Poor Carly. She might have to give up that Martha’s Vineyard lifestyle.

Yeah, on the photo images – Pete has had to photoshop some of them, too. I’m not exactly sure what he does to them, but the quality isn’t consistent and often he will have to pass on an interesting photo because it’s not going to work. That’s a trial and error investment.

And I wouldn’t say creativity has to be at a level where it eludes most of us. Rather, I’d say the talent behind achieving Zazzle success is in choosing a niche that performs. If somebody is looking for a theme that you have and you’ve produced an adequate design across a spectrum of products, they will buy. So far, that seems to be a better strategy than having a bunch of items in one category – like a bunch of mugs or t-shirts that don’t relate to one another.

I have really enjoyed this collaboration, too. It has been comforting to know that others are facing similar challenges going forward toward retirement. It’s been fun to share what we’ve learned, and if it helps out, that’s great. There’s enough potential business out there for everyone to achieve, but there’s no getting around it does take work. And you’re right about diversification, too. All eggs one basket doesn’t cut it.

I feel like we took an online friendship to a different level than we had before, too, and that more than anything is rewarding.

By the way, I wanted to add that, from my travels around Zazzle, I would say that a person needs at least some artistic or design sense, and the more the better. If not, you’ll kind of be limited to slogans on things like T-shirts or bumper stickers. I had thought they had note pads and yellow stickies, but I was mistaken. I don’t have a whole lot of artistic talent, but I can arrange things and am familiar with Paint Shop Pro, which is similar to PhotoShop. I’ve had to “photoshop” most of the public domain images I’ve found. In the future I may decide it’s worth subscribing to a stock photo service, though I don’t at present.

A lot of the photos aren’t very good quality, and many need, at the very least, to be cropped. I’ve had to determine the license for each photo on a case-by-case basis, because licensing is so complicated nowadays. Finding free, public domain photos is hard, unless you’re going for historic stuff. Finding free, good quality, public domain original art, cartoons or abstract designs is almost impossible.

Betsy, thanks again for this great collaboration and for all the good information you’ve given me without fear of creating more competition for you guys. It’s been fun doing, reading, and working on the ideas. I hope other pairs of bloggers will try it. I’ll let everyone know when I have a store set up on Zazzle so you can see what I’ve come up with. I’ve got to come up with a lot more than Zazzle, though, to get where I want to be.

Hi Davina – I’m with you. I didn’t want to think about retirement. I think people who are frugal will have the upper hand. I’ve read stories about people who have lived beyond their means and don’t have the skill sets needed to fend for themselves. The recession has tipped them over the edge, and they’re so shell-shocked they can’t act. I never feared growing old alone; it was more like resignation should it occur. Thanks.

Hi Barbara – Hahahaha Granny Bloggers LMAO now you’re talking! And staving off dementia is a plus in anyone’s book, too. It’s interesting that a mindset develops – I’ve ‘retired’ from working for anyone else. And I know many who have retired and say, “I don’t know how I had time to work.” So, whatever we choose or must do, keeping active will pay off. Thank you.

Hi Vered – I don’t mind the idea of continuing to work as long as it’s at something I enjoy and can physically do, either. The AARP article has a 92 year old who just quit working full time for the government recently. And she doesn’t look 92. Thanks.

I’m reading this post out of order (I still need to read Dot’s), but what you wrote is so true. Retirement in this day and age is not what it was for our parents.

Ironically, even though I’m a baby boomer, I don’t even think of retiring. I mean, what would I do? I’m not content to just sit around, and even traveling (which I’ve already done quite a bit of), can get old after awhile (or it can for me).

I get so much joy out of keeping my mind occupied with learning and challenging myself, this is what I see myself doing until I can’t do it any longer. And after reading how it could also stave off dementia, that’s all the better.

I say we all grow old together and become “granny” bloggers. WoOT!
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Caution – Read At Your Own Risk =-.

I started “planning” for it when I was working a full-time job by contributing to mutual funds. Things have changed now as I’m self-employed and busy staying afloat. A little disconcerting I have to admit. To my benefit, I’m quite happy to live a frugal life. As long as I have enough for the necessities and a comfortable place to live… and someone special to share it with, I’m good. They say love isn’t always enough and that it won’t pay the bills… but I don’t want to grow old alone. I fear that more than lack of $$$.
.-= Davina´s last blog ..8. A Trail Through Thyme =-.