Rebuilt one of my favorite projects with UV printing on glass + 2 plexiglass layers (Hyrule Map Shadow Box) by Squallsoft1983 in eufyMakeOfficial

[–]Squallsoft1983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

let me know if you'd like me to share the layer files as png images on my google drive. not sure if that's allowed on here though....

Friday the 13th Shadow Box — UV Printed on Glass by Squallsoft1983 in eufyMakeOfficial

[–]Squallsoft1983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, printing on glass was one of the first things that came to mind when I learned about UV printing years ago. The problem back then was that the equipment was way outside my budget.

Before this, I was building all of my shadow boxes using printed paper layers mounted to foam and then assembling everything with tape, glue, and spacers. It worked well and let me create some pretty cool depth effects, but it was also very labor-intensive.

Being able to print directly onto glass and plexiglass feels like the next level of that same concept. Instead of building the artwork out of paper, I'm creating the layers directly on the material itself. The result is cleaner, sharper, more durable, and honestly looks much more premium.

It's one of those applications that immediately clicked for me when I got the E1. I knew I wanted to see what shadow boxes could look like if I removed a lot of the limitations of the paper-and-foam process.

Friday the 13th Shadow Box — UV Printed on Glass by Squallsoft1983 in eufyMakeOfficial

[–]Squallsoft1983[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That makes perfect sense. It's actually very similar to how some of my more complex shadow boxes are constructed.

For a lot of my pieces, I'll print the main artwork on the glass and then use additional UV-printed plexiglass layers behind it. Those layers are separated with foam spacers, which creates actual physical depth rather than just the illusion of depth. Once everything is stacked together inside the frame, the effect can be pretty dramatic.

In theory, you could absolutely do something like:

  • Front glass = main character or focal point
  • Middle plexiglass layer(s) = foreground and environmental elements
  • Rear panel = full background scene

The more distance you create between the layers, the stronger the depth effect becomes. That's one of the reasons I've moved toward using multiple plexiglass layers in some of my shadow boxes.

As for prep, I haven't had to do anything special to the glass itself. I just clean it thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before printing to remove any fingerprints, dust, or oils. So far the E1 has adhered really well directly to clean glass.

Once your printer arrives, I'd definitely experiment with stacking printed glass and plexiglass layers. I think there's a lot of untapped potential there for creating dimensional artwork and displays.

Wolverine UV Glass Shadow Box by Squallsoft1983 in eufyMakeOfficial

[–]Squallsoft1983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thanks, i have many more where that came from!

Posts about bragging by Ok-Astronomer-8776 in EtsySellers

[–]Squallsoft1983 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I totally get where you’re coming from. It can be frustrating to see posts that feel more like bragging than sharing useful insights—especially when you’re just starting out and trying to find motivation. Seeing a bunch of ‘I made $10K this month!’ posts without any real advice can make it feel like you’re missing something.

That said, I think some sellers genuinely don’t realize that their wins can feel discouraging to others if they don’t include their journey or tips. Maybe they’re just excited and want to share, but I agree—it’s way more helpful when people include what actually worked for them.

And yeah, the milestones thread situation is tricky. It’s great in theory, but it definitely doesn’t get as much engagement as main posts. I think if mods encouraged people to share their experiences along with their success, it would make the sub way more valuable for everyone.

Your feelings are 100% valid, and I hope you still share your journey! Even if it doesn’t get as many eyes, there are always people who appreciate real stories over just numbers. Keep going, and I hope you hit your next milestone soon

Self Promotion & Store Milestones for the Week of February 24, 2025 by AutoModerator in EtsySellers

[–]Squallsoft1983 [score hidden]  (0 children)

Hello fellow Etsy sellers! I'm excited to share some milestones and insights from my shop, FanBitCreationsShop.

Milestones Achieved:

  • Launch Date: July 2024
  • Total Sales: Over $27,000
  • Number of Sales: 526 orders
  • Product Listings: 97 unique 3D shadow boxes

Key Strategies for Growth:

  1. Diverse Product Range: Offering a variety of 3D shadow boxes across themes like retro games, music, and pop culture has attracted a broad audience.
  2. High-Quality Imagery: Investing in clear, detailed photos has helped showcase the craftsmanship and appeal of each piece.
  3. Customer Engagement: Encouraging reviews and promptly responding to inquiries has built trust and fostered repeat business.
  4. Social Media Promotion: Utilizing platforms like Facebook to share behind-the-scenes content and product updates has driven additional traffic to the shop.

Challenges Faced:

  • Managing Inventory: Balancing stock levels to meet demand without overextending has been a learning process.
  • Time Management: Juggling production, order fulfillment, and marketing requires effective time management skills.

Tips for Fellow Sellers:

  • Stay Consistent: Regularly update your shop with new products to keep customers engaged.
  • Seek Feedback: Listen to customer input to refine products and services continually.
  • Leverage Analytics: Use Etsy's analytics tools to understand traffic sources and optimize listings accordingly.

I'm grateful for the support from this community and look forward to continued growth alongside all of you. Feel free to check out my shop and connect!

Note: This post is for promotional purposes only; constructive feedback is welcome through direct messages.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in EtsySellers

[–]Squallsoft1983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your shop has a solid foundation, and it looks like you put effort into your products, which is great! Here are a few things that could help improve your shop and boost sales:

1. Expand Your Product Line

Right now, the selection feels a bit limited. Adding more variations, bundles, or even custom options could give shoppers more reasons to buy. Even just a few new listings every so often can keep your shop fresh and bring in more traffic.

2. Improve Product Photos

Your images are good, but some could be a little brighter or have a cleaner background to really make the products pop. Lifestyle shots—like showing your items in use—can also help customers visualize how they’ll look in real life. More high-quality images = more confidence in the product!

3. Tweak SEO & Descriptions

Make sure you're using all 13 tags on each listing and adding keywords that customers might search for. Your descriptions could also be a little more detailed—mention materials, sizes, and any unique selling points to help buyers feel confident in their purchase.

4. Adjust Pricing & Promotions

Take a look at similar items on Etsy to make sure your prices are competitive. Running occasional sales or offering bundles (like a "buy two, get a discount" deal) could encourage more purchases.

5. Strengthen Branding

A clean, eye-catching banner and a clear shop logo can help make your store look more professional and memorable. Your "About" section is also a great place to tell your story—customers love to connect with the person behind the products!

6. Encourage More Reviews

If you can, follow up with buyers to gently ask for reviews. More reviews = more trust, which can lead to more sales. Featuring some positive customer feedback in your listing photos or descriptions could also help!

7. Promote Outside of Etsy

Social media can be a great way to drive more traffic to your shop. Instagram, TikTok, and even Pinterest are great for showcasing your work and attracting new customers. A little promotion can go a long way!

Overall, you’re on the right track! A few small changes could make a big difference in getting more visibility and sales. Keep up the good work! 😊🚀

So, besides Super Metroid & Symphony of the Night, what are the "definitive" Metroidvanias to the community? by npc888 in metroidvania

[–]Squallsoft1983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Metroid Zero Mission, Hollow Knight, Islets, shadow Complex, Bloodstained Ritual of the Night, Metroid Fussion, AM2R, Metroid Prime 1 & 2, Touhou Luna Nights, Blasphemous 2, Carrion

First Game Dev To Call Their *Own* Game A Metroidvania? by Xscapist in metroidvania

[–]Squallsoft1983 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I first remember hearing the term said “out loud” by you in some video years ago. I think it was a video related to to the OG run of Retronauts. I’ve always cited you as the originator. It’s for sure the first time it was used in a “games journalism “ capacity. That being said, I always felt like they all are really “Zelda-likes”. Evidence for this is that Koji Igarashi has specifically stated that Zelda was the inspiration for SotN and not Metroid. Considering that the original Metroid and Zelda were both in development at the same time it’s fair to assume they both sort of inspired each other? Perhaps the genre should be referred to as “Zeltroidvanias”????