I have always done scrapbooking as a favorite past-time or as a way to relieve stress; but since becoming a member of scrapbook.com, I have been learning more about getting your work noticed and how you can actually get paid to play (so to speak).

I noticed how members spoke about being a Design Team Member and how they have gotten published. My questions are: how does all this work and is it an option I may be able to do? How does one even become a Design Team Member? What does a Design Team Member actually have to do? What type of commitments does one have to keep? How does one get noticed and even published?

I hope someone can help answer these questions I have.

Good question...one I don't know the answer to though lol

It depends on the team, some of the big teams like Prima and Tim Holtz require you to be published. Others just want someone that will talk about their kit and get their name out to the people at large. I've been on 2 digital DT's and 1/2 a dozen paper DT as well as a few card teams. I will tell you that when you start to get involved with DT you need to develop a thick skin and accept that you won't get along with everyone.

Donna ~ Thanks for trying to help

Jane ~ Thanks for the explanation. How does a team get made? Is it a selection process if some sort? Does a group create one of their own?

Teams are different, so different teams have different processes.

Sometimes you will be asked by a company if you would like to design for them. Other times, you have to apply to DT calls and hopefully make it through the processes of elimination. Some teams have very specific qualifications like you have to submit so many items to be published and you have to do blog posts, create so many projects a month, contribute on the company forum, etc. Others are more laid back and require very little.

Check out the Publishing section of the forum for more info
http://www.scrapbook.com/forums/showforum.php?fid/31/

Having your own blog is often required these days to be on a design team. You should consider starting your own blog if you haven't done so already.

Also really good photos of your projects....DTs want great photos to show off the projects you do. For instance, go to the galleries of the ladies here at sb.com who are on DTs and take a look at their photo quality.

Also watch for DT calls and apply if you are really interested. I'm a little burnt out so make sure you don't lose your drive for the love of the art.

Also, you mentioned getting "paid to play" ....I just wanted to mention that my understanding is that frequently what you get paid, is in free product (someone can correct me if I"m wrong)
I don't think that you make a lot of money at it...if that is your goal.
Free stuff can be nice, though I've heard some scrapbookers say that it is not as fun when you are doing it as "a job"......
Just some things to consider!

Alison

Thank you all for your input!!

I will just let whatever happens, happen. I'm just going to continue on as I always have been and enjoy it.

Yep just product at the most.