Congrats, Diana! I'll be contacting you shortly. Your set of gocco note cards will be on the way soon!
As for the rest of you, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to leave me comments about how I could improve my blog/ greeting card business. And for that, you get a big hand from me!
You guys have such friggin' good feedback for me, that I actually printed out all of the comments (3 pages worth!), studied them extensively and highlighted all the key points, in the hope that some day when I get myself organized enough, I'll try to tackle the list and implement them!
And in case it'll take me longer than expected to get my act together (very likely), here's a recap of your suggestions/my response in a Q&A format:
Q: Have you thought about expanding your greeting line to holiday/ other occasions? How about custom stationery?
A: Of course! I'm currently brainstorming on this upcoming holiday season, think I'll explore both the "Simple Life" (on excessiveness around holidays) line and of course the beloved "Real Corgis Speak Welsh line" :)
My problem is I never plan ahead enough, so I'll usually think of making a Mother's Day card the Friday before Mother's Day. OK, we'll start next year, what a great New Year Resolution, thanks!
Oh, and I already do custom stationery! I guess I haven't really advertised it. I'm currently designing the wedding invite for a friend, and has done other stuff like this letterpressed baby announcement and this cherry blossom themed wedding. Feel free to contact me through this blog to discuss any custom order! I don't bite, really :)
Q: We'd like to see more corgi stuff! A giganto corgi print? Or an artsy monochromatic one?
"Dw'in hoffi darllen" means "I love reading". Thought preppy Bryson can use his celebrity status to A: Great questions! Well, I've actually just gocco-printed another Real Corgis Speak Welsh card (here's a sneak preview) -->
And seriously, thanks for your suggestions for using other media. I definitely think it's a feasible idea to work with his photos (I've got tens of thousands of them anyway), I'll probably have to think about either finding a good offset printer, or invest in a decent archival pigment ink printer, or any other cost-effective way of outputting them (suggestions?).
Q: How about a "green" line?
A: Excellent question from my 5 month-old niece and 2 year-old nephew, Mia and Brady! They've obviously seen An Inconvenient Truth already. Impressive!
Actually, my kraft envelopes are made of 100% recycled material, I just never thought to mention it. Which in hindsight is pretty silly, since obviously even babies and toddlers realize the importance of being environmentally friendly. The cardstock I use is also "tree-free"- they're 100% cotton. I even found this clear cello bag that's biodegradable.
I whole-heartedly support the idea that I should dedicate a line to green materials, and use them as often as possible in my other products (and probably include some kind of description on the back of my cards regarding their green nature). Mia and Brady- I owe you a popcicle next time I see you!
Q: How about selling in other outlets/ a nearby bookstore?
A: Thanks so much, Pegasus Girl, for suggesting that I send my cards to your store! Pegasus (and Pendragon) is one of the last remaining independent bookstores in Berkeley. They carry a lot of interesting indie stuff you won't find at Barnes and Noble. I'll be sending samples in for consideration (*fingers crossed*).
And thx to others who've suggested other outlets and ways to promote my store. I guess I might have gotten a little ahead of myself... Before I start pushing my product, I think I need to sit down (with myself) and write down what my goal really is (e.g. not an evil empire), and find out where my productivity level is/could be at. A first step to boost productivity is probably to get Bryson started licking stamps and envelopes (drool is an asset he can boast).
Q: Could you make your Flickr badge bigger?
A: I would if I know how! I've been trying without success (actually, I succeeded in making the frame bigger but not the photos. Duh). If anyone know how, please share!
