scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451 
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 9, 2014 18:57:21 GMT
This issue came up in the Silhouette Club thread, but I want to know if more people (than those who responded in that thread) feel that the file design offerings in recent months are disappointing.
I see a lot more actual silhouettes, more simple designs that even new owners could probably make fairly easily, designs that are the same except for some slight tweaking, designs that look like converted dingbats or clip art, and just overall lesser quality.
Granted, I have downloaded a lot of designs over the past several months, but the artwork in general seems to have deteriorated IMO.
Because I have a monthly subscription and do check the new designs regularly, perhaps I have noticed it more than someone who doesn't subscribe. At least one other person seems to share my opinion. I'd like to know if there others out there who are disappointed in the offerings of the last few months.
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scrappinwithoutpeas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,013
Location: Northern Virginia
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Post by scrappinwithoutpeas on Oct 9, 2014 20:55:26 GMT
I don't have a subscription, but I do check in weekly to get the weekly freebie and browse the new files and clearance items. I have actually noticed the same thing you mentioned about the quality (lower) and simplicity (higher) of the newer designs. I thought maybe it was because I've had my Cameo for a year now and have built up a variety in my library so I might getting to the "been there-done that" stage. But if others are noticing something similar, maybe it's not just me...
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 25, 2024 15:30:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 23:20:57 GMT
I haven't downloaded anything in forever and I have a subscription. The images have definately suffered as of late.  |
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Post by scraphappyinjax on Oct 10, 2014 0:20:24 GMT
I don't own a Silhouette or Cameo but am interested nonetheless. Does anyone have any idea why the designs may be simpler? You think because there are more "designers" and the shop is getting too saturated? Interesting...
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 25, 2024 15:30:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2014 4:16:19 GMT
maybe they are running out of unique ideas?
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 10, 2014 12:11:52 GMT
I am sure it is not easy constantly coming up with new and innovative designs as frequently as their designers are probably expected to. It takes time to create cutting files, and even more time to create ones which are unique and creative that a lot of people will want to buy.
Perhaps there are a lot of newer designers who are not as skilled in creating cutting files. I also suspect that the older and more established designers are getting a bit burned out.
I did wonder if I just have too many designs so they are all starting to look alike, but after viewing some of the much older designs in the Silhouette store, I really don't think that is the only reason.
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jeanene
Junior Member
Posts: 89
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Post by jeanene on Oct 10, 2014 13:32:03 GMT
I have a subscription and haven't even come close to using it up for the last several months. I look every week, but nothing catches my eye. I feel like the designs are just not me or there are a lot of 3 dimensional shapes for cards that don't really work well for layouts. My sister got me my subscription for Christmas last year and I'm seriously considering not renewing it and just paying for designs bit by bit.
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momtomy2
Junior Member
Posts: 58
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Post by momtomy2 on Oct 10, 2014 14:41:58 GMT
I responded on the other thread, but will add to this one as well. I have definitely noticed a difference in the last 6 months or so. I struggle to use my $25 per month often. At one point I wondered if it didn't have something to do with designers trying to reach the cricut crowd that jumped over to silhouette. A lot of the designs look like cartridges to me. And unfortunately you see a lot less from the older designers who have been around a while.
On an up note, I am really enjoying the new fonts that are being added. They are right on point with the newer trends. And if I have money to spend hurriedly, I usually get a few fonts. Since they install themselves, without me having to remember how, it's a win/win.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 11, 2014 14:17:12 GMT
I have downloaded only one Silhouette font so far. Most of the Silhouette fonts don't appeal to me any better than fonts I already have.
I think it's time I started designing more of my own files again. I can. I just like having someone else do the work for me, because it saves me time. However, lately I have been spending a ton of time searching for files to use up my credits, so I'm not really saving time any more.
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Post by htstepper on Oct 11, 2014 14:31:44 GMT
I have noticed that the designers for the more complicated designs often have to write directions on how to assemble things on their blogs and such. Maybe they don't want to take the time to do that when the simpler designs sell just as well?
I have boys and need more cool boy designs like skateboards, scooters, legos and things for birthday cards and notice that many of the designs are even more juvenile than my boys, ages 6 and 8.
The other designs that I like are 3D items or things that would make cool vinyl'd pieces and there haven't been too many more of those.
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gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
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Post by gloryjoy on Oct 11, 2014 14:44:09 GMT
I have had a hard time using my $ in my Silhouette account lately. There isn't a lot grabbing me.
This sounds silly, but if I have to use up credits before I lose them, I find myself buying fonts.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 11, 2014 18:42:29 GMT
I have noticed that the designers for the more complicated designs often have to write directions on how to assemble things on their blogs and such. Maybe they don't want to take the time to do that when the simpler designs sell just as well? Good point. That would take more time for the designer to do up instructions. I'm not convinced that the simpler designs sell just as well, though. I look at the simple designs and pass them by. |
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Post by penny on Oct 11, 2014 19:09:34 GMT
I stopped checking the store weekly (for the freebie), months ago because everything seemed too cutesy or themed... They don't look unique or edgy/current to me... I just bought a WRMK Evolution die cutter because I'm finding myself more drawn to the stamp and die sets... Easy to customize with inks and Copics and paints... Not sure it's faster than designing or colouring something in the Silhouette software, but it's feels more fun to have something in my hands and not spending the time on the computer...
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 11, 2014 20:05:31 GMT
I just bought a WRMK Evolution die cutter because I'm finding myself more drawn to the stamp and die sets... Easy to customize with inks and Copics and paints... Not sure it's faster than designing or colouring something in the Silhouette software, but it's feels more fun to have something in my hands and not spending the time on the computer... I was a stamper before I was a scrapper, and I would much rather stamp than do print and cut. I just trace my stamp sets and let my Cameo do the cutting first, then stamp on the cuts. It's not that much different doing it that way than using the stamp & die sets, and it's a lot less expensive than buying dies. Once I have traced a stamp set, it's ready to cut the shapes anytime I want to use that set. I don't mind using the computer, though, especially if I want to cut multiples of something. |
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momtomy2
Junior Member
Posts: 58
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Post by momtomy2 on Oct 11, 2014 20:18:46 GMT
Scrapnnana, do you have a Pixscan mat? You would love it if you are a stamper.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 11, 2014 20:43:07 GMT
Scrapnnana, do you have a Pixscan mat? You would love it if you are a stamper. Not yet. I have read a little about it and am considering getting it. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 25, 2024 15:30:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2014 22:10:54 GMT
I can't get my pixscan mat to work |
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lancene
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by lancene on Oct 11, 2014 22:16:09 GMT
I don't mind an image that is somewhat simple, but I find that a lot of them are too juvenile or "cutesy" even for my grandchildren. I also see a lot of repetition of themes - hot air balloons, bicycles, pies - you get my drift. Trying to find something a little different in the store has become difficult.
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tsabhira
Full Member
Posts: 250
Jun 26, 2014 3:38:01 GMT
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Post by tsabhira on Oct 11, 2014 23:31:38 GMT
They don't seem a whole lot worse to me now than they used to... I still have a bulging wishlist full of stuff I want!
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Post by penny on Oct 11, 2014 23:50:18 GMT
I just bought a WRMK Evolution die cutter because I'm finding myself more drawn to the stamp and die sets... Easy to customize with inks and Copics and paints... Not sure it's faster than designing or colouring something in the Silhouette software, but it's feels more fun to have something in my hands and not spending the time on the computer... I was a stamper before I was a scrapper, and I would much rather stamp than do print and cut. I just trace my stamp sets and let my Cameo do the cutting first, then stamp on the cuts. It's not that much different doing it that way than using the stamp & die sets, and it's a lot less expensive than buying dies. Once I have traced a stamp set, it's ready to cut the shapes anytime I want to use that set. I don't mind using the computer, though, especially if I want to cut multiples of something.How do you trace your stamps? Can you trace clear ones too? This sounds exciting! I bought the Evolution for the dies, but also for embossing and letterpress... I got it on sale and has won a gift certificate from the site so it ended up being a good deal... Paid a quarter of what I paid for my Silhouette, had it two weeks, and probably used it almost as much as my Silhouette... I love my Silhouette for custom stuff like titles... Just got tired of fiddling with it - I struggle getting it to cut on the mat where it shows on the screen... I haven't been able to make use of the little scraps that I thought I'd be able to use or be able to get the cut out of the specific part of the pattern like I had hoped... Now that the software has updated (it's been a while since I've used it), I should spend and day calibrating and doing a bit of a refresher on it... Hearing that I can trace stamps has me pretty excited about doing that actually...lol |
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,591
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Oct 11, 2014 23:51:06 GMT
I don't have a problem spending my credits every month and I like their fonts.
I tried one of those free font websites and infected my computer with a virus so I don't want to try that again!
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Post by htstepper on Oct 12, 2014 1:59:39 GMT
I have noticed that the designers for the more complicated designs often have to write directions on how to assemble things on their blogs and such. Maybe they don't want to take the time to do that when the simpler designs sell just as well? Good point. That would take more time for the designer to do up instructions. I'm not convinced that the simpler designs sell just as well, though. I look at the simple designs and pass them by. I also pass on the simpler designs. I'm a pretty decent tracer at this point, so I don't need to buy the simpler things. |
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Post by htstepper on Oct 12, 2014 2:02:03 GMT
I was a stamper before I was a scrapper, and I would much rather stamp than do print and cut. I just trace my stamp sets and let my Cameo do the cutting first, then stamp on the cuts. It's not that much different doing it that way than using the stamp & die sets, and it's a lot less expensive than buying dies. Once I have traced a stamp set, it's ready to cut the shapes anytime I want to use that set. I don't mind using the computer, though, especially if I want to cut multiples of something.How do you trace your stamps? Can you trace clear ones too? This sounds exciting! I bought the Evolution for the dies, but also for embossing and letterpress... I got it on sale and has won a gift certificate from the site so it ended up being a good deal... Paid a quarter of what I paid for my Silhouette, had it two weeks, and probably used it almost as much as my Silhouette... I love my Silhouette for custom stuff like titles... Just got tired of fiddling with it - I struggle getting it to cut on the mat where it shows on the screen... I haven't been able to make use of the little scraps that I thought I'd be able to use or be able to get the cut out of the specific part of the pattern like I had hoped... Now that the software has updated (it's been a while since I've used it), I should spend and day calibrating and doing a bit of a refresher on it... Hearing that I can trace stamps has me pretty excited about doing that actually...lol Watch the "Tracing without Tears" series on Youtube. That is how I learned! It's so easy once you get the hang of it. As for the stamps, you will need to stamp them, scan them and then trace the image.  |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 12, 2014 4:38:44 GMT
I either use the trace feature after scanning in the stamped images, or else I use the drawing tools, depending on how easily the stamped images trace. I am pretty adept with the drawing tools, but only so-so as far as using the tracing feature. I may want to watch the Tracing without Tears videos, too.
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Post by sabriolet on Oct 12, 2014 13:38:36 GMT
I have felt this way about the library going on at least a year now. It just seems full of repeats, or similar looking designs. In three years I have amassed a pretty good library though, so I am sure that has something to do with it.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 13, 2014 12:57:57 GMT
I have felt this way about the library going on at least a year now. It just seems full of repeats, or similar looking designs. In three years I have amassed a pretty good library though, so I am sure that has something to do with it. I have had less than a year to build my library up, but I do have a lot of designs. I know that may be part of why I feel there are fewer desirable designs being offered, but I don't think that is the only reason. To be truly fair, there have been some good designs in recent months, just seemingly fewer of those offered (percentage wise) than before. This did not occur to me until today, but perhaps one possible reason for the difference is because the new software has taken time for everyone to learn, and the learning process has left less time for actual design work. I know from all the posts about it that version 3 proved to be a huge headache for a lot of people until the bugs in it were corrected. I'm sure it also took some time to figure out the changes and new features. Design work takes time, no matter what, but so does getting acquainted with software changes. Whether the offerings in the online store improve or not, I guess it's time for me to stop being lazy and do more of my own file designing again. I used to really enjoy creating my own cutting files. |
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Post by hayleystewart on Oct 15, 2014 6:56:42 GMT
I too have been really disappointed with the Silhouette store designs. In the past I would always spend all of my sub and put the rest in my wishlist for the following month, now I rarely buy anything. I will not be renewing my sub when it finishes up in November. I mainly purchased titles and backgrounds as they are what I use the most but the designers I enjoyed don't seem to be adding anything new anymore. I have more than enough and if I feel I really need something new I will get some from Kerri Bradford or Elle's Studio.
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Post by DinCA on Oct 15, 2014 7:35:00 GMT
I can't get my pixscan mat to work I have a tutorial I would be happy to share, if you like. It's not a video but it is step-by-step instructions. Let me know. FWIW, I love the pixscan technology. Once you get it up and running, it's so much fun! |
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Post by DinCA on Oct 15, 2014 7:41:25 GMT
I don't have any problem using my $50 a month subscription. I don't buy the clip art, however, or any complicated paper-piecing. And not because I don't like them, I just don't have the patience for it anymore.
I do agree that there are a lot of simplistic designs, and I "could" make them myself if I wanted to, but my Cameo is for convenience. I'd rather spend my time scrapping than in Photoshop. If I didn't have a subscription, I might feel differently about it, however.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 25, 2024 15:30:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2014 19:37:12 GMT
I can't get my pixscan mat to work I have a tutorial I would be happy to share, if you like. It's not a video but it is step-by-step instructions. Let me know. FWIW, I love the pixscan technology. Once you get it up and running, it's so much fun! I'd love that, thanks!!!! |
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