July Suggestions Thread

This relates to when you upload an image and proceed to customize the image onto products. So you scroll down the list of products and want to fix the image onto a pillow, so you click on the "customize product" and that box pops up that has Image Size and Background Color. The slide bar is great, but it would be really helpful if it showed what percent the image was being reduced or enlarged. Currently I slide the bar to the left to make the image smaller, but I have no idea who much smaller I've made it. BUT, if it showed the percent in number form as to how much I was reducing the image (or enlarging it to) then when I go to upload similar designs in different colors I could make sure the images all match in size on the various products.
Also on that box that pops up is Background color. It would really be helpful if there were an eye dropper tool. Then I could exactly match a certain color from the design.

Here's my suggestion concerning DMCA complaints that are filed against us artists here at FAA and my open and honest suggestion for improvement.

When an image is in question, the image should NOT be immediately taken down. It should stay up, link still intact ( so we don't have to upload the image again when we win the case), but the image should be grey out (not available to sell, until the infringement case is resolved one way or another).
When the image is greyed out, this way we know there has been an infringement question about that specific image.
In addition, under our settings it would be helpful if there was a folder that has all of the images in question so we can easily access them all in one place.
We should then have a 2 week + window to prove our case against the infringement complainant.
There also should be some kind of a penalty for the person/entity submitting cases when they lose.
For the person/entity(Under penalty of perjury) not being able to prove the infringement (when they are wrong and lose), they should no longer be able to access our FAA/Pixels website or something similar.
It would also be helpful and beneficial to all artists if there were a contact at Stites law firm that will actually communicate with the artists.
Stites cannot be the judge, jury and prosecution (without our side/evidence presented).
In addition, we need to be contacted by email (our personal email and through FAA) that lists the image/s in question and other pertinent information so we can present our side of the facts.
I'm not bashing FAA or Stites, I am just suggesting a way I feel the DMCA process can be improved upon here.

Just a quick THANK YOU for the toggle button on image order. I will use BOTH depending on my promotions and creative output

I really would love if Fine Art America has fulfilment centers for the small products in the EU too.
I am receiving more and more emails about they wanted to purchase something but they won't because it comes from the US so not only lot of time to arrive but to pay extra taxes and high shipping cost.
And I love Fine Art America, our Premium site, the quality and the variety of items and the lot of fulfilment centers for me is like an all in one solution but if it is only for the prints is not enough...

I wouldn't like to start with another European pod company because of this, so it would be great if FAA produce everything in the EU too to EU market :(

This is a part of an email today as an example:

"I live in the Algarve, but the checkout showed that the mug would be sent from the US. Why? I don't have the patience or the extra money to have the mug held hostage in customs. Do you ever ship anything directly from your Portugal location to others in Portugal? If so, how can I make that happen? "

I would love a slideshow button (similar to Flickr). Thanks!

I agree with David, there should be some kind of consequence for an artist accusing another one of copyright violation if it is not true. Three years ago, one FAA artist left comments under one of my fractals and accused me of stealing her art. The funny thing was, my fractal looked NOTHING like her art! I have no idea why she did that. Anyway, Abbie sorted it out, my image was never removed because it was so obvious that it was not stolen from her.

Many fractal programs contain basic images which can then be manipulated further to create more complicated fractals. Some artists just use the basic image straight out of the program so there are quite a few identical fractals for sale here, but it doesn't mean the artist stole them. Therefore, it's a good idea not to remove the image in question immediately, until things are sorted out. I like the idea of the image being grayed out and temporarily being suspended until the artist had time to defend himself or herself.

Finally, if artists suspect a copyright violation, they shouldn't leave comments under someone's image. This doesn't only make the artist in question look bad, but it also reflects negatively on FAA. I wish there was a rule prohibiting artists from leaving any negative comments at all.

I agree with David Ilzhoefer & Elisabeth Lucas, about investigating the artist who is complaining about another artist, of any accusations.

There is some truth to what they say.

I agree with Dora, please, thank you!

I'm changing mine...

I would love it if Sean would hire some tech staff instead of doing everything himself. I've had a tech issue for over a year and it still isn't fixed. (Yes, you may read this as a complaint but hey, it's been a year afterall...)

A toggle to easily turn products on and off. It's time consuming and frustrating to have to erase all the prices.

I'd like to suggest two ways for the site to benefit from the hours and efforts we spend organizing our images into collections :)
(I suggested this earlier a few times, but I really think it would result in more sales and benefit the site, the members and the customers as well...)

1. The SIMILAR IMAGES slider's algorithm could be changed to display images from the same collection.
Currently in many cases it's absolutely useless, it brings up images that have zero connection to the featured image (mostly the best sellers).

For example: my images are all over the place (winter landscapes, seascapes with boats, minimalist opera posters, tree abstracts, children's tale illustrations, wildlife conservation posters etc.), but as I create (and publish) them in 12 piece collections, it would be very easy to find 11 similar images if a visitor arrives to one...
But with 90% of my images the Similar images picked by the algorithm are ridiculously off.
If a visitor arrives to an opera poster, it's more likely that they will be interested in more opera posters, and not a random selection of a ship, a tree abstract, a fantasy illustration and a vintage botanical...

Many members here have very diverse portfolios, for them the 'Related images' have mostly no relevance .

2. Add a 'SAME COLLECTION' button (or slider) under the featured image (where the contest wins are now displayed...)

I've spent some time on Google Analytics analyzing visitor's behavior, and what happens is usually: someone arrives to an image, clicks 'Next' or 'Previous' until the collection ends and then leaves as soon as a new one starts.
Obviously they are interested in a specific subject, and chances of a sale would be much better if they could see images that are INDEED similar, with one click...
And this would be a fast and easy thing to implement, not too much coding needed...


thanks

Mira. To display similar images such as seascapes just use that keyword first on each image you want in the slides. They are organised by keywords then by top sellers using that keyword.

Hi Gill, thanks for helping - I'm sure keywords are somewhere in the line of organization, but I have 'opera poster' as second (title first) on all of my opera posters, and it doesn't seem to be effective...Anyway, I just changed the order, let's see what happens.

Opera poster will never be shown as a keyword as they won’t use anything with print, poster etc as they are categories. You could put opera but that has to be first, not the title. Each title is unique so there is nothing to link to other images.

If you look at the tags under each image you will see your first keyword is always different and the second is disregarded as it is not something that is generally searched.

I apologize if this is already a thing, but my suggestion would be regarding blogs. Does it/ can it show up as a clickable category on our pixels website? And can there be an option to give little page breaks within a blog article? I write regularly on a platform dedicated to just blogs, and was considering switching to our blog platform. The page breaks I use on the other platform are really just a . . . but I think it looks nice.

I agree with Donna on her percentage suggestion when using the Slider on products and especially on T-shirts etc.

My July suggestion is new product suggestions.

Business Cards allowing the buyer/artist/photographer to add text on one side and image on the other, offering a choice of 100 and 500 cards. These could be fulfilled easily from all fulfilment centres around the world.

Picnic Blanket, Playing Cards (glossy) and Suitcase Tags (Carbon Friendly) are also worth consideration.

Thanks Gill, I changed the first ones to 'opera', and it seems to work. My understanding was that terms like poster are only cropped and disregarded in search, but had no idea the complete keyword is being omitted. (on a side note: I understand the reasoning behind omitting poster as a keyword, but it's not only a product, it's a design genre, so it would make sense to use it in this meaning)

However, I still think a direct SAME COLLECTION button would be very useful.

(...and now I have to go through all my images and change the first keyword ...:((((...and that reminds me of another suggestion I posted here earlier, that it would be great if we could edit the keywords displayed on the Bulk Edit page..)

Just to update: this method only seems to work if the first keyword is something that is actually displayed. I tried 'lonely house' for my Runaway houses series - it's not displayed and not effecting the related images

Have gift cards have a % off option not just $ amount.

Thanks

Same suggestion as last month that the sides for .75 canvas be the same as the 1,5 canvas. Black or white is not a good option for most. Not everyone frames them.

I would love to offer metal prints in a matte finish. I saw some recently and they are gorgeous! The sleek look and vibrant color of glossy metal prints without the highly reflective surface that can be an issue in some lighting situations. The look is smooth, rich and satiny. Thanks in advance.

In the message area - a filter to see my messages.

Doug, please expand..i don't understand

How about making it so that it is impossible for one or two folks to hog the Blogs section on FAA/Pixels blog listings page. Very irritating and disrespectful to others.

These are related (and practically the same thing):

i'd like to have the ability to do that new thing you added earlier - and use it on just some categories. So I can sort it to best sellers but only certain galleries.

Or it might be better if I could tag say 10 images I consider the best so they are always on top and can never move no matter what new thing I add.

I also think it would be cool to have a trending, where whatever is selling the most, the keywords they have an I have align and I can sort it by that (and the buyer). This way I can be on top of whatever weird trend we have.


----Mike Savad

I have a suggestion, improve password security for the site. I just went through the process of updating mine after ages of not doing it, and discovered to my shock that a very basic method of making them strong is missing. I won't say in a public forum what I mean, but can followup in more secure fashion.

Add a public access area/link to Limited Time Promotions. It could include an opt-in or opt-out for artists to choose if they want their LTPs public or not.

When people make a new discussion in a group, all members of the group get notified of a new conversation. They can then opt out of that convo if they want but unless they opt out of all notifications they will get notified of these new convos...

How the search works -

It would be nice if when we are looking at products if there were a link to click to get to the "main" image.

I was just getting ready to share some tote bag images as we have outlawed plastic bags here. I don't really care about selling tote bags so much as prints - but like to share them anyway. BUT if I share the tote bag image there is no way to get (easily) to the main image to see what else is offered with that image on it.

Hope that made sense and if I am wrong and am missing something - please someone message me.

Please offer artists an alternative to being paid by Paypal.

Please offer artists an alternative to being paid by PayPal.

Hello Abbie, my previous comment was not my idea, so I hope I'm allowed for a proper suggestion, please.

Could we have the website of the artist written under the mugs, please? It would generate more sales, I think, when they are given as gift by ourselves or others.

Thanks a lot for being open to new ideas!

Please offer artists an alternative to being paid by PayPal.

Please offer us direct bank payments as a backup payment method to PayPal. Thanks for hearing me again.

I'd love to be able group prints together as a single product print set - i.e. a diptych, triptych, or a gallery wall set. Print sets & curated gallery wall groupings are extremely popular in the home decor market. It would help FAA sell more art.

As far as I know, other POD sites like FAA (where artists upload their own images) are not yet offering print sets However I do know of a curated POD site that is selling print sets. I realize we're not allowed to mention other art websites on this forum, but I'd be happy to email Abbie with the name of the site, if Sean is interested.

Thanks.

Please offer a different method of payment like direct deposit!

I agree that more than one payment method would be ideal. Please consider direct deposit or an alternate payment provider.

Some PODs use Payoneer. Payoneer charges less than PayPal, so it may be a good alternative for FAA.

So recently a long time member and regular seller got booted off the Paypal platform. I suggest that members be given the choice of being paid through Payoneer. This platform works a bit different from Paypal. It is used by Getty images in addition to Paypal. European users like it for various reasons that include exchange rates and VAT tax. As far as I know it is free to the enterprise such as FAA. I opened my account in 2018 just to be sure I had an alternative to PP. Since then a company I do work for has switched from PayPal to Payoneer. AFAIK it is free for US residents and a small fee overseas. I pay $1.50 for a transfer to my bank.

I have read that after a year they do charge a fee for dormant accounts. I never had this happen afaik. I had no payments to my account for a few years until one of the photo companies I shoot for switched to paying by Payoneer.
Payoneer is used to pay sellers on Amazon and Walmart and many other companies. It seems to be preferred for enterprises. While not all members will like it, I noticed many in Europe on Istock prefer it. And it would be an alternative for those that have been banned from the Paypal platform or have objections to using it. And I believe it is cheaper for FAA.

I second Beverly's suggestion for diptychs/tripptychs/print sets.

Bradford,
do you know if Payoneer allows for non-US residents to withdraw USD to a US bank account?
Because that's the main problem with paypal for non-US residents: I have a USD bank account, but paypal doesn't allow for linking. We're forced to withdraw to our local currency account, with loosing significant % on fees and rates...

Why have another middle company? Direct deposit could work easily and perfectly...

Default to BLACK sides again....I get so many complaints due to the mirrored sides and I've had to return 3 prints myself due to not being centered. If they were black, then the people who stretch the canvas would have guides to keep the artwork centered. And no more verbiage wrapped around the edges or weird little tiny bits of a piece. Might ease up on Customer Service requests too....

It would be great if it was possible to receive payments through Payoneer

Abbie - Doug, please expand..i don't understand.

I'm thinking about a tab, similar to "Watched", but going to a list of messages that I have posted, without regard to the content area. In my mind, it's not quite the same thing as Watched, since I watch some message areas without posting, or might (as it was with this one) post without watching, so my suggestion is a tab that goes to a list of the messages I posted.

Actually, as an example, I post movie reviews under a pseudonym on a forum called Movieforums.com. If you create an account there, and post a few messages, you can see how it works. As a message board, MF is quite similar to the one on FAA, but it's more tedious here to see what I have previously said on a topic since I have to scroll down, looking for it and sometimes there are a lot of responses.

We have on our site, fulfilment and guarantee links, i’d like to suggest a copyright link that is written for the individual artist/photographer.

Doug S, that is a really good idea and it is one that is definitely on my list to pass on

It would be great, if, when we create a PNG file we could have a bit me leeway to move the image around on certain products and not have the restrictions we have with photos, please.

Paul, that is why templates are provided!

Templates are for creating sized images to fit on the products
If your images do not work well as-is when you load them, you can create customised images ready to add to the work

1. Create the customised image in your editor
2. Upload or edit your main print image
3. Scroll down to the product areas
4. See Customise and Image
5. Click image to load your customised image shaped for the product
6. SUBMIT

APPAREL https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/clothing-20?v=1234
BATTERY CHARGER https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/battery-5200?v=1234
BEACH TOWEL https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/beachtowel-32-64?v=1234
COFFEE MUG https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/coffeemug-11?v=1234
DUVET COVER https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/duvetcover-queen?v=1234
FLEECE BLANKET https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/blanket-coral-50-60?v=1234
MASKS https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/facemask-large?v=1234
PHONE COVER https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/iphone7?v=1234
POUCH https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/pouch-regularbottom-medium?v=12341234
ROUND TOWEL https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/beachtowelround?v=1234
SHOWER CURTAIN https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/showercurtain?v=1234
SPIRAL NOTEBOOK https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/spiralnotebook?v=1234
STICKERS https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/sticker-3-3?v=1234
TAPESTRY https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/tapestry-50-61?v=1234
THROW PILLOW https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/throwpillow-14-14?v=1234
TOTE BAG https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/totebag-18-18?v=1234
WEEKENDER BAG https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/totebagweekender-24-16-white?v=1234
YOGA MAT https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/product-template/yogamat?v=1234

I don't know if this is already a thing, but can there please be a way for buyers to reposition the artwork on prints when you use the other dimension orientations ("Shape" it says on the product page). It's available for buyers to do for the other products like pillows and stuff but from what I see, not for prints. Please.

That will not be a thing. I am sorry. It does state things will be cropped

If not a fan, please turn it off (cropping)

It would be a great idea have more variety of items that the artist can pick to display their artwork. For example, I like how my art looks on a pillow, but I also like how it would look on a chair or hat or book bag. Can we as artists get an opportunity to mix and match or choose from more optional products; to put our artwork? Thanks for listening.....

Just following up my suggestion for an alternative pay above with what I've found out last week. All of my other online accounts use ACH (Automated Clearing House) as an alternative to PayPal. I don't know what fees are involved but here's my research about ACH from the consumer financial protection bureau.

What is an ACH?
An ACH is an electronic fund transfer made between banks and credit unions across what is called the Automated Clearing House network.

ACH is used for all kinds of fund transfer transactions, including direct deposit of paychecks and monthly debits for routine payments. Merchants often enable consumers to pay bills via ACH by providing an account number and bank routing number. A number of online payment services also conduct transactions via ACH, including most banks and credit unions’ online bill payment services.

While many ACH payments clear quickly, because of the way in which an ACH is processed and precautions against fraud and money laundering, transactions can sometimes take several days to complete.

Can I use the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to transfer funds abroad?
Yes. The Automated Clearing House network , also called ACH, may be used to transfer funds to individuals or businesses in the United States or abroad.

In general, ACH transfers that are made by consumers from the United States to recipients in foreign countries are among the types of money transfers that may be considered “remittance transfers” under federal law. Federal law now protects consumers who send remittance transfers.

I second the triptych and split image sets. Those seem to be coming more popular.

I would like to see a placemat and napkin option.

Working on my offsite website and I think it would be very helpful if we had a Shopping cart widget like Widget #6: 300 x 250, but one that allowed us to choose a specific piece of art to buy, instead of the default listing that is currently used.

Since many users post messages on the forum about "How to increase my sales?", I would suggest FAA adds a small line below the "Start a new discussion" that would read: 'Looking for tips to increase sales?' with a link to the page with all the resources.

It appears the FAQs at the top of the page isn't enough.

Or, for new users, on the initial sign up page where there is an 'Accept terms of use' check off box, maybe add something that says: Before joining be sure and read these 'how to instructions' or something to that effect.

I like that when I'm in IMAGES, I can click on the little pencil icon on the image and reset the order for that image. I would like to see this same functionality in the images within a COLLECTION. I find it much easier to work with than the list format that it currently is in COLLECTIONS.

Also, on IMAGES, I found that with my 1000+ images, it can be hard to scroll until I find the image that I want to reorder (for example, I want to put all my lighthouse images together, and they are scattered throughout). If I could SEARCH based on keyword, and the little pencil icon show up on the images so I could reorder, that would be terrific! Or, if when I am logged in and I do a SEARCH, each image shows its order number beneath the image like it does on the IMAGES tab, that could also make my life easier.

Thank you.

Post cards would be a great addition. Thanks!

As a new product line, I'd like to see "Acrylic Blocks" added to display our images. Very popular elsewhere and very salable.

Agree with Suzanne, Postcards would be a great addition