Zazzle Blog

Maura Reed was born in Nashville, TN and received a BA in Interior Design with a minor in Fine Art. Her mother was an artist and enrolled Maura in formal art instruction at a very young age. Maura worked as a commercial interior designer for about 3 years, and then left to pursue abstract painting — a profession that would last two decades. In 2008, she decided to try her talent in digital art. Maura took some time to talk to us about her background and favorite products.

I found out about Zazzle after looking for some notecards to print my abstract photography. I’ve been designing since 2008 — that first year was a complete learning experience. I love designing for business cards — it’s my niche. I would describe my style as: elegant, professional and stylish. It’s mostly understated, but with a bold touch of either color or design.

Here are my top 10 tips for other designers and sellers on Zazzle:

1. Love what you do.

This is mandatory.

2. Be patient and persistent.

Understand it will not happen overnight.

3. Only post your best work.

In time your inventory will grow as you continue to sharpen your skills. If you have a store that only displays great designs, then the customer will have more trust and confidence in you as a designer.

4. Be true to yourself.

Always strive to be better….never stop educating and inspiring yourself. This is a constantly evolving industry. Surround yourself with great talent, read books, take a class, join great blogs and visit museums.

5. Be original.

Be known for what makes your work stand out.

6. “Know when to put the brush down.”

Every fine artist understands this. For me, the same goes with designing business cards. I try to keep my designs simple, yet memorable – not busy or overdone.

7. Find a niche and stick with it.

The longer you are with it, the better you will become. In time, you will be known for your talent and skill.

8. Create a smart and professional header.

Every single time your customer clicks on one of your Zazzle product pages, they will see it. It sets a stage and is an extension of your professionalism. It’s almost like an online business card in itself.

9. Get feedback.

If you’re not sure if it’s good enough, ask other designers on the forum. The forum is a wonderful place — very supportive and resourceful in so many ways. Make sure to visit it often.

10. Balance your life.

Balance keeps everything in perspective and keeps us from becoming stagnant, burnt out or stressed. It keeps you fresh.

Here are some of my favorite products:

Cosmetologist Elegant and Simple Blue Lotus Business Card Template by sm_business_cards

This was a variation of an older lotus illustration that I wanted to give a more simple, elegant feel. Healing arts and cosmetology are a huge inspiration for many of my designs.

Chic Boutique Gold Circle Motif Faux Black Linen Business Cards by sm_business_cards

This circle motif was a design I created out of complete spontaneity. I only knew that I was going to do some kind of mandala design…so I began with one circle and “the rotate tool” in AI.

Chic Faux Gold Leaf Circles Pink Linen Look Business Cards by sm_business_cards

I love to incorporate texture, pattern and light into my designs.

Pink Cherry Blossoms Branch Fashion Boutique Business Card by sm_business_cards

I wanted to create something soft and feminine with a hand drawn style. I’m trying to add more hand-drawn work to my designs.

Event Planner Circle Wood Modern Business Card by sm_business_cards

I love using the circle motif in my designs. The gold and wood texture gives warmth to this bold, mod design.

Three years ago, Julia (GirlyTemplate) would never have imagined that she could have fun designing — and get paid for it. By designing on Zazzle, she can! Though she grew up in a creative family of artists, apart from a few doodles as a child, she focused her professional endeavors in tourism and hotel management. “I didn’t know that life had other plans for me,” explains Julia. 

After I graduated, I decided to move to France with my husband. I left my family in Brazil and looked for a job that would allow me to work from home and from anywhere in the world.

I found Zazzle by chance. I saw that I could open a shop and sell my designs — the idea intrigued me. It was so much fun to open my store! I started on Zazzle in July 2011 and it’s been a dream ever since.

It wasn’t without obstacles. Thankfully, I had some basic knowledge with vector images and photo editing. I also had to learn how to describe and tag my products. But as soon as I sold my first product, I was so motivated.

I usually go for pink, damask, glitter, animal prints, pastel colors, polka dots and flowers. I like to mix these elements and create a design where people can incorporate their photo, message or name.

I have a few tips for new sellers — first of all, don’t ever give up! When I opened my store it didn’t take me very long to make one sale or two, but after some time, sales disappeared, and I started to doubt my work and creativity. The most important thing I did was to search for help in the forums. I asked what I could be doing wrong and where I could improve. I got help from many other sellers on Zazzle. They took the time to visit my store and give me a feedback. They told me not to give up — to describe and tag my products well. I remember one person even told me to use more colors in my designs!

My best tip is to look at what is trending in your niche. You will have more chances to sell. Be creative and try to mix your personal style with the latest fashions. Keep posting often on your store and look for new ideas. If you’re stumped for ideas, take some time, read a good book, go for a walk — you’ll get new ideas.

Here are some of my favorite products:

Girly Vintage Pink Roses Monogrammed iPad Mini Cover by GirlyTemplate

I think that half of the products on my stores are made with flowers designs — modern and vintage flower illustrations.

Hello Sailor! Retro Vintage Girly Nautical Anchors iPhone 4 Cover by GirlyTemplate

It’s great when you recognize your products on the internet. I always look for trends on social media and blogs. I was so happy to find that this iPhone case got more than 2000 likes on weheartit.com.

Personalized Kawaii Bird and Flowers Placemat by GirlyTemplate

Designing for kids is always fun! I have a little sister and when creating for little girls, I try to think if she would like it or not.

Modern Pink & Grey Elegant Chevron Bridal Shower Custom Announcement by GirlyTemplate

Invitations can take a long time to design, but it’s very rewarding to see when someone has chosen your design to announce their big event.

Keep Calm and Sparkle Glitter LookLike Rainbow iPad Mini Cover by GirlyTemplate

What girl doesn’t like a bit of glamour? This mix of the well-known “keep calm” designs with the fake glitter look is great for fashion girls. Girls often give these cases to their best friends.