I am not expecting that they will go bankrupt because of my choice or that they will be missing my money, but since it is my money, I can choose to spend it wherever I want. Do you think that everyone who will boycott a particular business, or product or manufacturer will make a dent in their bank account? Is that the only reason you feel someone should boycott something and "vote with their money"? Just like if one person donates $1 for a specific cause, do you think that single dollar will do a bit difference? I can donate where I want, just like I can withhold where I want. And you can do the same, maybe just somewhere else.
I don't want to punish them _ Actually, you're punishing yourself more than anyone else. If you're depriving yourself of your favorite designers' work, then you're the one missing out. I doubt what you buy or don't buy in a top-tier store will make or break the owner or the designer.
Just like if one person donates $1 for a specific cause, do you think that single dollar will do a bit difference? __ No, but, if several someones donate a buck, it does make a difference. It's hardly the same thing as you (one person) boycotting SBG. Kinda talkin' apples and oranges there. You're the one who said you did not want to "punish" the designer. Simple fact is you aren't so don't lose sleep over it if your faves go somewhere you hate.
I think most designers and shop owners know who their regular customers are (to a certain extent). If a regular customer stops shopping suddenly, then it would be noticed. It wouldn't break the bank, but as a designer, I know I'd wonder why they're not buying my designs anymore. So although it may not affect the bottom line, it doesn't always go by unnoticed.
Traci Reed's attempt to try to be Ali Edwards. It looks like she had her kids write these. SMH. Will people actually buy this??? http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=26531&cat=629&page=1 ------------
The goodbye thread at SM has a ton of people who haven't been around in awhile, but are sad to see the store close. Maybe if some of those people who loved the site so much like they said in their post and shopped there, then it wouldn't have to close. What do they think happens when no one supports a business? Duh. It closes.
And we don't know that it's closing because it's not making money. Amber has a full-time job and young children. It could be that she just doesn't have the time to devote to SM.
>>>And we don't know that it's closing because it's not making money. Amber has a full-time job and young children. It could be that she just doesn't have the time to devote to SM.<<<
#15 Just because a designer or a few designers that sell in a shop don't make any money, doesn't mean no one in the shop does. Do you really think ALL those designers in 'top-tier' stores make the same amount or even close to it. I am friends with two people that sell at SBG and from their numbers you wouldn't even think they sell in the same store.
How in the world is this CTM helping the designer by using 100 products to make ONE LO! http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=302689&title=happy-place&cat=569
Why do you care what she uses in a LO, 24? Obviously she CTs for Traci or she likely wouldn't have used Traci's products almost exclusively. That's a great PL page, and she made it for herself the way she likes it. I don't see how that is hurting the designer. If I'm a customer looking through the gallery and I see that page, and I decide I like the little wood veneers, I can look through the credits list and figure out what they are. That's helping the designer. It doesn't all have to come from one kit, if the layout leads customers back to products. Chill out.
Traci Reed's attempt to try to be Ali Edwards. It looks like she had her kids write these. SMH. Will people actually buy this??? http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=26531&cat=629&page=1 ------------
Those are truly hideous.
__________
Speaking of Traci, what was she thinking? Those are so bad it's laughable.
The CT layouts on those are worse. It's funny how each of them very obviously tried to hide one of those awful doodles so that it wasn't really noticeable on the page.
If I'm a customer looking through the gallery and I see that page, and I decide I like the little wood veneers, I can look through the credits list and figure out what they are. -------------
The CT layouts on those are worse. It's funny how each of them very obviously tried to hide one of those awful doodles so that it wasn't really noticeable on the page. ---------
The LOs themselves are fine but yeah, I have to agree, it's funny how most of them tried to hide those dreadful doodles.
Didn't Forever Joy JUST leave Oscraps last week for SM? Or did I remember wrong? I love Stolen Moments and Forever Joy, both individually and their combo kits together. They are my absolute favorite and I hope both find a new home together.
25 - Using that logic, why do you care about what 24 said? You seem a bit defensive. _ That's an understatement. My fave is when someone says to "chill out." It makes me want to reply, "fuck off."
24 I applaud the lady's ability to keep track of the things she used! I probably would have said something like-- Various products from (name) found in her store here. No way am I going to list 100 kits. I do list the designer, name of the kit, and name and kit of the template if I use one.
There are lots of easy ways to keep track of what you've used in a LO.
_____
And they are all a waste of time and effort, IMO. And I am a designer. Unless you happen to be the sort of person who is validated by keeping immaculate records and posting them, then I think it's a waste of time.
Anytime a store takes on ANYONE, someone says they can't believe it, blah..blah...blah. Well, believe it. Looks like the store owner doesn't agree with your assessment of the designers' capabilities.
#44, I agree with you and I would also add that if anyone does not like seeing designer X, or Y or Z in the store, they can skip those products. It should not affect the other designers in the store at all.
#46. Not at all. I rarely shop there and I am not a designer in that store or any competing store, but I can hear a repeat pattern for most stores bringing in a particular designer, whichever store, whichever designer. Some concerns might be valid, but I doubt they are, all the time.
#46. Not at all. I rarely shop there and I am not a designer in that store or any competing store, but I can hear a repeat pattern for most stores bringing in a particular designer, whichever store, whichever designer. Some concerns might be valid, but I doubt they are, all the time. -- Exactly and anyone with minimal computer skills can navigate each store (as previously stated) to avoid those designers who they just can't believe the store added. Good grief, not everyone has the same taste or perception of what quality is. There's top designers out there who I wonder got to where they are..others rave about them and I just don't see it. There's others who I think are truly talented in what they create and they don't appear to get the recognition I think they deserve!
Nice passive aggressive reply to an innocent comment. _ You need to look up what passive aggressive means. Just because someone disagrees with you does not mean they're being passive aggressive.
I would say that the comment before was the passive aggressive one. Seems like 39 kind of nailed aggressive. - If you think 39 was aggressive in her post, you have led a very sheltered, docile life.
You need to look up what passive aggressive means. Just because someone disagrees with you does not mean they're being passive aggressive. -----
It wasn't because someone didn't agree with me. It was the phrase - Unless you happen to be the sort of person who is validated by keeping immaculate records and posting them - yeah, that's passive aggressive. No need to look it up. Maybe you do though.
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple.
I have to agree that when store owners bring on new designers, it does make the other designers question the owner at times. If it's just one or two people who you feel aren't as talented as the rest, that's one thing. When it becomes a persistent pattern though, it makes you wonder if your shop is going down the toilet. I was once at a shop that spiraled from the top right down to the bottom before my very eyes, one designer addition at a time. Designer additions should enhance a shop and elevate its status, and not the other way around. It's a competitive business, and where you are and who you are surrounded by DO matter. Don't kid yourself by believing otherwise.
SO was already going down the toilet long before SM closed and started sending its designers there. A few mid-level designers showing up on their doorstep isn't going to go down in the history books as the defining moment.
The real question here is which designers at SM do you think would be good catches, and where are they going?
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple. --------- you answered your own question.
IMO, Stolen Moments, Litabells, Juno, and Kim B are the only designers worth scooping up. Possibly Eudora and Zoliofrope for templates. Some of the other designers like Memory Clips, geniaBeana, Down This Road are ok, but not really anyone I'd swoon over.
The rest of that store could retire and no one would miss them.
That's why I'm so shocked at who SO took. Cluster Queen's kits are beyond hideous. The colors are disgusting most of the time and her templates look like crime scenes. Crossbone Cuts isn't an active designer. I'm shocked SO took that on given their extreme requirements.Down This Road's style fits in well at SO, but it's more of the same.
I can't imagine SO has extreme requirements. I used to CT for a few of their designers and they barely released a new kit once a month! I think Stolen Moments is the only SM designer I'd take on, but then most of them aren't my style. All of them could retire and I wouldn't notice.
Any word on where KimB will land? I love her stuff and hope she keeps designing. I thought there was going to be a post about where everyone was going at SM, but haven't seen it yet.
I like Stolen Moments, Juno Designs, Down This Road and some of Meagan's Creations stuff. I like K Studio too. Didn't she leave SO though? Any idea where she's going? Also, LDrag Designs is going to Gotta Pixel.
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple. __ It is simple and it's NOT passive aggressive. The misinformed person responding to you has no idea what the term means. Usually when someone is called on something like that, they'll not respond AGAIN showing their ignorance. This one, however, is dumber than most.
Anyone heard of Michelle Stelling from www.naods.com (National Association of Digital Scrapbookers)? She will be teaching a free class on digital scrapbooking at Creative Live in December.
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple. __ This is actually a direct statement, not passive at all. Not is it aggressive. I have zero clue why anyone would think it was passive aggressive.
So what's the scoop with the Digital Scrapbook Place? I know that MyMemories took it over and I see that some of those designers are loading 'stuff' up in the MM shop but will all of the MM designers also be added to the Scrapbook Place? .... all 170 of them?
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple. __ This is actually a direct statement, not passive at all. Not is it aggressive. I have zero clue why anyone would think it was passive aggressive.
-- Exactly. Hence, my statement that the op has no clue what the term means. I think she was irritated someone disagreed with her so she just threw that term out there, not having any idea what it means which is really dumb.
Exactly. Hence, my statement that the op has no clue what the term means. I think she was irritated someone disagreed with her so she just threw that term out there, not having any idea what it means which is really dumb. ***
My guess is she's one of the lister-outers and takes great pride in it.
65: I think Stolen Moments is the only SM designer I'd take on, but then most of them aren't my style.
66: Any word on where KimB will land? I love her stuff and hope she keeps designing. I thought there was going to be a post about where everyone was going at SM, but haven't seen it yet.
_____
They're both going to the same place. I happened to talk to someone earlier today who CT's at the store they're both going to. They're the top 2 from SM in my opinion too, and I think a lot of people are going to be very interested to see where they end up.
I got bored with the lack of comments here and skimmed through some posts from earlier this year. Funny how some things never change.
A few things I noticed: Monthly posts used to get almost 1500 comments, but now they are closer to 500.
SO was a sinking ship and Pixels was only going to make it 6 months, but they both still appear to be going strong.
Scrapflower was going to be saved from closing when Joyce bought it. I actually thought it had closed, but when I looked it up it's a CU site now.
STO was closing their forums and taking their site in a new (exciting!) direction on Oct 1, but it looks the same to me, with the forums still there. What happened?
People were mad about SO still being in the Parade even though they didn't participate. I noticed they're not on the list anymore. Did any SO designers ever end up doing it? Did they leave when Pixels joined like they threatened?
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple. __ This is actually a direct statement, not passive at all. Not is it aggressive. I have zero clue why anyone would think it was passive aggressive. ----
That is not a direct statement. You forgot the all important phrase - feeling validated - it's a direct dig at someone who wants to keep a list.
Exactly. Hence, my statement that the op has no clue what the term means. I think she was irritated someone disagreed with her so she just threw that term out there, not having any idea what it means which is really dumb. ---
I do actually; but if you are happy thinking I'm dumb that's okay (see, that was passive aggressive)
People were mad about SO still being in the Parade even though they didn't participate. I noticed they're not on the list anymore. Did any SO designers ever end up doing it? Did they leave when Pixels joined like they threatened?
_ _ _ _ _
I don't think they ever left because when we were planning the most recent one I looked and most of them were still in the FB group and SO was still listed as one of the shops. I just checked again and I don't see any of them in the group and the shop has been removed from the list. Looks to me as though Laura silently removed them without making a bunch of drama about it. Good for her too, it was about time.
That is not a direct statement. You forgot the all important phrase - feeling validated - it's a direct dig at someone who wants to keep a list. ---- A DIRECT "dig" is NOT passive aggressive, you idiot.
I am on the CT of a few SM designers, and friends with several others. We all talk - and this is the run down on who is going where. KimB is going to P & Co.; ClusterQueen, Down this Road and Crossbone Cuts all have good friends at SO who asked Kami to take them on; LDrag is going to Gotta Pixel as she did not want to be exclusive; same reason for Clever Monkey going to Oscraps; SBG is offering 3 of them extended guest spots to try them out. 4 of these were going to go to Digichick until the so called "better offers" came along. The Digichick turned down 4 or 5 others. No one seems to know where Amber is going, and most do not care.
P&Co seems the most logical place for Amber. I'm curious why 92 says "most do not care." Amber has always seemed like a nice person. Are the designers you know angry when you all talk?
93: "Anyone getting the MSA's 2014 Featured Presentation Pass? I'm thinking $5 is reasonable for the designer lineup. Or should I save my $5 instead? "
I'm on the fence. $5 is definitely a good deal, but there aren't any designers on the roster that I normally buy from, and there are several whose style doesn't work for me. I'm leaning toward spending that $5 on something I really love instead.
Most kits are $5+ even with a new release discount. If I shop sales, I might be able to get two good kits for $5. So as far as I'm concerned as long as I like at least 2 kits, I haven't lost anything. Chances are I'll like more than 2 of the 12. There were several this year that I didn't care for, in fact I think there was one that I didn't even bother grabbing, but overall I got more than $5 worth of stuff that I've scrapped with.
Anyone getting the MSA's 2014 Featured Presentation Pass? I'm thinking $5 is reasonable for the designer lineup. Or should I save my $5 instead? ------------- I would say yes, it's a great deal, but I was a so very disappointed with this year's! I only got one kit I kinda liked, and the rest I never even downloaded. Well I think I grabbed one or two just cuz, but I don't know if I'll ever find a reason to use them. But it felt stupid not grabbing SOMETHING since I paid for it. Very disappointed - doubt I'll buy it again.
I was very disappointed with the MSA Featured Presentation at the beginning of the year. The kits were very small and kind of thrown together. I think as the year has gone on (and after a lot of bitching on here) the kit sizes have gotten better and if you like even 5 of the designers, it's worth it.
I'm with 100. $5 for access to 12 kits is a great deal, even if I love only 1 or 2 and "like" another 1 or 2. If I hate the rest, then it's not like I'm really out any money.
And as 104 said, when the Pass started, we all trashed the first few kits (too small, bad color palettes, etc) and now they seem to be bigger and better put together IMO. So hopefully that means 2014's designers will also put out some good kits. (HINT HINT to those designers.)
If 92 is right about KimB wouldn't that mean that Stolen Moments is also going to PCO? Someone further up said they heard those 2 were going to the same shop.
Anyone catch the comment on sussiem's facebook account? Almost seems as if she caught someone pirating. She decided to remove the comments she wrote, but curious who the designer mentioned was.
Seems there has been lots of moving and shaking in the world of digi. Scrap Matters Closing and now I see DSP has been sold AGAIN, to MyMemories.com this time. They are supposedly going to merge with MyMemories. They wasted their money buying that community. It has been dying a long slow death. There are only a handful of people keeping the forums active.
115 - I can see doing it hybrid, printing the cards and such. ---- In the forum, Carrie said she applied as she's dabbling - since this morning. Talk about shameless.
119 - In order of who I would choose... catgoddess (jenn) suladesign (sula) heyjude (judie) nun69 (angie) joelsgirl (kellie)
I based my choices on the scrappers whose LO's always stand out to me in the peek thread and in the gallery. I prefer the above scrappers most of the time to some of the Babes. I haven't seen any of the above do PL, thank God. Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me!
Angie and Kellie are... odd. Angie is such a kiss ass. I'd bet she'll suddenly start dabbling in PL just to make babe, too. Carrie and she can duke it out for being two of the fakest scrappers out there.
I'd agree with 120's top three with Jenn being my #1, too. She's the most creative of them all. I know she was at ScrapMatters so hopefully another shop with pick her up. I'm not sure how that works for CTMs, but I saw many of them were looking for new homes.
catgoddess (jenn) suladesign (sula) -- These my picks. Sula does wonderful kits and templates herself. She's better at designing then some of the designers at SSD. Most of Angie's and Carrie's pages look like shit. They're awful. Kellie, imo, is mediocre. Definitely not anything special.
Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me! -- I agree. It especially looks STUPID when they use miscellaneous elements (like a fabric flower or a button) to fill the pockets when they don't have any journaling or photos to include.
catgoddess (jenn) suladesign (sula) ============= These would be my picks, too. They'll never make babe, though. They're both nice people, talented, and don't kiss ass (that I've seen).
Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me! _____ Not a PL scrapper myself (I dabbled last year, didn't stick with it), but I can see the appeal of it. I think for some it's a lot faster, and each page can potentially hold a lot more photos/words/memories/journaling. And that's more important to some than what their album looks like.
I like many that you all picked too. Plus, a few that are good scrappers, but don't scrap often (at least at SSD).
catgoddess (Jenn). (Though my own opinion is too many photoless.) Suladesign (Sula). britaneejean (Britanee) MoodyJudy (Judy) EllenT (Ellen) jk703 (Jenn) Pomi (Majda)
Some different, some cookie cutter, but I like the looks of their layouts.
I don't like nun69 (angie). Her pages look like a mess to me. I don't think Carries pages are that bad. Some yes, but not all.
lol... I totally agree with this, but didn't realize it until I read it. "Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me!"
I hate the way Carrie edits her photos and that's one reason I dislike her pages so. I really like the way Nikki scraps but, again, her photo editing sucks a lot of the time.
catgoddess (Jenn). (Though my own opinion is too many photoless.) Suladesign (Sula). britaneejean (Britanee) MoodyJudy (Judy) EllenT (Ellen) jk703 (Jenn) Pomi (Majda) ---------------------- britaneejean and jk703 aren't even in the same league as the rest of your list.
I like the other additions as scrappers, but majority of them use way too many templates. When I see so many template pages from CTs I feel like it's just shoving product down my throat.
I like Jenn's photoless pages and wish she made more. They help me think outside the box and they're not cookie cutter. I'd rather see a photoless page from a CTM that is creative and unique than another page using the same stock photo again and again.
I'm with the hate PL camp, too. I never thought of it as a baseball binder, but you're so right! Now I hate it even more.
catgoddess (jenn) suladesign (sula) ============= These would be my picks, too. They'll never make babe, though. They're both nice people, talented, and don't kiss ass (that I've seen). ------------ This!
SSD has a long history of taking on their friends and scrappers who kiss serious ass. This is why so many customers now shop elsewhere and has left many SSD designers practically begging for sales.
SSD can't carry the weight of Traci's ego. She'll drive that store into the ground slowly but surely. I stopped shopping there awhile ago. There are the same quality kits if not better elsewhere for less - and those designers aren't egotistical bitches.
I don't like PL pages either. I use templates all the time though, and love them. Just not PL templates. I don't use stock photos on my ct layouts. I use real family photos-the good, the bad, and the ugly. That's real life. Nobody in my family has perfect hair, perfectly clean children, and we have messy houses at times. That's real life. The designers I ct for don't seem to mind. Personally, I think that makes them real and doable for the general scrapper. That is what I am, a general scrapper.
There is nothing creative about a CREATIVE team member who is a general scrapper, IMO. As a designer, I want scrappers who make my products look amazing, different, and who inspire a customer to scrap. There is nothing wrong with being a general scrapper, but I feel having so many basic scrappers on CTs is a huge part of the decline in sales over the past few years. I look at so many CT pages from general scrappers and I think, how sad that's the best that product can look and then I move on without buying.
For example, when I look for a recipe online, I want to try the recipe that looks incredible with good photography and excellent presentation. Even though I know my version will not look as fancy, I am not going to try the one that looks like boring and like what I could easily make myself. I am not unusual. I am the norm. I am what most customers are. Martha Stewart didn't become an icon because she did ordinary...
The fact that so many general scrappers are now on CTs has made packaging and presentation of digi product boring and ordinary. It's perfectly fine that a customer scraps that way, but as a designer, you want to present your product in amazing, unique ways. Those CT pages aren't just for inspiration, they're mostly so customers can see the quality of your product. You might think customers want to see average pages, but if you're honest with yourself, you know it makes your product look ordinary at best.
Your product doesn't sell because a customer looks at your CT samples and thinks, gosh, they scrap just like me. It sells because a CTM has made it shine, used it CREATIVEly, and has made something people want to click on in galleries. No one clicks on an average page besides your friends - and if you're a CTM, it's probably another CTM who isn't going to buy anyway.
Using your picks above, I would rather have one page that looks like this: www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=301418&title=believe-you-are-beautiful&cat=500 Than 100 pages that look like this: www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303474&title=christmas-morning&cat=500
I am not a CT member (and no intention to be) but I find that I have a simpler minimalist style. I have noticed that a lot of CT layouts are packed full of elements, and layered papers (not all the time, but often) and maybe that is because they want to showcase so much of a kit in one layout. Maybe that is what the designers require? And yes, that first layout mentioned about is really CREATIVE. Would that qualify as a layout to showcase a kit? I wish it did.
In response to 135. I am on a couple of CTs and I think of myself as an "average scrapper," but I think I make pretty pages. I have always been on the average scrapper side of this argument, but I have to say you make a pretty persuasive argument. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I don't know if I agree with all of your points, and I think that comes down to the fact that I'm hooked by a great preview, not the CT examples so much. I tend to tire of a kit by seeing so many CT layouts ... perhaps that feeds back into your point, though. Maybe a select few stunning CT layouts would better sell a kit than 10 or 20 "average" layouts.
There is another aspect of teams, though, that comes into play. And I'm thinking of how the teams play into the overall community. Sometimes it feels like the only validation in this community is through GSOs and creative team spots. And from what I see, a lot of GSOs are going to people on creative teams scrapping with brand new and exciting products. There doesn't seem to be a lot of celebration of, or reward for, the average scrapper who is just preserving memories. I know there is the argument that we should all be scrapping for ourselves and our reward should come from our accomplishment and the joy we give to our families through our scrapbooks. But I also think it is important within the online community to offer validation and encouragement. I think teams have kind of stepped into that role of providing status for scrappers, and maybe that isn't the best thing.
#135- perspective. They're like belly buttons. That first one couldn't sell me a thing. But the second one might - it's cute, shows me a nice selection of the items in the kit, and gives me some inspiration. That said, your point is valid, but I think a mix of styles and types is best. and, I'll add- I'm a designer who also scarps, but has never CTed.
I think it's insulting to most of those scrappers to think the best thing they could become as a scrapper is a Babe. Half of them would likely be mortified at the mention of their name here and the other half would love it. The half that loves it will fit right in at SSD and the other, more talented half, would do better to scrap elsewhere.
I guess as a designer I prefer to have a variety of styles, and I do have a couple of team members who scrap in a more "ordinary" way. I've seen posts here saying they look for layouts that are more ordinary so they can see how the kit will look when THEY scrap with it. Sure, as a designer it's very pleasant to show how awesome your creation really is. But from a customer standpoint, they want ideas and a variety of approaches to using the kit themselves. In my opinion, of course. As 139 says, we all have them.
"The fact that so many general scrappers are now on CTs has made packaging and presentation of digi product boring and ordinary. It's perfectly fine that a customer scraps that way, but as a designer, you want to present your product in amazing, unique ways. Those CT pages aren't just for inspiration, they're mostly so customers can see the quality of your product. You might think customers want to see average pages, but if you're honest with yourself, you know it makes your product look ordinary at best." --- 135, if CT LOs are to show off the quality of your kit, then the type of page shouldn't matter: your quality will show through regardless of style ("simple," art journaling, etc). If you really wanted to show the QUALITY of your designs, then show us 5 or 6 screen shots at 100% zoom. That's going to show quality more than a fantastic LO.
I've been tricked by a great CT LO into buying a shitty quality kit. And now I'll never buy from that designer again no matter how "creative" her CT's LOs are. I may look at galleries for inspiration, but I still check out the kit's preview before buying and I LOVE when designers have screen shots to show me close ups of the elements/papers.
135 said: I feel having so many basic scrappers on CTs is a huge part of the decline in sales over the past few years
I don't agree at all. First off, I'm not on any cts. If sales are down, it could be due to a lot of different things. The biggest reason I see is--the same old product, same tired ideas, being repackaged and sold again and again by disinterested, unimaginative designers that think they have a following that will buy anything that is put in a shop. Put that together with a glut of designers, a glut of shops, and a failed economy and then maybe after that lousy ct layouts. Blaming the ct members for lack of sales is an easy way out. Takes the designer and their choice of marketing right out of the picture. There are several stores I won't buy from even if I love the designers there. I don't know if I'm unique in that decision or not, but that can also be a factor. I think that the designer said she prefers ctms with different styles is right. I'm sure a lot of ct members would love to scrap like the example someone up there showed of catgoddess. Her layouts are always beautiful-and she seems like a nice lady to boot. Not all ctm layouts are perfect, but there aren't many perfect designers either. I look at the kit itself when I decide to buy it or not. If the preview looks bad, I pass on the kit. That is on the designer. I don't think I've ever looked at ct members layouts to decide on buying a kit or not. If your sales are down, please look at your product and see if you are putting out quality, unique, and desirable product. Sometimes I think the ct members spend more time making the layouts than the designer did to make the kit. There is a LOT of crap out there. Plus, the designer is the one that chose the members for her team, so who is to blame for that?
Using your picks above, I would rather have one page that looks like this: www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=301418&title=believe-you-are-beautiful&cat=500 Than 100 pages that look like this: www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303474&title=christmas-morning&cat=500
^^^ Not me. That layout would not make me buy a kit or even really look twice at the kit. I want to see layouts that represent the style I scrap. I have far too many kits I have bought that I open and realize I will never use - now I want to see pages that I know I'd scrap before I buy a kit.
There are several stores I won't buy from even if I love the designers there. I don't know if I'm unique in that decision or not, but that can also be a factor.
^^^ I don't think you are unique in that. I have seen many people make similar comments here and around digiland over the years, and I also have stores I won't support no matter who the designer is. Some of them have already gone out of business (Elemental Scraps was one .. when they went to their tiered commission I stopped shopping there ... Scrap Matters is another ... because Amber insisted on keeping Kate on the CT even though she ruined Digital Candy because she is a pirate) Others are still in business but I won't spend a penny there (like SO who lost all my business when they put the Scrap Pin gallery up). I don't think one person can bring a store down by not shopping there ... but I also think that if one person is here saying they are personally boycotting a store, chances are there are others doing the same thing for similar reasons. News travels fast in digiland.
146-I'm not actually boycotting the stores, I just don't like shopping there, so I don't. At one store something did happen that made me boycott it, but it's going out of business this month so I guess I wasn't the only one that decided not to shop there.
#135 Seems to be saying that there are too many average scrappers on creative teams. Assuming that is true, why would it be so? If a designer has a call, does she go through the applicants and decide to choose the average scrappers over the stunningly creative ones? I don't think so. I think that the designer would choose from the best of the applicants she got.
So then, why would all of the stunningly creative scrappers not apply to calls? Are the best of the best already committed to multiple store teams and don't bother applying to a single designer team? (I personally think this is part of it). Are there just not enough great scrappers to go around? (I doubt it; I think there is a lot of untapped talent out there.) Are designers' requirements too much to attract great scrappers? For instance, is it realistic to expect a team member to scrap a stunningly creative page every week, for weeks on end? I think this is part of it too. I think I can be a great scrapper, but I can't scrap an outstanding page every single week. I have seen lots of calls that I would have loved to apply for, but I don't because I simply can't make that many pages for months on end. Maybe if designers had more "on call" teams or had lower requirements so that team members could just scrap when they're really feeling it, they might get better applicants.
148-I'm sure some of the requirements do put off some great scrappers. Some designers expect a lot more than just layouts from their ct members. I've seen requirements such as blog posts, freebies including packaging them up and posting them, promoting their designs on various sites, posting sneak peeks of layouts in the forums before the kit releases, the praise game, answering ISO threads, store forum participation, and a certain number of comments in their galleries monthly--besides the expected layouts with their kits. No wonder the CT members don't have much time for layouts.
Great point, 149. All those extra requirements would take away from my scrapping time, and a kit in exchange for less scrapping time doesn't really appeal to me.
Are there any designers out there that have had calls recently? What were your overall impressions of the applicants?
I think all of those scrappers listed are good in their own way. I think it's a bit disgusting to pit them against each other the way some of you have done above, but there is something about SSD that brings out the crazies. I wish I were surprised.
It's my guess that's what makes everyone so crazy when a babe call happens is that all those average scrappers are struggling to make it on a team that has hype about being elite. Putting higher skilled scrappers down saying their pages don't sell any better than their normal pages makes them feel like they should have a chance. I don't understand why, because I agree with 141 in that SSD's babe team isn't what it used to be and hasn't been for a long time.
ITA with 135 in that there are too many average scrappers on CTs. These days, any basic scrapper can make almost any CT out there because there are so many designers and that means fewer people are buying products. It makes me sick when I see CTs that have 20+ scrappers on them. I understand that many fade in and out over time, but there are many scrappers who have been around for a very long time.
As a designer, I do not have a CT. I don't think designers should have personal CTs. I think stores should have CTMs and that is it. There would be fewer scrappers on CTs and therefore more potential to have paying customers. Designers themselves have created the poor sales problems they're having now. It has nothing to do with anyone's CT pages whatsoever.
I think most people agree that designers need example layouts to help sell their kits. That is where the need for a personal CT comes from - to provide the example pages. Has any designer ever seen their sales drop after a CT call because they eliminated paying customers?
I'm a CTM for a few designers. I quit some teams the past few years when the designer moved to a store I didn't care to work at. Yes, I'm picky. I also read the requirements for a team before I apply. If it has requirements I don't want to do, I don't apply. I only apply to teams I love, and for designers that have a good reputation with other CTM I know. If the designer changes requirements while I'm on the team, I reassess that team, and drop it if I don't want to do the extra requirements.
153, I was addressing the idea that designers don't need personal CTs. If designers need example layouts and don't make their own, then they need those examples to come from a creative team. I know from reading this blog that some people think it is the job of a store CT to promote the store, not to provide example layouts for the designers.
I have no idea if you are right that designers make less than they used to. But now I see where you were coming from: CTs have become bigger and sales have gone down. Maybe there is a causal relationship, but I wonder if there is any proof. It is a very interesting idea though. Sorry I didn't pick up on it before.
155 - I believe that designers should promote themselves and their store. CTMs should make samples, not do promotion. I think if promotion fell on the designer's shoulder, you'd have fewer designers overall and certainly fewer deadbeats in the stores. These days, CTMs have to do so much promotion and freebie making, etc, they really don't have time to scrap and the designers can sit back, occasionally make products, and benefit from their personal CTs AND the store CTs drawing traffic to their store. Not to mention feeding off the more active designers and their traffic.
If promotion fell back on the designers and the store owners instead of abusing CTMs, store CT would have plenty of time to scrap with the store's products which is exactly what they should be doing.
Cting for a store is a whole different story. You not only do layouts and the promoting of the layouts and the store, but make and participate in the forum challenges, keep the forum hopping, and do comments in the gallery. There isn't any such thing as a CTM that just makes layouts. That is why I don't CT anymore.
I agree the digi stores need to get back to fewer CTMs and more active designers. I think if Scrap Matters had dumped the horrible, inactive designers, it would have been better off. Some of these designers haven't put out new products in months! Why are they in stores and why are CTMs expected to waste their time promoting them? It makes no sense to me, either.
158-Sometimes designers get a bit big for their pants and think they can rest on their laurels! Maybe stores should do a clean the house every 6 months or so. I thought the quota that some stores set up was a little unfair, but maybe that is the incentive that designers need. If they don't sell "x" amount, maybe they should pay an extra fee to the store. No, I'm not a store owner.
The thing about quotas is a lot of stores have them but don't enforce them. Especially stores where new owners come in - it seems that the designers who were there before get 'grandfathered' in at whatever their old requirements were or something.
I think it's a bit disgusting to pit them against each other the way some of you have done above, but there is something about SSD that brings out the crazies. I wish I were surprised. __ Stating that we think one person scraps better than another is not pitting them against each other. It's an opinion. If you're so disgusted, why frequent here?
I think some of the requirements for ct's are absolutely ridiculous. Designers seem to want an awful lot in exchange for a scrapbook kit. Obviously, people apply for these spots though. I just don't get the hype. Never have.
Sometimes designers get a bit big for their pants and think they can rest on their laurels! - This is an understatement. As previously posted, a lot of them rest on other designers' laurels!
I'm not a CTM. I'm just a customer. I enjoy looking at layouts that I can reproduce. The highly artsy ones don't appeal to me at all. I'm a family memory keeper. I don't need a ton of junk on my pages. I call it throw up. I like well organized, layouts that tell a story. I like the photos large enough to see, and the journaling added to tell the story. That is the most important part of scrapping. I don't care for the tiny tiny photos without any journaling.
166- I agree totally- and I always look for journaling, especially when there is something unique about it.
135- I think you have some valid points, but as a customer, I don't care so much about amazingly different as I do: "Wow, what a great idea! I wouldn't have thought of that!! And most importantly- I can do that!!" Not wow, if only my photography was studio quality, I could make that work, or if only I were an artist or creative, I could do that!! With recipes- and I am an adventuresome, good cook- I look at "doability" as well as the "Wow, how beautiful. I bet that tastes fantastic." I don't have hours to make one recipe except maybe once every four or five months, but I can make several quick meals a week: even if the technique is difficult as long as it is not time intensive. I look at scrapping the same way.
From the customer's point of view people. Can you share a link of what you like to see as a good or bad representation of example pages? I'm curious.
Some example CTM pages, and throw up... I see them too. I think many pages are made with templates, and CTM's forget that they can delete. Don't get me wrong, I love templates and hardly scrap without, but I think CTM's forget that they can make it what they want, and it doesn't have to look like the original.
I am on a few CT's. I only do layouts, nothing else. When I'm asked to join a team, I tell the designer that, and I've missed out on a couple of designers whom I would love to CT for because of it. But I love the ones I do work for, and it is possible to CT within those limits.
If there's someone you'd like to work for but want to do only layouts, tell them. I see some designers have caught on and started to choose people for different tasks, some do social media, some do blogging, and some do layouts. I think this works best, let us each do what we're best at doing.
169-Yes, I'm on a few CT's that have the special task people too. They are the best run CT's I'm on in fact. Everybody knows what they are doing, and things get done. The designer is free to do the designing, and the team hums on like a well oiled machine.
ok, this one tells a story. It's attractive to look at (IMO) http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855683&title=ice-2c-ice-baby&cat=500 This one (to me again) looks like a mess--throw up http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855680&title=messy-pockets&cat=500 This one says UNFORGETTABLE WINTER MEMORIES, but it's a photo of a head--in a bunch of flowers, and no journaling--what is so unforgettable about it? http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855518&title=fall-to-winter&cat=500 I'm on page 5 of the recent uploads at DST and can't find any with any journaling at all. Finally, on page 7 at DST I found one with some journaling--the layout itself is pretty plain, but it's nice. Not my favorite by any means. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855501&title=smile&cat=500 This one, the title speaks to me, but it looks like throw up: http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855493&title=decorating-the-tree&cat=500. Finally. One I like. It has photos, some journaling, The photos are a little small for my taste, but the layout looks nice. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855491&title=most-wonderful-time-of-the-year&cat=500
Ok, I quit a bit early, on page 9 or 10, I found the one I like the very least. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855489&title=now-and-forever&cat=500 This one is my favorite of the first 10 pages on DST recent layouts. It has a decent sized photo, journaling that goes with the photo, and isn't covered with crap. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855474&title=peace-talks&cat=500 I prefer larger photos, or more of them, but this layout has impact and a memory. (IMO)
Let me revise 172--I like this one the best. The photos are normal photos, ones you can see, and it's got good journaling. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855472&title=christmas-concert-2012&cat=500
I've done the CT for designers...lots and lots. Seven years of not buying very many products! I'm bad I know, but cheap! After a while, I start recognizing their CU reworks in their kits. The kits become the same...different colors and a new name. That is like eating the same food daily but with food coloring. YUCK! If I made the same exact page for their designs, they would not be happy. I submit my resignation, thank them for their time and wish them well. I found being on an EXCELLENT site CT is the best gig around! It is like a buffet of wonderful. Excellent in the organization, clarity of duties and team atmosphere along with a store of very great designers. I do remain on a few individual teams, and these designers amaze me week after week (because they do design and produce regularly and originally). I enjoy the teams, and the product. I do also believe that some of the CTs chosen are not for their pages, but for their personalities and or abilities to network. That is huge, getting the word out and people in. Finding people that are available, and responsible is a hard thing. Any extra skills, be it just people skills, blogging, newsletter, facebook, organization or pinterest is an added plus. The stores that stand out, have really good people organizing behind the scene. I used to collect "elite" designers, I admit it. Because I thought they were elite and good. Sadly, they aren't all..some really are spectacular, I mean artists. This is the cheapest hobby I have ever done, and that is because I CT. One more unasked for insight, designers that are into promoting themselves, that really pour themselves into their product and promotion are a dream to work for, because it makes me want to work harder for them also. This is just my opinion. I am sure it will be torn to bits, but I call out to the designers that can't get good CTMs, what are you doing? There are some pretty remarkable ladies out there creating GSO worthy pages week after week, if you look at their "pool" of designers, it really does make a difference.
As a shopper, I've never bought a kit because of a CT layout. I don't browse galleries or enabling threads looking for kits to buy. I don't try to copy CT layouts. I buy based on the kit preview.
The colors or the theme will catch my eye and make me look closer. I take a close look at the papers - are they the style I like? How many of them will I use? Is there enough good ones for me to make a layout? I also look at the elements. Are the themed elements nice and usable? Are there enough basics like flowers or ribbons? Fun things like paint splats are a nice bonus. While I'm looking at the kit in the store, I will look at the CT layouts there but generally only to get a better look at something. Especially papers if the designer didn't include a paper preview. (Designers - please include a paper preview if you have your elements covering most of the paper!)
One more unasked for insight, designers that are into promoting themselves, that really pour themselves into their product and promotion are a dream to work for, because it makes me want to work harder for them also.
As a shopper, I've never bought a kit because of a CT layout. I don't browse galleries or enabling threads looking for kits to buy. I don't try to copy CT layouts. I buy based on the kit preview. - I agree. CT layouts aren't even on my radar when I'm looking at and buying kits. The preview and the kit description are what I'm interested in.
Let me revise 172--I like this one the best. The photos are normal photos, ones you can see, and it's got good journaling. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855472&title=christmas-concert-2012&cat=500 __ I like this layout idea very much, however, HATE the kit colors for Christmas (or any time really) and wish the scrapper could/would have edited out the red eyes.
I guess you could call it "Freedom of Choice." At least SOME freedoms are still alive and well. Cherish it. They are becoming fewer and fewer. - Pleeeeaaaassssseeeee. Get over yourself. If you want to admonish, lecture, pontificate, etc. maybe this isn't the proper forum for you??? Questioning particular font usage is hardly fodder for a political debate.
yuck. just yuck. I stumbled on this designer blog today. http://createdbyjillscraps.blogspot.de/ -- actually, I've seen MUCH worse and fyi, there's kinda a cute template for free download there.
After a while, I start recognizing their CU reworks in their kits. The kits become the same...different colors and a new name. __ As a customer, I am experiencing this A LOT. Designers, get your shit together and quit using the same cu stuff over and over. Zoe Pearn, Stuido Basic and Juliana Kneipp are some of the worst offenders at SSD.
186-One of the posters asked me to post some layouts I liked and didn't like. I made NO fun of anybodies children, nor would I. I went to a gallery and looked for some layouts. I said it was my opinion. Take it or leave it.
I looked through several store galleries and was surprised at how few CT layouts made me want to look at them more closely to see what they used. Here are some layouts that are attractive in that they make me want to look at the layout for inspiration and potentially purchase the product.
I looked through Scraporchard's gallery- I don't like and probably won't look there again. I like to travel, and this had some good photos and a bit of journaling, and I could see the elements- http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/1036079c5db0f08d55c7d6edf05eafe7
Even though the photo was small, I loved the composition, the elements were visible, and there was journaling. http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/d66d7531860ea50930a6d1280ae9f5e3
This is a calendar topper- but the composition of the elements was cute and could easily be replicated on a layout- http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/285e64713c29d274017bd475136dbaa1
This is a signature- it shows off the kit and made me want a closer look to see if I wanted to buy the kit- http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/d3edd466842655ec6dc7ac0590baf52d
Another calendar topper, but really shows off the kit- http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/632e3ccec223290601ef00e26aa62bd0
Even though this uses a template that you can see on dozens of pages at ssd and has smaller pictures, it shows off the elements and has journaling around the edges- http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303603&title=thankful&cat=500
This is clean and shows off the kit nicely- http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303627&title=me-in-october&cat=516
The biggest problem with looking for inspiration at ssd is that everyone uses Cindy's templates (I think most of the individual CTs also CT for Cindy), and all the layouts begin to blur together even when they use different kits. Here is one of the cleaner ones- http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303576&title=forever-family&cat=500
This photo is terrible, but the fact that it is black and white does let the kit shine through, at least enough for me to take a look at it to see if I liked the kit- http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303485&title=day-6&cat=500
This made me want to see the kit, even though there are few elements used- http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=302264&title=haunted&cat=591
Cute pictures and good use of the elements- they don't overwhelm- http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303050&title=winter-wonderland&cat=591
No photos, but shows off the kit- so if I am looking for these elements, I will take a second look- http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=113400&title=dsd-2013-aj&cat=797
Journaling with lots of photos- but had to look closer to see the elements which is a negative- http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=300477&title=go-wild&cat=650
Cute use of elements- http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=111150&title=tt-eek&cat=500
I was surprised that almost none of the layouts at Pixels showed off the kit, although I liked the cleanness of the layouts, they need to show off the products better. Here a couple that I liked- http://pixelsandcompany.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=8197&c=1 http://pixelsandcompany.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=8189&c=1
The big picture and journal strips caught my eye- http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=115138&title=last-christmas&cat=875
In general, this is an enticing gallery for the lilypad- mixture of journaling, etc. and shows off the kits but sometimes too much clutter- http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=4382&cat=500&page=3
I am 188- I like to look at a designer's gallery, and I just realized I can't at scraporchard and hate that I can't do it there. This is a real disservice to the designers who sell there.
I looked through a few more store galleries and realized there aren't a lot of layouts that make me excited about the products - http://www.mscraps.com/galleri/showphoto.php?photo=70639&title=be-thankful&cat=831
no journaling, but shows off the elements- http://www.pickleberrypop.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=105785
This shows off the elements, so if you are looking for something like this, you would look twice http://www.pickleberrypop.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=105728&cat=all&limit=last14
I didn't say she did. but if her kids are fugly and that's my opinion, it would be more than ok for me to say so. she can voice her opinion about others, but doesn't offer up her los to be judged as vomit or not. pathetic
I didn't say she did. but if her kids are fugly and that's my opinion, it would be more than ok for me to say so. she can voice her opinion about others, but doesn't offer up her los to be judged as vomit or not. pathetic
-- First of all, no one "made fun of" anything or anybody and the only person who alluded to doing so is YOU! It's not surprising to me that you would think it "more than ok" to say someone's children are "fugly". You ARE an idiot. I think it's more than okay to say that.
I agree with the poster who said the overuse of elements looked like vomit. __ Same here. This is why I would never want to be on a ct because the majority of them overuse elements, imo. I know their purpose is to show off the designers' wares, however, I'd have to re-scrap every page for my own albums because I would never print those embellishment-heavy pages for personal use. I LOVE great papers and elements to enhance my pages but I don't want a bunch of flowers, etc. detracting from my photos. I will say that some ct members can certainly use humongous numbers of elements better than others!
I hate over use of elements and Ct layouts that do it turn me off the kits. I prefer cleaner lines , that's just my style. I saw this LO a couple wks ago, it has large pics which I like to do and show cased the papers simply. I immediately checked out the kits for the papers and purchased.
"I was surprised that almost none of the layouts at Pixels showed off the kit, although I liked the cleanness of the layouts, they need to show off the products better. Here a couple that I liked-"
The P&Co CT really mixes and matches the different designers' products. Continuing the discussion about CT pages: do you think this is good or bad for sales?
I personally like it. The way I see it, a store CT is to provide me with inspiration, while a designer's CT is to sell me the kit. Two different functions.
I think there is a lot of mixing and matching at The Lilypad too. Mixing and matching doesn't bother me at all, but I tend to mix and match a lot when I scrap too.
I'm a lot more familiar with TLP than P&Co. I think that at TLP they make a real effort to market their older kits. Mixing and matching plays into the BYOC concept, but I also think it plays in to the marketing of older kits because it sends the message that the older products are still worth a look. I think most other stores focus exclusively on brand new products.
I get the feeling that P&Co is trying to follow TLP's lead. And I don't blame them because I think TLP is THE top store. They appear to have very strong leadership, all of their promotions seem very thoughtful, and they are generous with freebies but also don't give too much away.
So....to answer your question, 199, I think that mixing and matching is good in that it plays into a strategy to market older products. Numbers wise that makes good sense. Make those old products work for you.
988 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 601 – 800 of 988 Newer› Newest»LOL like your specific dollars are missed at any of the top tier stores. I'm sure they're all going to suffer because you're boycotting them :)
I am not expecting that they will go bankrupt because of my choice or that they will be missing my money, but since it is my money, I can choose to spend it wherever I want. Do you think that everyone who will boycott a particular business, or product or manufacturer will make a dent in their bank account? Is that the only reason you feel someone should boycott something and "vote with their money"? Just like if one person donates $1 for a specific cause, do you think that single dollar will do a bit difference? I can donate where I want, just like I can withhold where I want. And you can do the same, maybe just somewhere else.
I don't want to punish them
_
Actually, you're punishing yourself more than anyone else. If you're depriving yourself of your favorite designers' work, then you're the one missing out. I doubt what you buy or don't buy in a top-tier store will make or break the owner or the designer.
Just like if one person donates $1 for a specific cause, do you think that single dollar will do a bit difference?
__
No, but, if several someones donate a buck, it does make a difference. It's hardly the same thing as you (one person) boycotting SBG. Kinda talkin' apples and oranges there. You're the one who said you did not want to "punish" the designer. Simple fact is you aren't so don't lose sleep over it if your faves go somewhere you hate.
I won't shop at SBG
_
It's refreshing you're not boycotting SSD and/or SO as their the stores most slammed, it seems.
I think most designers and shop owners know who their regular customers are (to a certain extent). If a regular customer stops shopping suddenly, then it would be noticed. It wouldn't break the bank, but as a designer, I know I'd wonder why they're not buying my designs anymore. So although it may not affect the bottom line, it doesn't always go by unnoticed.
Traci Reed's attempt to try to be Ali Edwards. It looks like she had her kids write these. SMH. Will people actually buy this??? http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=26531&cat=629&page=1
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Those are truly hideous.
It's refreshing you're not boycotting SSD and/or SO as their the stores most slammed, it seems.
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Nah, SBG gets slammed a lot too. When the OP said she won't shop at certain stores, I knew it would be SBG because it's always SBG.
The goodbye thread at SM has a ton of people who haven't been around in awhile, but are sad to see the store close. Maybe if some of those people who loved the site so much like they said in their post and shopped there, then it wouldn't have to close. What do they think happens when no one supports a business? Duh. It closes.
^^^^
How do you know they haven't shopped there? Not being in the forum is not the same as not shopping there. Duh!
I knew it would be SBG because it's always SBG.
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How did you know?
And we don't know that it's closing because it's not making money. Amber has a full-time job and young children. It could be that she just doesn't have the time to devote to SM.
Another one here who refuses to buy anything at SBG! I also refuse to buy at SO.
It's definitely closing because it's not making any money. All you have to do is ask a designer who sells there.
How did you know?
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Because, as I said, it's always SBG. Lots of people have issues with Maya.
>>>And we don't know that it's closing because it's not making money. Amber has a full-time job and young children. It could be that she just doesn't have the time to devote to SM.<<<
^^ this. so totally this.
Whatever the truth is behind SM closing its doors, I hope it means that Amber will be able to recommit herself to designing regularly.
Why?
-------
I don't know, they just do. I don't know what goes in their heads.
And what about Re Kneipp's What does the fox say kit? Copyright and such stuff...?
#15 Just because a designer or a few designers that sell in a shop don't make any money, doesn't mean no one in the shop does. Do you really think ALL those designers in 'top-tier' stores make the same amount or even close to it. I am friends with two people that sell at SBG and from their numbers you wouldn't even think they sell in the same store.
Does anyone really think anyone at SM made great money? Seriously?
How in the world is this CTM helping the designer by using 100 products to make ONE LO! http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=302689&title=happy-place&cat=569
Why do you care what she uses in a LO, 24? Obviously she CTs for Traci or she likely wouldn't have used Traci's products almost exclusively. That's a great PL page, and she made it for herself the way she likes it. I don't see how that is hurting the designer. If I'm a customer looking through the gallery and I see that page, and I decide I like the little wood veneers, I can look through the credits list and figure out what they are. That's helping the designer. It doesn't all have to come from one kit, if the layout leads customers back to products. Chill out.
Traci Reed's attempt to try to be Ali Edwards. It looks like she had her kids write these. SMH. Will people actually buy this??? http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=26531&cat=629&page=1
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Those are truly hideous.
__________
Speaking of Traci, what was she thinking? Those are so bad it's laughable.
The CT layouts on those are worse. It's funny how each of them very obviously tried to hide one of those awful doodles so that it wasn't really noticeable on the page.
25 - Using that logic, why do you care about what 24 said? You seem a bit defensive.
27 - What are you talking about? One of the CT layouts featured it prominently as the title and it looks just fine.
^^^^
The title on that LO is the worst thing on it and guess what? That's the product. No, it doesn't look fine.
If I'm a customer looking through the gallery and I see that page, and I decide I like the little wood veneers, I can look through the credits list and figure out what they are.
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I can't.
The CT layouts on those are worse. It's funny how each of them very obviously tried to hide one of those awful doodles so that it wasn't really noticeable on the page.
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The LOs themselves are fine but yeah, I have to agree, it's funny how most of them tried to hide those dreadful doodles.
Didn't Forever Joy JUST leave Oscraps last week for SM? Or did I remember wrong? I love Stolen Moments and Forever Joy, both individually and their combo kits together. They are my absolute favorite and I hope both find a new home together.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
Forever Joy is now exclusively at SO.
25 - Using that logic, why do you care about what 24 said? You seem a bit defensive.
_
That's an understatement. My fave is when someone says to "chill out." It makes me want to reply, "fuck off."
That's helping the designer. It doesn't all have to come from one kit, if the layout leads customers back to products. Chill out.
__
Fuck off.
24 I applaud the lady's ability to keep track of the things she used! I probably would have said something like-- Various products from (name) found in her store here. No way am I going to list 100 kits. I do list the designer, name of the kit, and name and kit of the template if I use one.
^^^^
There are lots of easy ways to keep track of what you've used in a LO.
There are lots of easy ways to keep track of what you've used in a LO.
_____
And they are all a waste of time and effort, IMO. And I am a designer. Unless you happen to be the sort of person who is validated by keeping immaculate records and posting them, then I think it's a waste of time.
^^^^
Nice passive aggressive reply to an innocent comment.
I would say that the comment before was the passive aggressive one. Seems like 39 kind of nailed aggressive.
Is SO so desperate now that they are taking everyone?
p.e. Crossbone Cuts??? I'm shocked!
SO also took Down This Road Designs. I can't believe they took Crossbone Cuts. That has to be a joke, right?
Anytime a store takes on ANYONE, someone says they can't believe it, blah..blah...blah. Well, believe it. Looks like the store owner doesn't agree with your assessment of the designers' capabilities.
#44, I agree with you and I would also add that if anyone does not like seeing designer X, or Y or Z in the store, they can skip those products. It should not affect the other designers in the store at all.
#45, are you somehow affiliated with SO?!? haha
I thought the same thing, 46. If Crossbone Cuts came to my store, I would seriously question the reasoning behind the owner's decision.
#46. Not at all. I rarely shop there and I am not a designer in that store or any competing store, but I can hear a repeat pattern for most stores bringing in a particular designer, whichever store, whichever designer. Some concerns might be valid, but I doubt they are, all the time.
#46. Not at all. I rarely shop there and I am not a designer in that store or any competing store, but I can hear a repeat pattern for most stores bringing in a particular designer, whichever store, whichever designer. Some concerns might be valid, but I doubt they are, all the time.
--
Exactly and anyone with minimal computer skills can navigate each store (as previously stated) to avoid those designers who they just can't believe the store added. Good grief, not everyone has the same taste or perception of what quality is. There's top designers out there who I wonder got to where they are..others rave about them and I just don't see it. There's others who I think are truly talented in what they create and they don't appear to get the recognition I think they deserve!
I thought the same thing, 46. If Crossbone Cuts came to my store, I would seriously question the reasoning behind the owner's decision.
__
Why would you care?
Nice passive aggressive reply to an innocent comment.
_
You need to look up what passive aggressive means. Just because someone disagrees with you does not mean they're being passive aggressive.
I would say that the comment before was the passive aggressive one. Seems like 39 kind of nailed aggressive.
-
If you think 39 was aggressive in her post, you have led a very sheltered, docile life.
A new thread for Nov would be nice.
And while I'm requesting things, anyone have Digi Files previews for this month?
You need to look up what passive aggressive means. Just because someone disagrees with you does not mean they're being passive aggressive.
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It wasn't because someone didn't agree with me. It was the phrase - Unless you happen to be the sort of person who is validated by keeping immaculate records and posting them - yeah, that's passive aggressive. No need to look it up. Maybe you do though.
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple.
I have to agree that when store owners bring on new designers, it does make the other designers question the owner at times. If it's just one or two people who you feel aren't as talented as the rest, that's one thing. When it becomes a persistent pattern though, it makes you wonder if your shop is going down the toilet. I was once at a shop that spiraled from the top right down to the bottom before my very eyes, one designer addition at a time. Designer additions should enhance a shop and elevate its status, and not the other way around. It's a competitive business, and where you are and who you are surrounded by DO matter. Don't kid yourself by believing otherwise.
And there goes SO right down the toilet.
Before SO, I think TDC is going down the toilet first. I personally like Down This Road and think it fits SO's style.
I'm chiming in with #53. We need a November thread! And The Digi Files previews too.
There's top designers out there who I wonder got to where they are..others rave about them and I just don't see it.
---
Such as?
And there goes SO right down the toilet.
_____
SO was already going down the toilet long before SM closed and started sending its designers there. A few mid-level designers showing up on their doorstep isn't going to go down in the history books as the defining moment.
The real question here is which designers at SM do you think would be good catches, and where are they going?
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple.
---------
you answered your own question.
IMO, Stolen Moments, Litabells, Juno, and Kim B are the only designers worth scooping up. Possibly Eudora and Zoliofrope for templates. Some of the other designers like Memory Clips, geniaBeana, Down This Road are ok, but not really anyone I'd swoon over.
The rest of that store could retire and no one would miss them.
That's why I'm so shocked at who SO took. Cluster Queen's kits are beyond hideous. The colors are disgusting most of the time and her templates look like crime scenes. Crossbone Cuts isn't an active designer. I'm shocked SO took that on given their extreme requirements.Down This Road's style fits in well at SO, but it's more of the same.
I'm curious. What are the "extreme requirements" at SO?
I can't imagine SO has extreme requirements. I used to CT for a few of their designers and they barely released a new kit once a month! I think Stolen Moments is the only SM designer I'd take on, but then most of them aren't my style. All of them could retire and I wouldn't notice.
Any word on where KimB will land? I love her stuff and hope she keeps designing. I thought there was going to be a post about where everyone was going at SM, but haven't seen it yet.
I like Stolen Moments, Juno Designs, Down This Road and some of Meagan's Creations stuff. I like K Studio too. Didn't she leave SO though? Any idea where she's going? Also, LDrag Designs is going to Gotta Pixel.
And there goes SO right down the toilet.
------
Again? Someone says that every time they bring on a new designer or two that they don't like. Funny how SO is still around, in spite of that move ...
Why are some asking for a November thread? It's not like this one is super long and difficult to navigate.
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple.
__
It is simple and it's NOT passive aggressive. The misinformed person responding to you has no idea what the term means. Usually when someone is called on something like that, they'll not respond AGAIN showing their ignorance. This one, however, is dumber than most.
you answered your own question.
__
This is another way of saying, "I can't answer your question because I don't know what the hell I'm talking about."
And there goes SO right down the toilet.
_
Yeah, never have heard that one before.
Why are some asking for a November thread? It's not like this one is super long and difficult to navigate.
_
They have nothing better to do.
This is another way of saying, "I can't answer your question because I don't know what the hell I'm talking about."
-----------
It's clear that you don't.
Anyone heard of Michelle Stelling from www.naods.com (National Association of Digital Scrapbookers)? She will be teaching a free class on digital scrapbooking at Creative Live in December.
http://creativelive.com/courses/digital-scrapbooking-beginners-michelle-stelling
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple.
__
This is actually a direct statement, not passive at all. Not is it aggressive. I have zero clue why anyone would think it was passive aggressive.
So what's the scoop with the Digital Scrapbook Place? I know that MyMemories took it over and I see that some of those designers are loading 'stuff' up in the MM shop but will all of the MM designers also be added to the Scrapbook Place? .... all 170 of them?
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple.
__
This is actually a direct statement, not passive at all. Not is it aggressive. I have zero clue why anyone would think it was passive aggressive.
--
Exactly. Hence, my statement that the op has no clue what the term means. I think she was irritated someone disagreed with her so she just threw that term out there, not having any idea what it means which is really dumb.
NAODS? I just googled it, and it's horrible. 4 "instructors" and a joke of a site. http://www.naods.com/instructors/
so we can scan any book and sale the pages as TEXT cu ?
http://www.sugarhillco.com/shop/eyeinspire/
I haven't researched it but off the top of my head I would guess they aren't under copyright anymore. So no, not just any book.
so we can scan any book and sale the pages as TEXT cu ?
If the book was published before 1923, then yes she can SELL (not sale) scans.
Exactly. Hence, my statement that the op has no clue what the term means. I think she was irritated someone disagreed with her so she just threw that term out there, not having any idea what it means which is really dumb.
***
My guess is she's one of the lister-outers and takes great pride in it.
so we can scan any book and sale the pages as TEXT cu ?
If the book was published before 1923, then yes she can SELL (not sale) scans.
_____
This. All of it. Especially the word choice part, LOL!
65: I think Stolen Moments is the only SM designer I'd take on, but then most of them aren't my style.
66: Any word on where KimB will land? I love her stuff and hope she keeps designing. I thought there was going to be a post about where everyone was going at SM, but haven't seen it yet.
_____
They're both going to the same place. I happened to talk to someone earlier today who CT's at the store they're both going to. They're the top 2 from SM in my opinion too, and I think a lot of people are going to be very interested to see where they end up.
I got bored with the lack of comments here and skimmed through some posts from earlier this year. Funny how some things never change.
A few things I noticed: Monthly posts used to get almost 1500 comments, but now they are closer to 500.
SO was a sinking ship and Pixels was only going to make it 6 months, but they both still appear to be going strong.
Scrapflower was going to be saved from closing when Joyce bought it. I actually thought it had closed, but when I looked it up it's a CU site now.
STO was closing their forums and taking their site in a new (exciting!) direction on Oct 1, but it looks the same to me, with the forums still there. What happened?
People were mad about SO still being in the Parade even though they didn't participate. I noticed they're not on the list anymore. Did any SO designers ever end up doing it? Did they leave when Pixels joined like they threatened?
My guess is she's one of the lister-outers and takes great pride in it.
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You guessed wrong. I never list the products, just the designer's name.
What's passive aggressive about it? I think it's a waste of time unless the process itself is satisfying to the poster. If you are just listing it all out because you think you have to, I would rather you spent the time scrapping. But I do know people who take pleasure in keeping immaculate records, so for them there's a reward. That simple.
__
This is actually a direct statement, not passive at all. Not is it aggressive. I have zero clue why anyone would think it was passive aggressive.
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That is not a direct statement. You forgot the all important phrase - feeling validated - it's a direct dig at someone who wants to keep a list.
Exactly. Hence, my statement that the op has no clue what the term means. I think she was irritated someone disagreed with her so she just threw that term out there, not having any idea what it means which is really dumb.
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I do actually; but if you are happy thinking I'm dumb that's okay (see, that was passive aggressive)
People were mad about SO still being in the Parade even though they didn't participate. I noticed they're not on the list anymore. Did any SO designers ever end up doing it? Did they leave when Pixels joined like they threatened?
_ _ _ _ _
I don't think they ever left because when we were planning the most recent one I looked and most of them were still in the FB group and SO was still listed as one of the shops. I just checked again and I don't see any of them in the group and the shop has been removed from the list. Looks to me as though Laura silently removed them without making a bunch of drama about it. Good for her too, it was about time.
That is not a direct statement. You forgot the all important phrase - feeling validated - it's a direct dig at someone who wants to keep a list.
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A DIRECT "dig" is NOT passive aggressive, you idiot.
I am on the CT of a few SM designers, and friends with several others. We all talk - and this is the run down on who is going where. KimB is going to P & Co.; ClusterQueen, Down this Road and Crossbone Cuts all have good friends at SO who asked Kami to take them on; LDrag is going to Gotta Pixel as she did not want to be exclusive; same reason for Clever Monkey going to Oscraps; SBG is offering 3 of them extended guest spots to try them out. 4 of these were going to go to Digichick until the so called "better offers" came along. The Digichick turned down 4 or 5 others. No one seems to know where Amber is going, and most do not care.
Anyone getting the MSA's 2014 Featured Presentation Pass? I'm thinking $5 is reasonable for the designer lineup. Or should I save my $5 instead?
P&Co seems the most logical place for Amber. I'm curious why 92 says "most do not care." Amber has always seemed like a nice person. Are the designers you know angry when you all talk?
I love Amber's designs, I will follow her wherever she lands.
92 is wrong about where KimB is going.
92 - do you know who is going to TDC?
Anyone knowing here where Zoliofrope, Meagan's Creations and Eudora are going?
96 what do you know? spill the beans!
93: "Anyone getting the MSA's 2014 Featured Presentation Pass? I'm thinking $5 is reasonable for the designer lineup. Or should I save my $5 instead? "
I'm on the fence. $5 is definitely a good deal, but there aren't any designers on the roster that I normally buy from, and there are several whose style doesn't work for me. I'm leaning toward spending that $5 on something I really love instead.
Most kits are $5+ even with a new release discount. If I shop sales, I might be able to get two good kits for $5. So as far as I'm concerned as long as I like at least 2 kits, I haven't lost anything. Chances are I'll like more than 2 of the 12. There were several this year that I didn't care for, in fact I think there was one that I didn't even bother grabbing, but overall I got more than $5 worth of stuff that I've scrapped with.
Comment #101 was in response to #99.
Anyone getting the MSA's 2014 Featured Presentation Pass? I'm thinking $5 is reasonable for the designer lineup. Or should I save my $5 instead?
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I would say yes, it's a great deal, but I was a so very disappointed with this year's! I only got one kit I kinda liked, and the rest I never even downloaded. Well I think I grabbed one or two just cuz, but I don't know if I'll ever find a reason to use them. But it felt stupid not grabbing SOMETHING since I paid for it. Very disappointed - doubt I'll buy it again.
Anyone knowing here where Zoliofrope, Meagan's Creations and Eudora are going?
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Zoliofrope is heading to Oscraps
I was very disappointed with the MSA Featured Presentation at the beginning of the year. The kits were very small and kind of thrown together. I think as the year has gone on (and after a lot of bitching on here) the kit sizes have gotten better and if you like even 5 of the designers, it's worth it.
Meagan's Creations is going to SBG.
#96 Doesn't know squat.
I'm with 100. $5 for access to 12 kits is a great deal, even if I love only 1 or 2 and "like" another 1 or 2. If I hate the rest, then it's not like I'm really out any money.
And as 104 said, when the Pass started, we all trashed the first few kits (too small, bad color palettes, etc) and now they seem to be bigger and better put together IMO. So hopefully that means 2014's designers will also put out some good kits. (HINT HINT to those designers.)
If 92 is right about KimB wouldn't that mean that Stolen Moments is also going to PCO? Someone further up said they heard those 2 were going to the same shop.
Someone is full of themselves.
You can follow Krystal Hartley's self portrait journey on FLICKR.
It's all pretty much the same picture LOL!
Anyone catch the comment on sussiem's facebook account? Almost seems as if she caught someone pirating. She decided to remove the comments she wrote, but curious who the designer mentioned was.
KimB just sent her newsletter saying that she's doing an "extended guest" stint at P&Co
Looks like 96 is wrong about where KimB is going.
and 92 was dead on. at least someone doesn't post crap.
Seems there has been lots of moving and shaking in the world of digi. Scrap Matters Closing and now I see DSP has been sold AGAIN, to MyMemories.com this time. They are supposedly going to merge with MyMemories. They wasted their money buying that community. It has been dying a long slow death. There are only a handful of people keeping the forums active.
SSD is having a babe call for a Project Life scrapper. Is this a big market in digi?
115 - I can see doing it hybrid, printing the cards and such.
----
In the forum, Carrie said she applied as she's dabbling - since this morning. Talk about shameless.
Carrie is awful enough to be a babe.
MyMemories has a history of wasting their money. They bought RAKScraps.
Who would be good enough to be a babe, no just for pl? (of course, in your opinion)
119 - In order of who I would choose...
catgoddess (jenn)
suladesign (sula)
heyjude (judie)
nun69 (angie)
joelsgirl (kellie)
I based my choices on the scrappers whose LO's always stand out to me in the peek thread and in the gallery. I prefer the above scrappers most of the time to some of the Babes. I haven't seen any of the above do PL, thank God. Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me!
Angie and Kellie are... odd. Angie is such a kiss ass. I'd bet she'll suddenly start dabbling in PL just to make babe, too. Carrie and she can duke it out for being two of the fakest scrappers out there.
I'd agree with 120's top three with Jenn being my #1, too. She's the most creative of them all. I know she was at ScrapMatters so hopefully another shop with pick her up. I'm not sure how that works for CTMs, but I saw many of them were looking for new homes.
Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me!
------------
This!
catgoddess (jenn)
suladesign (sula)
--
These my picks. Sula does wonderful kits and templates herself. She's better at designing then some of the designers at SSD. Most of Angie's and Carrie's pages look like shit. They're awful. Kellie, imo, is mediocre. Definitely not anything special.
Carrie is awful enough to be a babe.
--
Yes, she is almost as bad at it as Trish, who is the worst babe ever!
Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me!
--
I agree. It especially looks STUPID when they use miscellaneous elements (like a fabric flower or a button) to fill the pockets when they don't have any journaling or photos to include.
catgoddess (jenn)
suladesign (sula)
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These would be my picks, too. They'll never make babe, though. They're both nice people, talented, and don't kiss ass (that I've seen).
Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me!
_____
Not a PL scrapper myself (I dabbled last year, didn't stick with it), but I can see the appeal of it. I think for some it's a lot faster, and each page can potentially hold a lot more photos/words/memories/journaling. And that's more important to some than what their album looks like.
I like many that you all picked too. Plus, a few that are good scrappers, but don't scrap often (at least at SSD).
catgoddess (Jenn). (Though my own opinion is too many photoless.)
Suladesign (Sula).
britaneejean (Britanee)
MoodyJudy (Judy)
EllenT (Ellen)
jk703 (Jenn)
Pomi (Majda)
Some different, some cookie cutter, but I like the looks of their layouts.
I don't like nun69 (angie). Her pages look like a mess to me. I don't think Carries pages are that bad. Some yes, but not all.
lol... I totally agree with this, but didn't realize it until I read it.
"Why anyone would want their scrapbook pages to look like a binder of baseball cards is beyond me!"
I hate the way Carrie edits her photos and that's one reason I dislike her pages so. I really like the way Nikki scraps but, again, her photo editing sucks a lot of the time.
catgoddess (Jenn). (Though my own opinion is too many photoless.)
Suladesign (Sula).
britaneejean (Britanee)
MoodyJudy (Judy)
EllenT (Ellen)
jk703 (Jenn)
Pomi (Majda)
----------------------
britaneejean and jk703 aren't even in the same league as the rest of your list.
I like the other additions as scrappers, but majority of them use way too many templates. When I see so many template pages from CTs I feel like it's just shoving product down my throat.
I like Jenn's photoless pages and wish she made more. They help me think outside the box and they're not cookie cutter. I'd rather see a photoless page from a CTM that is creative and unique than another page using the same stock photo again and again.
I'm with the hate PL camp, too. I never thought of it as a baseball binder, but you're so right! Now I hate it even more.
catgoddess (jenn)
suladesign (sula)
=============
These would be my picks, too. They'll never make babe, though. They're both nice people, talented, and don't kiss ass (that I've seen).
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This!
SSD has a long history of taking on their friends and scrappers who kiss serious ass. This is why so many customers now shop elsewhere and has left many SSD designers practically begging for sales.
SSD can't carry the weight of Traci's ego. She'll drive that store into the ground slowly but surely. I stopped shopping there awhile ago. There are the same quality kits if not better elsewhere for less - and those designers aren't egotistical bitches.
I don't like PL pages either. I use templates all the time though, and love them. Just not PL templates. I don't use stock photos on my ct layouts. I use real family photos-the good, the bad, and the ugly. That's real life. Nobody in my family has perfect hair, perfectly clean children, and we have messy houses at times. That's real life. The designers I ct for don't seem to mind. Personally, I think that makes them real and doable for the general scrapper. That is what I am, a general scrapper.
There is nothing creative about a CREATIVE team member who is a general scrapper, IMO. As a designer, I want scrappers who make my products look amazing, different, and who inspire a customer to scrap. There is nothing wrong with being a general scrapper, but I feel having so many basic scrappers on CTs is a huge part of the decline in sales over the past few years. I look at so many CT pages from general scrappers and I think, how sad that's the best that product can look and then I move on without buying.
For example, when I look for a recipe online, I want to try the recipe that looks incredible with good photography and excellent presentation. Even though I know my version will not look as fancy, I am not going to try the one that looks like boring and like what I could easily make myself. I am not unusual. I am the norm. I am what most customers are. Martha Stewart didn't become an icon because she did ordinary...
The fact that so many general scrappers are now on CTs has made packaging and presentation of digi product boring and ordinary. It's perfectly fine that a customer scraps that way, but as a designer, you want to present your product in amazing, unique ways. Those CT pages aren't just for inspiration, they're mostly so customers can see the quality of your product. You might think customers want to see average pages, but if you're honest with yourself, you know it makes your product look ordinary at best.
Your product doesn't sell because a customer looks at your CT samples and thinks, gosh, they scrap just like me. It sells because a CTM has made it shine, used it CREATIVEly, and has made something people want to click on in galleries. No one clicks on an average page besides your friends - and if you're a CTM, it's probably another CTM who isn't going to buy anyway.
Using your picks above, I would rather have one page that looks like this: www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=301418&title=believe-you-are-beautiful&cat=500
Than 100 pages that look like this:
www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303474&title=christmas-morning&cat=500
I am not a CT member (and no intention to be) but I find that I have a simpler minimalist style. I have noticed that a lot of CT layouts are packed full of elements, and layered papers (not all the time, but often) and maybe that is because they want to showcase so much of a kit in one layout. Maybe that is what the designers require?
And yes, that first layout mentioned about is really CREATIVE. Would that qualify as a layout to showcase a kit? I wish it did.
If you're a minimalist scrapper, you're probably not shopping at SSD.
In response to 135. I am on a couple of CTs and I think of myself as an "average scrapper," but I think I make pretty pages. I have always been on the average scrapper side of this argument, but I have to say you make a pretty persuasive argument. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I don't know if I agree with all of your points, and I think that comes down to the fact that I'm hooked by a great preview, not the CT examples so much. I tend to tire of a kit by seeing so many CT layouts ... perhaps that feeds back into your point, though. Maybe a select few stunning CT layouts would better sell a kit than 10 or 20 "average" layouts.
There is another aspect of teams, though, that comes into play. And I'm thinking of how the teams play into the overall community. Sometimes it feels like the only validation in this community is through GSOs and creative team spots. And from what I see, a lot of GSOs are going to people on creative teams scrapping with brand new and exciting products. There doesn't seem to be a lot of celebration of, or reward for, the average scrapper who is just preserving memories. I know there is the argument that we should all be scrapping for ourselves and our reward should come from our accomplishment and the joy we give to our families through our scrapbooks. But I also think it is important within the online community to offer validation and encouragement. I think teams have kind of stepped into that role of providing status for scrappers, and maybe that isn't the best thing.
#135- perspective. They're like belly buttons. That first one couldn't sell me a thing. But the second one might - it's cute, shows me a nice selection of the items in the kit, and gives me some inspiration.
That said, your point is valid, but I think a mix of styles and types is best.
and, I'll add- I'm a designer who also scarps, but has never CTed.
#135, you might want to consider adding art journalers or collage artists to your team. And let them mix kits and designers.
I think it's insulting to most of those scrappers to think the best thing they could become as a scrapper is a Babe. Half of them would likely be mortified at the mention of their name here and the other half would love it. The half that loves it will fit right in at SSD and the other, more talented half, would do better to scrap elsewhere.
I guess as a designer I prefer to have a variety of styles, and I do have a couple of team members who scrap in a more "ordinary" way. I've seen posts here saying they look for layouts that are more ordinary so they can see how the kit will look when THEY scrap with it. Sure, as a designer it's very pleasant to show how awesome your creation really is. But from a customer standpoint, they want ideas and a variety of approaches to using the kit themselves. In my opinion, of course. As 139 says, we all have them.
"The fact that so many general scrappers are now on CTs has made packaging and presentation of digi product boring and ordinary. It's perfectly fine that a customer scraps that way, but as a designer, you want to present your product in amazing, unique ways. Those CT pages aren't just for inspiration, they're mostly so customers can see the quality of your product. You might think customers want to see average pages, but if you're honest with yourself, you know it makes your product look ordinary at best."
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135, if CT LOs are to show off the quality of your kit, then the type of page shouldn't matter: your quality will show through regardless of style ("simple," art journaling, etc). If you really wanted to show the QUALITY of your designs, then show us 5 or 6 screen shots at 100% zoom. That's going to show quality more than a fantastic LO.
I've been tricked by a great CT LO into buying a shitty quality kit. And now I'll never buy from that designer again no matter how "creative" her CT's LOs are. I may look at galleries for inspiration, but I still check out the kit's preview before buying and I LOVE when designers have screen shots to show me close ups of the elements/papers.
135 said: I feel having so many basic scrappers on CTs is a huge part of the decline in sales over the past few years
I don't agree at all. First off, I'm not on any cts. If sales are down, it could be due to a lot of different things. The biggest reason I see is--the same old product, same tired ideas, being repackaged and sold again and again by disinterested, unimaginative designers that think they have a following that will buy anything that is put in a shop. Put that together with a glut of designers, a glut of shops, and a failed economy and then maybe after that lousy ct layouts. Blaming the ct members for lack of sales is an easy way out. Takes the designer and their choice of marketing right out of the picture.
There are several stores I won't buy from even if I love the designers there. I don't know if I'm unique in that decision or not, but that can also be a factor.
I think that the designer said she prefers ctms with different styles is right. I'm sure a lot of ct members would love to scrap like the example someone up there showed of catgoddess. Her layouts are always beautiful-and she seems like a nice lady to boot. Not all ctm layouts are perfect, but there aren't many perfect designers either. I look at the kit itself when I decide to buy it or not. If the preview looks bad, I pass on the kit. That is on the designer. I don't think I've ever looked at ct members layouts to decide on buying a kit or not.
If your sales are down, please look at your product and see if you are putting out quality, unique, and desirable product. Sometimes I think the ct members spend more time making the layouts than the designer did to make the kit. There is a LOT of crap out there. Plus, the designer is the one that chose the members for her team, so who is to blame for that?
Using your picks above, I would rather have one page that looks like this: www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=301418&title=believe-you-are-beautiful&cat=500
Than 100 pages that look like this:
www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303474&title=christmas-morning&cat=500
^^^
Not me. That layout would not make me buy a kit or even really look twice at the kit. I want to see layouts that represent the style I scrap. I have far too many kits I have bought that I open and realize I will never use - now I want to see pages that I know I'd scrap before I buy a kit.
There are several stores I won't buy from even if I love the designers there. I don't know if I'm unique in that decision or not, but that can also be a factor.
^^^
I don't think you are unique in that. I have seen many people make similar comments here and around digiland over the years, and I also have stores I won't support no matter who the designer is. Some of them have already gone out of business (Elemental Scraps was one .. when they went to their tiered commission I stopped shopping there ... Scrap Matters is another ... because Amber insisted on keeping Kate on the CT even though she ruined Digital Candy because she is a pirate) Others are still in business but I won't spend a penny there (like SO who lost all my business when they put the Scrap Pin gallery up). I don't think one person can bring a store down by not shopping there ... but I also think that if one person is here saying they are personally boycotting a store, chances are there are others doing the same thing for similar reasons. News travels fast in digiland.
146-I'm not actually boycotting the stores, I just don't like shopping there, so I don't. At one store something did happen that made me boycott it, but it's going out of business this month so I guess I wasn't the only one that decided not to shop there.
#135 Seems to be saying that there are too many average scrappers on creative teams. Assuming that is true, why would it be so? If a designer has a call, does she go through the applicants and decide to choose the average scrappers over the stunningly creative ones? I don't think so. I think that the designer would choose from the best of the applicants she got.
So then, why would all of the stunningly creative scrappers not apply to calls? Are the best of the best already committed to multiple store teams and don't bother applying to a single designer team? (I personally think this is part of it). Are there just not enough great scrappers to go around? (I doubt it; I think there is a lot of untapped talent out there.) Are designers' requirements too much to attract great scrappers? For instance, is it realistic to expect a team member to scrap a stunningly creative page every week, for weeks on end? I think this is part of it too. I think I can be a great scrapper, but I can't scrap an outstanding page every single week. I have seen lots of calls that I would have loved to apply for, but I don't because I simply can't make that many pages for months on end. Maybe if designers had more "on call" teams or had lower requirements so that team members could just scrap when they're really feeling it, they might get better applicants.
148-I'm sure some of the requirements do put off some great scrappers. Some designers expect a lot more than just layouts from their ct members. I've seen requirements such as blog posts, freebies including packaging them up and posting them, promoting their designs on various sites, posting sneak peeks of layouts in the forums before the kit releases, the praise game, answering ISO threads, store forum participation, and a certain number of comments in their galleries monthly--besides the expected layouts with their kits. No wonder the CT members don't have much time for layouts.
Great point, 149. All those extra requirements would take away from my scrapping time, and a kit in exchange for less scrapping time doesn't really appeal to me.
Are there any designers out there that have had calls recently? What were your overall impressions of the applicants?
I think all of those scrappers listed are good in their own way. I think it's a bit disgusting to pit them against each other the way some of you have done above, but there is something about SSD that brings out the crazies. I wish I were surprised.
It's my guess that's what makes everyone so crazy when a babe call happens is that all those average scrappers are struggling to make it on a team that has hype about being elite. Putting higher skilled scrappers down saying their pages don't sell any better than their normal pages makes them feel like they should have a chance. I don't understand why, because I agree with 141 in that SSD's babe team isn't what it used to be and hasn't been for a long time.
ITA with 135 in that there are too many average scrappers on CTs. These days, any basic scrapper can make almost any CT out there because there are so many designers and that means fewer people are buying products. It makes me sick when I see CTs that have 20+ scrappers on them. I understand that many fade in and out over time, but there are many scrappers who have been around for a very long time.
As a designer, I do not have a CT. I don't think designers should have personal CTs. I think stores should have CTMs and that is it. There would be fewer scrappers on CTs and therefore more potential to have paying customers. Designers themselves have created the poor sales problems they're having now. It has nothing to do with anyone's CT pages whatsoever.
I think most people agree that designers need example layouts to help sell their kits. That is where the need for a personal CT comes from - to provide the example pages. Has any designer ever seen their sales drop after a CT call because they eliminated paying customers?
I'm pretty sure most designers aren't making what they used to make. CT samples can easily come from a dedicated store CT, so what is your point, 152?
I'm a CTM for a few designers. I quit some teams the past few years when the designer moved to a store I didn't care to work at. Yes, I'm picky. I also read the requirements for a team before I apply. If it has requirements I don't want to do, I don't apply. I only apply to teams I love, and for designers that have a good reputation with other CTM I know. If the designer changes requirements while I'm on the team, I reassess that team, and drop it if I don't want to do the extra requirements.
153, I was addressing the idea that designers don't need personal CTs. If designers need example layouts and don't make their own, then they need those examples to come from a creative team. I know from reading this blog that some people think it is the job of a store CT to promote the store, not to provide example layouts for the designers.
I have no idea if you are right that designers make less than they used to. But now I see where you were coming from: CTs have become bigger and sales have gone down. Maybe there is a causal relationship, but I wonder if there is any proof. It is a very interesting idea though. Sorry I didn't pick up on it before.
155 - I believe that designers should promote themselves and their store. CTMs should make samples, not do promotion. I think if promotion fell on the designer's shoulder, you'd have fewer designers overall and certainly fewer deadbeats in the stores. These days, CTMs have to do so much promotion and freebie making, etc, they really don't have time to scrap and the designers can sit back, occasionally make products, and benefit from their personal CTs AND the store CTs drawing traffic to their store. Not to mention feeding off the more active designers and their traffic.
If promotion fell back on the designers and the store owners instead of abusing CTMs, store CT would have plenty of time to scrap with the store's products which is exactly what they should be doing.
Cting for a store is a whole different story. You not only do layouts and the promoting of the layouts and the store, but make and participate in the forum challenges, keep the forum hopping, and do comments in the gallery. There isn't any such thing as a CTM that just makes layouts. That is why I don't CT anymore.
I believe that's what 156's point was, 157...
I agree the digi stores need to get back to fewer CTMs and more active designers. I think if Scrap Matters had dumped the horrible, inactive designers, it would have been better off. Some of these designers haven't put out new products in months! Why are they in stores and why are CTMs expected to waste their time promoting them? It makes no sense to me, either.
158-Sometimes designers get a bit big for their pants and think they can rest on their laurels! Maybe stores should do a clean the house every 6 months or so. I thought the quota that some stores set up was a little unfair, but maybe that is the incentive that designers need. If they don't sell "x" amount, maybe they should pay an extra fee to the store. No, I'm not a store owner.
The thing about quotas is a lot of stores have them but don't enforce them. Especially stores where new owners come in - it seems that the designers who were there before get 'grandfathered' in at whatever their old requirements were or something.
I think it's a bit disgusting to pit them against each other the way some of you have done above, but there is something about SSD that brings out the crazies. I wish I were surprised.
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Stating that we think one person scraps better than another is not pitting them against each other. It's an opinion. If you're so disgusted, why frequent here?
I think some of the requirements for ct's are absolutely ridiculous. Designers seem to want an awful lot in exchange for a scrapbook kit. Obviously, people apply for these spots though. I just don't get the hype. Never have.
Sometimes designers get a bit big for their pants and think they can rest on their laurels!
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This is an understatement. As previously posted, a lot of them rest on other designers' laurels!
163-Yes, that too.
I'm so glad that I cancelled my The Digi Files subscription last month... this month's kits are totally not my style.
I'm not a CTM. I'm just a customer. I enjoy looking at layouts that I can reproduce. The highly artsy ones don't appeal to me at all. I'm a family memory keeper. I don't need a ton of junk on my pages. I call it throw up. I like well organized, layouts that tell a story. I like the photos large enough to see, and the journaling added to tell the story. That is the most important part of scrapping. I don't care for the tiny tiny photos without any journaling.
166- I agree totally- and I always look for journaling, especially when there is something unique about it.
135- I think you have some valid points, but as a customer, I don't care so much about amazingly different as I do: "Wow, what a great idea! I wouldn't have thought of that!! And most importantly- I can do that!!" Not wow, if only my photography was studio quality, I could make that work, or if only I were an artist or creative, I could do that!! With recipes- and I am an adventuresome, good cook- I look at "doability" as well as the "Wow, how beautiful. I bet that tastes fantastic." I don't have hours to make one recipe except maybe once every four or five months, but I can make several quick meals a week: even if the technique is difficult as long as it is not time intensive. I look at scrapping the same way.
From the customer's point of view people. Can you share a link of what you like to see as a good or bad representation of example pages? I'm curious.
Some example CTM pages, and throw up... I see them too. I think many pages are made with templates, and CTM's forget that they can delete. Don't get me wrong, I love templates and hardly scrap without, but I think CTM's forget that they can make it what they want, and it doesn't have to look like the original.
I am on a few CT's. I only do layouts, nothing else. When I'm asked to join a team, I tell the designer that, and I've missed out on a couple of designers whom I would love to CT for because of it. But I love the ones I do work for, and it is possible to CT within those limits.
If there's someone you'd like to work for but want to do only layouts, tell them. I see some designers have caught on and started to choose people for different tasks, some do social media, some do blogging, and some do layouts. I think this works best, let us each do what we're best at doing.
169-Yes, I'm on a few CT's that have the special task people too. They are the best run CT's I'm on in fact. Everybody knows what they are doing, and things get done. The designer is free to do the designing, and the team hums on like a well oiled machine.
ok, this one tells a story. It's attractive to look at (IMO)
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855683&title=ice-2c-ice-baby&cat=500
This one (to me again) looks like a mess--throw up
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855680&title=messy-pockets&cat=500
This one says UNFORGETTABLE WINTER MEMORIES, but it's a photo of a head--in a bunch of flowers, and no journaling--what is so unforgettable about it? http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855518&title=fall-to-winter&cat=500
I'm on page 5 of the recent uploads at DST and can't find any with any journaling at all. Finally, on page 7 at DST I found one with some journaling--the layout itself is pretty plain, but it's nice. Not my favorite by any means. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855501&title=smile&cat=500
This one, the title speaks to me, but it looks like throw up:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855493&title=decorating-the-tree&cat=500. Finally. One I like. It has photos, some journaling, The photos are a little small for my taste, but the layout looks nice. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855491&title=most-wonderful-time-of-the-year&cat=500
Ok, I quit a bit early, on page 9 or 10, I found the one I like the very least.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855489&title=now-and-forever&cat=500
This one is my favorite of the first 10 pages on DST recent layouts. It has a decent sized photo, journaling that goes with the photo, and isn't covered with crap. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855474&title=peace-talks&cat=500 I prefer larger photos, or more of them, but this layout has impact and a memory. (IMO)
Let me revise 172--I like this one the best. The photos are normal photos, ones you can see, and it's got good journaling. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855472&title=christmas-concert-2012&cat=500
I've done the CT for designers...lots and lots. Seven years of not buying very many products! I'm bad I know, but cheap! After a while, I start recognizing their CU reworks in their kits. The kits become the same...different colors and a new name. That is like eating the same food daily but with food coloring. YUCK! If I made the same exact page for their designs, they would not be happy. I submit my resignation, thank them for their time and wish them well. I found being on an EXCELLENT site CT is the best gig around! It is like a buffet of wonderful.
Excellent in the organization, clarity of duties and team atmosphere along with a store of very great designers.
I do remain on a few individual teams, and these designers amaze me week after week (because they do design and produce regularly and originally). I enjoy the teams, and the product.
I do also believe that some of the CTs chosen are not for their pages, but for their personalities and or abilities to network. That is huge, getting the word out and people in. Finding people that are available, and responsible is a hard thing. Any extra skills, be it just people skills, blogging, newsletter, facebook, organization or pinterest is an added plus. The stores that stand out, have really good people organizing behind the scene.
I used to collect "elite" designers, I admit it. Because I thought they were elite and good. Sadly, they aren't all..some really are spectacular, I mean artists. This is the cheapest hobby I have ever done, and that is because I CT.
One more unasked for insight, designers that are into promoting themselves, that really pour themselves into their product and promotion are a dream to work for, because it makes me want to work harder for them also. This is just my opinion. I am sure it will be torn to bits, but I call out to the designers that can't get good CTMs, what are you doing? There are some pretty remarkable ladies out there creating GSO worthy pages week after week, if you look at their "pool" of designers, it really does make a difference.
As a shopper, I've never bought a kit because of a CT layout. I don't browse galleries or enabling threads looking for kits to buy. I don't try to copy CT layouts. I buy based on the kit preview.
The colors or the theme will catch my eye and make me look closer. I take a close look at the papers - are they the style I like? How many of them will I use? Is there enough good ones for me to make a layout? I also look at the elements. Are the themed elements nice and usable? Are there enough basics like flowers or ribbons? Fun things like paint splats are a nice bonus. While I'm looking at the kit in the store, I will look at the CT layouts there but generally only to get a better look at something. Especially papers if the designer didn't include a paper preview. (Designers - please include a paper preview if you have your elements covering most of the paper!)
One more unasked for insight, designers that are into promoting themselves, that really pour themselves into their product and promotion are a dream to work for, because it makes me want to work harder for them also.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
THIS!!
yuck. just yuck. I stumbled on this designer blog today.
http://createdbyjillscraps.blogspot.de/
WHAT is with the comic sans font?
Barf.
^^ nevermind- after the blog loaded (those god awful large images) the comic sans turned into some google font.
Still. fugly.
As a shopper, I've never bought a kit because of a CT layout. I don't browse galleries or enabling threads looking for kits to buy. I don't try to copy CT layouts. I buy based on the kit preview.
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I agree. CT layouts aren't even on my radar when I'm looking at and buying kits. The preview and the kit description are what I'm interested in.
WHAT is with the comic sans font?
I guess you could call it "Freedom of Choice." At least SOME freedoms are still alive and well. Cherish it. They are becoming fewer and fewer.
Let me revise 172--I like this one the best. The photos are normal photos, ones you can see, and it's got good journaling. http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1855472&title=christmas-concert-2012&cat=500
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I like this layout idea very much, however, HATE the kit colors for Christmas (or any time really) and wish the scrapper could/would have edited out the red eyes.
I guess you could call it "Freedom of Choice." At least SOME freedoms are still alive and well. Cherish it. They are becoming fewer and fewer.
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Pleeeeaaaassssseeeee. Get over yourself. If you want to admonish, lecture, pontificate, etc. maybe this isn't the proper forum for you??? Questioning particular font usage is hardly fodder for a political debate.
yuck. just yuck. I stumbled on this designer blog today.
http://createdbyjillscraps.blogspot.de/
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actually, I've seen MUCH worse and fyi, there's kinda a cute template for free download there.
After a while, I start recognizing their CU reworks in their kits. The kits become the same...different colors and a new name.
__
As a customer, I am experiencing this A LOT. Designers, get your shit together and quit using the same cu stuff over and over. Zoe Pearn, Stuido Basic and Juliana Kneipp are some of the worst offenders at SSD.
182 So are you the blog police now dictating what can be said and what can't be said? Get over yourself. Geeze.
171 - Please show us some of your pages so we can call them vomit, too. Maybe we can make fun of your kids or which font you chose for your LOs.
186-One of the posters asked me to post some layouts I liked and didn't like. I made NO fun of anybodies children, nor would I. I went to a gallery and looked for some layouts. I said it was my opinion. Take it or leave it.
I looked through several store galleries and was surprised at how few CT layouts made me want to look at them more closely to see what they used. Here are some layouts that are attractive in that they make me want to look at the layout for inspiration and potentially purchase the product.
I looked through Scraporchard's gallery- I don't like and probably won't look there again.
I like to travel, and this had some good photos and a bit of journaling, and I could see the elements-
http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/1036079c5db0f08d55c7d6edf05eafe7
Even though the photo was small, I loved the composition, the elements were visible, and there was journaling.
http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/d66d7531860ea50930a6d1280ae9f5e3
This is a calendar topper- but the composition of the elements was cute and could easily be replicated on a layout-
http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/285e64713c29d274017bd475136dbaa1
This is a signature- it shows off the kit and made me want a closer look to see if I wanted to buy the kit-
http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/d3edd466842655ec6dc7ac0590baf52d
Another calendar topper, but really shows off the kit-
http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pin/632e3ccec223290601ef00e26aa62bd0
Even though this uses a template that you can see on dozens of pages at ssd and has smaller pictures, it shows off the elements and has journaling around the edges-
http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303603&title=thankful&cat=500
This is clean and shows off the kit nicely-
http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303627&title=me-in-october&cat=516
The biggest problem with looking for inspiration at ssd is that everyone uses Cindy's templates (I think most of the individual CTs also CT for Cindy), and all the layouts begin to blur together even when they use different kits. Here is one of the cleaner ones-
http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303576&title=forever-family&cat=500
This photo is terrible, but the fact that it is black and white does let the kit shine through, at least enough for me to take a look at it to see if I liked the kit-
http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303485&title=day-6&cat=500
This made me want to see the kit, even though there are few elements used-
http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=302264&title=haunted&cat=591
Cute pictures and good use of the elements- they don't overwhelm-
http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=303050&title=winter-wonderland&cat=591
No photos, but shows off the kit- so if I am looking for these elements, I will take a second look-
http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=113400&title=dsd-2013-aj&cat=797
Journaling with lots of photos- but had to look closer to see the elements which is a negative-
http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=300477&title=go-wild&cat=650
Cute use of elements-
http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=111150&title=tt-eek&cat=500
I was surprised that almost none of the layouts at Pixels showed off the kit, although I liked the cleanness of the layouts, they need to show off the products better. Here a couple that I liked-
http://pixelsandcompany.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=8197&c=1
http://pixelsandcompany.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=8189&c=1
The big picture and journal strips caught my eye-
http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=115138&title=last-christmas&cat=875
In general, this is an enticing gallery for the lilypad- mixture of journaling, etc. and shows off the kits but sometimes too much clutter-
http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=4382&cat=500&page=3
I am 188-
I like to look at a designer's gallery, and I just realized I can't at scraporchard and hate that I can't do it there. This is a real disservice to the designers who sell there.
Here are a few others that make me want to look twice at the product-
http://www.thedigichick.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=200362&title=he-27s-a-reader&cat=1807
http://www.thedigichick.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=199717&title=thanksgiving-12&cat=1728
I looked through a few more store galleries and realized there aren't a lot of layouts that make me excited about the products -
http://www.mscraps.com/galleri/showphoto.php?photo=70639&title=be-thankful&cat=831
http://www.mscraps.com/galleri/showphoto.php?photo=70648&title=dress-up&cat=719
no journaling, but shows off the elements-
http://www.pickleberrypop.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=105785
This shows off the elements, so if you are looking for something like this, you would look twice
http://www.pickleberrypop.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=105728&cat=all&limit=last14
186- I agree with the poster who said the overuse of elements looked like vomit.She was not making fun of anyone's children.
I didn't say she did. but if her kids are fugly and that's my opinion, it would be more than ok for me to say so. she can voice her opinion about others, but doesn't offer up her los to be judged as vomit or not. pathetic
If my kids are fugly it's none of your business. You are the pathetic one.
I didn't say she did. but if her kids are fugly and that's my opinion, it would be more than ok for me to say so. she can voice her opinion about others, but doesn't offer up her los to be judged as vomit or not. pathetic
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First of all, no one "made fun of" anything or anybody and the only person who alluded to doing so is YOU! It's not surprising to me that you would think it "more than ok" to say someone's children are "fugly". You ARE an idiot. I think it's more than okay to say that.
so Jennifer Labre is going to MScraps.
I agree with the poster who said the overuse of elements looked like vomit.
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Same here. This is why I would never want to be on a ct because the majority of them overuse elements, imo. I know their purpose is to show off the designers' wares, however, I'd have to re-scrap every page for my own albums because I would never print those embellishment-heavy pages for personal use. I LOVE great papers and elements to enhance my pages but I don't want a bunch of flowers, etc. detracting from my photos. I will say that some ct members can certainly use humongous numbers of elements better than others!
I hate over use of elements and Ct layouts that do it turn me off the kits.
I prefer cleaner lines , that's just my style. I saw this LO a couple wks ago, it has large pics which I like to do and show cased the papers simply. I immediately checked out the kits for the papers and purchased.
http://www.the-lilypad.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=81738&title=bathtime&cat=781
"I was surprised that almost none of the layouts at Pixels showed off the kit, although I liked the cleanness of the layouts, they need to show off the products better. Here a couple that I liked-"
The P&Co CT really mixes and matches the different designers' products. Continuing the discussion about CT pages: do you think this is good or bad for sales?
I personally like it. The way I see it, a store CT is to provide me with inspiration, while a designer's CT is to sell me the kit. Two different functions.
^ I agree with this, but I'd take it further. The preview is to sell me the kit, and site CT is to provide inspiration.
I think there is a lot of mixing and matching at The Lilypad too. Mixing and matching doesn't bother me at all, but I tend to mix and match a lot when I scrap too.
I'm a lot more familiar with TLP than P&Co. I think that at TLP they make a real effort to market their older kits. Mixing and matching plays into the BYOC concept, but I also think it plays in to the marketing of older kits because it sends the message that the older products are still worth a look. I think most other stores focus exclusively on brand new products.
I get the feeling that P&Co is trying to follow TLP's lead. And I don't blame them because I think TLP is THE top store. They appear to have very strong leadership, all of their promotions seem very thoughtful, and they are generous with freebies but also don't give too much away.
So....to answer your question, 199, I think that mixing and matching is good in that it plays into a strategy to market older products. Numbers wise that makes good sense. Make those old products work for you.
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