GCU Forum - Declined, declined, declined

Doreen_137017

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 5273

Re: Declined, declined, declined
Reply #15 - Dec 4^th, 2012, 4:56pm

Quote from Kimberly_205113 on Dec 4^th, 2012, 4:33pm:

That makes a lot of sense, and I have to admit that most of the photos cards I submitted had been manipulated somewhat... maybe if I resubmit them without the effects and enhancements... all I can do is try, right! Thanks again for all the input, I feel much better now.

Kimberly ... there is nothing wrong with effects and there are many wonderful images with effects on GCU. The problem lies with the technique used to create them. Learning how to be a digital artist to manipulate photographs takes years. When these filters and effects are applied with a heavy hand, they look unprofessional and won't be accepted in the professional world. I learned this mistake and shared my experience and tips in the article below. Those of us who have been creating in a digital environment for years can identify exactly what nifty Photoshop filer was used on an image and that is not a good thing Grin

So, it's unfair and incorrect for someone to make the statement and/or suggestion that you must stick to conventional methods or that GCU is against an artist thinking outside the box. Once again it's about quality and professionalism.

Just wanted to share what I've learned and believe me, I was where you are right now many years ago. The hardest part of the journey will be to learn how to be objective about your own work. I had to learn that just because I created it and just because my family likes it, doesn't mean it's marketable Grin

http://gcucommunity.com/2012/03/05/dash-of-inspiration-a-digital-artists-journey /

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Salon of Art:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/SalonOfArt

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Angela_151919

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 552

Re: Declined, declined, declined
Reply #16 - Dec 5^th, 2012, 12:38am

Hi Kimberly
May I suggest you take a look at Doreen's card store?
I'm sure it will help you understand the guidelines. I know it helped
me when I was struggling, and still does today!
Doreen is never judgemental, and any advice she gives is sensible and
useful. She's obviously worked very hard at her craft over the years and
I think it shows in her designs.
Good luck with your store, I'm sure you'll do well with it.

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Chez Inkflo:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/chezinkflo

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Kimberly_205113

GCU Newbies

Posts: 19

Re: Declined, declined, declined
Reply #17 - Dec 5^th, 2012, 9:55am

Angela, thanks, I will do that. I've been trying to browse some stores.

Quote from Angela_151919 on Dec 5^th, 2012, 12:38am:

Hi Kimberly
May I suggest you take a look at Doreen's card store?
I'm sure it will help you understand the guidelines. I know it helped
me when I was struggling, and still does today!
Doreen is never judgemental, and any advice she gives is sensible and
useful. She's obviously worked very hard at her craft over the years and
I think it shows in her designs.
Good luck with your store, I'm sure you'll do well with it.

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Kimsy's Whimsies:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/cardsbykim

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Pat_134551

Junior Member
artist

Posts: 71

Re: Declined, declined, declined
Reply #18 - Dec 13^th, 2012, 1:39am

Quote from Tracie_152843 on Dec 4^th, 2012, 12:54pm:

Don't let rejection discourage you. I wrote this blog post last year after having a card rejected. I went backt to the drawing board and I've sold several cards with my new and improved design Cheesy

http://photographytkdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/11/rejection-is-not-failure.html

Oh I love your statement "rejection is not failure", what a great thought to hold on to!
I do some photo cards, and yes, several of my favorites have been rejected in the gcu overhaul.
There were a couple rejected cards that I moved into my Private gallery, because they have sold in the past. Although its discouraging, I look at it that the reviewers are ticking off boxes in a checklist and I try not to take it personally.

Looks like you've gotten great feedback here, good luck with your future cards.

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JackStar Cards:
http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/jackstarcards

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Angela_134247

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 761

Re: Declined, declined, declined
Reply #19 - Dec 13^th, 2012, 6:23am

I am sorry you have been frustrated. If it makes you feel any better, I have been on GCU for four years and my sister and I have sold thousands of cards here. I still get up to 50 percent of cards submitted declined, and a huge percentage of our best sellers that were submitted before the crackdown would never be accepted now. If we create a card that I feel has commercial appeal in the state it is submitted, and it is declined here, I simply post it on Zazzle. That way, my time creating the card is not wasted. There are many cards I have seen in the store for sale that would not pass GCUs guidelines. So don't feel bad! This is simply what this company has chosen to do, and I respect their choice and don't take it personally.

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FairyGirl Cards:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/fairygirlcards

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Kimberly_205113

GCU Newbies

Posts: 19

Re: Declined, declined, declined
Reply #20 - Dec 13^th, 2012, 10:53am

Thanks for your kind words! I do feel better having read everyone's very helpful comments and advice. So... the private gallery thing. If I put cards in there, can people see them to buy them, then? Or is it only if I invite something specific? I don't really get that aspect, so if someone could explain I'd be grateful.

Quote from Angela_134247 on Dec 13^th, 2012, 6:23am:

I am sorry you have been frustrated. If it makes you feel any better, I have been on GCU for four years and my sister and I have sold thousands of cards here. I still get up to 50 percent of cards submitted declined, and a huge percentage of our best sellers that were submitted before the crackdown would never be accepted now. If we create a card that I feel has commercial appeal in the state it is submitted, and it is declined here, I simply post it on Zazzle. That way, my time creating the card is not wasted. There are many cards I have seen in the store for sale that would not pass GCUs guidelines. So don't feel bad! This is simply what this company has chosen to do, and I respect their choice and don't take it personally.

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Kimsy's Whimsies:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/cardsbykim

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Doreen_137017

Gold Member
artist

Posts: 5273

Re: Declined, declined, declined
Reply #21 - Dec 13^th, 2012, 10:58am

Quote from Kimberly_205113 on Dec 13^th, 2012, 10:53am:

Thanks for your kind words! I do feel better having read everyone's very helpful comments and advice. So... the private gallery thing. If I put cards in there, can people see them to buy them, then? Or is it only if I invite something specific? I don't really get that aspect, so if someone could explain I'd be grateful.

Quote from Angela_134247 on Dec 13^th, 2012, 6:23am:

I am sorry you have been frustrated. If it makes you feel any better, I have been on GCU for four years and my sister and I have sold thousands of cards here. I still get up to 50 percent of cards submitted declined, and a huge percentage of our best sellers that were submitted before the crackdown would never be accepted now. If we create a card that I feel has commercial appeal in the state it is submitted, and it is declined here, I simply post it on Zazzle. That way, my time creating the card is not wasted. There are many cards I have seen in the store for sale that would not pass GCUs guidelines. So don't feel bad! This is simply what this company has chosen to do, and I respect their choice and don't take it personally.

Hi Kimberly,

Private Gallery cards are typically used by us to create a custom request for a customer. Cards in the private gallery can be purchased by anyone ... BUT ... will not be found through searches in the GCU marketplace.

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Salon of Art:
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/SalonOfArt

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