A Monkey Lost in an Urban Jungle

Being a poor college student, I'm looking for everything to be cheap, or atleast, cheaper, than the local art stores. There are only two art stores in my town, the school bookstore, and a small, independently owned art supply shop. The school book store is more expense than the family art shop. Usually, I would support a local business. (And for those of you wondering where to get good supplies in the Savannah, GA area, check out Primary Art Supply on Broughton) But with my current budget, I just can't afford those prices.

So I turned to the internet. I looked around on campus, asked kids where they got supplies. A few recommended MisterArt.com. So I placed an order. I paid extra for their extradited shipping. It was quick. The items were just as they described...

The only downside... all of the packaging. I got this huge box, filled with paper... luckily all recyclable.

As for the products, there is such a HUGE selection, they have great prices on a lot of stuff! They have two main sections, for art supplies, and for craft supplies. I have seen everything from drafting tables to gold leaf!

If you're looking for a new supplier, for a variety of items (with no minimum purchase!) Definitely check out Mr. Art.

Right now, since I just moved to my location, I'm working on things that I can do with my currently supplies, mostly my computer and Adobe Photoshop. If you haven't been to my shop yet, feel free to visit, and see what I mean.

I offer design services, and email the final product to the customer. I've been thinking lately though, of using a printing service, such as VistaPrint and OvernightPrints, to deliver the item to the customer. After some research on the etsy forums, I've decided against VistaPrint.

So off to research on OvernightPrints. They seem to of good quality (according to other Etsty users) And I've ordered a free sample kit. Once I get that, I'll review them, to see how I like them, when I have them in the figurative flesh.

I whiped up a quick, simple business card layout. I used the template that Overnights has on their website. (It's located here) I uploaded it. My first try didn't work, so I went back and re-read the directions. I found out that I didn't save it as the right file type. Make sure you read directions kids!

Proceeding through the selection process was easy. I suggest for cost-effectiviness, go with the value cards, as that's more than what most Etsier will need.

Now my usual Design fee is something around $10. So I could offer business cards from $11-20! Shipped directly to the customer!

I'm excited.

Woot! So I did it. I've started a blog. This is going to mostly be for my Etsy shop, Striped Monkey Design. But living in Savannah, GA, and going to school here is most likely to get on here as well!

My name's Meg. And I'm the Mastermind, or well, creative mastermind behind Striped Monkey Design. I'm a young artist, looking to survive in today's world, while making it a better, more artful place to live.

I love dogs, computers, and anything crazy and fun. I love the beach, and I'm totally excited to be so close to one of the best kept secrets of the south- Tybee Island!

I consider myself and author and a free thinker, and artist and a jack of trades. I'll try everything once.