Etsy Seller Interview with Kristina of ZoollGraphics

How ZoollGraphics got started

Introduce your Etsy shop and tell us your story. How did you begin and decide on what to sell on Etsy, and how do you create your products?

Hello there! My name is Kristina, and I am the owner of ZoollGraphics. My shop specialises in digital papers, digital prints, digital calendars, planners, and clip art. I opened my shop almost a decade ago, so it is difficult to remember the details, but I remember falling in love with graphic design and wanting to make something. Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what that something would be. However, as I started crafting patterned papers for personal use, I stumbled upon Etsy sellers offering digital versions for fellow creatives. That's when inspiration struck, and I began selling my creations, which included not only patterned papers but also digital products like planners, calendars, labels, clip art, and digital prints. Of all my offerings, I find digital prints the most enjoyable to create, as they allow me to surround myself and others with inspirational quotes and humorous expressions. The best part of my job is crafting custom designs for my customers, who serve as a wellspring of inspiration for me. I especially love when they share photos of their creations featuring my patterns.

Favorite items

What are your favorite items? What makes these so special? Why do you think these items might be selling well?

One of my cherished digital paper sets is the "80's/90's Patterns," which also happens to be the hottest item in my shop. I vividly remember designing them, carefully choosing all the colours and elements since I really wanted to invoke the feeling of that era.

Another personal favourite is "Retro Patterns," one of the first papers I ever created for my shop.

And, of course, I hold a special place in my heart for the "Galaxy Digital Papers." I mean, who can resist the beauty of a vibrant, starry night sky?

Getting sales on Etsy

How long did it take for you to earn your first sale and how do you currently attract customers to your Etsy shop?

My very first sale happened within the very first month, featuring the "Halloween Patterns Digital Papers" set. I recall being so happy that someone appreciated my work; it was truly a moment of pure joy.

Attracting customers is difficult, given the crowded market and big competition. To navigate these challenges, I'm committed to maintaining the highest product quality and staying attuned to emerging trends. Sometimes it feels like a game of guesswork, but in the end, it is very well worth it.

Managing ZoollGraphics

How do you manage your shop? Are you running solo or do you have any team members? What tools or services do you use to run your shop and how do you handle fulfillment?

ZoollGraphics is a solo endeavour; I handle all aspects of the shop's operation. In terms of tools, I rely heavily on Pinterest, Etsy tags, and SEO to enhance visibility and engagement. Based on my experience, active participation on Etsy helps a lot. This involves fine-tuning keywords, tweaking listing details, optimising images, and observing the dynamics of what sells and what doesn't.

The future of ZoollGraphics

What goals do you have for your shop in the future?

My primary goal is growth, with a desire to expand my product range. I'm enthusiastic about designing greeting cards and exploring diverse creative avenues, which, unfortunately, time constraints prevent me from pursuing at present. Additionally, I aim to offer more custom-made creations to cater to the preferences of my customers.

Advice for new sellers

What’s your advice for a new seller starting an Etsy shop?

For new sellers, my advice is simple: start creating, have fun, and don't fixate on the numbers. Success on Etsy doesn't happen overnight; it's a learning process that demands patience and persistence. Take your time, stay committed for the long haul, communicate openly with your customers, and ensure that your products are the best quality they could be right from the start.