I think this mockups thing was a genius decision by zazzle

[chriiisss]

and for us creators it can help move forward much faster. now we have two ways of competing, of showing our style and quality. one through the product itself and the other through the way we present it.

and for me it's preferable to spend some money to make some mockups properly than having to pay a monthly fee or something to be here like some market places start to do.
the pieces we buy for the mockups stay with us and the time spent also translates into more knowledge about all these things.

I take as much care when making the mockup as when making the product, I try to make it as simple as possible but showy and demonstrative of my style and taste. I feel that some of them really help me sell the products.

anyway, thank you zazzle for making me do it!

[KeegansCreation]

I agree. It does require an all new investment of time (and possibly money if you buy a PlaceIt subscription which I did, or premade mockups) but that investment of time is a new place to compete. It is also a new place for artistry.

Zazzle requires an investment of time that can be frustrating and even maddening to people coming from other PODs. No other POD asks this much time of their designers (to make each product individually, to set up a store with curated categories, and now cover photos). But also no other POD allows this much to their designers. The investment of time isn't just another hurdle to jump. It's an opportunity to shine.

[chriiisss]

very well said!