View topic - Creativity -An art shop creation guide- (come chat!)
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Welcome to Creativity! this is a guide on a mission. made by Alu and Alice in Candyland, original idea from Alu. you can call me Alu but please call Alice Ray. anywho, our mission is to help the young artists of ernya create beautiful art shops. by having a beautiful art shop, you can easily reel in plenty more customers and get your art marketed out there where it should be with the attention it deserves. so if you're sick of spending so much time on your shop only to have it die, maybe its time to go back to the drawing board. this guide contains useful tips on designing your shop, pricing your art, and getting your name out there! and not just from myself and Ray, but also from some user submitted tips too. so all of ernya is helping eachother here to help boost up the art market. enjoy this guide and hopefully it helps you even a little bit along the way!
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
QuoteLast edited by Alu on Sun Feb 14, 2010 5:39 am; edited 7 times in total
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Ok here is where we are going to lay down the law of our little Guide. We ask that you follow these Rules here or otherwise be shunned by all ;D
#1: Follow Ernya Rules and ToS. That is basically a given.
#2: Be nice to Alu and me. We're really nice people anyway. <3
#3: Be respectful to others tips, they're being nice enough to share their nifty secrets.
#4: Be literate in your posts, please! Yes chat speak has made life easier but for some of us it slowly kills our brain cells trying to decipher these messages.
#5: Don't bring your drama in here! There's enough of it in the real world.
#6: If you must swear, do it. But do keep it on a low scale?
#7: Stay, chat, have fun! Yes it's a guide but that doesn't mean you can't stay and talk to us right? Beware though, I glomp people ;D
#8: Alu and I reserve the right to add more rules when needed and also to nag on someone who breaks them =]
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
#1: Follow Ernya Rules and ToS. That is basically a given.
#2: Be nice to Alu and me. We're really nice people anyway. <3
#3: Be respectful to others tips, they're being nice enough to share their nifty secrets.
#4: Be literate in your posts, please! Yes chat speak has made life easier but for some of us it slowly kills our brain cells trying to decipher these messages.
#5: Don't bring your drama in here! There's enough of it in the real world.
#6: If you must swear, do it. But do keep it on a low scale?
#7: Stay, chat, have fun! Yes it's a guide but that doesn't mean you can't stay and talk to us right? Beware though, I glomp people ;D
#8: Alu and I reserve the right to add more rules when needed and also to nag on someone who breaks them =]
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alice in Candyland on Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:27 pm; edited 4 times in total
5o,ooo / 21o,ooo
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
This post will go over:
the five main design basics
tips on designing your shop
The Five Main Design Basics
there are five basics when it comes to design that you can use in in shop. all of them are equal in usefulness.
Color
everyone likes to see a little color in design. come up with a color scheme that fits your personality and the theme of the shop you're hosting. it might be a good idea to pull the colors from the samples of your artwork if your art is shown right on the page. here are some good examples of color use in art shops.
Reid’s shop uses a light color palette of pastels that can also be found in her art.
Static noise may use dull colors but nevertheless she uses it and it brings in a nice flow from post to post <3
Alignment
alignment makes things easier for your viewers to read. it adds organization and professionalism. the four types are left, right, centered, and justified. you can't use justified text on ernya, but you can use the other three. try to stick with using one or two different types of alignment in your shop. using more than that can make it look sloppy. here are two great examples of how alignment is used!
`Y u m e ’ s shop is a simple, one post shop, but shows a great example of how alignment makes it easy to read and understand.
Reid’s shop uses both left and right alignment to show off her skill and also to make things easy to read.
Contrast
you can contrast just about anything. size, pictures, color, font, type size, etc etc. but if you're going to contrast, make sure you do it boldly. make big statements of contrast. if it's going to be different, make it very different. if you don’t, it might look like a mistake. here are some shops that show great examples of contrasting design.
Meli’s shop has a good example of contrast in size. the size of her banners stand out great against the small size of her text.
Repetition
repetition is when you take a color, design, shape, font, ideas, etc and repeat it over and over again. this gives your design some recognition and a bit of flow. for example, you could use repetition in your art shop by repeating the layout used in each post. I couldn’t find any great examples from art shops but here are some great examples that have been found in the design world itself. use them as an inspiration in your art shop.
once again, Meli’s shop is a great example. see how each header is designed the same way creating flow.
Static noise creates a similar example of repetition in her headers, color, and fonts.
Balance
for most of our reading our eyes and minds are most comfortable with evenly balanced layouts where the graphics don't overpower the text and the page doesn't seem to tilt to one side or the other. other times we crave the teetering and tottering of a page that's just a little of out of kilter or totally lopsided. but before we indulge our tastebuds, we need a good foundation in the basics of balance. this is one of the harder basics to understand. balance creates great flow in a page and brings everything together, it works close with contrast and alignment. this section is not finished and will be edited later with more useful guides to balance.
Useful Tips
Tip 1 – don’t go crazy with design tactics. you don’t have to use all of them, but using one main one or two should get you where you need to be. but if you can use more than that and still have a nice flow that’s easy to follow in your shop, go for it! Submitted by: Alu
Tip 2 – not every tip or tactic you find here will be right for your business. some will work better than others, some may take a few tries to perfect. don’t give up and try lots of different combinations. Submitted by: Alu
tip 3 - Grammar and spelling~! You have no idea how many people bad grammar and spelling turns away. It also sends miscommunication which make people go, "wait... what?". The end result can lead also to people not wanting to order (or even post) because it's too confusing. I know I've had that happen to me too many times.
Good grammar and spelling also makes a shop look more professional and inviting. :T
Anyway, it's more important than anything else. You can't do anything at all if what you're saying isn't clear. Sumbmitted by: Honingbij
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alu on Tue Feb 16, 2010 1:40 am; edited 8 times in total
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The place people go to most often would be the Pricing Help Thread. It is very useful and if you read through others price suggestions, it can give you a pretty good idea on what your art would be worth. Be wary though, as Ernya is still young and pricing can be unstable so be careful you don't overprice, but don't underprice either.
If you're still unsure on your art, create Freebies! Everyone loves a freebie and it will also reflect how much someone would want your art. Go on, head over to some art request threads and offer up your art. Or create a contest in an already existing thread of yours.
On the side you can even ask someone how much they would pay for your art if you had a shop =]
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
On the side you can even ask someone how much they would pay for your art if you had a shop =]
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alice in Candyland on Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:27 pm; edited 3 times in total
5o,ooo / 21o,ooo
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
this post will go over:
strageies on advertizing your art safely
getting your name out there!
Advertize your art!
get your name out there! here are a few simple methods to safely getting your name out to everyone. that means advertisement without becoming obnoxious and making it seem like you're begging for attention. that's right, there are quite a few ways to do this sucessfully.
Banners and Buttons
make banners and buttons for your shop. if you have graphics already made it should be easy for you to make your own. if you don't, there are plenty of shops out there that offer to make you some graphics. it's an investment but a useful one. banners can be put in your signature for everyone to see. buttons can be placed in your links in and out section for others who like your art shop to use in their personal websites, threads, or signatures.
Affiliates
Go to lots of threads and offer to be Affiliates. this means you echange buttons or banners with another shop or thread owner that link back to your shop. you dont have to link with another art shop owner, it could be a guide or quest owner as well, or somthing else. thus, creating links all over ernya that bring people to you. just make sure you return the favor by linking back to their threads.
Create an art gallery
one that links back to your shop. this is a simple way to show off your art work and get people to notice you, also get some great critque from other professionals. art galleries can be made in the art gallery forum.
Put it IN THEIR FACE
now it's hard to do this and not be too obnoxious but a lot of successful art shops show off their examples right on the first post. they can be incorporated into the graphics or neatly set into the alignment. when users browse shops, sometimes they are in a hurry and don't want to go hunting for your examples. this makes a sure fire way that they are going to see them no matter what with one click.
Sign all your art
Actually, sign and date it. A lot of people you draw for, if they like your art, may post it on their signatures and also in their profiles. If you sign it with your username, it’s like leaving a calling card for others who see the art and like your style.
Freebies Sell!
Do a freebies thread if you haven’t made your shop yet, and sign that art with your username. Now you have little calling cards out there and you don’t even have a shop made yet! If you already have a shop, there’s still no harm in giving out some love. Have a contest to attract business. Remember to sign everything<3
Tips
There are no tips for this section at this time. Have one? Want to help? Submit one :3 please use the correct form found in the submit tips post
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alu on Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:18 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Here is the post for other user's Tips/Tactics/Suggestions!
Surely Alu and I can't know everything! And We're both sure other people have some tricks up their sleeves and we can only hope you're nice enough to share!
Just go on down to the next post and fill out that order form and post it. Then watch your tip magically show up right here!
Tip 1: Tutorials/deviant art are your friend!
If you're unsure on how to do something specific in your art program (GIMP, Photoshop, etc)
there are a ton of free tutorials on the web that can help you broaden your horizons
and help you get more familiar with the program. - Submitted by Meli
Tip 2: When using Paint it helps to save an image to png instead of jpeg, as
jpeg causes the image to look messy. - Submitted by Vanilla
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Surely Alu and I can't know everything! And We're both sure other people have some tricks up their sleeves and we can only hope you're nice enough to share!
Just go on down to the next post and fill out that order form and post it. Then watch your tip magically show up right here!
Tip 1: Tutorials/deviant art are your friend!
If you're unsure on how to do something specific in your art program (GIMP, Photoshop, etc)
there are a ton of free tutorials on the web that can help you broaden your horizons
and help you get more familiar with the program. - Submitted by Meli
Tip 2: When using Paint it helps to save an image to png instead of jpeg, as
jpeg causes the image to look messy. - Submitted by Vanilla
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alice in Candyland on Mon Mar 29, 2010 8:57 pm; edited 9 times in total
5o,ooo / 21o,ooo
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
this post will go over:
submitting tips :P
We would love to hear from you!
the art shop guide shouldnt be just a few people opinions on design.
if you feel you have a great idea that could help everyone we would love to hear it!
just fill out the little form below and post it
thank you for your time and support in ernyas art market!
Submit a tip,tactic,suggestion, ect.
please use the following.
feel free to add in some links to your tips if necessary!
Code:[size=24][b]i have a tip for you! <3[/b][/size]
[size=18]usename[/size]:[you are?]
[size=18]section[/size]:[design basics/pricing/advertizing/misc]
[size=18]your tip or suggestion:[/size]
[size=18]thanks for the feedback![/size]
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alu on Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:18 pm; edited 2 times in total
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IN
Code:[url=http://www.ernya.com/post2209571.html#2209571][IMG]http://i861.photobucket.com/albums/ab171/AluAlice/create-1.jpg[/IMG][/url]
OUT
Just post in the guide asking to exchange links, We'll gladly do so <3
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alice in Candyland on Thu Jun 17, 2010 11:29 pm; edited 5 times in total
5o,ooo / 21o,ooo
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
this post contains:
contest information
Current Contests
this section is currently under construction.
once the shop opens, check back for some great art related contests!
Winners Circle
watch this section fill up with past contest winners!
after we have a few ^^;....
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alu on Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:19 pm; edited 3 times in total
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this section contains:
frequently asked questions
check here before you post yours!
A little FAQ for you!
have a question? you may find your answer here. all questions will wind up in this section. more will be added to the FAQ as the guide opens and questions are actually asked.
Q: so whats the point of this thread?
A: to help young artists just starting out in the art market.
we want to get them help so they dont give up its heart breaking to watch a shop die.
this guide will boost the general market in ernya as well, by keeping it alive.
Q: is all this just your's and alice's opinion?
A: yes and no. alot of what i write is from my own experiance, but the design basics are all real basics in design that can be found in any grahpic design book. alices post are her opnion and some of it is mine as well, and then in both of our posts there is a tips section where other users can submit thier ideas. so this is a collaberation of all the opinions of multiple users of ernya, not just one or two.
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alu on Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:22 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alice in Candyland on Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:35 pm; edited 1 time in total
5o,ooo / 21o,ooo
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alu on Mon Feb 08, 2010 7:22 pm; edited 2 times in total
[/align]
Navigation: Welcome, Rules, Design Tips, Price Sugesstions, Get Your Art Out!, Random Tips/Tactics/Suggestions, Submit Your Ideas, Links in/Out, Contests, FAQ, Reserved x4
Last edited by Alice in Candyland on Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:35 pm; edited 1 time in total
5o,ooo / 21o,ooo
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
I’d love donations or you could buy from my Art Shoppe!
Art Contest!
