Zazzle Blog

Rossi, from the Zazzle store RossiCards, talks about her inspirations and what she’s looking forward to doing on Zazzle.  Check out the interview below and don’t forget to check out her store RossiCards!

Zazzle: Give us a brief bio, where you’re from and when you started making art.

Rossi: Hi, my name is Rossi and I currently live in Houston, TX. I first became interested in art when I was 5. My grandma showed me pictures that my dad and my uncle had drawn when they were little, and that’s when I decided that I wanted to be just like them and draw! However, I quickly found out that I had zero talent, when it came to drawing. To make things worse, at the age of 10, I realized that even my little 3-year-old cousin could draw better than me (and she has become pretty amazing at it over the years). When I was 11, I got my first (film) camera as a gift for my birthday and last year I purchased my very first DSLR. Over the years I have always loved photography, but it was only recently that I decided to take a more creative approach. And I am also now the proud owner of Adobe Illustrator, which I am still learning how to use.

Zazzle: How would you describe your style?

Rossi: I am drawn to things that are simple, yet elegant, and that is exactly how I would describe my style. Perhaps “minimalistic” is another adjective I would use.  I love photography and my photos are the basis of most of my products.

Zazzle: What’s your favorite Zazzle product to create?

Rossi: I love making note cards because they look amazing in person! Recently I have been enjoying working on double sided postcards and also using the RSVP size invitations to design small flat notes (linen felt are my favorite). I am also a fan of the new canvas prints and slowly building my collection.

Zazzle: What’s your inspiration for your designs?

Rossi: I draw inspiration from everything around me. I often see patterns and ideas in everyday life and try to make a mental note of them for later, when I am working on new designs. I also get very inspired by the incredible artists here at Zazzle. I have learned so much from them!

Zazzle: How many hours do you typically spend working on your Zazzle store?

Rossi: Since I am a full time science nerd, I only get to spend a couple of hours a day (on average) on Zazzle.  My store is currently my #1 hobby though and I try to squeeze in Zazzle time whenever possible…even while chatting on the phone.

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

Rossi: This is a very difficult question. I have a few new designs that I am very proud of, including the Wall of Books and the Abstract Stargazer Lilly collections. However, if I have to pick only one, I will have to pick my Pink Power Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon design. To me that design is colorful, lively and also very powerful. Each year I either participate in or sponsor someone who is participating in a breast cancer awareness event. Last year I started my Awareness line with the intention that any proceeds from my Awareness products will be donated for research and I intend to do the same this year as well.

Zazzle: Being a newer seller on Zazzle, what are you most looking forward to?

Rossi: I am looking forward to growing as an artist. I recently looked back at some of my designs from a year ago and my style has changed and improved so much in such a short period of time.

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

Rossi: I first discovered Zazzle, when I was trying to make a custom birthday card for a friend of mine. According to my records, that was back in August of 2007.  That year I had made and purchased two custom greeting cards. I had posted a few products back then and throughout the next two years and I had even magically managed to sell four items.

I have always wanted to have my own line of greeting cards, and in the spring of 2010, I actually started to look around online to get ideas how I could make that dream come true.  That is when I remembered Zazzle and started doing some more digging around. I like the Zazzle print-on-demand model, since it allows me create items without worrying about the production and shipping aspects. That is how RossiCards was born.

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

Rossi: Just have fun with it! People open stores on Zazzle for different reasons, but what I noticed about myself was that the more obsessed I became with trying to reach a certain product count and checking obsessively product views and store views, the less fun I had. So, I had to step back and remember why I was on here in the first place. Now I am just taking things one design at a time and not worrying too much about reaching an “x” number of products by a certain deadline. I make it a point to create a few designs each week and I also try to spend some time browsing around and gathering ideas about what is “in” and trendy during the current season….or even looking ahead to the next season. Of course, the Zazzle forums are always a great motivation and inspiration. Also, be patient. Most new sellers (myself included) are eager to see that very first, second, third sale. It will happen, just give it time!

Thanks Rossi!

This entry was posted on October 6, 2011 at 11:32 am and is filed under General News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.