Many of the teams on Etsy have a "critique" thread or five in their discussions. Whenever I've ventured into these, I've always come out of the other side feeling a bit bruised, I guess I'm a sensitive soul! But I do accept it and listen (read) hard. How about flipping it on its head? Pulling something more positive out of it.
How about we create a thread of "Shop Envy". Those Etsy shops that you're just that little bit jealous of. Why is it? Their sales? Designs? They currently make something that you would want to? Skill levels? Lighting and photography? What is it? Please share. My intention is for you all to look outside of the Devon team as well as in. Maybe we can help others make their shops better, but indirectly, rather than "your photos are rubbish and your policies don't make sense" (not something said to me, but viewed in another team).
I'll start;
PegandAwl: much as I'm unfashionable, I like their slightly hipster feel. They have a huge variety in products and techniques that are within my skill set, but they've just got on and done it. All of the photos gel together even though they don't use the same backdrop all of the time.
WholeCaboodleDesigns: One of ours. The whole shop has consistent lighting and photographs. It has a light and airy design feel, but still manages to project a homely image. The products are crisp and cohesive, if you were handed 2 pieces at different times, you would guess they were from the same shop. The "about" section is short and sweet (mines full of babble). And of course I'm envious of the amount of sales and reviews.
OakAndAwl: Everyday things that once you have, you couldn't do without. Simple ideas, well executed.
DownToTheWireDesigns: I have many jewellers that I watch, for obvious reasons., but this one stands out. Nicely put together items with a few themes, so it's not confusing. The arrangement of the shop is very simple and easy to find a complimentary item. I like his confidence in his own designs (and wish I had a hydraulic press to create some of that pattern sheet). The photographs are consistent again, and I have borrowed that style a little, but not as well. Again, a terrific amount of sales.
Over to you. Who's shop are you jealous of? Who's inspires you?
