New Zazzler Amy, from the Zazzle store amytothegrace, talks with us about her inspirations for her vector art and what she’s looking forward to on Zazzle. Check out the interview below and don’t forget to check out her store amytothegrace!
Zazzle: First off, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Amy: I come from a very artistic family, so I grew up in love with the arts and a natural sense of creativity. During High School I transitioned from pencils and crayons to graphic design, after accidentally discovering I had a kind of knack for it. I’ve now been doing this gig freelance for 7 years, specializing mainly in branding businesses. Websites, logos, business cards, and brochures have been the bulk of my work until recently when I decided to expand my art and open a Zazzle store!
Zazzle: A lot of your work seems to be more vector art, when did you start illustrating? Are there other styles of art you enjoy creating as well?
Amy: I’ve dabbled lightly in digital illustration for the past few years – mainly in logo work for clients. It wasn’t until last spring that I really started to play with creating people and animals. I’ve had so much fun! I enjoy traditional art with colored pencils, pastels, and paints as well…but rarely use them these days. I think digital illustration wins over because it’s so easy to correct my mistakes!
Zazzle: What is your inspiration for your designs??
Amy: Inspiration is a funny thing…because most of the time it comes out of nowhere. I find the best ideas are like that. Sometimes all it takes is a good mood and a thirst to create. In fact I think all of my designs ultimately come down to a good mood…whether it’s because of a song I’ve heard, or a funny joke from a friend or movie. So maybe it would suffice to say that simple light heartedness is the greatest inspiration…in whatever form it may take.
Zazzle: Any artists you look up to when it comes to designing?
Amy: Sam Spratt – his imagination and attention to detail never ceases to amaze me.
Zazzle: Who is your favorite Zazzle seller (besides yourself, of course)?
Amy: I’ve yet to really explore the Zazzle community, but of the handful of stores I’ve seen, I really admire 3ddevine’s work.
Zazzle: What has been your favorite design you’ve created, and why?
Amy: Hmm…I’d say it’s a tossup between my Egyptian 80′s chick, and my arguing Shampoo and Conditioner bottles – both of which were equally fun to make. The Egyptian design stemmed from my ongoing interest in Ancient Egypt, and what I really love about it is the unexpected and humorous combination of Ancient Egypt and the 1980′s. I had seen other designs with Egyptian Pharaoh’s in sunglasses before, but never with an 80′s flare. I really love how it turned out.
Zazzle: How do you eat a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup?
Amy: As a vegan, I don’t! LOL
Zazzle: Being a newer seller on Zazzle, what are you looking forward to the most?
Amy: Continued play with new products, ideas and opportunities to spread my work.
Zazzle: What got you interested in selling your art on Zazzle?
Amy: I initially started looking into online stores for the freedom to create what I wanted, when I wanted, and just have people buy and enjoy. Isn’t that the dream of all artists? 
After much research, Zazzle lured me in with their wide variety of products, easy-to-use tools, ability for a fully customized storefront, and most important – good product quality. Haven’t looked back!
Zazzle: What tips can you give someone who is just starting out on Zazzle?
Amy: Not sure I’m equipped for tips since I’m still fairly new to the game…but here’s what I’ve found effective so far:
Move one step at a time…never rush through a design, or create products just for the sake of having more products. Present only your very best.
Do your research. I hung out in the forum for a good while when I first started; figuring out how to best customize my storefront and getting tips from ProSellers. You must be willing to learn about what it takes to succeed…and invest your time in doing so.
Enjoy yourself…especially when creating a new design. It really shows through your work.
Thanks Amy!
Subscribe
