Videos - Buying the product as a sample - is that the only acceptable way?

[LoveToCreate]

Hi-

I am trying not to get discouraged.

I have messed around in Canva trying to create short videos for a few products using simply my downloads from the product page. However,  I have also noticed the many gorgeous videos by creators here that look like the creators have ordered samples of their products for their insitu video display.

What if you don't have the money to order a bunch of samples? Can't we also create creative videos using, for instance Canva, from our static downloads from the product page and it still be okay and Zazzle-promotable?

[klstock]

Is getting free samples part of certain pro levels? Such as if you reach Platinum or Diamond? 

Expecting designers to order their own product to make these videos sounds like a pay-to-play scheme! Yeah, I can order an invitation now and again, which I do anyway to make sure it looks accurate in print and to save a copy for my portfolio... but to order a shower curtain, wrapped canvas wall art, throw pillows, etc.? I think there is no way anyone should be spending their own money to buy their own product to make videos - just on principal, even if you have the money to spend! 

If the designer is the one doing the work to create the video, which is unpaid, then Zazzle should provide the product; the designer should not be expected to purchase it out of pocket. 

Yes, you can use something like Canva to get some good results!

[CreativeLeahG]

We don’t get any perks that I’m aware of now. And never free samples … not for Platinum at least. 

[klstock]

Thanks LeahG. In the old forum, I'd read a post where that had come up - about upper levels getting free samples, and I think it was in context with what the benefits are to each Pro level. I don't remember whether it was said as fact or just someone wondering. And nothing wrong with it if upper levels do get free samples. It just came to mind again when reading this thread and thinking about how having samples would be helpful with videos. 

[Baylee]

You can absolutely create great videos without ever buying any samples. It isn't my area of expertise but I have created a few using the static downloads and I think they turned out OK. I use Adobe Premiere Pro so I don't know anything about Canva. Some of the videos that you may think are using samples may have been created by designers who are just very talented at creating videos by manipulating the static downloads. (that's not me, I'm still learning..lol)

Here are a couple I've done for wedding invitations:

Fine Lines Geometric Wedding Invitation 

Moody Ink Emerald Green Wedding Invitation 

Lux Ink Lavender Abstract

[LoveToCreate]

Wow - I just checked out your videos. Beautiful and professional looking! That one you used for the Moody Ink - I think I need to go there on vacation. 😀

[Baylee]

I know right, you and me both....lol. And thank you; they do take me forever to make, since I don't really know the program yet, but I was happy with the results for a first time effort.

[tiffjamaica · Accepted solution]

linking to an old post from James about collection videos: https://community.zazzle.com/t5/creator-news/the-next-phase-for-collections-is-here-video/ba-p/10745...

There are two examples he highlights and both use static photos. Mine is one of them and I did use Canva to make it.  So I think using photos is just fine! (side note: I hate making videos and don't make them often. Silver lining is at least i can put them on Pinterest as well.)

Edit- i clicked the wrong Reply - @LoveToCreate this comment was meant for you. 🙂  And @Baylee ,  your videos look great as well!! 

[LoveToCreate]

Thank you for the encouragement!

[Windy]

Absolutely Gorgeous! This gives me yet another reason to get back into my Adobe Premier Pro lessons. I started that a few years ago and then started building a video clip library so I would have nice assets to work with to make family shows. Now somehow I have about 45 more (of 850 family video clips) to organize before I start this.