Okay, so last time we discussed how to set up a store. I'm going to give you a quick peek into the differences of a basic and premium store at Cafepress.
Okay, let's start with the advantages:
A basic (yes it has some advantages too) is free! That is the numero uno advantage. The second is that the set up is simple (in some ways, it is easier to quickly set up a basic store). The last advantage is the way the products are all nicely lined up in pre-existing sections.
Yep, that's about it for the advantages of a basic store.
Now, a premium on the other hand has quite a few advantages:
1) More than one item. A basic store you are allowed ONE type of each item. So, if you have a picture on a white t-shirt, you can't have another white t-shirt with a different picture on it.
2) More items period. With a basic, the amount of items you are allowed to have is limited... 70 I think. And there are more items than that available. So, you'll have to pick and choose what to do.
3) You can customize it. With a basic store, they all look alike. They are little clones that Cafepress spit out. However, with a premium store, you can add custom HTML and what not. Pretty much, except for the tiny bar at the top, you can't tell it's Cafepress.
4) You can add a counter. Of course you want to see how many people visit your store, so you need a counter. I use statcounter by the way. Of course, you can use one of many types... if you have a premium store.
5) Titles and Teaser and descriptions, oh my! Search engines LOVE premium stores. Why? Because they get lots more areas where they can put WORDS in. Search engines only have so much to, well, search on a basic store. Mostly it's just pictures with some words here and there. However, with a premium store, there's lots of places to write words... and you can use some fancy html to help search engines think highly of you. Speaking of SEO (until I get around to talking about it on here) you can view a little lens of mine about SEO.
I'm sure there are more advantages, but I think I've covered the biggest ones.
My thinking, for 5 bucks a month (if you buy the year subscription, 7 if you don't) the overhead costs are MINIMAL to say the least. One good sale (a t-shirt, not a button) a month and you are all paid up. Matter of fact, I made my first month's fee with my first sale. So, in my opinion (take it for what it's worth) it is WELL worth the small fee for a premium.
Now, does it have it's set backs? Yeah. Used to be ... once upon a time, a long time ago, when I was a kid, and all that... you could have unlimited sections (think of these as departments in your store) in your premium store. Now you can't. You are limited to 500. However, If you use your sections wisely, your work is good and you are spending at least minimal time on your store, by the time you reach 500, you should make more than enough money to start another store.
Is there a reason for a basic? Well, yeah. For instance: I'm a teacher... yeah (SHH). There are a few designs that I'd like to do that are not rated for my kids eyes (either my own children or my students). There is no way I'd put those designs in my store. However, with the anonymity of a basic, I could do them and not link them to my other stores and viola! No one is the wiser. Plus if you have a store about dogs (it's a hot topic at Cafepress for some reason) and you come up with a killer design about ... cats.. SHH! Well, you want to try it out, but you don't want the dog lovers to know, do you? Well, there you go. Put it in a basic and see what happens. if you end up with a few designs about cats (I mean, they can be lovable too!), you could launch a new cat store.
So, if you are serious about Cafepress, get a premium. But basics have their value too.
So, til next time:
And now, a word from our sponsors: Wit & Whimsy, the place for witty tees, unique gifts and whimsical clothes.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Saving as RGB and making products!
Okay, so it's been a little while, but let's get back on track.
So, you've got the write DPI, you've got your images the right size, you're using CMYK colors. Great. Did I miss anything?
So, once you are ready to create your first design, you need to know how to save it correctly. We discussed saving it as PNG. Better than JPG because JPG will throw white where there is tranperancies... did we discuss that? It will all look the same on the shirts or what not, because white will print transparent. But on your pictures in your store, it will show some. So, save it as PNG.
Now, if you are using GIMP, you don't need to worry about saving in RGB (at least for now). Right now, gimp only uses an RGB color scheme, so it can't save in CMYK. However, you will need to switch it to RGB if it ever goes to CMYK and RGB. So, basically:
Save it in CMYK. "Save as" in RGB -- change the name slightly (name1, namergb, 1name, etc.) and then you're good to go.
I'm going to have a nice cup of Irish Breakfast tea while you go design your first design, 'kay?
Back so soon?! Wow. Looks great! ;-)
So, now you have one of two options. You can continue designing. Got that notebook full of design ideas, don'tcha? Or you can open a store with Cafepress.
My suggestion is this. Have a few designs and quite a few more ideas when you open a store. Some shopkeepers suggest opening a few basics before going "premium" (we'll discuss later, promise). But It is a pain in the but to do the designs for basic, then turn around and move them from basic to premium. So, I say, if you are going to go premium, have the designs but don't open them.
Why, it is a pain to move everything, first of all. Second, if you are going to be serious about making money, you really need more than what a basic can offer.
Now, you are going to go to cafepress (open in a new window or print this out so I can walk you through).
Above where you search, there are tabs... click the one that says "Start selling". You can read through the info on Cafepress if you'd like before you sign up. Matter of fact, I suggest it. Because things may change, so for now, this post is accurate. Who knows how accurate it will be in two years or so.
When you are ready, click on start selling now. Fill out all the stuff... standard stuff for now (Name, email, address, etc.).
When you are done with all that, you will be asked to choose a name for your shopid. This CAN be changed. BUT, changing it will destroy any links you may have created. So, be careful on doing that. What you want to do is pick a name that:
1) fits what you are designing. (Mine is witnwhimsy... I design witty tees and whimsical pictures.) So, do a bit of research on what you want to do. I'd suggest brainstorming for a bit and then writing down some ideas that might work. It doesn't have to be anything great, but you don't want something that doesn't fit.
2) is fairly short and memorable. If you are doing this for profit, you want people to know you and remember you. So, I could have done Wittyteesandwhimsicalpictures... but who's going to remember that?
3) you like. Since you have to keep it, don't name it after your boyfriend/girlfriend that you may break up with in a few months.
4) can be taken seriously. Again, if you are doing this for profit, you don't want something that is misspelled or seems unprofessional. I mean bymytees may not work very well as a business name. :)
Okay, so, name your store.
Now, as I had said, premium vs. basic is pretty different and if you really want to make money, you're going to need to go premium. Plus, you get a free two week trial. I used that time to get my shop all nice and neat with quite a few designs up. Mind you, I still make changes to the store all the time. But for the most part, it was how I wanted it.
So, let's just open a basic for now, so I can walk you through this. Don't worry it's really painless. (okay, mostly painless!)
Now, enter the shopid (like the store name) and the store name. For now, leave the "return page" box empty. Basically, when the shoppers check out, they can choose to go there (don't automatically get sent there). When you are all built up, you can build a thank you page where you ask them to sign your newsletter and what not. But for now, just leave it blank. They'll get sent to your home page for now.
Now, at the bottom.. if you are just doing this for you and your family, then you want to opt out of affiliates and the marketplace and/or list it as private. However, if you are selling your products, you want these unchecked.
Okay, submit now... if everything is okay (shopid not taken and what not) you're ready to begin. Good news is, if you messed up on anything, you can change this later.
For now, let's build our shop!
Click add products.
Pick some stuff that you can add your designs to (if you click the make selections link, you get to see the products).
For now, I'd strongly suggest you just start with some tees. You can add more later.
So, check the ones you want and add them. (Add these products)
Now, you'll see they are "pending" That's because they don't have any pictures yet.
Okay, so on your left, you'll see media basket. Click that link.
Welcome to your image basket! Now click upload image. Browse through your folders to find the design (remember, png files is what you want).
Upload them (you'll have to check the box).
Tag your image with what terms you think describe it. For instance:
Let's say I drew a I *heart* my mom design. I'd want to put in terms like: Mom, mommy, mama, heart, love, mother, .... etc.
Okay, you can add more later. Click done. And you're back to your image basket.
Now click create and manage (left side again). Find your store and click products.
Okay, you are back to your "store." So, you can do this one of two ways. I'm going to walk you through both ways.
First, to do one product at a time, click on the product or click edit. Now, you will be walked through the steps to add the image, add a name to your product (for my example, I'd use I *heart* my mom as a name), and describe it (Tell your customers about it. What's in it... is there a picture.. is there text, if so, what does it say, etc.).
Like I said, it will walk you all the way through it all. When you're done, click save and finish. YEAH! Your first tee... (wipes tear from eye)... I'm so proud of you!
Now, if you were really eager, you added a bunch of stuff and it is going to take forever to do that for each one. So, check the boxes of the products you want to do. (There's an area you can check for check all items).
With this, you can bulk add images, names and descriptions. But you have to do it one at a time (name, then image, then description or whatever). So, check the products and use the drop down box to pick what you want to do. It will take you to a new screen where you can select an image, name it or describe it. When you do all three, you're done!
Yeah! Got your first store ready! So, now type in your address so you can take a look at it.
If something goes wrong, check the forums (community). I'm usually there and the rest of the SKers (shopkeepers, and now you're one too) will help. But PLEASE use the "find" feature to search for similar problems first. 'kay?
Okay, so go look at your store and send the link to everyone you know. I'll be back to discuss premium vs. basic later.
Oh, and if you get energetic in the meantime, With a basic, you can only have ONE product of each type. So, if I want I heart my mom and I heart my dad, I can't have them on the same products for a basic. BUT you can open more than one basic. It is STRONGLY suggested if you are going to use basic to use one basic for each design.
Later!
So, you've got the write DPI, you've got your images the right size, you're using CMYK colors. Great. Did I miss anything?
So, once you are ready to create your first design, you need to know how to save it correctly. We discussed saving it as PNG. Better than JPG because JPG will throw white where there is tranperancies... did we discuss that? It will all look the same on the shirts or what not, because white will print transparent. But on your pictures in your store, it will show some. So, save it as PNG.
Now, if you are using GIMP, you don't need to worry about saving in RGB (at least for now). Right now, gimp only uses an RGB color scheme, so it can't save in CMYK. However, you will need to switch it to RGB if it ever goes to CMYK and RGB. So, basically:
Save it in CMYK. "Save as" in RGB -- change the name slightly (name1, namergb, 1name, etc.) and then you're good to go.
I'm going to have a nice cup of Irish Breakfast tea while you go design your first design, 'kay?
Back so soon?! Wow. Looks great! ;-)
So, now you have one of two options. You can continue designing. Got that notebook full of design ideas, don'tcha? Or you can open a store with Cafepress.
My suggestion is this. Have a few designs and quite a few more ideas when you open a store. Some shopkeepers suggest opening a few basics before going "premium" (we'll discuss later, promise). But It is a pain in the but to do the designs for basic, then turn around and move them from basic to premium. So, I say, if you are going to go premium, have the designs but don't open them.
Why, it is a pain to move everything, first of all. Second, if you are going to be serious about making money, you really need more than what a basic can offer.
Now, you are going to go to cafepress (open in a new window or print this out so I can walk you through).
Above where you search, there are tabs... click the one that says "Start selling". You can read through the info on Cafepress if you'd like before you sign up. Matter of fact, I suggest it. Because things may change, so for now, this post is accurate. Who knows how accurate it will be in two years or so.
When you are ready, click on start selling now. Fill out all the stuff... standard stuff for now (Name, email, address, etc.).
When you are done with all that, you will be asked to choose a name for your shopid. This CAN be changed. BUT, changing it will destroy any links you may have created. So, be careful on doing that. What you want to do is pick a name that:
1) fits what you are designing. (Mine is witnwhimsy... I design witty tees and whimsical pictures.) So, do a bit of research on what you want to do. I'd suggest brainstorming for a bit and then writing down some ideas that might work. It doesn't have to be anything great, but you don't want something that doesn't fit.
2) is fairly short and memorable. If you are doing this for profit, you want people to know you and remember you. So, I could have done Wittyteesandwhimsicalpictures... but who's going to remember that?
3) you like. Since you have to keep it, don't name it after your boyfriend/girlfriend that you may break up with in a few months.
4) can be taken seriously. Again, if you are doing this for profit, you don't want something that is misspelled or seems unprofessional. I mean bymytees may not work very well as a business name. :)
Okay, so, name your store.
Now, as I had said, premium vs. basic is pretty different and if you really want to make money, you're going to need to go premium. Plus, you get a free two week trial. I used that time to get my shop all nice and neat with quite a few designs up. Mind you, I still make changes to the store all the time. But for the most part, it was how I wanted it.
So, let's just open a basic for now, so I can walk you through this. Don't worry it's really painless. (okay, mostly painless!)
Now, enter the shopid (like the store name) and the store name. For now, leave the "return page" box empty. Basically, when the shoppers check out, they can choose to go there (don't automatically get sent there). When you are all built up, you can build a thank you page where you ask them to sign your newsletter and what not. But for now, just leave it blank. They'll get sent to your home page for now.
Now, at the bottom.. if you are just doing this for you and your family, then you want to opt out of affiliates and the marketplace and/or list it as private. However, if you are selling your products, you want these unchecked.
Okay, submit now... if everything is okay (shopid not taken and what not) you're ready to begin. Good news is, if you messed up on anything, you can change this later.
For now, let's build our shop!
Click add products.
Pick some stuff that you can add your designs to (if you click the make selections link, you get to see the products).
For now, I'd strongly suggest you just start with some tees. You can add more later.
So, check the ones you want and add them. (Add these products)
Now, you'll see they are "pending" That's because they don't have any pictures yet.
Okay, so on your left, you'll see media basket. Click that link.
Welcome to your image basket! Now click upload image. Browse through your folders to find the design (remember, png files is what you want).
Upload them (you'll have to check the box).
Tag your image with what terms you think describe it. For instance:
Let's say I drew a I *heart* my mom design. I'd want to put in terms like: Mom, mommy, mama, heart, love, mother, .... etc.
Okay, you can add more later. Click done. And you're back to your image basket.
Now click create and manage (left side again). Find your store and click products.
Okay, you are back to your "store." So, you can do this one of two ways. I'm going to walk you through both ways.
First, to do one product at a time, click on the product or click edit. Now, you will be walked through the steps to add the image, add a name to your product (for my example, I'd use I *heart* my mom as a name), and describe it (Tell your customers about it. What's in it... is there a picture.. is there text, if so, what does it say, etc.).
Like I said, it will walk you all the way through it all. When you're done, click save and finish. YEAH! Your first tee... (wipes tear from eye)... I'm so proud of you!
Now, if you were really eager, you added a bunch of stuff and it is going to take forever to do that for each one. So, check the boxes of the products you want to do. (There's an area you can check for check all items).
With this, you can bulk add images, names and descriptions. But you have to do it one at a time (name, then image, then description or whatever). So, check the products and use the drop down box to pick what you want to do. It will take you to a new screen where you can select an image, name it or describe it. When you do all three, you're done!
Yeah! Got your first store ready! So, now type in your address so you can take a look at it.
If something goes wrong, check the forums (community). I'm usually there and the rest of the SKers (shopkeepers, and now you're one too) will help. But PLEASE use the "find" feature to search for similar problems first. 'kay?
Okay, so go look at your store and send the link to everyone you know. I'll be back to discuss premium vs. basic later.
Oh, and if you get energetic in the meantime, With a basic, you can only have ONE product of each type. So, if I want I heart my mom and I heart my dad, I can't have them on the same products for a basic. BUT you can open more than one basic. It is STRONGLY suggested if you are going to use basic to use one basic for each design.
Later!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Which POD to use
Okay, so I'm going to go a bit off topic for today.
Well, not off topic, but jumping the gun sort of. I wanted to present this blog in an orderly fashion of starting to make graphics onto the finer aspects of shopkeeping, marketing and management with a print on demand company. (yes I am OCD, why do you ask?)
BUT, I keep getting asked the same question, so I thought I'd jump tangent and explain a little.
First, let me say that I do love Cafepress. I really do. It has allowed me to do things I've always wanted to do. It has given me a freedom (financial and creative) that I never had.
However, it is not the ONLY print on demand site.
And here is the kicker -- I didn't even make my first sale from Cafepress!
Okay, let's take a look at the aspects of the various PODs.
First round: Cafepress vs. Printfection
Okay, there are a few aspects of Printfection that I do adore. First off, they are free. I really like free. However, there are always drawbacks to free. One thing is Cafepress - by far - is more popular. Yes, they really have the market for customers (think Google vs any other search engine).
Printfection also offers more products. Yeah, they do have that over CP. However, it also seems that CP offers a few more "quality" products (such as the framed prints of keepsake boxes). But Printfection offers more shirts and other products (cutting boards and more kids clothes).
So, what is it that makes me choose CP as my fave? It would be the ease of shop management tools. Yeah, Printfection offers some, but not nearly what Cafepress offers. And for those who are a little anal about order and don't have much time, CP wins.
Both offer nice products at a reasonable price as well.
If I scored them both 1 - 10, I'd probably give Cafepress a 8 (it isn't perfect) with Printfection being a close 6.
Next round: Cafepress vs. Zazzle
Well, Zazzle is not quite like Cafepress, but enough like it (in that it is POD) to bring it into this conversation.
Zazzle is making some changes, but they are still very different. The pricing structure is different (you set percentage royalties, where at CP you can set specific amounts for products). You get a gallery (instead of a "store" or "shop") but now you can customize it.
When I first began, I thought Zazzle was more for "artists" -- you know 'real' artists, not just graphic designers. However, as Zazzle changes, I think it might give CP a run for it's money too.
Scores: CP still 8, Zazzle 5.5 (only because they're just now changing). I think I might look a little deeper into Zazzle after my research too!
The last two of the alternatives are Artsnow and Spreadshirt.
Artsnow is VERY similar to Cafepress. But, they are young. They are working hard and earning some serious respect. But they are still young. And in this day and age, they are going to have to work hard for some time to come close to CP. The one big drawback is Paypal is required. It's not that I don't have an account. But, I don't like it being a requirement. They do offer a variety of types of stores which is a unique option, but it may be a good/bad thing depending on how you look at it.
Score for Artsnow 5 (mostly good, still young)
Now for Spreadshirt -- they too are young -- at least in the US. I've heard tell that they've been around and just now branched out. SO, they are new to me. I will honestly say I haven't done as much research with Spreadshirt as I should have. But to me, young is still young. I've heard mostly good things about them, but a few not so good. I think they need some more experience under their belt for me. But, they may be the perfect solution for you.
Score: 4 (young, a few bad reports)
But here is the deal: I prefer CP. Some shop owners think Cafepress is too difficult or too strict. Some think they make better sales elsewhere. Some use each for various products.
Me, I branch out too.
But, start with one store so you don't go insane. Get to know it. Make it pretty (if you can) and then move on and create another one. That way you are actually in it for the long haul rather than just jumping in both feet and drowning. Even if you REALLY need the money!
Oh, and if you are wondering, I made my first sale from Printfection! :)
And just for you, I'm not even going to bore you with a commercial tonight! :)
Well, not off topic, but jumping the gun sort of. I wanted to present this blog in an orderly fashion of starting to make graphics onto the finer aspects of shopkeeping, marketing and management with a print on demand company. (yes I am OCD, why do you ask?)
BUT, I keep getting asked the same question, so I thought I'd jump tangent and explain a little.
First, let me say that I do love Cafepress. I really do. It has allowed me to do things I've always wanted to do. It has given me a freedom (financial and creative) that I never had.
However, it is not the ONLY print on demand site.
And here is the kicker -- I didn't even make my first sale from Cafepress!
Okay, let's take a look at the aspects of the various PODs.
First round: Cafepress vs. Printfection
Okay, there are a few aspects of Printfection that I do adore. First off, they are free. I really like free. However, there are always drawbacks to free. One thing is Cafepress - by far - is more popular. Yes, they really have the market for customers (think Google vs any other search engine).
Printfection also offers more products. Yeah, they do have that over CP. However, it also seems that CP offers a few more "quality" products (such as the framed prints of keepsake boxes). But Printfection offers more shirts and other products (cutting boards and more kids clothes).
So, what is it that makes me choose CP as my fave? It would be the ease of shop management tools. Yeah, Printfection offers some, but not nearly what Cafepress offers. And for those who are a little anal about order and don't have much time, CP wins.
Both offer nice products at a reasonable price as well.
If I scored them both 1 - 10, I'd probably give Cafepress a 8 (it isn't perfect) with Printfection being a close 6.
Next round: Cafepress vs. Zazzle
Well, Zazzle is not quite like Cafepress, but enough like it (in that it is POD) to bring it into this conversation.
Zazzle is making some changes, but they are still very different. The pricing structure is different (you set percentage royalties, where at CP you can set specific amounts for products). You get a gallery (instead of a "store" or "shop") but now you can customize it.
When I first began, I thought Zazzle was more for "artists" -- you know 'real' artists, not just graphic designers. However, as Zazzle changes, I think it might give CP a run for it's money too.
Scores: CP still 8, Zazzle 5.5 (only because they're just now changing). I think I might look a little deeper into Zazzle after my research too!
The last two of the alternatives are Artsnow and Spreadshirt.
Artsnow is VERY similar to Cafepress. But, they are young. They are working hard and earning some serious respect. But they are still young. And in this day and age, they are going to have to work hard for some time to come close to CP. The one big drawback is Paypal is required. It's not that I don't have an account. But, I don't like it being a requirement. They do offer a variety of types of stores which is a unique option, but it may be a good/bad thing depending on how you look at it.
Score for Artsnow 5 (mostly good, still young)
Now for Spreadshirt -- they too are young -- at least in the US. I've heard tell that they've been around and just now branched out. SO, they are new to me. I will honestly say I haven't done as much research with Spreadshirt as I should have. But to me, young is still young. I've heard mostly good things about them, but a few not so good. I think they need some more experience under their belt for me. But, they may be the perfect solution for you.
Score: 4 (young, a few bad reports)
But here is the deal: I prefer CP. Some shop owners think Cafepress is too difficult or too strict. Some think they make better sales elsewhere. Some use each for various products.
Me, I branch out too.
But, start with one store so you don't go insane. Get to know it. Make it pretty (if you can) and then move on and create another one. That way you are actually in it for the long haul rather than just jumping in both feet and drowning. Even if you REALLY need the money!
Oh, and if you are wondering, I made my first sale from Printfection! :)
And just for you, I'm not even going to bore you with a commercial tonight! :)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
CMYK N RGB
For those of you who are brand spankin' new to graphic design, I am not speaking in some strange language (nor LOL speak).
CYMK -- Or Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Key (black).
and
RGB -- Red, Green, Blue
Okay, they're colors. Ah, grasshopper, but so much more! Each are actually a "colorspace" and that makes a WORLD of difference!
Let's begin with a quick and painless explanation on each -- how they work and why it matters.
When you are working with a computer and monitor, you get a side vast range of colors (over 16 million on most computer monitors!). WOW! With a monitor and RGB, the colors are viewed on a lighted screen and the colors combine with one another to make each of the various tones, shades, etc. Ironically, when the three primary colors (Red, green, blue) are added together, you get white. Screwy, I know, but you don't need to know the hows or whys, I promise.
On the other hand, when your beautiful design is printed (from a print on demand service, such as Cafepress, onto a product, such as a t-shirt) they use CMYK.
When all these three "primary" colors are added together, they make a dark, muddy brown (EW). So, black is added to add some tones and shades. CMYK colors deal with how the colors are reflected back to you. For instance, have you ever been informed (usually by a child in elementary school) that grass is not actually green, but every color OTHER than green is absorbed so it seems green. That's a little bit more what CMYK is like. What isn't absorbed, is what you see.
It is WAY more complicated, but I don't need to confuse you to teach you how to use the right system.
So, back to printing graphic designs with print on demand services.
As I mentioned earlier, PODs use CMYK, not RGB. And most graphic design programs use RGB. What's a WAHM to do???
All is not lost. First, check if your program offers CMYK color space. Some do. GIMP (My favorite!) does not. UGH!
Yeah, let me tell you a short painful story (okay, well it was painful for me!) --
When I first launched into the POD business, I just jumped in both feet. I read and researched, but I had read and researched so much, it was leaking out of my ears! Somehow, in all this, I missed the part about using CMYK colorspace. UH-OH! So, I had to go back and REDO all of my first designs. How many? LOTS! DOZENS! And each graphic was in certain sizes for various products. Oh, and did I mention I had already UPLOADED these graphics and added them to designs?
It was a painful lesson, one I will never forget and one I don't want you to make.
BUT all is not lost! I promise. Here I am using my fave GIMP and still making designs that sell, designs that ARE in CMYK colorspace.
So, what do you do if your program doesn't offer CMYK? There are a few websites that offer "conversions" -- however, I have found that if you START at CMYK, it's a WHOLE lot easier!
This site offers an actual color picker in CMYK. Yes, I am re-directing you to another site. WHY? Because you need to bookmark this site so you can come back to it. Then have it open whenever you do a design. When you want a color, use your color picker from your graphics program to choose a color from this website. Then, all of your designs are already in CMYK.
YEAH! So, easy to do!
Oh, and next time, we'll talk about saving your file as RGB... WHAT? You just said use CMYK. Yeah, I know, but you have to in turn SAVE it in RGB. It's okay, we'll do that next time. Go here and bookmark your new tool and then visit our sponsors. 'Kay?
Till next time, go buy some witty tees!
CYMK -- Or Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Key (black).
and
RGB -- Red, Green, Blue
Okay, they're colors. Ah, grasshopper, but so much more! Each are actually a "colorspace" and that makes a WORLD of difference!
Let's begin with a quick and painless explanation on each -- how they work and why it matters.
When you are working with a computer and monitor, you get a side vast range of colors (over 16 million on most computer monitors!). WOW! With a monitor and RGB, the colors are viewed on a lighted screen and the colors combine with one another to make each of the various tones, shades, etc. Ironically, when the three primary colors (Red, green, blue) are added together, you get white. Screwy, I know, but you don't need to know the hows or whys, I promise.
On the other hand, when your beautiful design is printed (from a print on demand service, such as Cafepress, onto a product, such as a t-shirt) they use CMYK.
When all these three "primary" colors are added together, they make a dark, muddy brown (EW). So, black is added to add some tones and shades. CMYK colors deal with how the colors are reflected back to you. For instance, have you ever been informed (usually by a child in elementary school) that grass is not actually green, but every color OTHER than green is absorbed so it seems green. That's a little bit more what CMYK is like. What isn't absorbed, is what you see.
It is WAY more complicated, but I don't need to confuse you to teach you how to use the right system.
So, back to printing graphic designs with print on demand services.
As I mentioned earlier, PODs use CMYK, not RGB. And most graphic design programs use RGB. What's a WAHM to do???
All is not lost. First, check if your program offers CMYK color space. Some do. GIMP (My favorite!) does not. UGH!
Yeah, let me tell you a short painful story (okay, well it was painful for me!) --
When I first launched into the POD business, I just jumped in both feet. I read and researched, but I had read and researched so much, it was leaking out of my ears! Somehow, in all this, I missed the part about using CMYK colorspace. UH-OH! So, I had to go back and REDO all of my first designs. How many? LOTS! DOZENS! And each graphic was in certain sizes for various products. Oh, and did I mention I had already UPLOADED these graphics and added them to designs?
It was a painful lesson, one I will never forget and one I don't want you to make.
BUT all is not lost! I promise. Here I am using my fave GIMP and still making designs that sell, designs that ARE in CMYK colorspace.
So, what do you do if your program doesn't offer CMYK? There are a few websites that offer "conversions" -- however, I have found that if you START at CMYK, it's a WHOLE lot easier!
This site offers an actual color picker in CMYK. Yes, I am re-directing you to another site. WHY? Because you need to bookmark this site so you can come back to it. Then have it open whenever you do a design. When you want a color, use your color picker from your graphics program to choose a color from this website. Then, all of your designs are already in CMYK.
YEAH! So, easy to do!
Oh, and next time, we'll talk about saving your file as RGB... WHAT? You just said use CMYK. Yeah, I know, but you have to in turn SAVE it in RGB. It's okay, we'll do that next time. Go here and bookmark your new tool and then visit our sponsors. 'Kay?
Till next time, go buy some witty tees!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Okay, so here are a few examples of the simple graphic we created last time. Remember we were discussing which font is the best to use and I said it depended on what your end-effect was. Take a look at all four and then I will explain my usage.
Alright, the first one is in a bright (almost neon) pink with an almost "sassy" flair to it. I would use this type of font for a women's design. But not just a women's design, a design for ladies that is flirty or sassy or with an attitude. Something that says, "DUH" to the reader.
The second one is a light grey color and looks fuzzy. This upon closer inspection (or a larger image) looks like a print out of some sort. I would use this font for a technology or computer related design. I might also use it for a graphic that was supposed to look like it was printed from a bad or old (Think dot-matrix) printer.
The next design is fat and a dark blue. This design I'd also probably use for a women's design, but it could be a unisex design. I'd like to see this design on something that is more "cute" than sassy. Something for kids maybe or a young teenage girl. It would fit will on a design that makes the reader think "TOO CUTE!" -- especially cute animals or simple graphics (heart shaped -- Or I *heart* my doggie).
Last we have a design that looks very basic (BORING!). However, it doesn't have to be that way. Let's think for a minute about a design where you want one part REALLY noticed. This boring font could be used for the rest of the text. It could also be used to make one part fade in... let's say it's a subtle joke or a double entendre... you don't want it to be "in your face," you want it to blend in. Another design option would be to simulate a newspaper or something similar. So, don't knock a simple font.
What is the objective of this lesson? Well, very simply, fonts can have a major impact on what the graphic ultimately looks like. Try to imagine a cute little design that says "My boyfriend is cuter than yours" ... what font does it have? Not the second or the last one certainly! Who'd want that type of boring design?
That's all for today. Check back for more tips and tricks for the POD (Print on demand) business!
This portion of Adventures of a WAHM is sponsored by: Wit & Whimsy --- get your witty gifts now!
Alright, the first one is in a bright (almost neon) pink with an almost "sassy" flair to it. I would use this type of font for a women's design. But not just a women's design, a design for ladies that is flirty or sassy or with an attitude. Something that says, "DUH" to the reader.The second one is a light grey color and looks fuzzy. This upon closer inspection (or a larger image) looks like a print out of some sort. I would use this font for a technology or computer related design. I might also use it for a graphic that was supposed to look like it was printed from a bad or old (Think dot-matrix) printer.
The next design is fat and a dark blue. This design I'd also probably use for a women's design, but it could be a unisex design. I'd like to see this design on something that is more "cute" than sassy. Something for kids maybe or a young teenage girl. It would fit will on a design that makes the reader think "TOO CUTE!" -- especially cute animals or simple graphics (heart shaped -- Or I *heart* my doggie).
Last we have a design that looks very basic (BORING!). However, it doesn't have to be that way. Let's think for a minute about a design where you want one part REALLY noticed. This boring font could be used for the rest of the text. It could also be used to make one part fade in... let's say it's a subtle joke or a double entendre... you don't want it to be "in your face," you want it to blend in. Another design option would be to simulate a newspaper or something similar. So, don't knock a simple font.
What is the objective of this lesson? Well, very simply, fonts can have a major impact on what the graphic ultimately looks like. Try to imagine a cute little design that says "My boyfriend is cuter than yours" ... what font does it have? Not the second or the last one certainly! Who'd want that type of boring design?
That's all for today. Check back for more tips and tricks for the POD (Print on demand) business!
This portion of Adventures of a WAHM is sponsored by: Wit & Whimsy --- get your witty gifts now!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Creating Graphics for POD
Okay, so if you've been following along, you should have a downloaded graphics program and a notebook full of ideas.
If not, get busy and I'll wait. I'm a teacher, so I have some serious patience. However, next time you are given homework, you better do it on time! :)
So, now you've got your graphics program and your list of original ideas. I cannot stress how important this is. Once you become a successful shopkeeper, you will not like it if someone copies your design because it is funny, unique, hot-selling, etc. Be original and it will pay!
Now, since I do not take pictures to use, nor do I paint, I am going to explain how to create a graphic from scratch to use. If you take pictures or paint, I'd suggest you check out Cafepress's forums or other graphics tutorials to learn how to do that. I'm sorry, I feel like I'm abandoning you. But I truly have no clue how to do that, nor do I care to learn at this point. So, I will not be too upset if you go elsewhere to learn how to do that. If I can't help you, please get help somewhere.
Back to creating custom graphics. Okay, we're going to first go with a simple text design.
First, open your graphics program. Now, the first thing you need to know is the DPI (sometimes PPI). This stands for Dots per inch or Pixels per inch. There is a full tutorial at Cafepress; however, I am seriously going to "dummy" it down. No, you are not a dummy, but you also may not understand the lingo and what not. So, have you ever resized a picture? Have you ever uploaded a picture to a website and it didn't look right. The edges were blurry, you could see little boxes in it, etc. That's because the DPI of the picture was too small for the website.
So, on your graphics program you need to find a section that says something like: resolution/ ppi/ etc. On GIMP, when you open a new image, it shows a standard of 72 ppi. That's WAY too small. You want 200-300 ppi. If you make an image 72ppi, it will look really bad when printed. And once you make it, it's hard to adjust up. You can adjust down, but adjusting up just doesn't work. So, it is VERY important you begin with 200-300ppi.
For GIMP, when you click new image, there are advanced options that allow you to change the resolution. I have mine set for 300x300, which makes for a nice image that can be downsized nicely (usually).
So, change your PPI/DPI to 300x300. I'll wait.
Now, the next thing you need to do is make the actual image size. 300 DPI hase nothing to do with what size the image actually is. So, you can either use pixels or inches (or other measurements such as millimeters). I prefer to go with inches. Why? Because I know what size the print area is in inches. Some shopkeepers only refer to the image size by pixels, which would be 3000x3000 for a 10x10 image at 300 DPI.
WHAT? Okay, let's not get confused. 300 DPI simply means how many pixels there are in an inch. So, a 1 inch square image that is 300 DPI is only 300x300. A 10 inch image has 300 pixels for every inch. There are 10 inches each way (square), therefore 10x300=3000. The image is 3000 pixels x 3000 pixels.
So, we're going to set the DPI to 300 and the image size to 10x10. Why? Because MANY products are 10x10. There are some that are 12x12 or greater. But many products, especially the t-shirts, are 10x10.
Now you are going to create a graphic. First, let's just do some tests. Click your font button (normally an A or a T). Then click on your image to place it. It doesn't matter where, because we can move it later. (Note-- these directions are based on GIMP! Yours may be different!)
Click on the image somewhere in the middle and type the words: This is a test. (A text box should pop up for you to type in).
Okay. Where the heck is it? It's there, it's just REALLY small. Change your font size to something pretty big (like 100 or 150, for now). See it now? Good!
Now, think about the way your design looks. A "blah" font, probably in black, BORING! Who wants to buy boring?
So, fiddle around with the font and pic a nice one. What one to use? Well, here's the deal. The font you use should be something that goes with the design you want. For instance, if I am designing something that a woman would wear (like an entirely female design), I'd want something more feminine. If I want something that is for a man, I'd want a masculine font. If I have something that is supposed to "look serious", I'd choose a serious font vs. something that looks like a kids wrote it. Play with the fonts until it really hits you. Don't just pick your favorite. And make sure you can read the font! That's important.
Once you have the font, you need to focus on the color. The color is tricky for a few reasons. However, since we are just making a test, just pick a color that you like and works for your design. (i.e. a more feminine color like pink or purple for women, a darker, bolder color for an "in your face" type of design, etc. ).
What I'm hoping you are getting at this point is how you can just take a simply "This is a test" design and make it look like so many different things. I'll post a few examples.
Now, you need to save the image. To save the image for POD, you will need to save it as PNG. It's simple and all the graphics programs can do it (I think). Instead of saving it as a jpeg/jpg file (it ends like this: Filename. jpg) save it as png (ends like this: Filename. png). Okay? Now, you will probably get something that says you need to export and merge or whatever. Click ok and save. You need to do this because graphics programs work with layers (more on that LATER).
So, now you have a nifty little design. However, you probably can't print it on a shirt. Why? Because of the colors. Let me be more specific. You can print it on a shirt, but it won't look the same as it does. This is because of a little subject called CMYK and RGB.
That is our next topic. So, I'll see you then. Oh, and I'll get the examples up right away.
Now, a word from our sponsors: Witty sayings and funny tees -- get yours now!
If not, get busy and I'll wait. I'm a teacher, so I have some serious patience. However, next time you are given homework, you better do it on time! :)
So, now you've got your graphics program and your list of original ideas. I cannot stress how important this is. Once you become a successful shopkeeper, you will not like it if someone copies your design because it is funny, unique, hot-selling, etc. Be original and it will pay!
Now, since I do not take pictures to use, nor do I paint, I am going to explain how to create a graphic from scratch to use. If you take pictures or paint, I'd suggest you check out Cafepress's forums or other graphics tutorials to learn how to do that. I'm sorry, I feel like I'm abandoning you. But I truly have no clue how to do that, nor do I care to learn at this point. So, I will not be too upset if you go elsewhere to learn how to do that. If I can't help you, please get help somewhere.
Back to creating custom graphics. Okay, we're going to first go with a simple text design.
First, open your graphics program. Now, the first thing you need to know is the DPI (sometimes PPI). This stands for Dots per inch or Pixels per inch. There is a full tutorial at Cafepress; however, I am seriously going to "dummy" it down. No, you are not a dummy, but you also may not understand the lingo and what not. So, have you ever resized a picture? Have you ever uploaded a picture to a website and it didn't look right. The edges were blurry, you could see little boxes in it, etc. That's because the DPI of the picture was too small for the website.
How does this effect our designs? Well, if I were to make a design at a smaller DPI, when it was enlarged it would be blurry or have the little boxes (pixels) visible. We don't want that, it makes the designs look crappy.
So, on your graphics program you need to find a section that says something like: resolution/ ppi/ etc. On GIMP, when you open a new image, it shows a standard of 72 ppi. That's WAY too small. You want 200-300 ppi. If you make an image 72ppi, it will look really bad when printed. And once you make it, it's hard to adjust up. You can adjust down, but adjusting up just doesn't work. So, it is VERY important you begin with 200-300ppi.
For GIMP, when you click new image, there are advanced options that allow you to change the resolution. I have mine set for 300x300, which makes for a nice image that can be downsized nicely (usually).
So, change your PPI/DPI to 300x300. I'll wait.
Now, the next thing you need to do is make the actual image size. 300 DPI hase nothing to do with what size the image actually is. So, you can either use pixels or inches (or other measurements such as millimeters). I prefer to go with inches. Why? Because I know what size the print area is in inches. Some shopkeepers only refer to the image size by pixels, which would be 3000x3000 for a 10x10 image at 300 DPI.
WHAT? Okay, let's not get confused. 300 DPI simply means how many pixels there are in an inch. So, a 1 inch square image that is 300 DPI is only 300x300. A 10 inch image has 300 pixels for every inch. There are 10 inches each way (square), therefore 10x300=3000. The image is 3000 pixels x 3000 pixels.
So, we're going to set the DPI to 300 and the image size to 10x10. Why? Because MANY products are 10x10. There are some that are 12x12 or greater. But many products, especially the t-shirts, are 10x10.
Now you are going to create a graphic. First, let's just do some tests. Click your font button (normally an A or a T). Then click on your image to place it. It doesn't matter where, because we can move it later. (Note-- these directions are based on GIMP! Yours may be different!)
Click on the image somewhere in the middle and type the words: This is a test. (A text box should pop up for you to type in).
Okay. Where the heck is it? It's there, it's just REALLY small. Change your font size to something pretty big (like 100 or 150, for now). See it now? Good!
Now, think about the way your design looks. A "blah" font, probably in black, BORING! Who wants to buy boring?
So, fiddle around with the font and pic a nice one. What one to use? Well, here's the deal. The font you use should be something that goes with the design you want. For instance, if I am designing something that a woman would wear (like an entirely female design), I'd want something more feminine. If I want something that is for a man, I'd want a masculine font. If I have something that is supposed to "look serious", I'd choose a serious font vs. something that looks like a kids wrote it. Play with the fonts until it really hits you. Don't just pick your favorite. And make sure you can read the font! That's important.
Once you have the font, you need to focus on the color. The color is tricky for a few reasons. However, since we are just making a test, just pick a color that you like and works for your design. (i.e. a more feminine color like pink or purple for women, a darker, bolder color for an "in your face" type of design, etc. ).
What I'm hoping you are getting at this point is how you can just take a simply "This is a test" design and make it look like so many different things. I'll post a few examples.
Now, you need to save the image. To save the image for POD, you will need to save it as PNG. It's simple and all the graphics programs can do it (I think). Instead of saving it as a jpeg/jpg file (it ends like this: Filename. jpg) save it as png (ends like this: Filename. png). Okay? Now, you will probably get something that says you need to export and merge or whatever. Click ok and save. You need to do this because graphics programs work with layers (more on that LATER).
So, now you have a nifty little design. However, you probably can't print it on a shirt. Why? Because of the colors. Let me be more specific. You can print it on a shirt, but it won't look the same as it does. This is because of a little subject called CMYK and RGB.
That is our next topic. So, I'll see you then. Oh, and I'll get the examples up right away.
Now, a word from our sponsors: Witty sayings and funny tees -- get yours now!
Work from Home with POD -- The Basics
Okay, let's get started!
For those of you who are interested in being a WAHM (work at home mom) and using a print on demand service, I'm going to go over some basics for you.
Let me preface this with: It's not very easy. Working from home on your own (i.e. having your own business online) is not easy. Oh, it's pretty easy to do, it's just not easy to do well.
So, let's get started.
I'm going to use Cafepress as an example here. You don't HAVE to use Cafepress as your POD (print on demand) service. There are others, and eventually I will discuss those. However, for now, to make it easy on me (because that's what's important) I'm only going to use Cafepress as my example. Can you use others? SURE! Go ahead. However, I have heard (there may or may not be any truth to this) that Cafepress is the most popular, was the first (or at least the first BIG POD), and continues to bring in the most money for most shopkeepers.
So, you've decided that creating images for POD is what you want to do. Now what?
The first thing to do is learn! You can learn here (this blog) or you can do some research. You will eventually need to learn quite a bit -- about DPI, about CMYK vs RGB, about keywords and descriptions, some HTML ... you get the picture. You will have to learn some things to do this.
However, I'm going to make it as painless as possible -- for both of us.
The very first thing you need to do is find a graphics program. There are plenty and some are free. (I really like free!)
I personally use GIMP. I think it is a great tool. It's free (why I chose it) and fairly easy to use. Plus, there are plenty of other users who have tutorials on how to use it (which is important).
So, easy to use, help abound and free... yep, no brainer for me. However, you may want to use something else. Cafepress has forums (use them wisely please!) that can help you. Such as the one about what graphics programs to use.
What you can't (or shouldn't) use is a word processing program, a simple program such as Microsoft Paint, etc. You cannot use a word processing program, even if you just want to make a text design. You CAN use the paint program; however, your resolution will be too low and your work will look bad.
Once you have a graphics program that you like (free, easy, etc.), you can create some designs.
So, let's talk about designs. What to design. Well, first, what do you know and what can you do?
Do you take really good pictures? You can use those. Upload them to the graphics program, leave them alone, modify them (changing colors, etc.) or add a caption.
Do you paint? Scan your paintings in and use them.
Can you draw with your graphics program (easier than what it seems)? Use that with or without text.
If you can't draw and you can't paint and you can't take good pictures, all hope is not lost. I've heard (again, there may be little to no truth to this) text designs sell well! I've heard 50% + designs at Cafepress are simply text.
So, let's see what you can do.
You can draw a comic with a funny saying.
You can draw a funny picture with a witty saying.
You can focus on a particular topic, such as going green or t-shirts for ladies.
I would not focus on just holidays at this point. However, you could branch off with holidays. Or if you have a design for every holiday (or made up holidays) you might be able to do okay. Especially with holidays that focus on group gatherings (St. Patty's Day, July 4th, etc.).
Finally, you can focus on just sayings. Funny sayings, sarcastic sayings, witty sayings... you get the point. You can do this too. And that will be a focus soon. How to do JUST text designs.
Once you know what you want to do, start brainstorming ideas (you'll probably need a journal or a notebook) and then start making the designs.
As soon as you have a few designs, you can open a shop. That is our next topic. For now, get your graphics program, learn how to use it and generate some ideas.
Oh, one last thought, don't copy. Copycats really irritate shopkeepers, look bad in the marketplace and just make you look un-original and pathetic.
Till next time, have fun and enjoy my shameless plug: Witty Tees and Whimsical pictures
For those of you who are interested in being a WAHM (work at home mom) and using a print on demand service, I'm going to go over some basics for you.
Let me preface this with: It's not very easy. Working from home on your own (i.e. having your own business online) is not easy. Oh, it's pretty easy to do, it's just not easy to do well.
So, let's get started.
I'm going to use Cafepress as an example here. You don't HAVE to use Cafepress as your POD (print on demand) service. There are others, and eventually I will discuss those. However, for now, to make it easy on me (because that's what's important) I'm only going to use Cafepress as my example. Can you use others? SURE! Go ahead. However, I have heard (there may or may not be any truth to this) that Cafepress is the most popular, was the first (or at least the first BIG POD), and continues to bring in the most money for most shopkeepers.
So, you've decided that creating images for POD is what you want to do. Now what?
The first thing to do is learn! You can learn here (this blog) or you can do some research. You will eventually need to learn quite a bit -- about DPI, about CMYK vs RGB, about keywords and descriptions, some HTML ... you get the picture. You will have to learn some things to do this.
However, I'm going to make it as painless as possible -- for both of us.
The very first thing you need to do is find a graphics program. There are plenty and some are free. (I really like free!)
I personally use GIMP. I think it is a great tool. It's free (why I chose it) and fairly easy to use. Plus, there are plenty of other users who have tutorials on how to use it (which is important).
So, easy to use, help abound and free... yep, no brainer for me. However, you may want to use something else. Cafepress has forums (use them wisely please!) that can help you. Such as the one about what graphics programs to use.
What you can't (or shouldn't) use is a word processing program, a simple program such as Microsoft Paint, etc. You cannot use a word processing program, even if you just want to make a text design. You CAN use the paint program; however, your resolution will be too low and your work will look bad.
Once you have a graphics program that you like (free, easy, etc.), you can create some designs.
So, let's talk about designs. What to design. Well, first, what do you know and what can you do?
Do you take really good pictures? You can use those. Upload them to the graphics program, leave them alone, modify them (changing colors, etc.) or add a caption.
Do you paint? Scan your paintings in and use them.
Can you draw with your graphics program (easier than what it seems)? Use that with or without text.
If you can't draw and you can't paint and you can't take good pictures, all hope is not lost. I've heard (again, there may be little to no truth to this) text designs sell well! I've heard 50% + designs at Cafepress are simply text.
So, let's see what you can do.
You can draw a comic with a funny saying.
You can draw a funny picture with a witty saying.
You can focus on a particular topic, such as going green or t-shirts for ladies.
I would not focus on just holidays at this point. However, you could branch off with holidays. Or if you have a design for every holiday (or made up holidays) you might be able to do okay. Especially with holidays that focus on group gatherings (St. Patty's Day, July 4th, etc.).
Finally, you can focus on just sayings. Funny sayings, sarcastic sayings, witty sayings... you get the point. You can do this too. And that will be a focus soon. How to do JUST text designs.
Once you know what you want to do, start brainstorming ideas (you'll probably need a journal or a notebook) and then start making the designs.
As soon as you have a few designs, you can open a shop. That is our next topic. For now, get your graphics program, learn how to use it and generate some ideas.
Oh, one last thought, don't copy. Copycats really irritate shopkeepers, look bad in the marketplace and just make you look un-original and pathetic.
Till next time, have fun and enjoy my shameless plug: Witty Tees and Whimsical pictures
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)