The story so far...
I made a difficult phone call last night. I called Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Support so I could resign my position as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.
But by no means am I leaving Stampin' Up! completely. Here's the story so far. And I'm just going to go at this with all honesty and hope that you all will understand why I haven't ever addressed much of this previously.
After I graduated from college in 2005, I was hired by Stampin' Up! to be a graphic designer. I mostly worked on the catalog and other projects specifically for foreign markets (Australia was my "baby" -- one of the reasons why Dave Abbott's passing really affected me). After working there for a year and coming to love the company and products so much, I decided to become a demonstrator and signed up under a good friend at work, Erica. In fact, one of the main reasons I signed up was so that I could attend the convention in Denver as a demonstrator instead of an employee.
Yep, I work at Stampin' Up! Some of you have put two and two together and figured this out (at least from some of the comments you've left), but I've never confirmed or denied working at Stampin' Up! because I absolutely loved the anonymity of just being a regular demonstrator, ya know? In many ways, I'm just another papercrafter with an obsession for anything paper or inky. :)
About a year ago, I transferred departments within the company and became a product designer. I now get to design patterned paper, scrapbooking kits, and other items. I don't get to "play" with product at work, so I stamp and create cards in my spare time at home.
Anyway, this change in positions is one of the reasons I left the American Crafts design team. Even though all work for AC was done at my home in my spare time, it was a conflict of interest to be designing product for one company and then having a standing contract with another company. I love both American Crafts and Stampin' Up!, but as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and employee, I knew I would have to let the ACDT go. :( Sarah (ACDT guru) knew about this and knew that I would be resigning from the team at the end of my contract. I always made it a point to be upfront and honest with both AC and SU!
At the same time, I'm living at home and trying to save up for a place of my own (the current housing/mortgage market isn't exactly in my favor, ya know?). After being a demonstrator for over a year, and evaluating my finances, it was more financially responsible to let my demonstratorship go. I will still have the opportunity to purchase Stampin' Up! product at a slight discount because I am an employee, but will no longer have the other expenses of maintaining a small business.
So, that's the story so far. Where do we go from here? It's mostly going to be the same, but just as a heads up...
This is still a papercrafting blog. I am still going to post here and use products from SU! and other companies. I will still have videos and tutorials. However, this is a blog that happens in my spare time and is a hobby. I have rarely talked about work in the past, and I will continue to rarely mention it. I like to leave the office behind each night when I drive home. My co-workers are my friends, though, so sometimes they will be mentioned or will make an appearance in a photo or two.
I'm sure this is a given, but this is not an "official Stampin' Up! blog" or anything like that. I do not speak for the company. I will never speak for the company. As far as my little space on the web is concerned, it's just me. :)
I spoke with my card club girls a couple weeks ago about this and we decided as a group to continue with our card club. But it will be less formal (was it ever really formal?). Mostly just a group getting together each month to make a couple cards. This format is similar to a card club that my sister in Minnesota is in right now, where each month the group meets at someone's house and they make cards. Each person pays for their supplies and they go home with a few cards each month.
I guess the only reason I felt the need to tell you all this is because Stampin' Up! is such a large part of my life. And by resigning as a demonstrator, I'm not leaving it behind. I'm just doing what's best for me.
Sorry 'bout the novel. I'll be back to the regular cards and such tomorrow. :)
But by no means am I leaving Stampin' Up! completely. Here's the story so far. And I'm just going to go at this with all honesty and hope that you all will understand why I haven't ever addressed much of this previously.
After I graduated from college in 2005, I was hired by Stampin' Up! to be a graphic designer. I mostly worked on the catalog and other projects specifically for foreign markets (Australia was my "baby" -- one of the reasons why Dave Abbott's passing really affected me). After working there for a year and coming to love the company and products so much, I decided to become a demonstrator and signed up under a good friend at work, Erica. In fact, one of the main reasons I signed up was so that I could attend the convention in Denver as a demonstrator instead of an employee.
Yep, I work at Stampin' Up! Some of you have put two and two together and figured this out (at least from some of the comments you've left), but I've never confirmed or denied working at Stampin' Up! because I absolutely loved the anonymity of just being a regular demonstrator, ya know? In many ways, I'm just another papercrafter with an obsession for anything paper or inky. :)
About a year ago, I transferred departments within the company and became a product designer. I now get to design patterned paper, scrapbooking kits, and other items. I don't get to "play" with product at work, so I stamp and create cards in my spare time at home.
Anyway, this change in positions is one of the reasons I left the American Crafts design team. Even though all work for AC was done at my home in my spare time, it was a conflict of interest to be designing product for one company and then having a standing contract with another company. I love both American Crafts and Stampin' Up!, but as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and employee, I knew I would have to let the ACDT go. :( Sarah (ACDT guru) knew about this and knew that I would be resigning from the team at the end of my contract. I always made it a point to be upfront and honest with both AC and SU!
At the same time, I'm living at home and trying to save up for a place of my own (the current housing/mortgage market isn't exactly in my favor, ya know?). After being a demonstrator for over a year, and evaluating my finances, it was more financially responsible to let my demonstratorship go. I will still have the opportunity to purchase Stampin' Up! product at a slight discount because I am an employee, but will no longer have the other expenses of maintaining a small business.
So, that's the story so far. Where do we go from here? It's mostly going to be the same, but just as a heads up...
This is still a papercrafting blog. I am still going to post here and use products from SU! and other companies. I will still have videos and tutorials. However, this is a blog that happens in my spare time and is a hobby. I have rarely talked about work in the past, and I will continue to rarely mention it. I like to leave the office behind each night when I drive home. My co-workers are my friends, though, so sometimes they will be mentioned or will make an appearance in a photo or two.
I'm sure this is a given, but this is not an "official Stampin' Up! blog" or anything like that. I do not speak for the company. I will never speak for the company. As far as my little space on the web is concerned, it's just me. :)
I spoke with my card club girls a couple weeks ago about this and we decided as a group to continue with our card club. But it will be less formal (was it ever really formal?). Mostly just a group getting together each month to make a couple cards. This format is similar to a card club that my sister in Minnesota is in right now, where each month the group meets at someone's house and they make cards. Each person pays for their supplies and they go home with a few cards each month.
I guess the only reason I felt the need to tell you all this is because Stampin' Up! is such a large part of my life. And by resigning as a demonstrator, I'm not leaving it behind. I'm just doing what's best for me.
Sorry 'bout the novel. I'll be back to the regular cards and such tomorrow. :)
|
full entry » posted on December 18, 2007 6:57 PM by Kristina |
69 Comments posted in General |
Don't be sorry. Thanks for sharing with us :)
I wish you all the best with your new choice!
Thanks for sharing and congrats on making a move that works well for you!
I have to tell you that I chuckled reading your note because so many times I've thought, "love her work, it's just like what I see in the SU! magazines!" :-)
Best wishes on your future endeavors!
That is a tough decision. I hope that you can now put more focus on some other things you really want to do.
On the other hand, I think it is completely awesome that you work for SU! I am not a demo, but I LOVE their products. How exciting for you to get to design all that amazing stuff.
Your blog will still be the first one I check every day! Sometimes being a demo can take the fun out of stamping because it becomes work - so go have fun in your spare time! Best of luck in your new position - we're so lucky to have you designing great new products for us.
Now you have me curious...which products have you designed? Can you say? How exciting!
ROTFL! You would not believe how long I have wanted to ask you whether or not that is your hand-writing in some of my favorite SU! sets . . . Once I noticed the distinct similarities between your writing on your blog projects and the sentiments in these particular stamp sets, my instincts were telling me there was more to it than met the eye. *chuckle*
Well, you are an AWESOME graphic designer, I'm a *huge* fan, and as far as letting go of your demo-hood, it's understandable under the circumstances you described. SU! is exceedingly fortunate to have a talent such as yours! And, we are lucky that you share that gift with us here on your blog when time permits.
I could only wish the best for you in all your endeavors and whatever path(s) you take!
Hi Kristina. Thanks for sharing a little bit of yourself with us. Your blog is my favorite as I love the diversity - when I come each day, I never know what I will see. You got me hooked on Twilight too - what more is there in life? I wish you all the best in everything you do!
No wonder I love SU products - you had a hand in designing them. I am an avid reader of your blog and I'm very glad you are part of the design team at SU!
Thanks for your honesty and inspiration.
Thanks for the update. Appreciate you sharing a bit of your 'work' life. Will always love your fabulous blog and beautiful, inspirational projects.
Take care and happy holidays!
You have to do what is best for you. I will continue to check your blog daily for all of your great featues and talent that you choose to share with all of us. You, I am sure, will still remain a HUGE INSPIRATION to many of us. Best wishes to you. Wishing you happiness.
Just had to say I feel ya girl. Mine is the other way around though. I choose to leave SU as an employee and stay at home with my new son. It wasn't an easy choice because I LOVED my job as a SAM. Working with our top girls was amazing!!! I miss it like crazy. I knew however that Alex was my top priority. I am thankful that I can remain a demonstrator as it's my small connection to SU. I have more time to play now and stamp while Alex is sleeping. I stay updated with friends from work but man do I miss that place. We or they * still trying to get to used to speaking as though I am not an employee* are very lucky to have you there. You are extremely talented! Best of luck in your decisions.
You're still my favorite. :) I still want to be your best friend. ;) Heck! I still want to be you! ;) I still can't wait to see what you do every day! :) Thanks for sharing your heart, and your talent - both on your blog and in our AMAZING new IB&C's.
~Your Biggest Fan~
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Although you may no longer be an official "demonstrator", I know I will continue to count on your blog to constantly inspire and "demonstrate" new cards and scrapbooking ideas. I did not realize that you worked for Stampin' Up, but that is so awesome! I look forward to seeing more of what your talents have to offer through SU products, and so will thousands of other paper crafts enthusiasts around the globe! Best of luck to you and happy stamping/designing! :)
Sometimes choices are really hard to make.It sounds like you thought it out pretty good. I wish you the best.
I really like your blog and will visit OFTEN!
I do have a question....
Dose SU have their own printing company? or do they send their work out? Strange question, but I can expalin Ü
I had no idea that you worked for SU! but it certainly makes sense as I love SU! and your work.
As a demonstrator in Australia from the first week they launched here it's fun to know that you have had an influence on me too, beyond the inspiration I get from reading your blog.
Thanks for sharing.
Jayne
I was wondering if you were a demo! Thanks for sharing your story, although you didn't have to. I love your blog, and I love seeing your creativity using many mediums and products. You inspire me! I look forwards to seeing all the things you do in 2008!
have a blessed Christmas!
It was great to read your story and have you share a bit about yourself - and what was even funnier was to read everyone's else comments and how they said exactly what I was thinking lol - I want to be your best friend lol AND you have the BEST BLOG OUT THERE!
Well....SU sure has theirselves a GEM!!!! Love your blog and ALL your tutorial!!!!
Kristina...Just wanted you to know that I think you are an amazing talent and I love all that you share with us. I will forever treasure my album you made me, it is so YOU!!! and I love your style. Blessings to you as you prepare for your future and thanks for being such an awesome roommate in Denver.
phew... your still going to keep your blog going yipppeee all the way from the land of oz.. i love your inspiring cards and all the u tube demos you do best of luck in 2008 im sure you will pursure your dreams.. Goodluck with your new quest..
Hi !
I'm a french scrap'woman... I use to visit your blog, because you have so many ideas to share !!!
I'm really upset today for you to have to do this choice... But I think that you are right : Even if Stampin up is a large part of your life, you don't have to sacrify you blog that is an hobby for you.
That I use to say : a blog is the ideal place to express itself !
perhaps should you only show in a less obvious manner the marks of the products which you use...
Excuse my bad English ! I hope that I succeeded in expressing what I felt in the reading of your article...
Please continue on sharing your scrap'knack !
See you
Thanks for sharing! I signed up as a hobby demo for SU in August (got the free stamp pads) as I have loved SU for years and wanted to get the discount. I think it is great you design for them, probably why I love all their new stuff they have come out with !! The designer papers are one of my absolute favorites with them. so, did you have any influence on the awesome rub-ons??Love them too! I love your card making style and I check your blog everday! Keep up your awesome work at SU! I understand about the demo thing but I am glad to know you design for SU as you are so very talented !
Sorry you had to make that phone call, but you have to do whats best for you! Thanks for sharing with us. Your blog is first on my favorites! I want to know what you've designed too!:) What an awesome job!!
Hi Kristina,
Great that you're sharing this. I sent you a question last week about products. I have one more for you: Stamps that aren't in the Aussie catalogue, can they be ordered by Australian Demonstrators from the US???? I'd love to know. Thanks.
I'm sure this was an incredibly difficult decision and I completely respect you for your honesty with all of us. I have always LOVED your work and I'm ALWAYS inspired by what you do and I look forward to continually being inspired by you !!! You're an incredible woman !!!
Have a great day and do something extra nice for yourself today !!
Corinne
I love your Blog, it is very cool that you actually work at Stampin UP. Sound like it was a difficult decision for you. Wishing you all the best!
Thanks for sharing! Wow, you've really thought things through and sounds like you're making quite wise decisions. Wishing you all the best at SU!!
Aha! I always wondered and now I know. :) I think you're a brilliant designer.
Thank you for sharing with us... it sounds like a well thought out decision and I wish the very best for you. I love, love, love your blog and your videos are amazing. Your blog is the first one I check every morning. You are an amazingly talented woman and very generous to share your talent with us. You are a huge inspiration to all who read your blog and I would like to wish you continued success in all your endeavors.
I'm just glad you aren't going anywhere!!! Love your work. Love your blog. Sounds like you have a DREAM job LUCKY girl!!!!
Wow - what news! Actually, I must be dumb as a rock, because I had no idea you worked for SU. It makes total sense that you need to leave your demo-ship to concentrate on your job! That's a decision everyone has to make, even those not as lucky to get to work for such an exciting company.
I'm glad to hear you are helping design our papers, etc. I see a vast improvement in the design over the last year or so. I'm a big scrapbooker, and I love the designs that have been coming out - especially in the 07 and now the 08 catalogs. Go girl!!!
Some of you have put two and two together and figured this out (at least from some of the comments you've left)
This irritates me that people have that much time on their hands to butt into people's lives. You owe no one an explanation of what has gone on in your life/career. Good luck in all your future endeavors. You are a really talented lady and I appreciate all the work that you share with us for FREE.
I'm just thrilled to know your extraordinary talent is giving direction to SU! Nothing could please me more. In fact, I had thought many times that SU! should surely offer you a position of some sort.
I think this is a very good things for all SU! demos---your clients have lost a gem but I bet they celebrate in your news, too. To be in your card party group would be glorious.
Best wishes and thank you for this blog. It gives life, joy and inspiration to all of us who are devoted.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us. It's wisdom to decide to let go of somethings. I so enjoy your blog and inspiration, you will continue to put out such awesome ideas, it's just a part of you!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristina.. We all love and adore you. To be completely honest, I never knew you were employed by SUP nor did I ever even have an inclination that you were... We that being said, Please don't stop doing what your doing. Showing us fun projects and fabulous tutorials regardless of what vendor supplies you use. You are an inspiration to us all and for that... we are truly thankful.
Thanks for sharing. I absolutely love your work. I'm signing up to be a hobby demonstrator next month. It's a large commitment to make almost $1000/year. I love SU's product and I thought this would be a good way to build up my supplies. Best wishes honey and Happy Holidays to you, now and always!
Hey girl,
Thanks for sharing what is going on with ya. You did what was best and I think that's a good thing. ;) I thought maybe you were going to say that you were going to be taking that AC job now that KP is leaving! ;) You'd be GREAT at that job, too. Hugs and Merry Christmas!!
Kristina - you have a great talent! I wish I could make cards as beautiful as you do ... and, like someone else had said, regardless of you being a demo or a SU! empoloyee I still want to be your best friend, too! I think that's great that you have your input on the SU! design team - that's a great accomplishment! I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open while perusing the catalogue from now on! But let me just say that your blog is a great job and, hobby or no hobby, I'm glad you do it because it's so inspirational to a beginner like me!
Oh my Wow! You don't know how I have wondered for some time now if some of the SU catalog "treats" were some of your work! I would look at something and think your name was all over it!!! I never had the guts to say anything but would admire the projects and totally enjoy them. You are such an asset to the stamping community. I respect you, your work and the way you are handeling this major decision in your life. You are such a sweetheart and I would love to meet you some time to give you a huge hug of thanks for all you do.
I visit you every day here on your blog and wait with excited anticipation for what will come next.
Thanks for your openness and willingness to share. You are a breath of fresh air! I hope this change is everything you are hoping it will be for you. Warm hugs and I wish you the best and much peace as you go forward.
Thanks for sharing that story with us, Kristina. I so admire your talent and your blog is very much part of my daily routine. I have long suspected you may work for SU because I have seen things in catalogs or elsewhere that just had you written all over them. Keep up the good work...your talent is amazing!! Please don't stop sharing your creations on your blog, though.
Kristina You are so good at what you do that I would hope that Su is quick enough to put you on the big stage at Convenions and Leadership. I have attended a few and would love to see your smiling face showing what you do best. I hope someone will but the bug in Shelli's ear that you are too entertaining and talented to waste in an office somewhere.
Good luck to you and thanks for sharing...I know that we all will continue to look for the Kristina-influenced style in the SU products. Your blog will still be the first of the many that I check everyday! :-)
Thanks for sharing the news with us, for a moment there I thoug you would stop your blogging, gasp! I look forward to the next Make a Card Monday
You are da bomb! I love your blog and I think this is has been a hard couple of days for you! Keep up the great work both on this blog and at work. I am really proud to represent SU! All I can say is Happy Holidays and thank you! kt
You are da bomb! I love your blog and I think this is has been a hard couple of days for you! Keep up the great work both on this blog and at work. I am really proud to represent SU! All I can say is Happy Holidays and thank you! kt
Love your style so much, and of all the items in the preview brochure I am especially excited to get my hands on those designer papers (and the stamp sets that seem to compliment them) so if I have you and your team to thank for that, consider yourselves thanked.
L O V E Y O U! Your blog is the best, It is the first I go to everyday and sometimes two or three times a day just hoping that you might have posted again. You are so super talented and SU! is lucky to have you. It is so cool you work there. Too bad you can't make money off of blogging, you'd be loaded by the looks of all of these comments. Thank you for sharing.
I am so excited to see what paper and kits you will be designing. You are so talented, I can't believe I didn't put the two together. Things will work out for you, I believe that you always end up where you are suppose to be. Good luck and best wishes. And "ditto" on "thank heavens" you will still be doing the blog!!! :)
Thanks for sharing your situation with all of us! I'll still look forward to your great ideas! Glad to hear you aren't leaving us! I know what you mean about the housing market! I live here in the SL valley too! It took us a while to sell our home and we are building in Riverton...Right by SU!!
You are so awesome and you doing what is best for you is what is important. I am thankful that you find the time to even share w/us your OUT OF THIS world projects I have learned alot from coming to your blog.
As long as you have piece of mind thats what is important so NO WORRIES! and thank you for sharing w/us! THANK YOU!
((HUGS))
Hey there!
I KNEW you had to be THAT good as to work for SU!! hehhee. You need to do what's good for you girlfriend! No need to apologize!!
I just wanted to say your blog is fab and I love your videos! They are so cool! I wanted you to know I really appreciate them and I watch the green polka dot one over and over, I love that song from koop! hehehe
Thanks!
Bobbie *Ü*
Your blog doesn't like me! Third attempt to leave comments here! (I know it's something I'm doing!)
You rock Kristina! And I am SO clueless! I had no idea you worked for SU, but I'm not surprised they've snatched up a talent like you and know what they have there! Better for all of us, who will benefit by all of the improved products that you'll have your hands in/on!!
Thanks for sharing Kristina, congratulations, and Merry, Merry Christmas!!
Good luck in everything you do. I'm just glad that you will continue your video tutorials. I have learned so much from them. I always look forward to getting on your site every Monday to watch you make a new card. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Who knew? All I know is your work rocks. Keep bloggin please!!!
Kristina,
Now that we know you are on the Designer Team - we know we'll get some super staff....(he,he)
I love your blog no matter what - you are so talented and SU found themself a precious "JEWL".
I also wish you all the best and hope you find what you are looking for....Have a great Holiday
Season!!!
I am sure that was a tough decision, but the fact that you will still have your hand in SU products daily I am sure will show up in your blog. Which by the way, I love and visit often. Love your style and now that you share that you work for SU I am wondering what int he cattie is your work --- fuess it will remain a mystery, but I am glad that they have such awesome talent working for them.
I am sure that was a tough decision, but the fact that you will still have your hand in SU products daily I am sure will show up in your blog. Which by the way, I love and visit often. Love your style and now that you share that you work for SU I am wondering what int he cattie is your work --- fuess it will remain a mystery, but I am glad that they have such awesome talent working for them.
Kristina -
First of all (feel free to laugh) I pictured you as a graphic designer like I want to be. Working for a Fortune 500 ad agency, all cutting edge and trendy, overnighting beautiful art to NYC every day!! So I don't have a CLUE what 2+2 is, because I had no idea you worked for Stampin' Up! Not that that isn't cutting edge and trendy- I think I might even love the truth more! What a cool chick you are. It sounds like this was a little struggle for you, so I'm sorry about that. But this space is wonderful, I visit every day, and no matter what you do, you're going to be very successful. I know, because I'm a lot older than you, and hadn't done nearly what you've done at your age! So thanks for sharing with us, and keep up your wonderful work. Stampin' Up! is lucky to have you. And feel free to buy all your stamps from me!! :)
Lydia
www.understandblue.blogspot.com
Congrats Kristina!
I feel kinda lame since I had no idea you were a sleeper SU operative!
I'm very happy for you and wish you well in your new position. I totally can't wait to see the goodies you come up with and pick out what catalog items you had a hand in... hey, is there a way you can sneak a "K" into the designs (like Kinkade does with the "N"?) That'd be way cool!
d:)
Kristina - I understand and respect your decision. I was a demo for 7+ years and made the tough decision to leave my customers and almost 100 DL in April. It still kills me, but SU opened so many other doors for me, showed me a creative side that I didn't know I had and blessed my life with so many new friends and opportunities. I was so blessed to have the experience that I did.
I just got a peak at the new catalog last night - it is a WINNER!!! **Almost** makes me want to sign on the dotted line again! Blessings to you in your new adventure!
Holy Smokes! Not only are you the coolest person ever with the best blog ever but you also have a dream job! I never put two and two together but you can be I sure will be looking at the new catalogue very closely when I get it. I Love your blog and like everyone else I wanna be your BFF too! LOL!! Merry Christmas.
p.s....what is your user name on SCS?
Hi Kristina!
I'm sad to hear your leaving your demoship, but couldn't be happier that you are still designing for SU! Your work is very inspiring and I hope to continue to see more on your rockin' blog! As hard of a decision as it may seem, you have to do what's best for you.
So glad I got to meet you and room with you at convention! Maybe I'll see you in SLC up on stage struttin' your stuff!
Kanani-
Not that this hasn't already been said, ;) but (I felt it was time to delurk and say) I absolutely LOVE your blog. I check it every day, sometimes more than once! *blush* You are insanely talented and no less inspiring. Why, you even inspired my 6 year old to make a card! She sat on my lap and watched your Make a Card Monday (12/10) with me, and then CASEd it that very night. :) (She also thinks you're "really pretty and really nice". :D )
I'm another who's dumb as a rock, since it never dawned on me that you were on SU!'s payroll... however, it makes perfect sense. Given your enormous creativity, SU! is very fortunate to have you, and I am SO excited to see what's in store for us from all of you at SU!.
Thank you for all that you are willing to share with us,
Another Devoted Fan
I knew I loved SU so much! They hire genuine people and that is what you are! You shouldn't feel bad about not being a demo! Hey you work for the best, most fun to work at place! Keep up the great job! And keep posting, this is an out of this world blog!!!
I knew I loved SU so much! They hire genuine people and that is what you are! You shouldn't feel bad about not being a demo! Hey you work for the best, most fun to work at place! Keep up the great job! And keep posting, this is an out of this world blog!!!
What a hard decision to make, but I'm glad you are staying with your fabulous projects on your blog. What a great place to work. I'm jealous.
I love your work! I'm so glad you will stay with SU! as an employee because we need your talent there! I love your blog too so I hope you can share your work and craft here too. So glad to see your clean happy style anywhere I can. You are really my fave!
Jill in Austin
Hey all I have to say is this site is blogolicious. I just think you are an awesome talent whether you work for Stampin' Up or Walmart. You rock sista!
Must have been a hard decision for you - I hope it all goes well - love your blog - come and join my su challenge blog sometime - we'd love to see you!