Hello fellow artists and newbies!
 
Today I would like to announce the beginning of a new service for any and all GCU card artists.
Like many of us, I find it hard to be clear about how my own cards look.  Fortunately I have a  
couple of people to advise me, but sometimes I think they are just being nice.  I rather face the
truth and correct any issues than be told it's fine work when it's lacking.  
 
Recently, I have really cracked down on myself and I think my new cards show it.  I have also gone
back and spruced up some of the earlier ones, too.  It feels good and I recommend it highly.
 
But, if you don't have the time or the inclination, and are like me, want the real, but gently put truth,
then my service is for you.  First, I should say that I have a lifetime of professional and otherwise  
background in art, as a teacher to both children and seniors, and as a student of classical and modern art as well.  There are a  few styles I just don't like, and if you do that, I'll refuse to critique your work
because I may not be objective enough and I will tell you why.  
 
But, if you want my service, it will cost only $3.00 per card or 3 cards for $8.00.  I will not do more than three cards for any artist in one month period.  That's it.  
 
We will use Paypal for all payments upfront, and you can email me with your cards atttached.
 
Thank you for your consideration.
 
 
Bright

Thanks, Lisa!
 
Bright

WOW I'm kind of taken aback by this. I'm with Lisa. why would anyone pay $3.00 a card ... we sell them for $2.79 ... to have a card critiqued by a fellow artist, for money?? I personally think this kind of solicitation on our forum should not be allowed! We have so, so many wonderful fellow artists who will gladly have a look at a card or cards in your card shop and give you an honest opinion ... FREE OF CHARGE! I also agree with Lisa on leaving the critiquing to our most qualified reviewers!
 
Sorry Mary. Don't mean to step on your enterprise, but I do not agree with it.

Quote from Mary__137064 on Mar 19^th, 2010, 9:34pm:

 
 
its
(see common confusion between its and it's)

Thanks for the correction, Joan!  This is why I am not going to edit text, I will only critique images and lightly go over the meaning of the text.  I am not an English major and don't pretend to be one and I am not trying to put GCU readers out of a job.  They are too precious to us all!
 
I have put together a set of eight points to consider when I do the card image critique and twenty talking points within those eight.  A quick overview of the text would be included as to how it relates to the image. A service like this would go for $50 and more in the real world.
 
 
Bright

With respect, what qualifies you to critique the cards of others, let alone ask $3 for doing so?
 
May we see your monthly sales figures? Surely a reasonable request if we are expected to invest our $ into what is basically your opinion and self proclaimed expertese.
 
What is to say that your suggestions are any better than a design shown to you by a talented artist who is merely unconfident and has a marketing problem?  
 
Why would your paid for service prove more useful than the free opinion of those already proven on here, many of whom I am sure are more than happy to offer objectivity when asked to honestly do so.
 
Now, I'm no card designer, nor do I aspire to be, but look around. Natural talent, common sense, hard work and dedication are the key to success and card sales inevitably sort the wheat from the chaff, cruel as that may sound, it is true.  
 
A large proportion on here are in the same boat, hoping for higher sales. Surely there is enough success and talent available to help one another without ego's being so large as to expect payment for showing support to those less experienced. Or has everyone forgotten how they started?
 
I really doubt it is what you intended, but what you are suggesting, smacks of exploiting the naive and inexperienced who are desperate for their first sales. I really don't see how giving you $8 a month to review 3 cards is going to help, what about the other 1000's of cards they will have to submit in order to stand any chance of making a living? You are inadvertantly asking people to give you money for hope.
 
This may be a controversial opinion, but I thought these forums were to support one another whilst making money from card sales, not making money out of fellow artists, the struggling ones at that.
 
Lastly, being a teacher doesn't automatically mean you are right or in a position to judge the work of others who are not bound by the constraints and pre-concieved ideals of your classroom, let alone charge for doing so.  
 
But then, that's all just my opinion. My wife though, who does relatively well on GCU/Zazzle and Red Bubble had a pretty negative reaction to your suggestion and I'd wager she is not alone. You have come across as rather opportunistic and condescending in a community that is generally a more supportive and encouraging environment.