Thursday, February 16, 2012

Outruled

Happy Thursday! I hope you had a great Valentine's Day! This week is my first anniversary of my blog--woo hoo!

The last couple of months, I've been thinking more about publications, challenges and my abilities. This is not an "I want reassurance" post...I just wanted to share my thoughts and what I've realized.

I wish I could say that being rejected and losing challenges isn't disappointing. I wish I could be a better card maker/stamper/designer. I wish I could say I didn't sometimes feel intimidated when I see other designers' blogs and how gorgeous their cards are. But I can't. I do feel disappointment, I often make hideous cards (which, hopefully, don't make it onto the blog), and I do feel discouraged at times at my lack of natural craftiness.

With all that said, I made a conscious decision to change my approach to submitting cards for publication and to cut back on the challenges. I thought about what I do well, what I like, what makes me different:
  • I'm never going to be a top stamper...technically, I cannot seem to do what other stampers do (even getting stamps straight on the card can be hard sometimes!). But, I have gotten more interested in digital stamps/brushes and digital elements. I'm by no means an expert, but I think I'm getting better at using them. I know a lot of card makers don't like the hybrid world, but I think I've found something that works well for me.
  • I like certain colors and patterns. I realized that I was using designs and colors I didn't like just to fit a challenge or a submission. While I really believe in trying new things, I want to make cards I love and will love to give. I hate being stuck with a card I can/will never use.
  • I love when I find products I haven't seen or haven't seen often. I'm finding that I'm having better luck at getting projects accepted when I use less common products. Of course, this goes back to my first point...my cards aren't going to be as great as DT folks for big companies who are also submitting, so using unusual products has helped me.

The bottom line is, I work hard enough at work....I don't want my hobby to become laborious, too. I want to make cards I like and can use, and I don't want to get overly frustrated in the process. I've found that I've become happier lately with these realizations about my card making...kind of like when I first started blogging.

With all that said, I wanted to share a card I made for the Paper Crafts Magazine's Stamp It! Cards call that was rejected:

Hello, Shopping!

I ran across the "OUTRULED" digital stamp and laughed for a little while over the images (there's a whole series). I asked my bloggy friend Glenda if the image was too outrageous for a publication submission (I didn't want to promote/make fun of violence, but I thought it could make a spunky card). She reminded me why not try it? Yes, why not try it? If it was accepted, that's awesome, but it wasn't, and that's okay, too...at least I tried.

My best friend helped me come up with the sentiment (she came up with some good "out with the old," break-up themed sentiments, too). I don't have a "hello, shopping" stamp, so I made the sentiment in Word. I also made the patterned paper in the background (the dots are stamped onto some paper from Print Candee). Like I said earlier in my post, the card turned out very "me," and even though it's a little out-there, I still love it. And while this card wasn't accepted, I did get some awesome happy mail from Susan Opel. Yeah!

Thanks for indulging me and letting me blather on (and if you didn't read all that, I totally understand!). I really appreciate everyone's support. It's been a great year of blogging!

Have a great day!

42 comments:

  1. I just got home from work and saw your post. I have a terrible migraine right now but had to comment on your post. I LOVE your cards Jocelyn! They are usually full of humor, full of color and sometimes both! :)

    I too feel the way you do about my cardmaking hobby. I'm so glad you shared your feelings because I can relate to them so much! Keep creating with whatever supplies you like, the way you like . . . because your producing fantastic cards! :)

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  2. I think you are a fun card maker...I very much enjoy what you have to offer and just have to say...Keep your head up, the magazine submissions for some reason become very stressful..because we want our cards to be the best...Just have fun and don't let them question if your cards are good enough because THEY TOTALLY ARE.

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  3. Jocelyn,
    Ok girl get a cup of coffee because this is going to be a long comment. LOL! I want you to know that regardless of getting picked up in magazines or winning a contest, you are one of my favorite designers by far. I love your style so please don't change! I know from experience that sometimes you can get down or compare yourself to others but if you learn to stop that this instant you will find great satisfaction in your hobby. I was recently on a DT and at first enjoyed it but the more time that passed, I grew to loath making cards for it. I found that with all of the restrictions, it was hard to create to my liking. I learned that I am not one who wants to conform to rules within my stress free hobby and am now DT free! I also started making cards just because and not for challenges. As for getting published, if you stick with trying, there is no way you won't get selected. I haven't been published yet either. From one crafter to another, you my friend are uber talented!!!! Don't forget that!
    Hugs,
    Brandi

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  4. First, congrats on your year of blogging. :) Second, I love your card - I think it's funny. :) And third, you are totally not alone in your discouragement. Be yourself... I think you are a great cardmaker!

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  5. LOVE you cards... Keep doing what makes you feel happy! This one IS very funny!!!
    Robin

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  6. I love this card so much that I'm a little envious that you thought of it. I wish I were that brilliant!! This is super duper fab!!! And congrats on the FB shout out by Paper Crafts Magazine!!

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  7. I love your card. I decided to just start submitting because really, you can't get anything accepted if you don't try.

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  8. Love, couldn't have said it better myself, and you have echoed a lot of my thoughts. I'm hooking up this post with my blog post tomorrow, I think there are some ladies who also will enjoy reading it! I am also following your blog now and waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

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  9. Hilarious and super cute card! This is a great post!

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  10. Your card is just hilarious...it really fits my sense of humour, and I love that black and pink colour combo. I'm glad you have a newfound relaxed attitude about your cardmaking; it definitely should be fun and not work!

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  11. I'm so glad you posted this. I've been having some of the same trepidations about my cards and layouts. It's good to know I am not alone. I was also coming to the same realizations as you were about making things I like and not for someone else. Good luck in all your crafty endeavors.

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  12. DITTO to everything you said. I got my first happy mail last week and I think I received it because I made a card that was truly me. NO more trying to fit my square peg into the round hole. That opened my eyes...and so did your post. I actually don't like using "tfs" but, seriously...thanks for sharing.

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  13. Thank you for this post. I was feeling down about rejection and you really put it into perspective for me.

    And I LOVE your card. It made me laugh out loud, and I'm usually a pretty quiet person!

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  14. Great post! I totally agree. If I don't feel the love, it shows in my projects. If you do what you love, you're golden. If someone ELSE loves it, BONUS! :)

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  15. I know what you are talking about. I also know you are very smart card maker. Keep doing what you feel like.

    Congrats on your first blogversary and being published.

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  16. So glad PC put the "shout out" about your post on FB!! It's soooo disappointing....all the rejection, when you really scratch your head and don't get it! Your post is so timely for me, as I went thru yet another big round of this, just this past week! I love your attitude...and it's true....you can't try to "fit" what they want....you need to be yourself....good to know that can still be published and not just the same 10 designers doing the "same old same old"!!! The key is doing what you love, and then loving what you do!! TFS!!!

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  17. Congrats on your one year of blogging and on your super duper cute card. I love it! Very original and creative.

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  18. And I thought I was the only one! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Sometimes I get stressed out making cards and then I realize that it is ridiculous. Crafting should be fun. Period. Once I get over myself, I get back to having fun again. Congrats on making it one year!

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  19. You should see my post today, a lot of it is from not being picked up for publication these past couple of times. I have let it affect me, and now I need to move on. Your card is hilarious!

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  20. Loved this blog. I'm going to start following...and the card is wonderful. Do what you enjoy with your cards. You are the only one that needs to be happy...everything else is just gravy.

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  21. So here I am, nodding and pondering and agreeing with your post, and then... HELLO! Insanely hilarious card! Love it! But I love what you wrote, too. Happy blogiversary, Jocelyn!

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  22. GREAT post, Jocelyn! I just posted about card submissions in my blog yesterday! We have got to love the spirit of submitting :) Love your fun and creative cards as always! You make super awesome cards, Jocelyn!!

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  23. Great post bloggy friend! Agree with you 100% and feel the same way... HUGS!

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  24. Love this post, Jocelyn! You have such a positive attitude and it's definitely a great reminder of why we do what we do. <3 you!

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  25. What a great way to end your post...such a clever card...I'm still chuckling.

    I think we all go through a reassessment of how we want to embrace our paper crafting...kudos to you for doing what you want to do...that's the ticket you know...gotta keep YOU happy through this insane hobby:)

    Happy Blogoversary...Happy mail from Susan Opel is thee best and thanks for sharing...

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  26. Less pressure... More fun... Love it! It's easy to try and compare, but not so good for the soul. Here is what's important... don't forget to have fun, this is not a competition, this is life.
    ps. You are definitely one extremely talented papercrafter and uber fabulous blogging friend. Loveya girl, you have style!

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  27. Agree with you 100% and feel the same way... I love your card ... its pretty and Fun... We all been there... lets just say you are not alone... big hugs to you my friend... xoxo

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  28. You know I have followed you not long after your start and I love your style! I know you are not looking for reassurance, but early on I said you have got to submit because you have something! (Remember that way back in March I believe)

    Be UNIQUE and be DARING! Work what is best for you! If you have visited my blog enough I am very eclectic and that is because I craft for me and what mood I am in. I do not like it when people feel you have got to be boxed in a category. Break out of that box and let your mojo lead the way. If that is digital go for it. craft for you and only you! I have have found myself thinking and saying why in the world was that chosen...who knows as soon as my husband reminded me art is subjective you just have to realize there is nothing you can do with what moves someone looking at your work. I know with Pub calls they let a lot of great stuff go and it's more of what will work with layouts and other submissions that worked well together.

    Craft your heart out for you!!!! (Your readers too because I am pretty sure there are a lot of us who love your style!!!)
    Many hugs!

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  29. And of all things, I have forgot to post how awesome your card is and I laughed and laughed!!! Keep the awesome humor coming!

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  30. ROTFLPIMP! This is hilarous!! I should make a giant subway art of that for my house. LOL I love your style and your sense of humour. Never doubt yourself, Jocelyn! You rock and don't you forget it. We all have doubts sometimes but you have to just brush it off and move on because there will always be more challenges and more publication calls to tackle. It's about moving forward. Stick to your own style and do what you love. It never works to try to be like the others because you're unique. Just be you! That's true in all of life. ;)

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  31. Ok, everyone else up there has already said what I would have said, so I'll get straight to the card: Hil. Ar. I.OUs. I love it! Oh man, I bet the breakup versions would be great, too :)

    Happy blog birthday, and I'm so glad you're finding what works for you -- 'cause what you do sure works for me!

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  32. Funny how these first year anniversaries make you stop and take a check on your hobby, I was thinking the same thing the other day! I haven't known you the whole year but you have such a fun style and this card is living proof of why I visit your blog.... it's hilarious!
    Just craft how you want to and remember it's just a hobby that you do to relax and enjoy :0)
    Jenny x

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  33. Happy One Year Blogaversary. Keep having fun!--Pat N.

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  34. I feel like I need to number my comments...hmmm....ok,
    1) Happy Blogaversary! I've loved everything you've shared :)
    2) hilarious card - if only I could knock hubby's block off the same way...(No seriously, officer, there was this card that Jocelyn made and THAT'S where I got the idea...)
    3) you've summed up a lot of my fears about submitting. Not winning challenges can be discouraging, but not being accepted to publications is something I think would really make cardmaking chore-ish. I don't do CAS, not well, anyway, and I'm not a perfect stamper or even close! So I think for now I'm happy muddling along the way I am.
    4) Finding out what crafty things make you happy shows in your projects. I can totally tell in my own work when I'm 'phoning it in' or, as I call it around here, I'm feeling 'card-tarded'.
    5) Blogging has proved to be really fun for me - the support is unbelievable - and I think I've learned a lot from other folks, definitely including you :) Thanks for all the sharing of your support, your funny comments, and your awesome creations.

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  35. Love your message in your post. In fact it sound like something I would have written if I could put my thoughts all in a coherent order! :D
    I make cards and LOs that make me happy. If it doesn't make you happy, why bother? If they don't accept your awesome creations, it's more to do with what THEY are looking for than your card not being good enough.
    What makes you smile is perfect!
    Happy Blogaversary! :)

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  36. Ditto to everyone above. You are one super cool chick with a fabulous sense of humour and a brilliant card style. I love your work and your supportiveness and I've missed you in blogland. Hopefully if you don't feel so pressured now we'll get to see more of your fantastic work!

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  37. I think you can tell you are not alone. I have long given up on trying to find out what publications want. As you know, I finally cracked the PC code, but who knows for how long. I can't read their minds, so I make what I want and hope they want green instead of purple or whatever. I don't stress too much over rejection, why do that? Creating should be fun and something we love to do. I don't always make stellar cards and I still post them. I'm not perfect, never will be. But that is what it is all about. Trying and learning and evolving. I'm glad you wrote your post. We all have self doubt sometimes. But keep on keepin' on Jocelyn. I love your fun and quirky style. It is just perfect. Hugs.

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  38. First of all, Happy one year of blogging! It goes by fast doesn't it? :)

    Second, your card is absolutely HILARIOUS!!! Loved it.

    Third, thanks for sharing. It's so nice to know that there are people out there that feel the same way. Keep doing what you do lady, cause it rocks!! :)

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  39. Bravo for this statement, "The bottom line is, I work hard enough at work....I don't want my hobby to become laborious, too."

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  40. I would just like to pass on to you the Liebster Blog Award to say thanks for all your support (no pressure to forward it on - I just appreciate your friendship). Hugs. Therese

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  41. Hi Jocelyn, Just wanted to stop by and let you know I have awarded you a Liebster Blog Award. Please don't feel like you have to return the shout out in any way.

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  42. I gotta tell you, I think this is hilarious!!!!! I'm contemplating showing it to my husband so he knows whats up ;). So So cute!!!

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