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Shelby, from the Zazzle store origamiprints, talks with us about the joy she feels knowing her designs have contributed to someone’s special day. Check out the interview below and don’t forget to check out her store origamiprints!
Zazzle: To start, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Shelby: My name is Shelby and I’m 24 years old. I studied graphic design in high school and in college and currently have an associate’s degree in graphic design.
Zazzle: When did you become interested in design?
Shelby: My love for design started when I was a kid, some time in elementary school when I discovered that silly little program called “Paint” on our family’s computer. You couldn’t do much in that program at the time, just paint with a paint brush or add text, but I still had so much fun with it! As I grew older I became drawn to many other types of design like interior design, fashion design, and typography. It wasn’t until my wedding last year that I realized I had a real passion for invitation and stationery design. I had always known that I’d want to design my own wedding invitations and when the time came, I created so many styles that I had a hard time picking one! I loved the process of designing invitations so much that I didn’t want to stop….and I’ve kept designing invitations ever since!
Zazzle: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Shelby: I love to create and tend to be drawn more clean, simple designs with a strong attention to detail in typography.
Zazzle: What inspires you to create?
Shelby: Weddings, parties, interior design, patterns and fashion are some of my favorite things that give me inspiration for my designs!
Zazzle: Your products are very occasion oriented, what is your favorite occasion to design for?
Shelby: I love designing invitations for specific parties and events, like housewarming parties and baby showers, but wedding invitations are by far my favorite because I remember so well how much I loved planning my big day. Wedding invitations have really changed a lot over the years. Brides are becoming slightly less traditional and are looking for more unique and modern designs to suit their own personality and style. I just love exploring and creating new styles and color schemes. There’s so much that goes into planning your wedding, like choosing colors, flowers and decorations. When I sell a set of invitations I get so excited because it’s great knowing that one of my designs is being incorporated into someone’s wedding day!
Zazzle: What got you interested in selling your art on Zazzle?
Shelby: I contribute art and designs on a couple of stock image websites where I have the opportunity to make royalties on my designs each time I make a sale. I was doing some more research on the subject when I found a blog somewhere about a graphic designer talking about making money on Zazzle and the fact that you are able to set your own royalty rate. I decided to give it a shot, and once I discovered that you can create invitations, that’s when my real passion for stationery took off. And that’s when I decided to open up a shop called Origami Prints, specializing in invitation design and other paper goodies!
Zazzle: Other than yourself, who’s your favorite seller on Zazzle?
Shelby: After looking at some recent Today’s Best Award Winners I’ve come across a seller which I LOVE! Her store is called Liza Phoenix and she creates the most adorable little characters!!!
Zazzle: What tips can you give someone who is just starting out on Zazzle?
Shelby: To anyone who is just starting out on Zazzle, try to find your niche- what makes you special and unique. Only put up for sale designs that you think will do well or that you, yourself would buy. Stick to your passion and design what you love….and others will love it too!
Zazzle: Can you give us a sneak peek of future designs?
Shelby: At the moment, I have no sneak peeks to show, but I can definitely say that my plans for my future designs include fresh new color schemes and bold typography!
Zazzle: Thanks for sharing Shelby!
