Woohoo! I have *finally* completed the total overhaul of Jadefrolics.com, including the design of this blog and a brand-spanking new shop! I wasn’t happy with the old layout (as usually happens every 6 months or so…) and felt that something more colorful would better reflect my illustrations. I have also been getting everything geared up for a true business, and decided to focus energy on getting all of that ready/branding/creating new products before focusing on further promotion. Here’s what I’ve been up to:
Epson Expression 10000XL
I’ve had to purchase some equipment which was been super helpful in getting things moving. As I mentioned a few ages ago, I bought an Epson R2880, which has continued to live up to its amazingness in every way. I highly recommend this printer for any artists wanting to create super professional prints. I also acquired a refurbished Epson Expression 10000XL, which is the main scanner at SCAD and definitely worth the ridiculous price (refurbed, anyway!). No more scanning artwork in three pieces! More than that, though, the colors on the Expression are incredibly accurate and rich– a must when selling prints.
Button Machine = Awesome!
Since shop jadefrolics is going to feature a lot more than prints, I needed some equipment to begin making products on demand. This included a 1.5″ Tecre button machine, a 2.25″ Tecre button machine, and a professional laminator for the shape magnets and bookmarks. I freakin’ love the button machines! They can create buttons, keychains, magnets, mirrors, jewelry, and more all with the same machine. A button machine is a good investment even for an illustrator who just wants to promote themselves. Passing out free buttons when discussing your work with random guys at the grocery store will probably make you appear much cooler than giving out a plain ol’ business card.
Here’s a small sampling of the sort of things these babies have been pooping out….
The most painstakingly consuming challenge has been developing shop jadefrolics, though. Learning an entirely new coding system to work with the shopping cart I finally chose was tough, but I am hoping to reach a wider audience than with Etsy alone. It will require a ton of promotion (including some neat-o giveaways and *official* launching fun soon… stay tuned!) and I will provide many updates on the progress for anyone else looking to complement their Etsy shop.
Phew! I think that is enough for one night. I’ll probably post some more in-depth reviews of the equipment in the coming weeks, if anyone isn’t asleep yet!
HOLY CRIZNAP, JADE! The website redesign looks amazing! I especially like the look of the shop. Extremely professional…I’m even a bit jealous. ;)
Congrats on the purchase of the Epson scanner. I wish I could have afforded an Expression, but there was no way. Though to answer your question about my V700, it seems to have just as good scan quality as the Expressions, only a smaller scan area. It should be great for attaining print-quality scans (once I get around to setting up a shop for prints). And speaking of, love the new merchandise! Especially the mirrors and key-chains. I think those will be big sellers.
Anna,
Thanks!! I’m glad you like redesign :) I was getting to that point where I didn’t want to post any new artwork because I didn’t like the site they were on… so I took a break to redo it all. If you’re ever preparing to make a shop, let me know because I’ve done a lot of research about shopping carts and would be happy to share whatever info I have. I think Etsy is a lot easier to start out, you have the whole community with you and all, but there are lots of options!
The V700 seems like a really awesome scanner– and you’re right, with the photomerge tool in Photoshop it’s not a big hassle to merge images together.
Your work is looking so amazing lately (not that it wasn’t always great!) You have such a wonderful way of giving a strong impact with your concepts and minimal color. I was so happy to hear (albeit belatedly, hehe) about your book deal!!!!