new ROFL (Even though I got a TBA for this design, I still have not sold any. I like it anyway)

LOL is the new Rolling On Floor Laughing Tee Shirts



Retro cartoon - newsprint effect - dots / two young women sharing the news about latest trend / LOL is the new ROFL / Laughing Out Loud is now the Rolling On Floor Laughing.



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

Afsaneh Bahrami : 
 
My funny articles

mysticpersia.com - huge catalogue of Zazzle products

mystic persia on Blogger

my political profile on Twitter

 

Rico:
Here are a few of my personal favorite designs;


Sun Moon Rainbow Stars Towels


Sun Moon Rainbow Stars Towels
Sun Moon Rainbow Stars Towels by sumwoman
Browse other hand towel designs on Zazzle.

Sun Moon Rainbow Stars / Folk art patterns / Bright yellow sun with one open green eye side by side with sleeping crescent powder blue moon with closed eye / Semi arc bright vibrant rainbow / Puffy clouds at both ends of the rainbow / Gold stars shining bursting upwards / Celestial blue sky theme



I think I know too much tshirt


I think I know too much tshirt
I think I know too much tshirt by wackymedia
Shop for Stick T-Shirts online at Zazzle.com

I think I know too much - for guys paranoid by truth information



Cherry Swirl Mandala Pendants



Red - Powerful and Confident. Red helps to give your strength and vitality. Red is a very powerful color, meditate with a red colored mandala to tap into your inner power to help over low self esteem and build self confidence. Red is governed by the spine or the Root Chakra. The power center is closely grounded by earth, is outgoing, and portrays a positive attitude. The Root Chakra must be grounded. Fatigue, fear, and anxiety are often caused by the missing contact with the earth reality. Red increases blood flow that carries oxygen to your all parts of your body. Pink - Open Heart. Meditating with pink colors channels compassion and an open heart. Whether your are male or female, the color conjures approachablity and a heart capable of loving others. If you want to feel heart-connected reach for pastel pink mandalas and begin to see the world through rose colored glasses and be tickled pink, use multiple shades of pink and light purple or other pastels used together maintain the soft, delicate, and playful nature of pink. Mandala is a Sanskrit word that means "circle". It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.



Red Roses And Black Lace stationery



Flesh toned background with tan lines - single sexy red rose with stem and leaves behind sheer black lace.


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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Interview with Margaret Chayka of Chef Catering Biz Cards Part 2



Interview with Margaret Chayka of Chef Catering Biz Cards Part 2 
 
 
Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Margaret Chayka :
Hopefully they will continue to allow designers to set their own profit margins, since that's why they finally beat out Cafepress.



Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Margaret Chayka :
My parents were always exposing us (7 kids) to creative outlets. My father could just pick up a pencil and draw it right the first time, though his passion was building things like houses and furniture. My mother, who's in her 80s is still the crafter, though now it's mostly knitting for babies in the hospital.



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

Margaret Chayka :
Keep designing, keep putting up new designs and use good tags and descriptions.



Rico:
What was the latest product you added to your wish list (include link)?

Margaret Chayka :
Well, I don't technically have a wish list, but am trying to decide which bag to get. I'm leaning on this vintage circus one I designed a while ago. Can't decide if I want a matching ensemble with a sleeve and a wristlet, or if I should mix 'em up.

Vintage grunge circus and animals shoulder bag messenger bag

Awesome vintage circus medallions and other carnival or zoo images on shoulder bags, messenger bags, wristlets, laptop bags and sleeves, bag accessories and more. Clowns, horses with riders, elephants, zebra, lion, animal prints, and more on a grunge polka dot background.



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

Margaret Chayka :

I was "Maggie" up until the late 80s, then switched to "Margaret"... just because.

When I die, I want to die eating potato salad.

I quit smoking 2 years ago. So the potato salad thing will probably be replaced by a cigarette.

I've lived in New York, Florida, and Minnesota, and want my last move to be to Wyoming..
My daughter is following one of my footsteps by opening her own Zazzle store and becoming a ProSeller.



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

Margaret Chayka :
I love movies, tennis (not a good player, just like to run around and try to hit the ball), my gerbils, sewing, thrift shopping and garage sales. When I move to Wyoming, I'll take up fishing, crossbow and polo (yes - polo is very popular there, but I'll be a spectator, not a participant!).



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

Margaret Chayka :

This bird chef is quite popular - the original has a blue background, but I made this new version so folks could change the background color. I love it's little Frenchy retro feel, perfect for groovier chefs and caterers. 


Custom color retro French bird chef baker Business Card


Popular retro French bird chef now with custom background color option! This bird is black with white line chef hat and frilly apron for chefs, cooks, and bakers, and you can change the background color to whatever you'd like in the 'customize' area.



This scribbled yarn business card is the reason why I opened a separate Knitting and Sewing store. It's one of the most popular business cards I sell - in the chef store! I decided at one point to offer up a few "non cooking" designs, and it became popular almost instantly, and once that happens you can't just move it to another store, its popularity will be lost. So it remains with the tomatoes and frying pans! 



colorful yarn balls knitting needles business c... business cards

Fun, sketchy doodled yarn balls with knitting needles business cards or large gift tags for giving your handmade best. Colorful yet subdued tones on a deep gray background, for knitters or knit crafts, crafter, or crafting.



This wristlet may be one of the accessories I get to put inside the circus bag, or whatever bag I end up with. Love movies, love retro, and love a little bit of grungy splatters, too! Also, you can change the background color of almost everything I create these days.

custom color retro TV vintage television argyle Wristlet Purses


Fun retro TV or vintage television set with antennae and paint splatters on shoulder bags, messenger bags, wristlets, laptop bags and sleeves, bag accessories and more. You can resize, rotate or move the image to get the look you want, and it also looks great with lots of different background colors, which you can change in the 'customize' section.



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?

Margaret Chayka :
I've always had a job-job, even when self-employed, but nowadays I can actually have a "little job" that doesn't require me to take work home! Over the next couple of years, preparing for the move to another state, I will be building up my Zazzle stores. Having an income-producing store also gives me peace of mind that my offspring will be able to take it over when I'm gone and make money off it, too.



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

Margaret Chayka :

The great thing about Zazzle is that most of my customers come from Zazzle's own marketplace, plus 1/3 of my sales are referrals from affiliates and so on. I have a website which is mostly for people who are looking for customization prices and so on. The Big M Ranch Blog

Facebook

Twitter @MargaretsTweets


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Sunday, June 2, 2013

Interview with Margaret Chayka of Chef Catering Biz Cards Part 1



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

Margaret Chayka :


Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Margaret Chayka :

Chef Catering Biz Cards

Is a business card theme store for chefs, catering, baking and other foodies with an appeal emphasis on women cooks and bakers.

Culinary Note Cards

My Christmas card, sticker, and ornament shop for the same culinary crowd.

Knittingand Sewing

A business card theme store for knitting and sewing crafters, along with "handmade with love" stickers, greeting cards, binders and notebooks for patterns and pattern notes.

Bags a la Carte

Is a non-themed store featuring shoulder bags, wristlets, electronics sleeves and cases, and other carryables and gifts. I love the new Zazzle bags and just wanted to do something fun!



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Margaret Chayka :
I used to have a Cafepress store, so Zazzle came up quite often in forums and such. When I shut down my Cafepress store - let's just say that dictating small designer profits didn't sit well with many of us - Zazzle was the place to go.



Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Margaret Chayka :
I opened Culinary Note Cards in the summer of 2009 so I could hit the Christmas season. Since I already had a corral of graphics from my former Cafepress store, I was up and running pretty quickly.



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

Margaret Chayka :
I became a Bronze ProSeller after a year, I believe, and recently graduated to Silver. Although my sales of cards do very well for the holidays, I opened up Chef Catering Biz Cards to get a more steady income from business card sales.



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

Margaret Chayka :
On the "outside" I was a personal chef struggling to find decent marketing materials for my own business, then once I designed my own, started designing them for other chefs and professional foodies I know. Now I've given that up completely to cater to the start-up who wants a great business card without committing to a higher custom design price, and Zazzle products are perfect for that.



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

Margaret Chayka :
I'm pretty much the "it" girl when it comes to women chefs and cooks, and I'm not talking about images of a woman wearing a chef hat. It's about designs with a feminine touch, or a bit of whimsy or humor. As far as my other stores go, these are fairly new, but as a lifetime crafter the Knitting and Sewing store is right up my alley as well, and we'll "have to see" what happens in the new bag shop. As always, your customers will tell you what sells by buying things!



Rico:
How would you describe your design style?

Margaret Chayka :
A crisp, clean style is my preference, but also use retro aspects from the groovy cookbook style of the 60s and 70s; more lately have given in to some vintage elements and shabby chic, which really aren't practical for a long-term "logo" solution, but for a pre-made business card for a year or two - heck, why not?



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

Margaret Chayka :
Most of my stores are business stores, with lots of business cards - I plan on opening one more niche store this year. The bag store is my "other stuff" store where I don't have to be serious. I'm not a great artist by any means, but business cards are a low commitment artistic outlet that keeps my brain functioning. Everything else is icing.



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

Margaret Chayka :
The great thing about a place like Zazzle is that you don't need a lot of advice! Didn't ask, didn't get!



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

Margaret Chayka :

Well, it was this t-shirt with a pig on it, from an old store I decided to let stagnate in favor of Chef Catering Biz Cards.

Tasty pork pig with chef hat t-shirts

Pork, ham, bacon, pork tenderloin...all tasty, and all the meat you crave! who says guys can't wear pink? When it's a pig with a chef hat and involves tasty pork, it's A-OK!

The first business card sold was this measuring spoons one

Measuring spoons cooking utensils business card 1

Black and white baker, baking, cooking, kitchen, culinary utensil measuring spoons with flowers and a little bit of curl to make it pretty. Nice card for a baker, pastry chef, cooking or food business, caterer or other culinary establishment.



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

Margaret Chayka :
An ancient CorelDraw for every image, and an ancient Photoshop 7 for when a few effects are called for. On a tech scale 1-10, I'd come in as a 3.



Rico:
A few of my Favorite designs from Chef Catering Biz Cards :



Cat emblem paw print pet food chef business card


Cute cat emblem and paw prints pet food chef business cards or 'from my kitchen' gift tag for your homemade pet treats and goodies.



Heart loaf of bread bakery baking business card


Heart shaped bread buns business cards or 'from my kitchen' gift tag for baking or bakery. Two seed-topped loaves of bread with ribbon bow and light, colorful background.



Colorful cake pops baking bakery business cards


Colorful cake pops business card for baker or bakery in pink, purple and green candy stripe colors. You can change the background color, too, and it makes a terrific "from my kitchen" gift tag for finishing touches on gift packages.



vintage butterfly fork chef catering business card


Vintage, shabby chic style butterfly fork business cards for chefs, cooks, personal chefs, caterer or catering, cooking classes, cooking lessons, gourmet shop, kitchen store, or other food, cooking, or culinary service. Also makes a neat 'from my kitchen' gift tag for your homemade food gifts or small market food packaging.



The second half of the Interview with Margaret Chayka : will be posted on Wednesday June 5, 2013. So come back for more with Margaret Chayka!


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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Interview with Carolyn McFann of Two Purring Cats Clothing & Gifts Part 2

 
Carolyn McFann

Interview with Carolyn McFann of Two Purring Cats Clothing & Gifts Part 2


Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Carolyn McFann :
The freedom to do what I want without anyone telling me what to do, the large amount of quality products that we can design and the ability to expand with new products.


Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Carolyn McFann :
As a kid, my dad was my inspiration, he was/is really good at drawing. An architect who also drew pretty pictures. I am inspired now by just about anything plant or animal.


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

Carolyn McFann :
Keep your designs original, don't do what everyone else does, be different and be good at what you do. That will make you stand out.


Rico:
What was the latest product you added to your wish list (include link)?

Carolyn McFann :
Love this poster. Plan to buy it:
The Planet Earth Posters
The Planet Earth Posters
The Planet Earth Posters by solarviews
Look at Earth Posters online at Zazzle.com




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

Carolyn McFann :

I'm a workaholic, it's not work to me, I love what I do and love to learn new things to improve my work.

I have three loving, deaf, white, long-haired cats (and no, I'm not changing my studio name to "Three Purring Cats" ;) , rescued from death row in shelters

I lived in Playa del Carmen, Mexico for awhile. Lovely, fascinating place but prefer home in the Midwest. Used to travel to and live in different places for work every so often but am now settled in Ohio.

Did some print modeling when I was really young. Kind of fun but my heart wasn't in it. I was really shy back then.
Am more of a business person than artist. Art is the easy part..marketing/promotion is ongoing and has to be done.


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

Carolyn McFann :
Take business courses, photograph nature, travel, bake..when I have time, that is.


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

Carolyn McFann :

I did this a few years ago, in memory of a cockatiel I had a long time ago.


Cockatiels and Forget Me Nots Mug

Cockatiel parrots of different kinds from pied, fallow and pearl to regular wild coloring on a quality frosted glass coffee mug for parrot lovers.


I just love macaws, they're brightly colored and fascinating birds with big voices.



The Macaw Parrot Jungle Wall Clock

Original fine art design of colorful Macaw parrots from Hyacinth and Scarlet to Military, and more by artist Carolyn McFann printed on a quality wall clock for parrot lovers.



I did artwork awhile ago of primates for a natural history museum/learned quite a bit about them during that project and this was just something I did for myself on the side, lemurs were really interesting creatures.


Black and White Ruffed Lemur Poster

This cute and fuzzy animal is a primate, related to monkeys, and comes from the island of Madagascar off the coast of Africa. It is an endangered species.



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?

Carolyn McFann :
It has helped me live as I want, and work for myself instead of for others, and makes my life everything I want it to be.

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

Carolyn McFann :

Facebook

My Blog


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Monday, May 20, 2013

Interview with Carolyn McFann Part 1

 
Carolyn McFann

Interview with Carolyn McFann Part 1


Rico:
What's Your Name?

Carolyn McFann :


Rico:
List your shop(s) -

Carolyn McFann :

Two Purring Cats Clothing & Gifts

A large and colorful store featuring my artwork. I specialize in drawing/painting anything to do with nature. The name comes from my cats, who were/are by my side as I work here in my studio.

Ornamentation (holiday ornaments)

Just ornaments for holidays or any occasion, featuring my artwork and designs.

The Case Place

Cases for phones, computers and more.



Rico:
How did you find Zazzle?

Carolyn McFann :
I heard about it from a friend on that other POD I won't mention.


Rico:
How long have you been at Zazzle?

Carolyn McFann :
How long have you been at Zazzle? I've been here since September of 2008, nearly five years.



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

Carolyn McFann :
Yes. I forget, a few months.


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

Carolyn McFann :
I've been freelancing for a long time and thought this would give me more creative freedom to do what I want, not just what the client wanted.


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

Carolyn McFann :
It's VERY colorful.


Rico:
How would you describe your design style?

Carolyn McFann :
It varies, I have different styles that I use, from realism to impressionism (when painting on canvas), but here I use mostly realism/plein-air styles.


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

Carolyn McFann :
Posters, cards.


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

Carolyn McFann :
Never give up. Do what you want and don't waste time worrying about what others think. There's room in the world for all styles of work. Be confident and be good at what you do, have pride in your work.


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

Carolyn McFann :

I have no idea! On Zazzle? Don't know. Off of Zazzle, I used to sell my artwork quite a big when in elementary school and upwards. I'm still doing what I did as a kid, just being paid more for it now. It's been my calling in life ever since I could hold a crayon/pencil as a small child. I live to draw.



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

Carolyn McFann :
Everything from pencils, professional artists' markers and technical pens to paint, computer too. My dad taught me to use technical pens when I was little and I use them for line drawing, mostly then colorize them with markers or on computer.


Rico:
A few of my Favorite designs from Two Purring Cats Clothing & Gifts :


Peaceful Jungle Tiger Kitchen Towel

Original fine art design of a resting young Bengal tiger by artist Carolyn McFann printed on a quality, machine-washable American Mojo kitchen towel for big cat fans.



Fierce Hunter Kitty Plate
Fierce Hunter Kitty Plate
Fierce Hunter Kitty Plate by twopurringcats
Create unique custom plates online at Zazzle.

Original fine art design of a cute young Tuxedo kitten playing with a bug by artist Carolyn McFann printed on a quality, dishwasher safe plate for cat lovers.



African Praying Mantis Mug
African Praying Mantis Mug
African Praying Mantis Mug by twopurringcats
Look at other Nature Mugs at zazzle.com

Original fine art designs of pets such as cats and dogs as well as wildlife, insects and more on quality mugs for nature and animal lovers by designer Carolyn McFann.



Moonlight Stallion Avery Binder

Original equine design by illustrator/designer Carolyn McFann printed on a quality Avery binder for horse & pony lovers.



The second half of the Interview with Carolyn McFann : will be posted on Wednesday May 22, 2013. So come back for more with Carolyn McFann!


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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Interview with Rusty of Rusty Doodle Zazzle Store Part 2

 
Rusty

Interview with Rusty of Rusty Doodle Zazzle Store Part 2 
 
 
 
Rico:
What is your favorite aspect about Zazzle?

Rusty :
The Zazzle community! Zazzlers and the Zazzle staff are helpful people and we cheer each other on towards success! Lots of love in the community!


Rico:
Who or what inspires you?

Rusty :
This may seem like a textbook answer but frankly anything can inspire me if I open up my mind to it. It could be a mosaic wall feature, nature, other designers etc. That is why I keep my notebook or mobile phone with me to jot down or take a picture of these ideas before I forget about them.


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

Rusty :
The same useful advice others have given me, “Be patient and keep working at it!” To elaborate using my personal experience, the sales I got are usually not the designs that I put up in that week but rather designs that were uploaded a month to a few months back. So don’t expect a sale the following day for a design that you have just uploaded today. Work today is more likely for a sale 3 months later or even later. There is just no shortcut to this unless one is already an established artist with a sizable following. Doing promotion does help though.


Rico:
What was the latest product you added to your wish list (include link)?

Rusty :
I haven’t explored the wish list until this question! Learn something new every day!
I added this design of a subdued dark green messenger bag with decorative pattern design which is very different from what I design. If it is something that I wear or an accessory, I prefer it to be plain and simple. If it is something for home use, that is another story.


Retro Grunge Dark Green Messenger Bags

Cool retro grungy dark forest green decorative pattern design.



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

Rusty :

I draw comic strips about the ongoing events in my life ever since I started my blog.

I love Japanese food like sushi, cha soba (a green cold noodle dish), Onigiri (Japanese rice ball formed in the shape of triangle) and the list goes on!

I can spend a whole afternoon at a bookstore browsing books in the areas of graphic designs, interior design, finance and self-improvement. Each topic can take one afternoon.

I was in the customer service industry for 6 years before exploring a career in illustration and doodles.
I am a procrastinator. Things only get done if I write them down in my organizer and keep reminding myself about them.


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

Rusty :
Read up on self improvement materials. Catch up on Manga. Write for my blog.


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

Rusty :

Kawaii Zoo Animals Theme Baby Shower Invite - A new personal favorite is this zoo animals’ theme invitation which I created recently. It is a cartoon design of popular zoo animals consisting of elephant, lion and zebra. I like the color palette and the layout. There is also a pattern variation of this design for an organizer which got me featured on Today’s Best on Zazzle! .
Kawaii Zoo Animals Theme Baby Shower Invite


Colorful cartoon design of cute zoo animals consisting of blue elephant, orange lion and zebra. Reverse page consists of same color palette arranged in a pattern style. Design is gender neutral, making it suitable for both baby boy and girl. Make your baby shower extra special with this adorable baby shower invitation that is going to impress your guests. It is also suitable for kids theme birthday parties like safari and jungle theme. Invite can be easily personalized with your party details. Matching party favors available. Designed by Rusty Doodle.


Kawaii Underwater Theme Baby Shower Invite - I would say that this is an improved version (at least to me) for one of my earlier designs. The design consists of cute underwater animals like yellow seahorse, blue jellyfish, striped fish and pink starfish.

Kawaii Underwater Theme Baby Shower Invite
Kawaii Underwater Theme Baby Shower Invite
Kawaii Underwater Theme Baby Shower Invite by RustyDoodle
Look at Baby shower Invitations online at Zazzle.com

Kawaii Underwater Theme Baby Shower Invite
Kawaii Underwater Theme Baby Shower Invite by RustyDoodle
View more Baby shower Invitations at zazzle.com

Cartoon design of kawaii and colorful underwater animals consisting of yellow seahorse, blue jellyfish, striped fish and pink starfish all with big cutesy eyes! Bubbles which are attractive for kids as background. Make your little baby boy or girl's baby shower extra special with this adorable underwater animals theme baby shower invitation card that is sure to leave an impression with your guests. Easily customizable with your party details. Designed by Rusty Doodle.


Funny Cartoon: Kawaii Yellow & Brown Bee Humming Throw Pillows - While I do add my sense of humor to my designs, this cartoon of an adorable yellow and brown bee humming along is a rare one where I make use of homophone word play to come up with a meaningful message "Bee Humble". Amusing yet spreading a positive and meaningful message around.

Funny Cartoon: Kawaii Yellow & Brown Bee Humming Throw Pillows


Funny cartoon of kawaii yellow and brown stripes bee with big cutesy eyes humming along. Tagline reads "Bee Humble". The illustration is a wacky and humorous, homophone play on the words "Be Humble". Amuse your friends with this funny design and yet spread a positive and meaningful message around. Designed by Rusty Doodle.


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?

Rusty :
Zazzle has helped me to believe that my doodles have a place in the world. I was doubtful at first whether my doodles are good enough.


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

Rusty :

Rusty Doodle Blog

Pinterest


Rico:
Anything you'd like to ask me?

Rusty :

I like Zazzle but I am also thinking of putting them on other companies to spread the risks and widen my exposures. Hence, my question is besides Zazzle, do you upload your designs to any other companies? If the answer is yes, what are they and your level of success with them?

Rico :

There are a lot of POD's out there, most of which I have no experience with. When I started out I was with Cafe Press. I left there in 2009 when I found Zazzle. CP had made some major changes that were unfavorable to the shopkeepers. You will find many CP Refugees here at Zazzle in fact there is a Sticky "CP Refugees Check in Here!" in the New to Zazzle forum. I love Zazzle and find the community an d staff there to be the best! I still have a store at CP, but have not updated it since I joined Zazzle. I still make some sales there, which is why I never closed it.


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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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