Monday, February 28, 2011

ElaineJHillson

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
ElaineJHillson
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Blogger/Blogspot
  • Wordpress
  • Facebook
  • Facebook Pages
  • Twitter
  • Flicker
  • StumbleUpon
  • Squidoo
Is zazzle for you... *
A Part Time income I would like to be a full time income
Where are you from? *
Lampeter, Wales, UK
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my store and other peoples stores
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
I make chainmaille dragons.
I like taking llamas for walks.
I love reading and at the moment I am working my way through the Volsunga saga.
Do you prefer to work: *
With my favorite music playing
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
My favourite product at the moment is a card featuring one of my Maine Coon cats with some pink carnations.
I was trying to shoot some still life photos and Adara kept getting in the way. (She had slipped into the studio).
Then I just watched her and suddenly this shot appeared. I like the simplicity of the moment which allowed me to capture her exploring something new.
It also helps to remind me to keep my eyes and mind open to the unexpected.

http://www.zazzle.co.uk/cat_and_flower_card-137192675120349668
List your shops: *

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Sinical Ink

Your Name - or Shop Name - This will appear as your blog post title *
Sinical Ink
What advice that you received as a shopkeeper or learned from trial and error - would you like to pass on to someone else? *
First i would like to say Patients It takes time.
Also sure you spend the time to develope quality products with good descriptions and tags it is very important.
How often do you add new products or designs? *
Several times a week, but not every day
If you came into $100,000 tomorrow what would you do with it? *
Order a Bunch of my own products and many products fro other zazzle shop keepers. Then invest it so it can make me more money aswell as spend some on the business part of my Zazzle shop
What is the last product you added to your store? *
What would you do if you saw an actor on TV wearing one of your shirts, or one of your products on the set of a popular Tv show or movie? *
I would get as many picture and screen shot of it as i can and call everyone i know.
Do you have any formal art or computer training? *
No, I taught myself
What programs do you use to create your designs? What do you like about them? *
Photoshop

Ive always used it its is all i know
Other than your own shop(s) - what 1 shop on zazzle created by someone else, is your absolute favorite? *
List your shops: *

Saturday, February 26, 2011

TheHopefulRomatic

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
TheHopefulRomatic
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Blogger/Blogspot
  • Yahoo Messenger
  • Other Sharing sites
Is zazzle for you... *
A Part Time income I would like to be a full time income
Where are you from? *
California
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my store and other peoples stores
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
1. I want to move to Europe one day. I used to live in France and I want to go back. I want to photograph the architecture there.

2. I lived a real "not without my daughter" story.

3. I have 2 very large rats as pets. They are so funny. I love rats.
Do you prefer to work: *
Depends on my mood
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
http://www.zazzle.com/gothic_cathedral_forgive_me_my_sins_mousepad-144381904564962681

This is a cathedral I photographed in France and added blood splatters to. It is my favorite photo and I have a large version of this hanging in my living room. I like it because it reflects my feelings over instances in my life, and I love the moody looks it gives especially at Halloween. It's awesome.
List your shops: *

Friday, February 25, 2011

Gidgets Mojo

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
Gidgets Mojo
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Facebook
  • Facebook Pages
  • Twitter
  • Delicious
  • StumbleUpon
  • Squidoo
Is zazzle for you... *
A hobby
Where are you from? *
Tennessee
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my store and other peoples stores
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
Taught Special Education for 15 years
Love the beach
Have a weakness for snuggies and flannel pj's
Do you prefer to work: *
With my favorite music playing
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
http://www.zazzle.com/funky_chicken_retro_t_shirt-235278879191762518
One colorful funky chicken is strutting her stuff in this group of chickens. The brightly colored chicken is decorated in all sorts of retro colors and patterns.
This one just makes me smile.
List your shops: *

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Albom Design on Zazzle

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
Albom Design on Zazzle
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Self Hosted Wordpress
  • Facebook
  • Facebook Pages
  • Twitter
Is zazzle for you... *
A Part Time income I would like to be a full time income
Where are you from? *
New Zealand
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my store and other peoples stores
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
-I love to laugh and I can generally find the light side of most things.
- Before I die, I hope to ride a camel through the Arabian desert and sleep in a Bedouin tent.
- I have the best job in the world - I am a mom.
Do you prefer to work: *
With my favorite music playing
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
http://www.zazzle.com/why_live_on_the_edge_tshirt-235311842093827652
Wow, picking one favorite was difficult, as I only publish designs I really like. I chose this one as it represents a combination of all the things I do at Zazzle. It is a travel photography shot with a twist of fun. The shot was taken in Colorado. It was edited in Photoshop to isolate the rider and then graphics were done in Illustrator. All that aside, the real reason I chose this is probably that I am the proud mom. The rider is my daughter at age 11.
List your shops: *

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

SimpleTerms

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
SimpleTerms
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Blogger/Blogspot
  • Twitter
  • Posterous
  • Squidoo
  • Other Blog
Is zazzle for you... *
A Part Time income I would like to be a full time income
Where are you from? *
MN
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my store and other peoples stores
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
I have sold over 2,000 original works of art.

I paint pretty much every day.

All of my favorite people are dogs.
Do you prefer to work: *
In complete silence
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
http://www.zazzle.com/your_inner_weasel_daily_art_fun_unique_painting_card-137053920349178884

My favorite product changes often, but I have loved this card for a long time, it just makes me happy. We all have to make peace with our inner weasels, don't we?
List your shops: *


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Superstarbing

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
Superstarbing
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Wordpress
  • Self Hosted Wordpress
  • Zblogs
  • Facebook
  • Facebook Pages
  • Twitter
  • Posterous
  • Yahoo Messenger
  • StumbleUpon
  • Squidoo
  • Other Forums
Is zazzle for you... *
A Part Time income I would like to be a full time income
Where are you from? *
Michigan but living in Arkansas now
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my store and other peoples stores
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paper Check
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
*When I was in high school, I played Veruca Salt in our drama department's version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Some said that playing a brat didn't seem like much of a stretch for me. LOL
*My favorite color is turquoise. I use it all the time. My main Zazzle store, my website, in many of my designs.
*In college, my idea of fun "elective" courses were extra science courses and economics and political science classes.
Do you prefer to work: *
Depends on my mood
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
http://www.zazzle.com/nerdy_before_it_was_cool_womens_shirt-235166633441463815

This design is a new favorite. I made it more for myself than anything else. Surprisingly, it's becoming one of my more popular designs. Nerds of a feather, flock together, I suppose.
List your shops: *

Monday, February 21, 2011

RanchLady

Your name or Shopid *
RanchLady
How long did it take you to become a proseller? *
12-24 months (1-2 years)
What advice can you give to someone who wants to become a proseller? *

The path to Pro-Seller at Zazzle is simple, though it can be time consuming.
Create. Create. Create.
Promote. Promote. PROMOTE.
Network!!

Use every means at your disposal to get your work seen.
Promote other sellers.
Use yout titles, descriptions and tags wisely. A Title should use a keyword that says what the design on the product is, and the description should tell a little more detail. Tags should be used like keywords that a potential buyer might type into a search engine if they were looking for YOUR design.

Becoming a Pro-seller at Zazzle is not just about selling your own designs. It's about how much you earn in royalties, and through the Zazzle associates program you can earn by promoting other Zazzler's work, and bringing in sales for them as well as for yourself. Helping others and networking to bring in sales for yourself and others is key to success. So, join a few Zazzle groups on Facebook, make friends, help others where you can, take advantage of others advice, and just keep creating and promoting!

Some links:

* http://www.squidoo.com
* http://www.facebook.com (get a fanpage and use it)
* http://www.twitter.com (follow other artists!)
* http://www.blogger.com (follow other artists, same theme blogs, and Zazzlers)
* http://www.myspace.com
* http://www.theindiexhibit.com


How many stores do you have? *
2-5
What benefits do you see for choosing this number of stores? and what do you recommend for others who are just starting out on whether to choose 1 store or multiple stores? *
3 of my 4 stores have different themes.

One is mostly inspirational stuff.
One is all keds shoes.
Two are Western themed. (One of these I work diligently and that is the one that got me the Pro status.)

I plan to open 2 more stores this year. The new stores will feature products that are geared toward items buyers look for year round.
What types of advertising do you do? *
  • Off-Zazzle websites
  • Blogs (blogspot, wordpress, etc.)
  • Microblogs (twitter, plurk, etc.)
  • SNS (facebook, myspace, etc.)
  • Handouts (flyers, stickers, business cards, etc.)
  • Gift Bags (emmys, MTV awards, etc.)
  • Forums (groups, messege boards, etc.)
  • Newsletters
What types of advertising do you recommend for someone just starting out and why? *

* Give your business cards to everyone who is interested.
* Send out postcard mailouts to targeted businesses who may be interested (for instance, for my "Western Spirit Designs" store, I have on occassion sent out postcards with my info and store URL on one side and pictures of some of my products on the other, to Dude Ranches, etc.)
* A Facebook Fan page. Tell all your friends about it.
* Carry your business cards at all times, and a few samples of your products with you. Wear your t-shirt designs. Someone will ask, and you can say "I made this, would you like to have one?" and give them your card. If you carry samples with you, you may be able to make a sale on the spot.
* I also own a domain name site where I have built a storefront and linked it all back to my Zazzle product pages.

Not talking dollar wise, just volume & frequency of sales do you... (select all that apply, some answer may be contradictory based on seasonal sales) *
  • have 1-5 days per month with no sale
  • sell under 5 products per day on most days
  • sell multiple items per purchase most sales
  • have 1 shopper pruchase over 25 items in 1 purchase at least once per month
  • sell a lot of lower priced items like postcards and buttons
  • sell a good mix of all items regardless of price
  • do well January-March
  • do well April-June
  • do well July-September
  • do well October-December
What product in your store are you most proud of or what product in your store is your favorite? Include link to product page and why it is your favorite. *
I love my own stuff... it's hard to choose! :)

One of my faves is my Sunset Ride print, it's a favorite of others too, and I have sold several, including a couple of framed.... and it's also won a few awards:

http://www.zazzle.com/sunset_ride_poster-228281632682534273

List your stores: *

Sunday, February 20, 2011

CapturedbyKC

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
CapturedbyKC
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Myspace
  • Facebook
  • Facebook Pages
  • YouTube
  • AOL/AIM
  • Flicker
  • StumbleUpon
  • Squidoo
  • Other Forums
Is zazzle for you... *
A hobby
Where are you from? *
NC
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Not yet but i am planning to
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paper Check
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
The mountains are my absolute favorite place to go, even if its for a short time. I am the proud owner of an American Pit-bull/Boxer mix breed pup and she is the sweetest thing in the world. I am a self-taught yet aspiring poet, singer, and digital artist...yeah I have big dreams lol.
Do you prefer to work: *
Doesn't matter when I get in the zone bombs could be going off...
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
http://www.zazzle.com/abstract_floral_print-228756251663558868?gl=capturedbyKC&print_width=22.5&print_height=15&rf=238383299695996369 It would have to be my Abstract Flora Print. This design was one of the first digital creations I ever made. I just love it! I have always told my husband that one day I am going to order it, frame it, and hang it on our wall. I find it interesting and unique. I think it stands out most to me because it is a reminder of how far I have come and how there are no limits in the world of creativity.
List your shops: *

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Xpression Tee's!

Your Name - or Shop Name - This will appear as your blog post title *
Xpression Tee's!
What advice that you received as a shopkeeper or learned from trial and error - would you like to pass on to someone else? *
I come from a very different design background than most -- and still new to Zazzle myself. My advice would be take the time to make a high-quality image, don't rush yourself! Quality over quantity!
How often do you add new products or designs? *
Several times a week, but not every day
If you came into $100,000 tomorrow what would you do with it? *
Invest in some businesses, down payment on a condo, trip, buy new furniture, shopping spree!

http://www.zazzle.com/pretty_lady_tshirt-235121448805225326
What is the last product you added to your store? *
What would you do if you saw an actor on TV wearing one of your shirts, or one of your products on the set of a popular Tv show or movie? *
Go Crazy! That would be amazing and excellent exposure! I'd be sure to do some extra marketing so that people could know where to buy the shirt while it's fresh in their heads.
Do you have any formal art or computer training? *
No, I taught myself
What programs do you use to create your designs? What do you like about them? *
Photoshop 7, Paint Shop Pro 7, Photoshop CS2/3, Illustrator

I started off in PSP7 about 12 years ago and It was easy to learn because of it's user-friendly interface. Eventually I moved onto PS7. I still use PS7 and PSP7 more than anything (and would advise you stay in the product you're comfortable with, instead of the newest thing) but sometimes use the other's if the project calls for something they can't handle.
Other than your own shop(s) - what 1 shop on zazzle created by someone else, is your absolute favorite? *
List your shops: *

Friday, February 18, 2011

Redneck Hillbillies

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
Redneck Hillbillies
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Wordpress
  • Facebook Pages
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Squidoo
Is zazzle for you... *
A Part Time income I would like to be a full time income
Where are you from? *
British Columbia, Canada
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my own store only
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
I am a Brewmaster - I cook beer for thirsty folks like myself at a U-Brew facility.

I am allergic to peanut butter. All nuts and seeds actually.

I have two dogs, named RED and BLUE.
Do you prefer to work: *
Doesn't matter when I get in the zone bombs could be going off...
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
http://www.zazzle.com/stitched_look_redneck_flag_add_your_initials_speckcase-176054931407714231

This redneck iphone case appears to be embroidered, with detailed threads and yarns stitched in different directions to create the rebel Confederate flag design. It's my favorite because it's different and unusual, and gives the typical skin a whole new textured look. It's also completely customizeable with your own initials in stitch like lettering to suit, so each one will be unique.
List your shops: *

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Hand-Drawn

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
Hand-Drawn
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • MSN Live
  • Facebook
  • MSN Live
  • YouTube
  • Flicker
  • Squidoo
Is zazzle for you... *
A Part Time income I would like to be a full time income
Where are you from? *
British Ex-Pat living in NY USA
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my store and other peoples stores
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
As well as my sketches I also love to write, getting creative in my kitchen and spending time with my 3 kids.
Do you prefer to work: *
With my favorite music playing
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
wow now that's a question... seems I have a new fave every time I see my latest sketch on products... hmmm... my, We Gargoyles Three, sketch is definitely a constant fave of mine, cuter than the average monster, they look so happy together, and there doesn't seem to be a zazzle product that they don't look great on.

http://www.zazzle.com/we_gargoyles_three_ipad_case_speckcase-176621579130317317?gl=Lace9lives&rf=238258533174699475
List your shops: *

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

LivingLife

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
LivingLife
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Blogger/Blogspot
  • Facebook
  • Facebook Pages
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Squidoo
  • Other Forums
  • Other Soacial Networking Site
  • Other Blog
Is zazzle for you... *
A Full time income
Where are you from? *
Tampa, Florida, USA
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Yes from my store and other peoples stores
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
Love to sing, although I probably wouldn't get too far on American idol!

Love to cook, although I almost never follow the original recipe. Some of my best meals were nothing like the original recipe.

I love getting out in nature with my camera shooting for hours on hours. I am totally in my element there.
Do you prefer to work: *
Depends on my mood
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *

http://www.zazzle.com/lord_is_my_strength_psalm_73_26_poster-228906538671377196

Oh, my! That is a very hard thing to do. But I guess if I had to choose one that summarizes my life, it would be my products with this thick rusted chain on a post. The scripture Psalm 73:26 says that "My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." I know that no matter what is going on in my life, good or bad, God is there with me. He lifts me up when I am down, rejoices with me when I am happy, and carries me through all the hard times. Without my God, without my faith, I would be nothing.

List your shops: *

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Christopher Johnson

Your Name or Shopid as you wish it to appear *
Christopher Johnson
What sites/types of sites are you members of, for fun or for promotion. *
  • Blogger/Blogspot
  • Self Hosted Wordpress
  • Myspace
  • Facebook
  • Facebook Pages
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • AOL/AIM
  • MSN Messenger
  • StumbleUpon
  • Squidoo
  • Yahoo groups
  • Other Groups
Is zazzle for you... *
A Part Time income I would like to be a full time income
Where are you from? *
Mexico
Have you ever purchased from zazzle? *
Not yet but i am planning to
Do you prefer to be paid *
By Paypal
Tell us 3 fun facts about you *
I love to go to parks, drink coffee or watch DVDs with friends.
I love the summer because the rainy season is cool after the spring heat and it is wonderful to have a hot herbal tea while listening to the rain.
I love hot baths and hot showers. There's nothing more relaxing unless you include a glass of white wine.
Do you prefer to work: *
In complete silence
What is your favorite product in your shop, and why? Include link & why it is your favorite *
http://www.zazzle.com/little_pink_tree_flowers_mousepad-144351776232752213

This is one of my favorite artworks from my floral and plant art store. It is of peach tree flowers that is heavily post processed (removed the street with cars, etc.) It is very soothing and looks great on everything.
List your shops: *

Monday, February 14, 2011

Kris A.

Your name or Shopid *
Kris A.
How long did it take you to become a proseller? *
I have been a proseller since the program began
What advice can you give to someone who wants to become a proseller? *
You absolutely must look at your Zazzle store as a business. Make a business plan, set goals, and network with other business owners online, as well we in the real world.
How many stores do you have? *
1
What benefits do you see for choosing this number of stores? and what do you recommend for others who are just starting out on whether to choose 1 store or multiple stores? *
It is so easy to add products and not worry about logging in/out. I occasionally hear about someone who has added the product to the wrong store. I don't have time to make mistakes like that. I definitely recommend sticking with one store until you have been Zazzling for at least year. Then analyze your business plan and resources to see if having more than one store fits with your business.
What types of advertising do you do? *
  • Off-Zazzle websites
  • Blogs (blogspot, wordpress, etc.)
  • Microblogs (twitter, plurk, etc.)
  • SNS (facebook, myspace, etc.)
  • Handouts (flyers, stickers, business cards, etc.)
  • Gift Bags (emmys, MTV awards, etc.)
  • Other Free
  • Other Paid
What types of advertising do you recommend for someone just starting out and why? *
Word-of-mouth. It is the number one selling tool. Referrals from person to person guarantee a sale 99% of the time.
Not talking dollar wise, just volume & frequency of sales do you... (select all that apply, some answer may be contradictory based on seasonal sales) *
  • sell at least 1 product per day very day all year
  • sell more then 5 products per day most days
  • sell multiple items per purchase most sales
  • have 1 shopper pruchase over 25 items in 1 purchase at least once per week
  • have 1 shopper pruchase over 100 items in 1 purchase at least once per week
  • have 1 shopper pruchase over 500 items in 1 purchase at least once per year
  • sell a good mix of all items regardless of price
  • do well January-March
  • do well April-June
  • do well July-September
  • do well October-December
What product in your store are you most proud of or what product in your store is your favorite? Include link to product page and why it is your favorite. *
I am most proud of my Mr & Mrs Cake Topper collection. Brides love the selection and I get requests for customized versions almost every week!

http://www.zazzle.com/krispyskingdom/gifts?cg=196620013179393046
List your stores: *