Silbran

You name or Shopid *	Silbran
Which PODs do you work with? (in no particular order *	zazzle
How long have you been working with PODs? *	1-2 years
What is the best thing about working with PODs *
I'm a graduate designer what doesn't mean I'm a good illustrator at the same time, so I love to learn and practice new techniques. When I'm watching or reading tutorials for Illustrator or Photoshop I think often: that could be a cool design for a T-Shirt, a business card, a phone case. POD helps me to turn "fooling around" into something meaningful. To learn something to just learn it is a good thing, but I feel more motivated to learn something when I can make "more" out of it and feel inspired for products. Every time someone buys at least a postcard from me I feel insanely excited that someone loved my artwork so much that he or she spends money for it. If I ever win big money in a lottery I will buy Zazzle. Or have my own POD place because I would love to have my own manufacturing company.
How many hours do you spend on your POD(s) - including designing, adding & promoting - on average *	under 5 hours per week
what would you say to another POD artist who is struggling and in need of motivation? *
Life isn't fair. We all must find a way to get over it and still go our way. POD is about creating good designs, but this will not guarantee you will be found in the ocean of good and bad products. So what to do? Making an honest decision based on facts can be very helpful for motivation and success. Indifference drains energy and leads to frustration as much as wishful thinking that never comes true. What I found really helpful is reading biographies. The stories of well-known people seemingly living in easy circumstances being famous and rich turn out to be stories full of setbacks and failings. If it is a honest biography and well written it shows you that "all others" did not do much better than you out of pure luck (though luck is a component in success) - it is because they did not stop developing after they struggled or made mistakes. Sometimes we feel weak and inferior thinking all other people in the world are better th an we. But in all biographies written about people that really have to say interesting things about life you will find that once or more often in their lives they had to make decisions and felt insecure or suffered from failure and disappointment. This should teach us being more realistic with our expectations and patient and persistent with our development. Often we do see a successful person being on "level Q" in their development and we immediately want to be also on "level Q" while in fact we are on "level D". But to go from D to Z we need to do the necessary steps from D to E to F ... We need to be more realistic and appreciate small success and doing the necessary steps on our path.
Do you have any formal training or education in POD related fields? *	Yes, Formal - Graphic Arts Yes, Formal - web design Yes, Formal - computer related services
If I won the super jackpot lottery tomorrow I would... *	Keep working my POD's for fun
My zazzle stores are:	http://www.zazzle.com/silbran http://www.zazzle.com/silbran_office

Sam Stormborn Ormandy, my shop is called Alternative Enchantments

You name or Shopid *	Sam Stormborn Ormandy, my shop is called Alternative Enchantments
Which PODs do you work with? (in no particular order *	zazzle
How long have you been working with PODs? *	3-6 months
What is the best thing about working with PODs *
At the moment I only have a Zazzle account. I don't yet use any other PODs, but plan to expand in time onto other platforms. Zazzle organises the printing, packaging and posting of all the products which leaves me the time to create the artwork and designs. There is no need to invest in any stock so you can start your online store with none of the initial costs of starting your own business. The only things you need are the time and passion for creating art and designs that you love! Zazzle also has a wide variety of different products so that you're not limited to one type of merchandise; it might otherwise be difficult or not possible for an individual to obtain the products to print on due to having to buy stock in bulk. You don't need to buy any printing equipment which is very expensive and you also don't have to worry anything breaking down when you most need to use it. Another thing that I really like is that I get to create designs that I can personally enjoy having around my home. Many of my designs have been created for my wonderful girlfriend and they go really well with our decor! ♥
How many hours do you spend on your POD(s) - including designing, adding & promoting - on average *	60+hours per week
what would you say to another POD artist who is struggling and in need of motivation? *
If they were struggling for inspiration, I'd recommend going out for a walk and taking photos of things that sparks their imagination which is what I do. It's not just about the inspiration, it's also good to get out and get some exercise! Try to create a well balanced routine, get organised and be pro-active every day. Set aside the days that you want to have off and make sure you do something to help you relax for a couple of hours every day. From what I've read, the most successful people are the ones who are extremely passionate about what they do. If you love what you're doing, you have to find a way of making it work for you! Search Facebook and other social networks for Zazzle, Cafe Press, Spreadshirt, RedBubble etc. Join multiple groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Google Plus. Learn from what others are doing; when you become a POD artist or designer, you're also becoming part of a huge community of creative people and there are many who can help and give you good advice. The greatest difficulty that I've found is asking for help - that is my weakness, don't make it yours! Many people who join a POD expect to make money straight away - unfortunately that's not possible. You need to learn how to promote yourself first. When you join a POD you should think "I'm starting an online business." Every business takes time and hard work to build. It is my personal goal to be making a part time living by the end of 2013 and that may be a little optimistic, however, what I do manage to achieve by the end of this year can then be built upon next year! Most importantly: Don't give up - keep on going, keep struggling, keep fighting and remember that you are the person who controls your destiny! Only you can make it happen!
Do you have any formal training or education in POD related fields? *	Yes, Formal - Graphic Arts Yes, Formal - web design No - I am self taught
If I won the super jackpot lottery tomorrow I would... *	Keep working my POD's for fun
My zazzle stores are:	http://www.zazzle.com/alt_enchantments http://www.zazzle.co.uk/alt_enchantments