Monday, February 28, 2011

My Antique Typewriter is up for grabs!


Have a lovely day!

Vintage Item For Sale On Etsy

I will be posting my vintage typewriter for sale in etsy later today. Note that it is nonworking, so you may buy it for decor, parts, or simply buy it to repair it so that it can actually be used (I think it's only missing a spring). Lastly, it weighs a lot, so shipping will be a little more than usual.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Enough Depression! Time for new Shirt designs!

The show must go on. Even though several items were pulled from the shop, it's ok because I'm coming up with NEW ideas to replace them! Hurray!

Check out this sweet new design:

Also there are NEW paintings for sale on my Etsy! So check it out!!! :D

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A Sad Day for Dangerous Things

EDIT: So apparently I was in violation of Nintendo's copyrights. Until further notice the "Game Boy" and "Game Girl" products will not be carried in the shops. I would also just like to say that I am against people violating such laws, that I personally never had any intention of violating copyright laws, and that I will happily abide by them in order to successfully run my business. Basically, I would feel cheated too if someone was using my artwork for their own personal gain, so I understand that even though my artwork was distinct, it was still loosely based upon a known trademark, and that's what caused the problem.

So today I had 18 items pulled from my shop for supposed Copyright Infringement. This makes me really sad as I had no intention of violating any laws, and the shirts, etc. had been in the shop for almost a year with no outside action on anyone's part, so with the site's approval I was under the impression that I hadn't violated any laws.

I've sent an email to the site to get to the bottom of the situation, because I still kind of feel like I really didn't violate any laws, and I would like to know specifically which laws were violated so I can avoid problems in the future, or if I even really violated any copyright laws to begin with.

To be honest, it seems like a situation where someone got a little carried away with reporting people and just ran rampant through my account. It really is rather upsetting.

February is Halfway over~

We just said good bye to Valentine's Day on Monday, but with the weather slowly warming up more holidays are headed our way.

There are new shirts available at Dangerous Things for St. Patrick's Day! And I'm preparing some cool designs for Easter!

And hopefully tax season will be good to me and I can use my tax refund to put even more cool stuff in the shop, including reasonably priced jewelry, phone charms, and more!

Anyway, Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

P.S. The Valentine's Paintings are still for sale! Get them while they're available!

Monday, February 7, 2011

MOAR NEW ETSY SWAG TO COME

In case you didn't already notice, there is another painting for sale, and I will soon have at least 2 more different paintings available.
Here is the new one that was posted yesterday (I think)

So there might be EVEN MORE new stuff in my Etsy after my tax return comes!!! :D I'm so excited I could just smash something, but I won't. Instead, I'll post a few pics of some things that I may make into charms, make some pasta for lunch, and if you'd like to see some of my art that I haven't already decided to make into a charm, let me know! :D

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Esty Shop NOW OPEN

With one item now for sale, the potato-sensei Etsy shop is now officially open!



So you can now purchase this one of a kind original painting by me! Also, the link to the shop will now be on the left with all the other shops! Wish me luck and have a nice day! :D

Friday, February 4, 2011

New Art & New Items in the Shop

She's now available on shirts in the Spreadshirt shop, and will soon be available on prints and shirts on Zazzle. :)

New Shirts Available at Dangerous Things on Spreadshirt!

These are some of the newer designs available on Spreadshirt. Some of which, are limited to this shop! Most are available in at least 12 colors as well!



About the Shops You see on the left

What is Dangerous Things?
Well it used to be a small cafe press shop that made no money under the name "I <3 potato". Now it's at least 3 shops that specialize in certain things.

Why the name change?
HA, apparently people who don't know me don't get my sense of humor, and thus the handle I'd gone by on the internet for years didn't make sense to them. A lot of them couldn't even pronounce it. Also, with next to nothing in the shop that had to do with actual potatoes, this was also highly confusing to people. Had I kept the name, the explanation now would have to be that it's all artwork by "potato-sensei" (me), but the shop had gradually grown out of that name and needed it's own name since it was it's own entity not entirely related to my art.

The first real Dangerous Things was actually called Dangerous II at first. It was a sister shop I built to go with the Cafe Press shop. The reasons I switched over to Zazzle and sort of abandoned my first shop child are as such:

  • It was easier to upload art and make a bunch of things as once
  • It was more community oriented
  • I could make unlimited amounts of anything I wanted
  • They're constantly coming out with new products to print things on
  • And finally, I made more money in the first month at Zazzle than in the 3 years I had a Cafe Press Account
So the Zazzle shop became Dangerous Things, and it's almost at it's one year anniversary! In the past year it's blossomed so much, and I'm really excited to see where it goes this year!

What's with the Facebook page?
It was discovered a couple of weeks ago that more people log into facebook than they do google. Amazing right? The site is great for networking, and one of the apps allows me to have the shop right there on the Facebook page! So you can shop right from facebook, and even share the page with your friends. Also, it's official, and run by me, so you don't have to worry about it being a spambot out for your social security number.

What is Potato Print Shop?
I created a print shop separate from my other shop accounts because I do most of the work there. There was a huge misunderstanding with some people regarding royalties, and in order to avoid confusion, and actually create less math for me in the long run, I simply run the print shop with a current standing royalty of about 50% (meaning, for every piece sold, 50% of the money goes directly to me). I can raise or lower this on any print at any time depending on the amount of labor I put into it.

On a more light, less math oriented note, the shop is there so all my prints are in one spot rather than pushed to the back of a shop with other items that are more popular.

What is Dangerous Things on Spreadshirt? Why do you need more than one shop?
To be honest, this shop is in it's experimental stage. If I had to say there were things I like about it, it'd be that they have some other more flattering and modern cuts and colors of t-shirts. Also, I have the opporunity to print larger on these shirts so the prints are actually different than the ones in the original shop, and actually there are a few designs made especially for that shop.

What is Potato Paint Shop?
It's my shop on Etsy where you can find one of a kind pieces and handmade items.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

FAQ

Things you should know about my prints and products:
 
Shipping: How long does it take?
You’ll receive your order fast. Really fast. Most custom products are on their way in 24 hours or less. With Express Mail, you can even receive them in 1-2 days!
 
What if I don’t like it?
The Zazzle Promise: If you don’t love it, we’ll take it back. If you are not 100% satisfied, you can return it for a replacement or refund within 30 days of receipt.
 
Can I order just one? Do I save if I want more?
There are NO minimums. You can order just one of anything. Even better, automatic volume discounts start at just 2 items for most product lines. And, you don’t even have to buy the same design (e.g. two different t-shirts, two different cards)!
 
What is the quality like?
We take pride in every single product we make here at Zazzle. We believe it should be as good or better than what you could ever find in a store.
 
How long does it take to get products?
Our proprietary technology lets us take your idea and make it into a real product - often that very same day you order it. We aim to make every product in 24 hours. We’re the only ones who can do it that fast, and we do it all day, everyday.
 
How much do you earn in royalties?
I earn a royalty of 20% on any products that are not prints or posters, and 50% or more on prints and posters.
 
Why do you only earn a royalty of only 20-50%? Why aren’t you making 100% of the money?
Because, obviously, not all the work is done by me. T-shirts, shoes, mugs, prints, etc., are all manufactured/sewn/printed by other people. I make money because my designs and artwork are on them. Bottom line: Supplies ARE NOT FREE, and a portion of the money you spend on a product not only pays me for my time and labor designing it, but also to the people who produce the shoes, inks, papers, ceramics, and fabrics that go into my products.
 
Why are your prices so high? I can buy a t-shirt for $10 at Target.
They actually aren’t that high, and can be compared to prices in stores like Hot Topic, Torrid, or Limited Too. Plus, the reason prices are so low at places like Target is because they purchase their products in bulk. You can purchase products in bulk as well (they don’t even have to be the same design) and start saving!
 
Will you give me gift art?
If I choose to give you gift art, I shall do so. But I do not respond to begging. And if I give art to someone else, that’s between me and that person, and is NOT licensed for you to use.
 
Do you take suggestions, or do custom work?
Yes, and yes. However custom work costs more, and will be priced upon consultation.
 
Will you design my tattoo? Will you do it for free?
Tattoo designs are not free. Prices on designs will be discussed with the commissioner on a case by case basis. Normally, they will run $25 or more.
 
Please feel free to ask any questions that were not addressed here.

Dangerous Things Official Blog

So I figured since things are kind of taking off with the shop (I should say shops) that I should set up an official blog with FAQs and such.

I will be updating with current art projects, sales in the shop, new shop openings (such as on Etsy or eBay), etc.

Sometimes I will post Q&A forums for you guys to send me ideas for things you'd like to see, and maybe even some contests with free prizes involved!

Prizes may include original artwork, prints, or other stuff from the shop such as t-shirts or tote bags.

Anyway, wish me luck with this :)