Interested in becoming a designer

[serena812]

Hi -

I am so in love with digiscrapping and the process of creating things in PSCS2. I would like to share my work but am starting to wonder if it is worth the effort.

Even if you are creating kits to give away you still have to be cautious of copyrights. I am currently creating everything myself except fonts. If I want to make kits with alphas or word art I may need to spend money for licenses.

I would like to be able to recoup some of that cost by selling kits as well. However, in the little research that I have done so far I can't see how that is really possible.

I know that other posts have mentioned that very few people have been successful in making money scrapping for others. My question is, can you make a "living" by designing and selling kits? :confused: With the cost of filters, plugins, web hosting fees, taxes, etc can this be profitable? If I am going to sell I have to invest money in a license, etc. I am just wondering if this is worthwhile.

My heart is saying yes because I know that I have spend significant amounts on kits and brushes. I can't possibly be the only one. :rolleyes:

[Emma]

the competition is pretty fierce, and the most I've ever heard someone make is between 11-12k a year, and they're full-time

you can earn some extra money for yourself for sure, but for the time it doesn't pay a lot back unless you're at the top of the pile

but everyone had to start somewhere, and the competition will start to settle down soon we hope as designers become more known and trusted with loyal customers and reputations, but it's so easy to break into digital selling because there's very little overhead and you don't need a manufacturer, unlike paper supplies.

so...take that and mull it over and think about it, and let us know if it's something you'd really like to do

[serena812]

I truly love digiscrapping and will continue to create. I was just unsure if I should just create things for myself or expand and try making kits. I know that my desire to create outweighs my personal needs.

I would think that now is the time to get in as this seems to be an industry in it's infancy. I guess what I can do is give my creations away, see what kind of response I get and take steps from there.

Thanks for responding. I suppose, since I am going to be doing it anyway, exploring giving away and selling isn't a waste of time.

[Karen Bowers]

it sounds like you must be good at your stuff, serena. how abou you post some photos here, so we can get to know your work? :) i learn so much by just studying here in the galleries.

[Lauren]

It surely is possible to make a small full time or largish part time salary from being a designer - I know this because thats what I do!!- Its certainly not easy though. In fact its about the hardest job Ive ever had to do - fraught with disappointments and VERY long hours ( I work upwards of 50 - 60 hours a week most weeks), but on the up side it is VERY rewarding to be earning money for something that is your passion - so few people get that opportunity in life and I feel honoured that people will pay me to "play" on the computer as my DH calls it ( grrrrrrrrr that still makes me really mad!!!)

[Lauren]

I should have added that if you are serious about being a designer it pays to work for a large site such as DSP where you have built in customer base - If you are interested I would email info@digitalscrapbookplace.com with some samples of your work for their perusal.

[serena812]

Lauren -

Your post reminds me just how hard we SAHM/WAHM are. We do so many jobs (maid, cook, gardener, trash collector, financial manager, tutor, hygiene coach, etc.) I truly believe that SAHM are undervalued and underappreciated. Luckily, like digiscrapping and designing we do it because we love it and not for the pay or recognition.

Ultimately, our children will appreciate our efforts. And as a former outside the home worker I know that challenges and sacrifices that requires.

GO MOMS!!!!!

[Candiflip]

I think it defiantly pays once you become known and get your name out there. I belong to a yahoo group where the designers post there ads with new kits and sales. a few weeks ago one of them had a 50% off sale and I spend $70 on her kits LMAO. I bought almost all her collection :p I really love all the kits I got from her. I just saw she had a new one come out.. I will defiantly buy! :D

Candice

[serena812]

What group is that?

:)

[Candiflip]

Here you go
Promos4digiScrappers (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/promos4digiscrappers/?yguid=233086869)