When I left the world of designing four years ago and entered back into the realm of scrapbookers, I knew that I wanted to become part of some creative teams. Having been away from that part of the industry for so long, I was really scared to put myself out there and actually try to become part of the teams for my favorite designers. It wasn’t too long before I found out that I was not alone in my fears. Many people in the industry have the same fears about applying for Creative Teams.
So how do we conquer this fear?
There are a lot of different ways to conquer fears, but there are some specific ones that are really helpful in conquering the fear of applying for Creative Teams. These are the things that I found the most helpful in preparing to apply for Creative Teams.
Clean up your galleries. Your layout galleries are the place where designers look to see your layouts, to see your style as a scrapbooker. One of the first things to do is go through your gallery and make sure it’s up to date and complete. Make sure your credits are complete, and that your layouts are a good representation of you as a scrapbooker.
Hang out in some forums. Many designers like people who are active in the communities where they sell and are visible in other communities around digi world. Talk to some people, chat it up, it will get noticed. The forums are also a great place to watch for designers to post calls for more people to join their creative team. You may want to watch THIS forum at The Pad.
Grow as a scrapbooker. One of the best things you can do to earn a spot on a Creative Team is to always keep learning and growing as a scrapbooker. Watch some tutorials, take a class, practice the things that you feel are lacking in your scrapbooking. One of the best things about being scrapbookers is that we find ourselves in a state of continual growth.
So when are you ready?
The answer is, who knows. Unfortunately, there’s no easy recipe to know when “you’re ready.” The best advice I can give you is to try and then try again. The reality is, the best way to get experience and conquer the fear of applying for Creative Teams is to put yourself out there and try. Sure, you may not make it onto the team you want on the first try, but the experience will make it easier the next time.
Also, it’s important to remember why you scrapbook. While being on Creative Teams is a great experience, and making it onto one is an honor, for most of us, it’s not the reason we scrapbook. It’s always important to remember why you scrapbook. When you are focused on the reason you scrapbook your scrapbooking will benefit, trust me.
Audrey M. says
Wonderful timing for this blog post! I was contemplating my application to a CT, not sure if I have the right “stuff” for the team. I took some of the advice (thank you!) and I submitted my application. I know I’ll learn from this opportunity and I’ll be sure to keep scrapping for my reason – recording pieces of our family’s history.
Margaret (londoncuppa) says
Great article, Aaron! I’ve been following you since you were guesting on scrappy podcasts and have always been a fan. I’ve never applied for a creative team and have never been on one. One of these days, I may get the nerve and apply. Thanks for the words of encouragement!
Vrielinkie says
Hi Aaron, great post! I wonder what your take is on how important it is that you share your layouts outside of scrapbooking galleries? Do you have to share on Social Media and does it have to be from an account that’s used for that puprpoae rimarily of is it ok to do from your private account?