Seller Spotlight: Anayah's Room

Join us for another exciting installment in our Seller Spotlight series, where we celebrate the array of talented independent designers selling in our marketplace. In this edition, we chat with Keeley from Anayah's Room, a seller on Design Bundles since June 2019.

Image credit: Anayah's Room

Anayah's Room caught our attention because Keeley’s Mug template Bundle Vol.1 product was trending in the sublimation designs category, and we loved it!

Read on to discover Keeley’s creative process, top tips for other sellers, future goals, and so much more.

Hey Keeley! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello! My name is Keeley, and I’m the owner of Anayah’s Room. Originally I’m from Suffolk, England, but last year we relocated to Texas (we are a military family). I have two kids that keep me busy and regularly foster puppies for the local animal shelter.

My Design Bundles store has evolved over time. When I first started crafting, my husband treated me to a Push Present of a Cameo 3! From adhesive vinyl, I progressed to HTV and eventually sublimation. Now I’m solely a designer and haven’t looked back.

My main focus is sublimation backgrounds, but I dabble in SVGs too. I remember when I was starting out with sublimation, I could never find backgrounds that were suitable for my projects, so I just started making my own. It's a lot of fun and allows me to just play with shapes and colors all day.

What is your favorite product to design, and how did you discover it as a niche?

Paint splashes are definitely my favorite kind of sublimation background to create. Knowing whoever purchases the design will be able to create unique designs with the elements I provide makes me really happy, and I’m always excited to see the end results.

Image credit: Anayah's Room ‘Sublimation Background Color/Paint Splashes PNG bundle vol.3.’

I found very quickly that a lot of finished designs are made using elements, so there will always be a market for backgrounds, especially seasonal ones.

How would you describe your style? And what (or who) inspires you to make new designs?

My style is eclectic, I think; I try not to design myself into a corner and just make what comes out of my mind. One day it will be bold and in your face, the next subtle pastel colors. There is inspiration everywhere, and if I see a color pallet I like, I work with it.

Image credit: Anayah's Room ‘Sublimation Background Bundle Vol.1| Heart Cross Stars.’

What does a typical day look like for you behind the scenes?

I wish I could tell you every day was to wake up, school run, and then design all day. In reality, I might design for an hour or two a day, and it also might be an hour or two a week!

What is your designing tool (or tools) of choice?

Silhouette Studio is where my heart is. It's an excellent program that I think a lot of people underestimate! I’ve used it since day one and have no plans on changing that. Recently I’ve purchased an Ipad with Procreate and Stylus, so that’s something I’m learning and enjoying at the moment. I did dabble with Affinity Design for a while, but there were just too many buttons, lol!

What’s your best-selling item?

My best-selling item is the Mug template Bundle Vol.1, which, if I’m honest, I almost didn’t list. I doubt myself often, but I am learning that the buyer decides what has a use and what doesn't.

Image credit: Anayah's Room ‘Mug Template Backgrounds for Sublimation PNG Bundle’

What's something you wish you knew when you started designing? 

I wish I knew how amazing having a passive income was and how much more time I would have with my kids! Having said that, I do not regret spending the time learning the processes of everything. I think it’s important to know the software you’re designing for.

What tips do you have for any new designers wanting to start selling?

My biggest tip is not to take offense to the feedback and criticism you may face along the way. Starting out, I would often ask for help or feedback then be upset about the help and feedback I received. The more you listen and take on board, the quicker you will excel.

Do you have any future goals for your Design Bundles shop?

Future goals...To finally get one of my designs on the main page.

Image credit: Anayah's Room ‘Mr & Mrs. Ampersands cut file | Mr & Mr |Mrs & Mrs |Wedding.’

Where can we find you online?

I do not currently have any social media pages. Once my youngest child starts school, I hope that I’ll have more time to dedicate to growing that side of my business.

Thanks so much, Keeley, for taking part in the Design Bundles Seller Spotlight series. We loved learning more about you, your creative process, inspiration, and top tips. And a big thanks to our wonderful readers and designer community. Stay tuned for the next installment of the Seller Spotlight series.