Cover photos ...where to get mockups

[TRW]

Ok so it looks like Zazzle wants to force us to do custom cover photos, which I think is absurd. I agree with previous posts on the subject that express the opinion that there needs to be some cohesion to which designs can be used in order to not make zazzle's mp look completely unprofessional/mish moshed etc...

That said, if we are being forced to use cover images in order to compete, we need to be given specific sites that can be used for free. Not all of us make thousands of dollars a month to be able to pay for unltd subscription sites!  Please provide lists of approved sites which are quick and easy and FREE for cover image design. 

Thanks

[idraw]

@TRW 

https://www.psdsuckers.com/tag/product-mockups/
I found Pilow, tote, T-shirt mock-ups and more…
Assortment of free product mockups to download.
Also
https://www.pixpine.com/?s=T-shirt
 https://community.zazzle.com/t5/general-zazzle-discussion/cover-photos-tips-and-tricks-time-managem...

mockup video tutorials
https://www.pixpine.com/video-tutorials

Creative Market

https://www.zazzle.com/creators/playbook/learn+about+cover+photo

[buxmontweb]

@idraw I downloaded a free mockup template from Pixpine and decided not to use it. It prohibits some uses. I think anything we upload has to transfer rights of use to Zazzle, doesn't it? (Third item listed below.)

From the PixPine license doc:

PROHIBITED ACTIONS:

To redistribute, resell, license, sublicense or lease any item(s) purchased on PIXPINE.COM or any item which is property of PIXPINE.COM in any form.
To sell, distribute, license, sublicense or lease original product(s) even after modification.
To transfer your rights of use of any item(s) purchased on PIXPINE.COM to any third party.

To provide direct or indirect download link of any item(s) purchased on PIXPINE.COM or any item which is property of PIXPINE.COM on your or any third party website.

[idraw]

@buxmontweb 
While reading what you posted about what's prohibited with pixpine, my mind went immediately to "too many stop signs, don't go there when the license is vague and basically prohibitive,
Thanks for the headsup.
The way I interpret it, the rights of use is between you and pixpine, you are the person downloading and agreeing to Pixpine's terms of usage and using their product, not Zazzle. All zazzle will most likely do when notified by P is immediately delete whatever your product using pixpine is. And then notify you after it is removed.

Long story short version, err on the side of caution and don't use Pixpine.
Or, if anyone really reallly really wants to use Pixpine''s products, contact them directly and ask specific questions, before you use their stuff.

[buxmontweb]

Yeah - when I read their license it gave me pause.

[Badeesie]

I had interpreted that to mean that I shouldn't transfer the use of the template itself to a third party.

[idraw]

If you have read or are reading  my above post, take pixpine off your list of places to find free and usable templates. But the video may still be useful. @buxmontweb just posted info about pixpine and their complicated list of prohibited uses.

[Barbara]

We aren't being forced to create cover images, so don't be concerned about that end of things. If you think about it, it can take time to find the right template and then more time to implement it. Designers exist on Zazzle who have up to 100,000 products. If they were forced to create cover images, they'd have to cease designing due to lack of time.

I've been doing it only very, very slowly, picking those designs I favor. I'm not about to do it for everything, and I'm sure Zazzle doesn't expect this of us.

in the meantime, thanks @idraw  for your small list. I've been struggling through searches and needed a few more to look at.

Colorwash's Home

[TRW]

The update they posted yesterday abt the cover image home page states they do not want us to use the default products in situ options anymore... that's why I said "being forced"...it's one of those games they like to play where they make it harder and harder for shops which don't comply to be found 😞

Personally I feel that using your own covers is a horrible idea, as it will make the MP look hodge podge and unprofessional... 
And obviously I agree that creating mockup covers will drive us away from creating anything BUT cover imgs

[Barbara]

I assume this is what you're referring to:

"Our site experience will now begin to favor products with Cover Photo, which includes features in our landing pages, access to special programs, as well as ranking in search. We believe the Cover Photo update will be a welcome change for customers searching for inspiration on Zazzle while at the same time, rewards Creators who put effort into their listings on the marketplace."

I think they're referring to their home page and the landing pages for categories being where the favoritism will occur, which does sound rather punitive, but we need to wait and watch to see how it all falls out. Regardless, a customer who shows up with a particular product and design in mind is likely to find it. Zazzle would be nuts to hide what the customer wants.

I did a calculation for my small store with its 3400 products. Even if I were to find a magical way to do covers for all of them without repeating anything as they suggest, it would probably average at least 15 minutes per product. For me, this would entail 850 hours or 106 eight-hour days--over 3 months. Um, ain't happening. 😅

Colorwash's Home

[Connie]

I have been noticing over the last few weeks, that products with cover photos get total priority in Marketplace search results, in all the searches that I do for research. Products that were always showing up on the first page are no longer there, unless they have the cover photos. I haven't personally noticed any difference in my sales yet, but I certainly noticed the difference in search results.

I also figured that it would take me about 3 months to do all my products. I taking the month of February to do as many as I can, and then the rest will have to wait until I can do them little by little.

[Mouse]

So confusing to me, please help me understand. Example...We are to upload our art onto any random shirt or pillow that is nothing like zazzles shirts or pillows? When I look at the mockups, they are not the product that zazzle sells.  How does that work? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm lost. Would be nice if we could just use Zazzle's In-Situ or if zazzle offered free mock ups for cover photos. I feel like my small stores are being pushed out. My sales this year were less this year than last. 

[Malissa]

The cover photo guidelines state that you should use products that represent what Zazzle actually sells.  Those that aren't will probably be seeing cancelled sales on those items and possibly other repercussions.  I wouldn't risk it.

[Mouse]

Malissa it's not that I'm doing that, I'm just wondering if there are sites that offer free mockups with all the products or at least some that zazzle offers. Any suggestions? 

[Malissa]

I didn't think that you were, but I was just saying that we were basically told specifically that was a no and some people are still doing it.  I got that you were sort of speaking ironically.

[catinarezi]

I was asking myself exactly the same! Not even my recent editors' pick are selling. It's terrible.

Do I have to buy my own products and pay a professional photoshoot so I won't be punished for using the basic mockup that looked great?

This thing will work well for those who have professional photos of their products (If Zazzle removes the mockups with products that don't reflect the ones they sell).

What I believe will happen is that Zazzle is only getting ugly amateur photos or misleading mockups with products that are not theirs. I don't see any sense in using external mockups from other sites. My ideal scenario would be to buy my products and take pro pictures, but I live in Brazil and $1 is more than R$5. If I'm not making money here, how the hell will I reinvest to do it? I haven't been able by far...

Catherine Marie Narézi
 Art in Card - Creative Design

[Dmargie-1029]

I have thought the same thing.

[waterart]

I got some photos to from www.pexels.com to start working on my cover images. Pixabay is another place for photos.

[TheDesignerVib1]

Canva does have mockups there are free mockups, but of course many of them are for pro as well, But i think it's worth if you use canva for everything like me 

[Mouse]

Thank you! I checked out Canva and I am new to this so do you download the photos and place your image on the photo yourself or is there a mockup generator that you upload the photo and it is placed for you? Any help appreciated.

[TheDesignerVib1]

No it is a mockup generator, very easy to use, you may just have to adjust the size of the artwork if you looks too big or too small which on the side is says Adjust Image you can easily do that! Also here's a free trial if you want for Canva since most of the stuff is pro: Canva 

[TheDesignerVib1]

But I have a good solution for mockups that aren't displayed on people, Download the mockup that displays your design here on zazzle, and then simply remove the background and find a photo that you can use as your background for the mockup, thats what i do when i can't find a good mockup for my cards and invitations

[MarilynR]

Does your background have to be a photo? Can it be graphics? There is a book about a window dresser for Tiffany, who did some very interesting themes. One time he did a window with diamond rings scattered in a window full of sand. He may have put some toy trucks in the display. The book is hard to find.

I am thinking that if we're going to do this, we want to stand out from the page of expected photo backgrounds.

[MidnightZazzler]

I don't see why you couldn't use a gradient or other interesting background pattern that matches the theme of your design.

[Dmargie-1029]

I am really new at Pinterest.  Until recently I thought you just pinned to it.  So now I am trying to figure out how to do everything.  I wondered why no one saw my  pins.  

I’m retired, so don’t have a lot to purchase subscriptions if I am not selling a lot.    Right now I am not even sure where to start.  Would love some direction.  Thanks for any help  in advance.