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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

What's next?

Well, I'm not surprised to announce that I didn't get selected as a Memory Makers Master...I so totally did not deserve it. I've read a few comments from not only winners but also from the also-rans like myself, and I cannot believe the heart and soul and prayers and tears that were tied to this contest. I honestly did not put that much of myself into it. I'm not sure I ever could, so this may not be my path at all.

I actually was on a design team for a local scrapbook store with one of the winners. I did not know that she had entered, but I can see exactly what kind of competition I faced knowing how she scraps. I've seen her work on a page for two weeks until it was just perfect. I've seen her completely redo a page. She is a total perfectionist. She really does pay attention to the details, letting the elements tell the story. When we worked together, we were recognized for that...for her telling the story through elements, and for me telling the story through words. I'm sure you can still see her layouts, along with mine, at Gotta Scrap in Rockwall.

My style is much more casual and throw-it-together...pretty sure it's not what MM was looking for. I also have a hang-up with cost-efficiency, which my friend does NOT have. I think I've easily seen her do $25-30 pages. The business person in me wants the upsell, but I don't want to scare off the customers either, especially since many of MY customers are on the "frugal" side (for lack of a better word).

Of course, digital allows me so much more flexibility...being able to add all that stuff without extra costs (more or less), but then I worry my LifeTimez users will complain that it's too messy or difficult and takes too much time. I guess I just need to get over that side of me and just really create something I love. Just put myself in a different mind set. The get-published one.

So, I hope you guys will forgive me if you find my future layouts a little on "difficult" side. I'm headed in a new direction.

7 comments:

RealRach said...

Don't let other peoples style dictate yours, please. And so this wasn't your "time". You can't win if you don't submit...so keep doing it. It will happen.
Work from the heart and it will be what it will be.

Krystal Hartley said...

You're exactly right, Rach! The problem is, I've been letting my TLC job dictate my style for 4 years. The few times I've tried to get more creative and elaborate, I received way too many "I can't do that" comments from my customers, and they would just end up walking away. So, I would go back to easy to scraplift styles. The wallet ordered me around a lot, too. But I'm done with that phase of my life. So, I'm excited to see what happens when I just follow my groove.

RealRach said...

So, "How Krystal got her groove back"...coming to a blog near you!

Anonymous said...

I have no doubt about seeing your name up in lights soon! You inspire me!

Unknown said...

I look forward to seeing where your style goes. One thing I will say is that I love the focus on the journalling and think that is missing from current publications. I hope you don't lose that in order to be more "publishable" : )

Jan said...

You're pages are totally awesome. You don't need a magazine to give you approval... we all love your work! As long as you love what you're doing, that's what is important.

Anonymous said...

You don't realize how many others you inspire. But your influence is huge. Just keep doing what you do and you'll get what you are reaching for.