Monday, December 30, 2013

Artist Spotlight Zoica Matei from Zoia

   Welcome to another edition of Artist Showcase. Today I am going to tell you a little bit about me and how I got my start on Etsy. My name is Zoica Miesen, I have a business called Zoica Matei and an Etsy shop named Zoia. I always loved drawing and sketching and I used to illustrate as a fashion designer for apparel and bridal. Later, as a fashion design teacher I experimented with different techniques and started to draw again outside of class, this time to convey a message or an emotion. Here is one of my prints inspired by Paris travels:
                                                     
                                                         Paris Fashion Illustration


   I found Etsy in 2007 and immediately singed up for an account. I was amazed by the number of creative people found in one place! I was a buyer at first and later I start selling my eco-friendly garments. Since spring 2013 I moved on to create hand drawn illustrations, while having just a few fashion items in my shop, like apparel, accessories, and patterns.

                                                           The Mysterious Woman



   Because I love everything that relates to fashion, beauty and brides, my creations are a reflection of that love. I have a soft spot for bridal designs and enjoy doing custom wedding gown sketches. I also like creating illustrations that have an emotional message linked to them and reach beyond the pure beauty.

                                                       Custom Wedding Dress Sketch


   I love to make my customers happy and always like to see them returning. You called it success when a customer is taking the time to write you a note, gives you a great review, or sends you pictures with your creation.

                                                           The Little Black Dress



   There are also challenges selling on Etsy, a marketplace that has grown significantly since 2007 when I started. You need to be keener in advertising, in using the right social media, and presenting your product in a competitive way. The titles, images, descriptions, and tags are only part of helping your business succeed, and selling in a competitive market like Etsy involves so much more than that! There is always the visibility challenge and a new seller on Etsy needs to study all the rules of the marketplace before starting, but also to have a plan to promote the business and be consistent on doing it.

                                                     
                                                             Vogue Cover Art Print



 Because in 2013 I changed directions from offering apparel to offering art prints and originals, my advice is to plan everything carefully: shop title, categories, and making sure the shop is cohesive. If the shop is not cohesive opening a second shop should be considered.

                                                     Red Dress Fashion Illustration



 This wraps up another edition of Artist Spotlight. This column is offered every Monday and we’re always looking for artists to spotlight. So, if you are interested or know someone that we would enjoy reading about please pass on the information.
   Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…

Zoica




Friday, December 27, 2013

Friday Finds Winter Wonderland

Welcome to this week’s Friday’s Finds. This week's theme is "Winter Wonderland." Our featured treasury  was curated by Susan. Here is one of her graphic design wall art pieces:

                                                                 

                                           Customizable Kids Wall Art 




'Winter Wonderland' by snewberry55

Wall decor - Tram photography, SALE Winter  Photography,  red photography, Snow Photography, istanbul photo, colour, red,  8''x8'' - gonulk
Sugar Cookies Snowflake Cookie Wedgwood Blue Glittering Winter Holiday - SugarMeDesserterie
Black wool maxi jacket winter coat dress(355) - xiaolizi
Sorel Kaufman Women's Felt Pac Manitou Warm Winter Snow Boots Size 7 - IKnowWhatImWearing
ANTIQUE WHITE TWIG Wreath-Winter Door Wreath-Rustic Wreath-Christmas Wreath-Holiday Home Decor-Scented Vanilla Sugar-Choose your Scent - WildRidgeDesign
Downton Abbey black felt hat - large winter hat, cloche 20's style hat U.K. - RanaHats
Let It Snow Winter Christmas Quote Hand Illustrated Art Mug 6 oz Dishwasher Safe - Farizula
women dress wool coat wool jacket winter dress winter coat winter jacket(WD-002) - NiceDressstore
Crystal Snowflake Earrings. Winter Wedding Bridal Bridesmaid Accessory Silver Crystal Snowflake Christmas Jewelry Gift - annasinclair
Snowflakes and Snowballs for Winter Birthday Decorations Christmas Decorations Holiday Decorations Winter Baby Shower - MyScrapbookStudio
Winter autumn  totem thickening  printed velvet leggings jacquard restoring ancient ways is han edition show thin outer wear warm leggings - MiniDragonfruit
Kids Winter Boot-Slippers with Fur and Laces - Crochet Pattern - Instant Download Pdf - PdfPatternDesign
VINTAGE GLOVES...chestnut brown leather ladies gloves -winter cold - kid leather - stocking Christmas - madeforfun
Winter Wonderland Crystal Snowflake Wedding Invitation - WeddingParaphernalia
Winter Yarnball Wreath, Handmade Wreath, Christmas Wreath, Hanukkah Wreath - ThreeRosesAndALily
Winter Wonderland Set of 4 MAGNETS Christmas Gift Nature Outdoor Fun Secret Santa Hostess Teacher Thank You Student Locker Memo Board Fun - MAGNificEnT4U



Next week’s theme is “A Happy New Year.” You are more than welcome to submit a treasury and if your treasury is selected we will feature an item from your shop. Just convo Susan or myself. We’ll let you know if your treasury is selected. Also feel free to pin any of the items on our blog and follow our blog with bloglovin’. Thanks for stopping by. Until next time…

Zoica

Monday, December 23, 2013

Artist Spotlight - Susan Newberry Designs

Welcome to another edition of Artist Showcase.  Today I am going to tell you a little bit about me and how I got my start on Etsy.

My name is Susan Newberry and I have always been interested in art and design.  I teach both interior design and fashion design at a local college and have recently stepped in to the world of graphic design.  I started taking classes in graphic design at the school where I teach and found that I really had a knack for it.  My business is Susan NewberryDesigns and I design vintage and contemporary art for kids and adults.  I sell on both Etsy and recently I started selling on Zibbet. 
Here is one of my prints that sums up exactly how I feel.


I started by making handmade greeting cards and began selling them at work.  One of my colleagues told me about Etsy and recommended that I start selling there.  I started my store in March of 2012. Since then my store has evolved to include calendars and graphic prints. I love designing for children as well as adults. My projects range from vintage to contemporary designs. I love typography so you will find quite a few inspirational sayings. Here is one of my favorites:

I love all things design and find inspiration in all things. Color draws me. Art moves me. Typography excites me. My grandkids inspire me. Designing brings me much pleasure and the items I create come from my heart.  You can see evidence of my love for interior design and fashion design in many of my projects. Here are some of my chairs:


and what girl doesn't need a little black dress or three?
 
I’ve had a few exciting moments since I began.  The first was from a furniture store in Canada who asked me to design a calendar for their store.  The second was when I was contacted by a Design Show on the BBC who wanted several of my prints to use on a house they were building for a client.  I was honored that they chose my artwork.  I am eagerly awaiting the show to air even though I may not be able to see it.  I am hoping that it brings business my way!

I've had a few challenges since I began selling online.  One of my biggest challenges has been getting my name out there.  That takes time.  But as long as I am doing what I love, I'm happy.  My advice?
In addition to doing what you love, I would tell sellers to be patient.  I opened my shop in March of 2012 but didn’t really see a lot of traffic until spring of 2013 and things have been moving upward ever since.  I keep reminding myself that my Zibbet store will take some time.
Well that wraps up another edition of Artist Spotlight.  Thanks for letting me tell you my story.
We try and run this column every Monday and we’re always looking for artists to spotlight.  So if you are interested or know someone that we would enjoy reading about please pass on the information.
Thanks for stopping by,

Until next time…

 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Friday Finds - Gifts for Kids

Welcome to this week’s Friday’s Finds. This week's theme is "Kid’s Gifts."  Our featured treasury is called “Gifts for Children.”

Beautiful handmade gifts for kids

Personalized Baby Nursery Letter Art, Children Wall Art, Pink Button Letter on Antique White Silk, Ready To Frame (frame not included) - letterperfectdesigns
Custom Silhouette in black and white (or another color) - SparkleMonkeyLLC
Crayon Artist Case, crayon organizer, coloring wallet, art supplies, crayon caddy, kids gift idea, childrens gift - LITTLE RABBIT - OurLittleMesses
Christmas Gift-Kids Doll Carrier , Doll sling, Kids gifts, OOAK gift, Newborn gift,Ready to Ship - CottonAki
Little owl pencil cup - Pen holder - Desk accessory - Hand-painted gift for teachers - SunnyLeaf
GIRAFFE Necklace, Little Girls Sterling Silver Necklace, childrens, child, birthday gift, initial, jewelry, personalized, SYBILL - SixSistersBeadworks
Birth Announcement Pillow baby gift birthday baby shower new baby baby girl baby boy baby pillow custom pillow - ThreelilStitches
Tilda bunny rabbit - stuffed rabbit toy - home decor toy - ready to ship - MiracleInspiration
Giraffe Light Switch Plate And Outlet Set in Orange - Personalized Custom Modern Animal Safari Nursery, Jungle Nursery, Child Decor - twowhiteowls
Doll Cardigan for 18" Dolls - Peach, Rose, Green - MunchkinWear2
Robot Newsboy Biker Birthday Cap Baby Toddler Boy Hat / Photo Prop - BulaJeansBoutique
Pink baby shoes, Baby Girl Shoes, Cute button loafers, Baby Booties, Baby Shower gift, Baby shoes in Blossom pink and white trim. - VeraJayne
Gloves, Kids girl gloves,  holidays, grey gloves with pink flower, fingerless mittens, holiday gifts, girls gifts, gift idea - BloomedFlower
dr.suess inspired boys crochet prop, boys crochet dr. suess set, boys photo prop,boys gift set - LGCrochet
FREE SHIPPING Personalized Flower Girl Necklace, Flower Girl Letter Charm Necklace, Personalized Flower Girl Gift, Girls Initial Necklace - JessicasBridal
Infinity karma bracelet-Love bracelet-wax rope woven rope jewelry bangle Boy gift girl gift - vividiy

 More Gifts For Little Ones:


And for older ones:

 

Next week’s theme is “Winter Wonderland.” You are more than welcome to submit a treasury and if your treasury is selected we will feature an item from your shop.  Just convo Zoica or myself.  We’ll let you know if your treasury is selected.
Also feel free to pin any of the items on our blog and follow our blog with bloglovin’.  The goal, ladies and gents, is to get sales!

Thanks for stopping by.
Until next time…