Hey you opinionated and oh so smart people, I have a little survey for you.
As you know from previous posts I’m working on changing up how I run things at Some Odd Girl to make them work better for me, where I am now, while still trying to draw up things I know you all would enjoy. Some Odd Girl is going to be 7 years old in January (le gasp!) and I know that things in our little corner of the crafting community have changed since we began in 2010. I’d probably be more surprised if they hadn’t, frankly. There are more companies out there, more originality and (sadly) a lot more ripoffs, as well as changes in trends and tastes.
Like I said, this is a mini survey, it only has a handful questions. If you could answer below in the comments I’d puffy heart you for it, if you’re uncomfortable doing so but still want to share, use the contact form here on the blog to send me your thoughts. These are meant to be “in general” not specific to any company out there.
Let’s start this thang…
What kinds of things draw you into an image, or is there something you specifically look for when purchasing? Conversely, is there anything that you try to avoid?
How do you find yourself using your images most? Cards, just for coloring, art journals, etc.
Is there something you have been looking for but can’t find? This could be anything.
Like I said earlier, times have changed, what are your preferred ways to interact with companies and other crafters now vs in the past?
Lastly, is there anything you’d like the companies out there to know?
If these questions conjure up other thoughts, don’t hesitate to add it in to your comments, too.
I ask because we’ve been noticing a lot of things that used to “work”, especially in areas of interaction, just aren’t as effective as they used to be. We want to do things that people enjoy while having fun ourselves so I might as well get the info from the source.
I’m really interested in your answers and hope you’ll enjoy letting us know as much, it can only benefit all of us.
scrappychic17 says:
Personally, I am looking for a Facebook Group where I can join to share my creations and see what other fans are creating. Plus, it offers open communication between customers and business owners. I also like to see videos from the owner and design team. This can be product shares, card/coloring tutorials, card shares, etc. live videos on Facebook and youtube work great. Personally, I’m always looking for people images. I’m not really drawn to animal images, but that’s just my personal taste. Hope that helps 🙂
wezecapecod says:
I look for designs I can use to digitize for machine embroidery and card making as I am a close to my heart consultant, i have many of the pens/markers both water color and alcohol ones you use to color your images. i do use a few different programs to draw. but look for more learning and sharing as i do a lot of different crafts being, quilting, sewing, cards, and machine embroidery designs, i do quilts for kids so need more ideas to put on the quilts using machine embroidery i do dish towels, and use many blanks for embroidery items. i use you tube a lot to follow along i find it hard to get to watch you in your lessons for the use of different products. being a retired navy wife i keep very busy to make a difference. i need a better or easier way to watch your tutorials. i do read all your news letters and save them now a few years.
Naomi says:
I look for graphic designs, words, and images that I can color, and I really like vintage, nautical, and nature themed images. I try to avoid anything that is so realistic or there is no room to color, unless it’s a simple image. I mainly use the images for cards but I am going to do more mixed media on journals and canvas. There is nothing specific that I can’t find. I do find it hard to find plant images, I’m a horticulture nut. Maybe food is something hard to come by. I really like Facebook but I don’t get your updates so I have to go and like so many things before it will show up again. I do enjoy FB Live events watching a sample of an item to create with. I try to read email but I do get A LOT and miss them once in a while. I do like the blogs but sometimes there are so many to keep up with and again, I don’t always see them. Things I would like companies to know is, when they do a live FB event, I get inspired to create and try new things, and maybe even buy their product. I do love the access to YouTube or videos/ Project sheets so I can use that idea and create on my own time.
Ellen says:
What kinds of things draw you into an image, or is there something you specifically look for when purchasing? Conversely, is there anything that you try to avoid? First of all I’m in LOVE with stamps that are cute (of course “cute” is a word that can be different for everyone) & I love to build scenes animals with all sorts of attributes -> I must have these things!! I look for things I can use a lot. For exaple for different occasions or for one occasion like birthdays or Christmas. For me that’s a quality product when I can use it 100000 times. Of course different sentiments help to use it more in different ways. Although I love digital images a lot because you can change the format and color right away, I still like clear stamps a little more (I miss yours on the market for sure!).
How do you find yourself using your images most? I love using them on cards, that’s why images don’t need to be too detailed , because than I could better draw them myself. For example the new “Spirit of Autumn” is between too detailed and still useable for a card in my opinion.
Is there something you have been looking for but can’t find? any stamps with critters and attributes, for me there are never enough of these stamps and when they come with dies; that’s the magic thing -> these kind of stamps are always selling very good in the cardcommunity. (ps. I also love that left drawing wiht the boy, please show him in the shop :D)
Like I said earlier, times have changed, what are your preferred ways to interact with companies and other crafters now vs in the past? hmmm…. I really think that’s what Some Odd Girl is very good at. I love the facebook community with the games, a document where you can write up any ideas, The moment where you choose 3 winners and drew their own digi, that was amazing!! & Instagram is also a very quick and nice medium I like to watch and doesn’t take to check a lot of fun photo’s.
Lastly, is there anything you’d like the companies out there to know? Work more togheter and don’t copy things… Somethimes there are items comming out with too much simmilarities, maybe it’s good to work together and not ripping each other of! I really think stamp companies should work more together….
I hope this helps you Kristy 😉
Kate meads says:
What kinds of things draw you into an image, or is there something you specifically look for when purchasing? Conversely, is there anything that you try to avoid?
I buy and colour a wide variety of images and I am always looking for new images. Unfortunately this probably doesnt help much but if you could see my digi collection you would understand (it has everything from zombies to sweet girls) and I use them all at times (I colour 600-700 images a year minimum)
How do you find yourself using your images most? Cards, just for coloring, art journals, etc.
I mostly use my images for cards, decor items or sometimes just to colour and frame
Is there something you have been looking for but can’t find? This could be anything.
Images for men can be hard to find that arent too cutesy
Like I said earlier, times have changed, what are your preferred ways to interact with companies and other crafters now vs in the past?
I generally interact through facebook because it is an easy and quick and have made some really good friends through the crafting world that i have never even met in person
Lastly, is there anything you’d like the companies out there to know?
Just to keep up the great work and to keep the beautiful images coming 🙂