Instagram - to Follow or Not to Follow

Since I started using Instagram for marketing purposes, I've become obsessed with follower numbers. Only because I know it "means" something in the biz world. It's not that I care how many eyeballs are watching my every post. Believe me.

Being somewhat of a newbie, I thought when someone decides they want to follow you, they do, without much thought. But no. I've seen my followers grow, and then deflate within 24 hours, seemingly because I didn't follow each and everyone back. Sigh* Really? I don't have the time or the inclination to follow the numbers so closely. And yet I do. I'd say about 50% of the people doing the following, have no interest in following based out of sheer interest in what you're posting.

Recent advice I've received, is to follow every single person who follows me, if I want to move from having a hobby to having a business. Ex-squeeze Me?! But what if I don't want that sexily posed female follower, who only has 8 posts, revealing more skin than a stripper on the beach. Although she has 150k followers. I just couldn't do it. I don't want to file through my feed multiple times daily, only to have to go past the junk, i'm not into seeing. So I plugged along, frustrated in the slow process of gaining followers.

Until 2 days ago...I gave in. I started following each and every person, no matter what they offered visually. Well, that didn't last. I just didn't feel good about it. So I proceeded to unfollow about 20 IGers, who did not connect with what I'm in to. The result is that I started following more people I find exciting in their vision, their voice, or their talent. My numbers are growing, and it feels good. Clean.

So if you're ok with following everyone under the sun, go for it. But if you want to be able to scroll down your feed and feel inspired with each genuine post, then be selective, and don't play in to the follow game.

Enjoy the day! I'm ready to start a new painting i'm donating for an auction, shop for new jewelry chains, and try to work on some new designs. Oh, and if time, exercise.

~ Vanessa

Not Enough Time in a Day

Do you ever feel like you just don't have enough time in the day, to accomplish all of your creative pursuits? On top of all the "must do things" a household with kids requires. Don't get me started. But, when simply sneezing, eating, or having to go to the bathroom, make you feel frustrated with how it's taking precious time out of your day, when you could be making something, then you are a person with many ideas! Or chores. Either way, I'm feeling like that lately. I have so many crafty artistic pursuits I want to get to, as well as trying to market my Etsy store, that sometimes I have to take a breath, and just let it go. I can't do all 10 things on my list for the day. Once I resign to getting one thing done, or 2, I'm much more relaxed about the day. Not that I like it, but what else can you do? Clone yourself? Oh, that would be so great!!

So when you feel your head is about to explode, take a step back, and breath. Set out to get to 1 or 2 things on your list, and go from there. Take care of yourself. All week I meant to exercise, but that time seemed too valuable, so I skipped it, and now feel nice and sore, from lack of exercise. So do as I say and not as do.

Take care, my creative people! You're worth it.

Pattern by Etsy, Let's See What You can Do!

Well, following an email I just opened this morning from Etsy about the improvements they've made to Pattern, a website that connects to Etsy stores, I decided to take the plunge with their 30 day free trial offer. It's too easy to pass up the chance. Shopify is another option, but with only a 14 day, so called "free trial" which doesn't let you check out of the cart until you sign up for a payment plan, what?! This seems like a no-brainer. I still have only entered in 3 products for the shopify site.

Here's the link to the Pattern site:
Vanpinni Designs on Pattern by Etsy

And here is the Shopify link:
https://vanpinni-designs.myshopify.com

What do you think? Articles say that you don't have enough freedom with making the store your own with Pattern, but from what I see, it's all I need. Right now, it's enough for me just to focus on new products and getting the word out on my products, which is a full-time job right there.

Now to buy a domain name...

Enjoy the day!

New Jewelry Added to Vanpinni Designs

I recently stopped just looking at my small box of jewelry supplies, accumulated from the past 10 years or so. Nope, now I was going to open that baby up and see what I can put together. Etsy and Instagram are exposing me to such creative makers out there, that it's definitely rubbing off. There just isn't enough free hours in the day to create as much as I would like to. If you have a second, please take a look and let me know what you think. Have a great day!

* update as of March 30, 2017: This blue iris beaded 2 tier necklace sold on Etsy, for $25. It's my first jewelry piece to sell. I'm very excited to try some more designs, and to continue learning the ins and outs of this whole selling online thing.

Vanpinni Designs on Etsy

How did it get to be 2017 already?

After a few years of not contributing to this blog, (I even forgot I had it!) I'm reconnected to it now via my Zazzle website, which has been ignored for far too long.  Hopefully this can be the start to shaping something along with my starting an Etsy.com store again. www.etsy.com/shop/vanpinnidesigns

When You're Not Paying Attention, Things Happen

Imagine that, over 3 months of time has passed since I last thanked a Zazzle customer of mine, for purchasing one of my products. Within those 3 months, I can't remember getting an email alert saying that I've made 4 sales. And it's doubly surprising, to see that one or 2 sales are of products, I thought may never get sold.

I really should put more time and effort into Zazzle. Even though we're into March finally, this year's resolution will be to work on designing more products to sell in my store. Time flies by way too quickly.

This Week's Top 5 Zazzle Stores

Boy, Zazzle has come up with some inspiring products in the last 2 years. Here are my Top 5 Zazzle pics for beautiful products:

1. SjasisDesignSpace

Teal Abstract Design Watch by SjasisDesignSpace
Check out more Timepiece Watches at Zazzle

2. PhoneStyle

Modern aztec chevron wood custom iPhone 5s 5 case Cover For iPhone 5 by PhoneStyle
Shop for other covers for the iPhone 5S at zazzle.com

3. Origamiprints
 

Custom Photo Birthday Dots Gift Wrap - Blue by origamiprints
Look at more Cute Wrapping Paper at zazzle

4. KaleenaRae

Teal and Pink Floral Chore Chart Dry Erase Whiteboards by KaleenaRae
Find additional Dry Erase Whiteboards at Zazzle

5. PartyMonster

Romantic RAWR T-rex Dinosaur Post Card by partymonster
Create unique personalized photo postcards at zazzle.com