support for artists

[gp1628]

I recommend services on the net. And there are PoD services I recommend for different things. But something Ive seen is a split between the support for the witty one-liners vs support or the artists. I think that the witty stuff is well supported.

For painters, photographers, fractal generators, modelers, etc. I would like to recommend this list. Some of which might be here, some might have already been suggested, and some would offer a great base for the witty stuff also. Mainly Im grouping them under "a way to get more artists".

A) posters
B) calendars
C) greeting cards
D) wrapping paper
E) large cloth (sheets, table cloths, banners, flags, togas)
F) jigsaw puzzles
G) ties
H) window clings
I) ornaments
J) paper plates and napkins
K) hand fans (cardboard on a stick like you get at a fair)
L) bookmarks
M) gift boxes

N) multiple tile sets which would need a program designed which would take an image and create multiple images which slightly overlap to allow for the bleeding edge. It would make it easy to allow someone to create a large wall tiling set from a design.

Gandalf Parker

[Zabrina]

Those are fabulous, Gandalf.

I would like to add three:
Plastic Dish sets for children/babies/toddlers
Ceramic Dining sets.
Toss Pillows, without the black border.

[azspiritsong]

Great ideas, Gandalf!!! I am all for supporting the places for the artists, as well as for those who do mostly text designs. I believe there is a huge market for both, and artists will follow the "magnet" to places that allow the most products condusive to artistic expression.

I would also like to add:

Table cloths & napkins (matching)
Table runners
Framed Prints (on acid-free papers)
Stationary
"Assorted" greeting card package
(Provide a way to print/sell assortment packages. Many people keep these assortments on hand at the office, as well as at home, in case they need a birthday card, get well card, congratulations, sympathy, wedding, anniversary, new baby, etc. But, they shy away from buying a whole package of any one of these kinds of cards, especially when they are all the same design.)

Just wanted to add a couple of little things that I thought of, in case others are interested in these, too. But, Gandalf, your list hit the nail on the head! Thanks again!

Mare

[jimsz]

The list is great but many items are simply impractical for a POD business.

How much is someone really going to pay for a tablecloth and napkins? (not even counting the specialized equipment that is needed to produce the items). The ink usage along on a table cloth would put it out of reach just for consumables.

Posters I would love seeing here just to be able to offer them but those can be obtained in countless places.

Wrapping paper, same problem as tableclothes. Realistically how much is someone going to pay. If a poster is being sold for $20 and up, wrapping paper won't be much if any less. The technology that makes one of items possible comes at a high cost for equipment and consumables.

[Heuerproductions]

Would be great, atleast we'd have something to start with for 2007, something new.
Inspiration is awesome when it goes with a new product.

[azspiritsong]

Hi Jimsz,

When I mentioned Table Cloths & Napkins, I was not intending for it to have a repeating design printed all over it. That would definitely be totally out of the question. I was thinking about designs on all four corners, something no larger than the size of a T-shirt design (probably smaller, like maybe a 12in x 12in) , and the same for napkins... a small matching design (5in x 5in) on one corner only. Would this particular idea be so terribly expensive? I have no idea about ink costs or amounts needed, but it would probably be on light colors, so it surely shouldn't be as expensive as printing on dark colors, would it? It was just a thought, because as a youngster I learned how to stencil table cloths and napkins, and it made some attractive products for gifts, etc. Just my thoughts...

Mare

[jimsz]

Hi Jimsz,

When I mentioned Table Cloths & Napkins, I was not intending for it to have a repeating design printed all over it. That would definitely be totally out of the question. I was thinking about designs on all four corners, something no larger than the size of a T-shirt design (probably smaller, like maybe a 12in x 12in) ,




That's an interesting idea. I wonder is the same equipment could be easily used?

[Sheila]

I really like Mare's idea, if it could be done :)
No doubt as future additions to the product range are rolled out we'll all be impressed, whatever those products happen to be. PF's policy seems to be to ensure the quality is there & the possibilities fulfilled before saying yes. Now doesn't that warm your heart :D

[PF_Casey]

We like to go slow and make sure everything is in line before rolling out new things. Steady controlled growth will be better in the long run. Even with no new products we are growing at break-neck speed.

That said, I am going to our industry's best trade show (ISS Long Beach (http://www.issshows.com/issshows/1237/index.jsp)) this weekend and will be evaluating lots of new products and technologies. I'll be posting about my trip on our blog next week! We are working hard, in fact 7 days per week, to bring you as much new stuff as we can, as fast as possible!

[Sheila]

We all sound impatient because we're enjoying PF so much Casey! I for one very much appreciate the approach you guys are taking :)

I hope you take an occasional 5 minutes to catnap at your desks though :D Enjoy the trade show - can't wait to read the blog!

[SassyBites]

One of the things that impresses me about Printfection is the fact that the hardware and software takes precedence over adding new products. If the store keepers can't create and the shoppers can't shop, it doesn't matter how many products we have. It's a real joy to work on my stores and not be met with constant problems. Thank you PF! Casey, have a great time at the trade show! Can't wait to hear about it. :)