Anybody who has hopped over to my shop…

glad i haven't bought the print earlier :P now i can feel like i got the best of the bests when i order :)

i really haven't bought one yet because i can't decide which one i want the most. and also cause i plan to buy a few to line up in frames in my non existent child's bedroom that is non existent as well :P so i have tons of time to choose my tops.

kim* · February 12, 2008 at 05:50 PM

Miss Emily,
I think this is a wonderful idea. Your prints are already scrumptious, so this is just an amazing bonus for a tiny bit more money. Yipppeeeee! xo, V

A Fanciful Twist · February 12, 2008 at 06:41 PM

Hey Emily,
I agree that the epson paper you chose to change to produces fabulous results! So much so that when I sometimes send my stuff to be printed at a professional printing service I am disappointed that my ink jet at home spits out better quality goods. I use an epson 1280 silver so I don't have the option of the archival inks, but I think the current version of this printer does. Anyways, what a lot of blabber just to tell you that I think you're great, your work is lovely and switching over to the new paper is a swell idea!

PS. Thanks for keeping your beautiful work accessible to your adoring fans. The increase in price is totally reasonable for such unique high quality art!

jean · February 12, 2008 at 06:55 PM

Fantastic news on both fronts! Was thinking it was about time for you to be getting a bit more for your lovelies. Stamps seem to go up twice a year now and Black Apple prints have been priced to steal for as long as I can remember. And better paper? Well... what's better than that? Win-Win, methinks. Congrats!

karaalison · February 12, 2008 at 07:02 PM

I'm thrilled about the prints! But, I'm DYING to know what font that is ("a great little change"). Oh, please share!!

Helen · February 12, 2008 at 07:21 PM

I think this was a good idea :)

www.projectblancoyd.typepad.com · February 12, 2008 at 07:23 PM

A $5 increase is, well, whopping in the grand scheme of things. Your new papers cost you at most a dollar more? If that.

I think you've priced your prints out of affordability. Now they're like a treat people will have to parcel out to themselves. I think you should have gone to $15 at most.

I won't rec my friends to buy them now. Greed really bothers me.

Emma · February 12, 2008 at 07:27 PM

Emma, I honestly hope someone stole into your computer and hacked your last comment, but it is absolutely disgusting to suggest that Emily is anything but richly talented and more than deserves a measly $5 from each of us who get pleasure from her art every single day. Get a life!

jessieofoz · February 12, 2008 at 07:38 PM

...not everyone would agree.
but change is a good thing.
:)
Greed? I'd ignore that Emily...

miss.michelle · February 12, 2008 at 07:39 PM

I think it is one of the most sensible business decisions you've made. I love my prints - but the quality of the paper did affect my love for them too so I'm glad you made the switch.

Personally I think your prints should be viewed as special, not cheap. I don't understand why you haven't increased your prices before now. I also don't understand how you can sell at other venues & virtually 'undercut' those retailers by underselling your work at such low prices. Every single place I sell in, or am in negotiation with, makes it expressly clear that if my prices on the net don't match the store prices they won't sell my products.

To Emma: It sounds like you have a touch of jealousy & your comments were pretty poor. I like to know that I'm supporting an independent artist with my purchases - not a manufacturer. If you want cheap items go to a $2 store where I'm sure the quality will reflect the price you paid for it. It's got nothing to do with greed, it has to do with business and the rising costs of everything to do with operating it.

Ali J · February 12, 2008 at 08:11 PM

Your prints are still less $ than most shops & I think the paper change is an important one. I still loved my prints from before, but think I might reorder them now.

purple petunia · February 12, 2008 at 08:38 PM

Well now... Apparently a bit of drama has entered this post's comment circle, line, thing.

I've always had to indulge with staring at my friend's purchases of your prints (my father won't supply the credit card needed for actual internet shopping and my friend, lovely as she is, won't spare a dime), and as an artist and writer myself, I have valued every print because frankly, it must take great passion, effort, and time out of your life to create one of your pictures, even if some don't consider them masterpieces. And well, one can't sell the exact original to all sorts of people, so prints will do just fine, like an author selling copies of manuscripts out to the world. It's the best the artists can do to satisfy everyone.

So for someone, or anyone thinking it, to say that a certain amount of money isn't work the time, the work, the talent, and the thought in at least wanting to let anyone who wants what an artist created as their own doesn't know the value of giving what they treasure to someone else. It's more than just money.

Miss Emily doesn't have to sell anything of hers and may very well fancy herself by keeping every little treasure she makes, as well as anyone else who makes anything. So, I wouldn't take it for granted.

Hmm. I seem to have delved myself into the little scuffel too, but the comment irked me.

Stephanie · February 12, 2008 at 10:43 PM

so sad i just got the old ones. i have to say i wasn't that pleased with the paper.

sarah cowan · February 12, 2008 at 10:51 PM

Well, my comment to protectblancoyd is that if you, Emily, were really greedy, you would put all of your originals on ebay and let us all compete for them and see what the market will bring for your originals. When you update your shop, the original items sell out in less than 5 minutes. Those who work day jobs cannot hope to purchase something from your refreshed shop. So many people wanted the pink haired doll that you could have received 5 times the price for her by selling her at auction. Wait until you see your dolls showing up on ebay going for five times more than you got for them. THEN we'll talk about greed.

Janis · February 12, 2008 at 11:31 PM

We all know at this point that it is not a matter of greed... you are growing as an artist and want your business to grow with you! it makes sense to me.
Emma: you are obviously not a creative or crafty person. Ideas don't cost nothing but delivering a finished product (that YOU obviously die to own) cost a few.
You are entitled to have an opinion, but it is quite rude to post it on the actual artist's blog. Next time, Keep it to yourself.

anne-claire · February 12, 2008 at 11:41 PM

As an artist myself who offers prints of my work for sale, I think what you've decided to do is just great! A fine paper for reproduction purposes is a must! I have no doubt it will make your prints even more special! Your prices are certainly affordable (and yes, this includes the increase), no complaints there. I did purchase your Little Enid print awhile back, and, although I wasn't disappointed when I received it, I wasn't over the moon either. The subject matter however is adorable! This is what I observed when I looked closely at my print: It appears as if the original piece was scanned in two pieces(?) and then put back together at the neck. I can see where it doesn't exactly match up. The black of her mask, eyelashes and irises aren't black enough (and I would guess that the black in the original painting is a very true black). I have always found that during the scanning process blacks seems to fade and need some adjustments. Adjusting the brightness and contrast in Photoshop would help that, along with patching the neck a bit better (with the cloning tool). Please don't take this post in a negative way, it's meant to be a positive and simply a suggestion. I hope it's received well. It is very obvious that you are talented and kind enough to share your art with everyone at affordable prices. The fact that you are looking to improve upon what has already been a well received, successful product says a lot to me! I wish you much success with your new paper and am sure your sales will not suffer. This is, as you said, "A great little change."

catboxartstudio · February 12, 2008 at 11:44 PM

Just weighing in to say that I completely understand the need to raise the cost of your prints. I always thought that $13 was an "it's too good to be true" price to get such lovely art work so I never expected the price to last. I consider you to be a truly gifted artist and I am happy to pay $18 for a print. Your skill and talent is definitely worth the price increase.

NerdGirl · February 13, 2008 at 12:22 AM

Wow! I am taken aback by the comment left by Emma. It is truly sad to see that there are people in this world who cannot appreciate the time and effort involved in creating something unique and running one's own business. Emily, you are an amazingly talented young woman. Your art hangs beautifully in my home and I carry your "sewing is believing" bag almost every day. I say that if anyone thinks that your prices are out of range, they should go buy prints from walmart or some other generic place. Your prices are more than reasonable and your fan following will continue to grow as your body of work continues to amaze and awe. Keep your chin up and don't let the comment of one overshadow the praise of many!

Katie · February 13, 2008 at 12:27 AM

This is also directed at Emma. I guess your comment is not so well received and for good reasons too. We are all satisfied customers of Emily and can I say she will will bend over backwards to make this right. Her prints and goods are always well packaged and they are delivered in a timely manner.

I think it is ok to be taken aback by a price rise and being disappointed that you missed out on a great deal when it was there. But there is a way of voicing that without being mean. Choose words wisely. We can't all agree on everything and believe me this world would be a boring place if we did. Doesn't hurt to be a little diplomatic about it though.

Rita · February 13, 2008 at 01:29 AM

I have not much to say other than that as a very frugal person who grew up with not much, I completely understand the slight shock when something increases in the price of a product. That is a totally reasonable response. No one is arguing against that. And yes, no one likes to have to pay more for anything. However, as Rita mentioned above, one can voice one's concerns without being mean.

So, Emily, do not take one bad comment too seriously. It will always be difficult to bring about a price change but, as many have already mentioned, it is necessary when a business grows. I am sure you will continue to be successful in all that you do.

shirley · February 13, 2008 at 02:07 AM

Good choice on the paper! I also use Epson's Velvet Fine Art Paper for my prints and it's great- just love it! And I also want to say, good for you on raising your prices a little- your work is still very affordable and wonderful and you totally deserve it. :)

Veronika Nagy · February 13, 2008 at 02:53 AM

Hi Emily,
I do not comment often, but I felt that I had to chime in to show my support for your lovely work.

I love Epson's yummy,velvet, matte paper....I've been using it since I started offering prints last year and can definitely speak for it's quality....it really brings out the colours and makes for a beautiful, crisp print with a good amount of weight to the paper. :) Good choice! :)

Marjorie · February 13, 2008 at 07:57 AM

I've recently bought 2 prints from Emily, and I too thought the quality of the paper could be improved, though I was all happy and excited to have finally own the black apple prints! As much as I would want to pay less for every other thing, I agree that the $5 increase is totally reasonable, and in comparison with the prices of other prints, I still think it is worth the hike. And it has got nothing to do with greed.

Jessica Wong · February 13, 2008 at 07:59 AM

I think most people who have commented agree that a price increase is a good thing. it is important to remember that this is Emily's livelihood, and not a whimsical sideline. She has the right to respect her work and her time enough to increase prices if she needs to. For those who do not know how hard being self employed can be, read this entry on christine kane's blog (this is not weird spam, just a relevant addition) - it might add some perspective on this conversation: http://christinekane.com/blog/12-success-tips-for-the-self-employed/

Sarah · February 13, 2008 at 08:31 AM

I'm so bummed I didn't get on the ball and order before you raised the prices. But I love your work so even paying a little more won't deture me from buying...eventually :-)

Mrs.Needham · February 13, 2008 at 09:02 AM

Emily, I think your prints are cheap at any price... I currently have three hanging in my home, have bought them for others, and WILL be buying more. Price has nothing to do with it in my opinion, but for any who are hung up on dollars and cents you only have to compare the price of Emily's prints with other ones of size and quality that are NOT hers. Plenty of others are charging much more. You also have to realize that if she had raised the price $1 here and there, as many do, they would be in this price bracket now anyway, but she never has. I think $18 is still accessible to just about everyone. I am on a pretty tight budget myself but I can squeeze out $20 here and there for an indulgence and Black Apple prints are one of my favorite things to indulge in!
So I guess I just wanted to weigh in and say I will definitely keep coming back!
Beth

Beth · February 13, 2008 at 09:15 AM

Wow... I think everyone needs to relax a moment and remember that Emily is a PERSON, not a some lifeless factory. You may not know this, but Emily was one of the first sellers on Etsy to offer prints of her work, and she sort of set the standards for pricing (with what could really be considered an arbitrary number). Plenty of other sellers followed suit, and many raised have since raised their prices. That was almost three years ago, and she is only now changing the price by what is seriously a small amount in the grand scheme of things. When it comes down to it, only Emily knows how much money she spends on ink and paper and how much TIME goes into creating the products everyone loves so. She is fully entitled to price her work however she likes. Five dollars is really not such a big deal.

voice of reason · February 13, 2008 at 09:36 AM

I use Hahnemuhle paper. A good quality paper really makes a difference. Your price increase is in line with what is offered on Etsy and elsewhere.

Janet · February 13, 2008 at 09:52 AM

Mademoiselle Emily, congrats on the changes. I support you 100% and look forward to purchasing a print very, very soon. Bests to you my dear and happy early heart day!
Love,
Cookie

Cookie · February 13, 2008 at 09:59 AM

Hey Emily,

first off, I think you are doing the right thing in increasing your price on your prints. 18$ for a print is still really-really affordable art (think of this: IKEA prints are priced more than that!). I myself bought a print from you last year and I coudn't beleive the price I've paid (read here: I would have paid a lot more for it!). Increasing prices will ALWAYS make some people grumpy, but it'S YOUR business, and, eventhough it's a creative one, you're still in it to make money and profit (at least, that's my main moto!). So really, I'm giving you the tree thumbs up and wishing you the success you aim for :)

Take care, Witty Valerie

Valerie Parizeault · February 13, 2008 at 12:33 PM

I'm glad that Emily has improved her paper as well as raise her prices. This Epson art paper is extremely nice and expensive; but so worth
it. This is actually a very modest price increase when you factor in the cost of the paper and the fact that this is the first increase in 3 years.

Lynn · February 13, 2008 at 01:52 PM

Ooops, think I hit post before I wrote something! I am excited for you about your paper change. Can I ask what kind of printer you use? I am shopping for a new one myself.

I think $18 is a very fair price for your lovely product! I see similar stuff at art fairs for 2, 3, 5 times as much. Your prices allow everybody to enjoy your art. Happy Birthday to you as well!!

Brooke · February 13, 2008 at 01:55 PM

Hi Emily,

I love all of the prints that I have received from you and I won't have a problem paying $18 dollars.

I just have one question, since you said you had been experimenting with the papers recently. By chance would we who purchased recently have received prints on this new paper? Or was this just experimentation and not used for actual purchases? I'm just curious as I've been meaning to take mine to get framed, but if there is a higher quality now, maybe I should wait and give these away as gifts and purchase the higher quality for myself? Let us know if you get a chance and have a Great Birthday as well as Valentine's.

Bizatch · February 13, 2008 at 03:48 PM

I think sometimes people have no idea how much it costs (time and money-wise) to SELL things online. The packing boxes, mailers stickers, business cards, listing fees, paypal fees, etsy fees, photographing, styling, trips to the PO....it's so much more than just the item. Pricing is a tricky thing, but I've always thought your shop was (and still is) extremely affordable!

amanda bel · February 13, 2008 at 04:50 PM

Oh thank goodness it was a paper change, a small price increase, I dreamed last night and honestly woke up freaking out, that you closed up shop, never to sell a print and *gasp* I'd missed my chance to get a print!

I think you deserve the increase, and I'm sure the new paper will be fantastic. A lot of work goes into the final product and I applaud you for being so upfront.

And THANK YOU for still doing what you do. It was an awful dream :) (all that was left were a few pins! haha)

xo
April

April · February 13, 2008 at 08:20 PM

Happy birthday , Emily !
I love your work :)

trudette · February 14, 2008 at 07:45 AM

I always thought your prints were too cheap. I hope to be putting paper prints in my etsy shop soon. Right now I have Giclee prints on canvas and it's super expensive for me to have them done. I think your prints are perfectly priced and the velvet paper really makes a difference. It's so great that an artist is making a living at what they love to do most. Here's to your continued success! Karin Grow

Karin Grow · February 20, 2008 at 12:07 AM