Up Close and Personal: DT Style

Today I want to write about something that is near or dear to my heart. It has brought me ulcers, stomachaches, frustration, joy, pride, disbelief, jealousy, anger, and more. It's the DT/publication process.

A bit of background about me: I have scrapped for almost 10 years, but I didn't find the online scrapping community until a bit over a year ago. Having been a scrapbooking junkie for some time, once I found out there was a way to get scrapbook supplies for free, I was sold! As I got to know more people on message boards, I also wanted to join teams where I could get to know these great people who shared my crazy hobby a bit better.

So I began trying--submitting nearly every layout I made for publication, applying to so many design teams I've completely lost count, stalking the Two Peas Pub board for tips and encouragement. And for a long time, I didn't really get anything--I had some guest design gigs and features here and there, but nothing that seemed proportionate to what I was putting in.

I was frustrated. And upset. And jealous at the same names that seemed to pop up everywhere. And then one day, I realized I couldn't go on that way, so I emotionally pulled back a bit from the process. I took submitting breaks. I only applied for teams that REALLY seemed like a good fit.

Then, a few months later, I got some good news. While my new teams were announced in piecemeal on my blog, I found out about all four within a two week period. It was surreal, and still is.

So while I don't feel that qualified to be writing this post, I love encouraging people. So here are my tips for publication/DT success, while maintaining your sanity and general good nature.

1. Wear the Right Headgear

I see myself as having two "hats" with scrapbooking--the "artist" hat that focuses on creating the most true-t0-myself project, and the "marketer" hat that worries about presenting said project in the best light. The marketer hat looks for a great photo--bright, cropped closely, and clear (believe me, I learned this the hard way--it took a comment from a magazine editor and lots of Studio Calico ladies' suggestion to change the way I photographed my layouts, but it was WELL worth it). Once you have a great photo, get it out there, on your blog, message board galleries, etc. People can't find you if your work isn't out there!

2. Join the community

Breaking into the scrapbook industry is like moving to a new neighborhood--you have to hit up block parties and community gatherings to meet people! Online communities, from message boards to blogs, are often very welcoming of new faces, and these relationships can lead to connections later on (not that you should be friendly just to get something out of people, but that genuine friendships can then lead to idea-sharing and opportunity in general).

3. Don't take it personally

Rejections hurt, period. And this is even moreso in scrapbooking, when the product being rejected is something you created with your own hands, with pictures of your family. It can really sting. But the truth is that most companies have more talent than they have space for--too many talented potential team members, too many amazing pages. So, the fact that you didn't get chosen doesn't mean you weren't good enough! It may mean the company is looking for someone with more of an online presence, or to provide personal diversity, or because their customers have expressed interest in a certain style. Again: it doesn't mean you aren't good enough.

And that's all for now--Part II is coming in a second post:)

In the meantime, I'd love to hear YOUR point of view on this topic!

And before I go, a winner for the Ella giveaway:

Stephanie Baxter!

Congrats Stephanie! Email me at keshet.shenkar@gmail.com and I'll get you sorted out!