Monday, February 18, 2013

A Reformed Design Team Wanna-Be



I just a read a blog post that I wanted to leave a comment on, but my comment was going to be so long that I decided to just blog it!  

The post is by Emily Branch Designs.  She has started a new "Top Ten" series.  This is her second one (the first one was great too...check it out HERE--the comments were fun to read too) and it's called "Top 10 Things I Learned From Being on a Design Team."  You can read it HERE.  This article had a huge impact on my way of thinking towards wanting to be on a design team.  You see, for quite some time now I’ve been aching to be part of a design team.  However, it wasn’t until the past month or so that I actually applied for any…and it’s only been like 3.  I didn’t make any of those teams.  Trust me, if I had, you would have known.  That particular blog post would have been in ALL CAPS with LOTS of exclamation points!!!!!

Why would a company/blog NOT want me to be part of their design team, I’m sure you’re screaming at the computer asking yourself?!  I notice a lot of the requirements when applying for a DT include “Be able to take good, quality photos.”  That’s my downfall right now.  Yep, that’s what I’m blaming it on…my lack of photo skills.  Not my sub-par card creations! J  I’ve been devouring any and every blog post I can find on taking quality pics with an iPhone (that’s my only camera source currently) and entering every DSL camera giveaway I can find!  I’ve downloaded several camera/editing apps, and still I struggle.  It’s a lighting thing for me, I think.  

Anywho, I digress.  Back to this amazingly eye-opening article!  Emily brings out so many interesting and “duh—that makes sense” points.  Here are the ones that really grabbed me.

#6 - So true on the time commitment…what was I thinking?!  I can barely squeeze in minutes here and there throughout the week to make cards to keep my blog fairly active and current.  I get a little more time on the weekends when hubby is home to watch the kiddos, but between a 4-year-old girl who is a different character every day (Simon, Cinderella, Michelangelo, Alvin—Chipmunks are huge right now, etc.) and assigns you a character (often changing characters several times throughout the day so by the end of the day you have no idea who you are!), a 10-week-old (need I say more?!), a part-time job, and household duties, why in the world am I “aching” to add one more time-commitment item to my life?!  Preposterous!  

#2 - So true on the money thing!  I had never really thought about that aspect of it.  I figured them sending me new products to use was payment enough.  But hey, if I’m giving up what precious little time I have to showcase your products and parade them all over the internet…give me some moolah!!  :)

#4 - I never even thought you could have a bad experience as a DT member!  Eye opener there!  Hmmm, maybe it’s not all it’s cracked up to be!  Not feeling the “ache” so much now, are we?

Not that I don’t still want to be part of a DT.  It’s just that the urge or ache (almost stress I’ve been putting on myself) has been lifted!  I feel free.  Weird, I know.  I can make cards on my terms, with whatever products I want, in my time frame (no pressure), and share it with my friends.  You know, those sweet people who think everything you make is gorgeous and are faithful followers. I love those people!  You know who you are!

Instead, I’m going to work on perfecting my style and honing my brand (#3).  Such great advice in #1.  I encourage you to read Emily’s article (and follow her blog while you’re there!) if you’ve been dying to be part of a DT but haven’t managed it yet, I hope her post has the same freeing effect on you as it did for me!

Happy stress-free Crafting!
--Cheryl

10 comments:

  1. Great post!! While you are honing your DT skills, keep entering those (adorable, gorgeous, to-die-for) cards in the different card challenges....especially those where you can WIN something!! BTW, your all-white card is absolutely STUNNING!!!

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    1. Thanks for the compliment on the white card. I took SO MANY PICTURES trying to get a decent one...not even a good one, just a decent one! Erg! I was totally going to add something about "why do I need to join a DT to get free products when I win free products practically every week!" :) But, of course, I forgot!

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  3. Cheryl , thank you so much for the shout out and back links to my post! You are fantabulous! I am so inspired and encouraged that you're thinking on something I wrote. :-)

    I too have been in your shoes. Just recently I tried out for my dream of all dreams design position, and was passed over. Ugh, I was devastated. But, the rejection propelled me in a new direction with my crafting, which is better for my brand as well.

    Girl, I have been in the photography trenches with you! It's so much work on it's own---a mine field for crafting bloggers. But, don't fret. My friend Amber just started a BRAND NEW series on photography for bloggers, and it's super easy, simple and informative. Her second day post is all about lighting and set up. Check it out http://www.damasklove.com/how-to-take-blog-photos-lighting-setup/

    Hugs and thanks for your support!

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    1. Yes, I found Amber's blog thanks to you a little bit ago and did read the photography posts. I went to HL and bought a display board for my background (one of my pitfalls..always trying to move clutter away around my pic) and moved a small table in front of my window to get some good light. I love her simplistic approach (buying a light box--or building one myself for that matter--not an option!). I'm happy for you and your new direction...can't wait to see/read more! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. It means a lot coming from a pro such as yourself! :)

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  4. Hi Cheryl, LOVE your post!!!! I have so much to say but can't say it in a little comment! There is a difference in being on a Design Team for a company that you are promoting products and a Design Team that is JUST for FUN. Don't be discouraged if you find you want to try and become a part of a DT that is not involved in promoting products. I have also written about the issue of blogging and being on company Design Teams. I'm also planning on writing more about it on my personal blog in the very near future.

    Here's my old blog:http://rockwelldesignsblog.com/

    Here's my new personal blog: http://jackierockwell.blogspot.com/

    You can read a little about my journey if you'd like.

    Photography is very tricky and takes some research and practice. I'm still working on my skills. I enjoy the challenge though. Look up on Google about making your own light box or you can purchase a small one. You need to have daylight bulbs or natural light too. It's also important to learn about how to edit your photos to get the best results. Good luck on honing your photography skills. It's a lot of fun!

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    1. Jackie, thank you so much for your comment and advice! I am following your blog (read your post following up on Emily's and commented) and look forward to reading more in the future!

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  5. Hi thank you so much for sharing your views over it....all the best for future.

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    1. Thank you, Triza! I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and commenting! Have a wonderful day!

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  6. Great post -- if you want to know more about working in the craft industry, please feel free to contac me any time :) And good luck! Not all the jjobs out there are "working for free".

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