What exactly do you designers look for...

MommaTrish

MommaTrish

Well-known member
When deciding who makes it on your CTs? I'm looking to improve more and was just curious what different designers use to make their decisions. Any input from you ladies would be most helpful. In my opinion most of you are the best there is, so who better is there to ask.
 
oh goodness gracious..
lol

well..
as my wifey will attest to-- it's really hard to nail down as scrapping is soo subjective and we all have such varying opinions. A page wifey will love I may think is blah- so it depends.

What do I look for.. #1 .. you can not be on 50 teams. LOL
#2 you scrap consistently
#3 your photos look nice, your layouts are clean, and there's no .. weirdness.
#4 you show off kits well (this can get hairy, cause again wifey and i have disagreed on this point on specific layouts LOL)
#5 you can use doodles well (lol this is for me specifically ^_^ )
#6 I plain ole like yer style :p
#7 you have a lot of original layouts and not all templates (this is a me specific again)
#8 you have a style that is different then the rest of my team (catches my eye?)
#9 repeat number 1 :p
#10 you have a personality that will mesh with my team.
 
I look for someone who's pages are really popping out of the gallery, and I agree on the photo thing. Learning to fix your levels, crop your photos, and saturate or desaturate as needed can really make a difference. From a CT perspective its important that the photos are "pretty"... because that can make or break a layout.

Also, I'm looking for someone that is consistent, and that has at somepoint scrapped with my product (scrappers that just see a call ad and look at my store for the very first time when they are applying is a turn off to me).

If you are really interested in teams, look at your gallery and look at for example a sugar babe's gallery and then think, what do they do that I don't? Not because your style is bad and theirs is good, but because IMO the best way to get better at your craft is to study and learn from others. I love to scrap lift sometimes for that very reason, it is cool way to try a new technique or a different type of element placement than you usually use.

I think focusing a little on basic design concepts (rule of thirds, clustering, repetition... ect) can be really helpful too. I know i've googled and read some of that stuff and its helpful... you don't have to have a college degree in graphic arts to apply some of the tried and true design concepts to your layouts.

all in all the way someone scraps is the number one reason i pick people. but if i am undecided or trying to narrow it down, then things like how many teams you are on, or how many times you scrap a week, or like how you seem to interact with others in the chatter forum. There are some things that no matter how well you scrap are a definite no from me like if you never use my product, or if you only seem to post negative things on the forums, and ...

...i hope this doesn't sound mean, but another issue is you mainly scrap your pet... pet layouts are just not my bag. The occasional pet page here or there is cute and fun, but if you don't have any kids and only have pages about your doggie in your gallery maybe you should start taking pictures of your friends, your friends kids, your family members, even like, flowers and butterflies and stuff.... i don't know... just if you want to be on a ct, you want to look at your pages from a "will this sell this kit" perspective, and our main market is people that want to scrap their families, so if you don't have any kids, find some kids to photograph (only don't like go to the park and take pictures of strangers kids... people tend to frown on that for some reason :P)

ok i just wrote an essay, but I hope this can help you some.

the number one thing to remember is that not making it on a team doesn't mean you aren't an amazing scrapper... scrapping is SO subjective - like la said, she is my wifey, and we don't always agree on layouts... sometimes a page I am in awe of, she is looking at cockeyed LOL - so perhaps the problem has nothing to do with how you scrap, but instead with the designers subjective opinion :P

hugs! good for you for making this a chance to learn and grow... your scrapping will only get better and better, and in the end, what matters the most is that you are making layouts YOU love and can be proud of, if so, that will show and you'll find the perfect designer fit!
 
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Well, i was gonna add my two cents, but I think Shawna covered it all plus 5 cents more! LOL Thanks for saving me lots of typing Shawna! hehe
 
very good points Shawna! there are so many different 'styles' out there that i would hate to be a designer and have to pick. plus i'd hate to let people down; i'm too nice, lol.
 
Heather Roselli said:
Well, i was gonna add my two cents, but I think Shawna covered it all plus 5 cents more! LOL Thanks for saving me lots of typing Shawna! hehe
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lmao, yeah thats what i'm here for :P sometimes when i start going on and on its pretty much impossible to condense... often i'll even reread to condense something down, and instead i actually add more! :blink:
 
omg too many words shawna! (i'll go back and read it when i have an hour! bwhahaha teasing!)

honestly, there is no exact science to it for me at least... i def agree w/ a lot of what La said though.

I especially look for people who can keep up with high volume product... someone who is chatty and will be good at promoing my designs. although it's all about having the right mix.... cuz one of my fav ct'ers was not super chatting outside our team board, but her LOS were always done on time and were always really inspiring to me. Then I've had some who weren't necessarily the "best" scrappers, but were amazing at promoing and had other strengths that made them a great fit. So it just kinda depends.

Here's something i think we ALL find slightly off putting..... when people apply, get on the team and then don't do anything... like mission accomplished, got on the team, what's the next challenge... kwim?

Anywho.... off to read Shawna's book now... ;)

xo
 
thanks for putting down what you ladies like!!

but just like la and shawna said its all subjective... I mean I ct for shawna and not la, but I tried for la...

shawna just loves me more! :p

hehehe
 
I'll offer some advice from a non-designer. :) I've been on a lot of teams in my digi scrapping time - and I'm by no means a "wow" scrapper.

First and foremost scrap. If you're only posting once a month that doesn't inspire designers to think you'll be able to handle a new layout every week.

Second - and this is my personal advice, scrap for *yourself*. Don't get too caught up in trying to get a CT or trying to get notice - because those roads can lead to heartbreak LOL - so make sure you love the process and love the end product and even if you never get on that dream CT, you still have your wonderful layouts. :)

Third, apply for the designers that you use and love and fit your style. I've had the most success in CT apps when I applied for the designers whose products I used all the time - what's more flattering to a designer than checking out an applicant's gallery and finding a multitude of layouts in it that use her product? (not just a lone layout posted the day of her call LOL)

Fourth - what Shawna said about photos. Make sure your photos are *engaging*. This is a tough one cause you will surely want to scrap photos that aren't eye-catchers (I know I do - cause I'm not just scrapping to get on teams or to get praise in the gallery) but it really really helps if the photo draws attention and makes the viewer want to view your layout.

and finally, well...this is my personal opinion and none of the designers above mentioned it...but I think the number of comments and the number of views on your layouts really help your case. I mean - in the end - it's probably what Shawna said, it's the layouts that matter. But I do know there are some designers that check out those comment/view #'s at the larger galleries to see how much view your pages get. It only makes sense from a business perspective - the whole purpose is to advertise their kit and get it noticed. For some people that have that wow factor to their style, it's easy to get high page views/comments, for others it requires a seriously intentional gallery/forum participation.

Good luck!
 
I dont care about views @ larger galleries :]

for a fact.. I am lucky if *I* get one or two @ dst.. hahaha so I don't hold that against ANYONE. :]

but def scrap for yourself, and love what you do.. I say this a lot and truly truly mean it. Scrapping should be FUN first and foremost.... i don't want to see anyone pumping out meaningless empty pages just to have a full gallery.
 
There's a lot of awesome advice in this thread.

Personally when I selected my CT I also looked for people who liked my store, and participated there. I wanted to have at least a couple people who liked to chat at my store's forum and commented on others layouts. I wanted to have sincere likeable people and that was sort of an indicator for me.
 
lauren grier said:
but def scrap for yourself, and love what you do.. I say this a lot and truly truly mean it. Scrapping should be FUN first and foremost.... i don't want to see anyone pumping out meaningless empty pages just to have a full gallery.
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Very well said. Even though I am on like umm...I don't know how many teams...(and I'm not counting), I don't just crank em' out just to get a layout done. I spend at least an hour and 1/2 on each one and that's on a day when everything is flowing and I'm holding my lip right. :p Ultimately, the pages I create are for me and my family and I want them to be ones I am proud of.

I know that I am nowhere near the caliber of designer that these girls are here but, with my team (and with my own layouts) I prefer quality over quantity. Because typically, those quality layouts that you put your heart in are the ones that will get the ooh's and aah's....

Just my little insight....
 
I'm not a designer either, but I totally have to agree with what Emmy said...

Scrap for YOU!!! I have found that the more I am scrapping for a designer or to achieve a certain style, the more it becomes like a chore and the less I enjoy it anyway... and I think that shows. Embrace your style as a scrapper and only work to improve upon that, not turn yourself into something else.

I know that when I first started, I was so in awe of some of the best scrappers and then I started trying to be a little too much like them. It just didn't work and I got discouraged and really down on myself. It's taken me a LONG time, but I'm finally able to cruise the galleries and NOT criticize myself at the same time. My style is mine, and there are loads are scrappers that are better than me... and I'm okay with that.

I also remember when I first started, hearing the advice to "just keep at it and you'll get the teams you want." At the time I totally didn't believe that... but it REALLY is true. Just stay consistent, scrap for you and enjoy the process and you WILL get where you want to be!!!
 
I love that you asked this question. I have applied several times and always wondered what was being looked at. Just from this information I am going to work harder on my photos, step away from templates from time to time (I tend to LOVE templates!) and just enjoy it. When it is my time for the perfect designer for me, it will happen. And to be totally honest - I wouldn't want to be on more than TWO ct's at the same time. I know, for me, that I wouldn't be able to be REALLY supportive of the designer like they deserve if I put more on my plate than that.

My only problem is that I love most of the design styles that is sold at SSD. It would be hard for a designer to look in my gallery and see A LOT of just them. I spread my love around. LOL I do have certain ones that fit my style best. I will only apply for their calls because I want to be a RAVING FAN and really be excited about their new goodies that I will be promoting. Before I apply to a call, I always go look at the designer's store. If I would buy 75% or more of their stuff, then I apply. If I only find a couple of things that I would buy - I pass on that opportunity.

Thanks for the advise girls. I can't wait to see if other designers will add in more comments. I am loving this!
 
You ladies have all given some really great advice and tips so far! Thanks so much to all who have offered input.
:thumbup:
taracotta7 said:
My only problem is that I love most of the design styles that is sold at SSD. It would be hard for a designer to look in my gallery and see A LOT of just them. I spread my love around. LOL I do have certain ones that fit my style best. I will only apply for their calls because I want to be a RAVING FAN and really be excited about their new goodies that I will be promoting. Before I apply to a call, I always go look at the designer's store. If I would buy 75% or more of their stuff, then I apply. If I only find a couple of things that I would buy - I pass on that opportunity.
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Same here! The only kits I buy are from here, almost everything else I have is from the store I CT for, or the designers I used to. But since I'm only on that store's CT now I've decided to only apply for spots with designers I really really love.
 
Thanks for asking, Trish, and thanks for your thoughtful answers, designers and CT members. I've been debating asking the same thing. Definitely some things to think about and work on.

I'll pose one more question. As designers at SSD, does it matter how active people are at larger sites where a lot of promoting is done, or do you mainly consider how active people are in the galleries and forums at SSD?
 
scrapping for yourself is good. i recently left one of my cts cause i feel lately like i just want to do it more when i want to instead of 'oh i have to whip this up for the ct'. my mojo has been strained lately. i feel better now that i'm only on 2. someday maybe i'll pick it up again more :). just have other things in life going on right now.
 
junebug said:
scrapping for yourself is good. i recently left one of my cts cause i feel lately like i just want to do it more when i want to instead of 'oh i have to whip this up for the ct'. my mojo has been strained lately. i feel better now that i'm only on 2. someday maybe i'll pick it up again more :). just have other things in life going on right now.
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I have recently done the same thing. I wasn't feeling inspired. Better to let someone else who really wants to be on a team than to produce lack-luster layouts.

I do have to say though that those who do post here at SSD create fabulous layouts and I love looking through the gallery.
 
I think everyone has made wonderful comments and I'm not a designer either but I have helped out on a CT call for the designer I am the lead on. We came up with some criteria that were important to her and we made a spreadsheet. Most of what was important to her was the same things everyone else said. Was there consistent scrapping? Were they active on the store site or their home site? Quality of their pages? Use of templates? How many other teams were they on? Quality of photos? and we had a final category for a gut feeling.

You do in the end have to scrap for yourself and no one else and understand that not making a CT is not personal and the designers really hate having to say no. I only apply for designers that I absolutely love and that I know that I can showcase their work well. Just keep trying and growing and good luck!
 
lauren grier said:
I dont care about views @ larger galleries :]

for a fact.. I am lucky if *I* get one or two @ dst.. hahaha so I don't hold that against ANYONE. :]

but def scrap for yourself, and love what you do.. I say this a lot and truly truly mean it. Scrapping should be FUN first and foremost.... i don't want to see anyone pumping out meaningless empty pages just to have a full gallery.
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THIS is good to know! :p I get so excited if I get 2 views! LOL
 
Good to read. Its hard not to get discouraged when you are turned down over and over. I have literally been turned down by every single designer at SSD (most more than once). I really do love my scrapping and love what I create, I know I have some fabulous teams already and am very happy for that, but its hard not to feel discourage when the only store you buy from and do the most scrapping at doesn't want to hire you. KWIM? So its nice to read tips like this though.
 
I think you have to have to find your style and then you'll get teams, or you won't.

When your kids look at these albums 20 years from now are they going to say "hey, I wonder who's CT mom was on when she did this", nope, they aren't.

I have CT'd for tons of girls, I worked hard to get those CT spots, I got turned down tons, a least twice by several designers, I've been turned down on babe applications like 8 times, seriously.

Don't worry about the teams. I stopped worrying, my highest number was 13 at one time, I got burnt out, my pages didn't look great, so I reduced my number and I'm happier for it. I don't apply to calls anymore, I'm in love with the girls I CT for now and I'm so lucky to have them.

Rejection sucks, it happens to all of us, and seriously think about how many scrappers there are compared to designers.

And I can tell you designers don't take the application process lightly, I've helped out with CT calls, and that is seriously one of the most stressful things you have to do. It sucks to tell people no.
 
As mentioned, it's so subjective. As a result, I try to fill my team with lots of different styles...even if they aren't my personal favorite--I know others will like them.

Technique is a little different from style and a bit less subjective. I want to see good shadows, scale, etc.

I look for representation in a variety of communities. It doesn't do me any good to have my whole team active ONLY at SSD or DST, etc.

And as asked, for me, community activity is important. Not that every member has to have super participation skills, but it may be the deciding factor given equal scrap skills and styles.

Along with that, your "reputation" is important to me. While you don't have to be docile and doting, you do need to be able to express a point of view or difference of opinion in an articulate and agreeable fashion. There is no room on my team for bad sportsmanship or inflammatory remarks.

It doesn't matter to me at all if you have scrapped with my product. It does seem disingenuous to me to tell me you're a fan when you haven't purchased any of my products.
 
This is a great topic. I know I appreciate everyone, and of course, the designers taking the time to tell us their thoughts.
 
junebug said:
scrapping for yourself is good. i recently left one of my cts cause i feel lately like i just want to do it more when i want to instead of 'oh i have to whip this up for the ct'. my mojo has been strained lately. i feel better now that i'm only on 2.
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so good for you for stepping down, corey.

this doesn't really have anything to do with the op, but i just wanted to comment, that when someone is just cranking out pages cuz they "have to" or staying on a ct because they feel bad quitting or something, they are not in any way doing the designer a favor by not stepping down. I would always choose someone who is super excited about my stuff WAY over some super amazing scrapper that doesn't even really care for my designs or feel inspired by my product anymore.

if you aren't really feeling it on a team, then we would rather you step down than for you to stay around flaking on us or just scrapping in a rush to keep your spot...

ok i tried to make that as short as i could peeps! (seriously i deleted like an entire paragraph! LOL)
 
I agree wholeheartedly with others who said to scrap for YOU.

I spent at least 2 years working for, then getting rejected from the Babe spot here. It was such a huge goal of mine, that I worked TOO hard to get it. I changed my style. I tried to scrap like other Babes. I tried to do what I thought it would take to get there, but only failed. Once I finally said to myself that I was done trying, that I was only going to scrap for myself and my family, I finally made pages that were worth something to me. And then I got the Babe spot I wanted right after that. :)

Scrap with things you like, from designers you like. It's ok to step out of the box, I do so occasionally, but if it is a chore or if you struggle, it takes all the fun out of scrapping. And scrapping is supposed to be fun!

I've been rejected loads of times, by lots of designers all around digiland. It's hard to be rejected. But it's even harder to be something you're not. Just scrap in your own style! Every one of us is unique, and it's what makes our pages special and outstanding to designers. Most designers I know don't only choose one certain type of scrapper, they want to market their products to all styles of scrappers! You'll love your pages more if you do what feels comfortable, it will be more fun, and you never know what might happen!
 
At the end of the day.. it really only comes down to one thing..you know?



whoever sends me the most chocolate in the mail.. :P
 
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