Zazzle Blog

Shane, from the Zazzle Store stlewis75, was kind enough to sit down and answer some questions about his drawings, and his experience here on Zazzle. Check out the interview below and don’t forget to check out his store stlewis75!

Bio: Location:  Salt Lake City, Utah
Interests:  Vacations (Disneyland, Yellowstone, etc.), Fantasy Sports, TV (Lost, 24, Arrested Development, Flight of the Conchords, etc.), Movies (Mary Poppins, Star Wars, The Three Amigos, Raising Arizona, etc.), drawing, and writing.

I first found Zazzle while searching online for shirts that featured obscure Disney characters.  There still aren’t any “Willie the Whale” products available, which disappoints me daily.

Zazzle: What’s your inspiration for your designs?

Shane: Most of what I draw is based on personal experiences and things I want to complain about or make fun of.  For example, the ”One Unicorn Band” was inspired by a sleepless night during which our neighbor’s dog was feeling particularly yappy.  The “Dancing Pirates” were inspired by the many instances in films where pirates are portrayed as singers and dancers.  If I’m not complaining or making fun of something with my drawings, I probably just drew them during a period of mindless sketching.

Zazzle: What has been your favorite design you’ve created, and why?

Shane: I would have to say that the ”animal jug bands” are my favorite designs, but I’m not sure why.  My theory is that animals get together to play jug band music when no people or cameras are around to document it.  I’m still trying to figure out how to prove this… kind of like a tree falling in the woods.  I’ve had a lot of fun drawing those, which is why there are still going to be more on the way.  I have an unhealthy obsession with animal jug bands.  Eventually I’ll make some products with all of the animal jug bands together on them… then that will my favorite design.

Zazzle: What is your favorite Zazzle feature? How do you use it?

Shane: I like the fan clubs… being able to receive updates when your favorite Zazzle sellers post new products.  As much as I like them, though, I haven’t joined as many yet as I’d like to.  I need to take some time to browse the billions of galleries and join more fan clubs.  I think of this every time someone joins mine, but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

Zazzle: Do you have any fun stories about being a seller on Zazzle?

Shane: I’m still hoping to pass someone who’s wearing one of my shirts at an amusement park or a sporting event at some point.  That would be the coolest thing.  I would even sign their shirt for them… whether they wanted me to or not.  So if someone comes up to you some day in the future and starts signing your Zazzle shirt, that’s either me or an insane person… or both.

Zazzle: What got you interested in selling your art on Zazzle?

Shane: Some family members mentioned that it would be cool if they could get one of my drawings on a t-shirt.  While making a shirt for my sister on Zazzle, I came across the option to make the products available in the public gallery.  So… why not?  I’d already drawn a bunch of stuff that was just sitting around, so I started my store.  All the feedback and support I’ve gotten has been well worth the effort.  It’s been great to be a small part of the Zazzle community.

Zazzle: What tips can you give someone who is just starting out on Zazzle?

Shane: Maintain a high level of quality with your designs.  I realize there’s something to be said for pure volume, and maybe you’ll sell more stuff by simply having a ton of stuff available, but I’d rather limit my gallery to my very best work.  I feel like most of my fan club members have probably joined because they can tell that I’m not rushing my designs just to fill up my store.

Thanks Shane!