How to Use Multiple Google Drive Accounts on macOS

Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/multiple-g-drive-accounts-mac/

Do you use multiple Google Drive accounts for work, personal projects, or other reasons? Unfortunately, Google Drive for macOS doesn’t allow users to switch between accounts easily or sync multiple accounts at the same time.

But don’t worry—there are ways to install and use multiple instances of Google Drive on your macOS device. This guide will walk you through several methods, from creating separate macOS user profiles to using third-party tools, so you can manage multiple accounts efficiently.

What You Need Before You Start

Before setting up multiple instances of Google Drive on macOS, make sure you have the following ready:

macOS Version: Ensure your Mac is running macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later. Google Drive works best with newer versions of macOS.
Google Drive App: Download and install the official Google Drive app from Google’s website.
Secondary Google Accounts: Have your additional Google accounts ready with login credentials.
Stable Internet Connection: A reliable connection is required for syncing data between accounts.

Once you’ve checked these requirements, you can proceed with one of the methods below to set up multiple Google Drive instances.

Method 1: Using Separate User Accounts on macOS

One of the easiest ways to run multiple Google Drive instances on macOS is by creating separate user accounts. Each account can have its own Google Drive app, logged into a different Google account. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New User Profile

Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences.
System Preferences window on macOS for accessing user settings
Go to Users & Groups and click the Lock icon to make changes.
Users & Groups settings on macOS for managing accounts
Click the + button to add a new user.
Add user option in macOS Users & Groups settings
Fill in the details for the new user and click Create User.
Form to create a new user on macOS with fields for user details

Step 2: Set Up Google Drive in the New Profile

Log out of your current account and sign in to the new user profile.
Mac user profile screen after logging in to a new account
Download and install the Google Drive app.
Google Drive download page for macOS
Sign in with your secondary Google account and set up sync preferences.

Step 3: Switch Between Profiles as Needed

When you need access to a different Google Drive account, simply switch profiles from the Apple Menu > Log Out, and sign into the other user account.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Completely separate profiles ensure no data overlap between accounts.
Cons: Switching between macOS profiles can be time-consuming.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

If you prefer a more seamless solution without switching macOS profiles, third-party apps like CloudMounter or ExpanDrive allow you to mount multiple Google Drive accounts as network drives. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Download and Install the App

Visit the official website for CloudMounter or ExpanDrive.
Download and install the application on your Mac.
CloudMounter installation screen on macOS

Step 2: Add Multiple Google Drive Accounts

Launch the app and click Add New Connection (or similar option).
Select Google Drive as the storage type.
CloudMounter interface with Google Drive selected as the storage option
Sign in with your first Google account and grant the necessary permissions.
CloudMounter screen for adding a Google Drive account and granting permissions
Repeat the process to add additional Google accounts.

Step 3: Access Google Drives in Finder

Once connected, each Google Drive account will appear as a separate network drive in Finder, allowing you to manage files just like a local folder.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Centralized access to all accounts without switching profiles.
Cons: Requires a paid subscription for most features.

Method 3: Using Web Browsers for Multiple Accounts

If you only need occasional access to multiple Google Drive accounts and don’t require Finder integration, web browsers can help. You can either use different browsers or set up multiple profiles in Chrome. Here’s how:

Option 1: Use Different Browsers

Log in to your primary Google Drive account using Safari.
Logging into Google Drive using Safari on macOS
Open another browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, and log in to your secondary account.

google account

This allows you to manage both accounts simultaneously without switching profiles or installing additional software.

Option 2: Use Multiple Profiles in Google Chrome

Open Google Chrome and click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
Google Chrome profile menu for managing accounts
Select Add to create a new profile.
Log in with a different Google account in the new profile.
Switch between profiles by clicking on the profile icon.
Google Chrome with multiple Google accounts set up and profile switcher

Pros and Cons

Pros: No additional software required, quick and easy setup.
Cons: Limited to browser access—doesn’t integrate with Finder for local file management.

Method 4: Using Virtual Machines or Containers

For advanced users, virtual machines (VMs) or containers offer a way to run multiple instances of Google Drive in isolated environments. This method is useful if you need complete separation between accounts without switching macOS profiles. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Install a Virtual Machine Application

Download and install a VM tool like Parallels Desktop or VirtualBox.
VirtualBox interface for managing virtual machines on macOS
Set up a new virtual machine with macOS or a Linux operating system.
VirtualBox setup screen for creating a macOS virtual machine

Step 2: Configure Google Drive

Install the Google Drive app within the virtual machine.
Log in with a secondary Google account and configure sync settings.

Step 3: Use Shared Folders (Optional)

You can set up shared folders between the host macOS and the VM to transfer files easily without re-downloading them.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Full isolation of accounts and complete independence between instances.
Cons: Complex setup, requires additional resources like RAM and storage.

Troubleshooting Tips

Running multiple instances of Google Drive can sometimes lead to errors or syncing issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Sync Errors Between Accounts

Ensure the Google Drive app is updated to the latest version.
Check that there is enough storage available in each account.
Pause and resume syncing in the app to restart the process.

2. Conflicts with File Versioning

Avoid modifying the same files across multiple accounts to prevent version conflicts.
Use the “Backup and Sync” option instead of “Stream Files” if conflicts persist.

3. Performance Issues

Reduce the number of files being synced at once by selecting specific folders instead of syncing everything.
Close unused applications to free up memory and processing power.
Restart the Google Drive app or reboot your Mac if performance slows down.

4. Login or Authentication Problems

Clear browser cache and cookies if web-based logins fail.
Reinstall the Google Drive app if authentication issues occur within the app.

Following these troubleshooting steps should resolve most issues you encounter. If problems persist, visit the Google Drive Help Center for additional support.

Security and Privacy Considerations

When using multiple Google Drive accounts, it’s essential to prioritize security and privacy to protect your data. Here are a few best practices:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Activate 2FA for each Google account to add an extra layer of security.
Visit Google Account Security to enable this feature.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Ensure each Google account has a strong, unique password.
Use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass to manage passwords securely.

3. Encrypt Sensitive Files

Encrypt files before uploading them to Google Drive for added security.
Tools like Cryptomator can help encrypt your files locally before syncing.

4. Monitor Account Activity

Regularly check for suspicious activity in your Google account under Security Settings.
Log out of inactive devices connected to your Google Drive accounts.

5. Backup Important Data

Keep offline backups of critical files to avoid data loss in case of accidental deletions or sync errors.
Consider using an external hard drive or another cloud service for redundancy.

Following these steps will help keep your data safe while managing multiple Google Drive accounts.

Conclusion

Managing multiple Google Drive accounts on macOS might seem tricky at first, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. Whether you prefer using separate macOS profiles, third-party tools, browser-based solutions, or virtual machines, this guide provides the steps you need to get started.

For quick access and simplicity, using web browsers or Chrome profiles works best. If you need Finder integration and seamless syncing, third-party apps like CloudMounter or ExpanDrive are excellent options. On the other hand, advanced users may find virtual machines more suitable for complete isolation between accounts.

No matter which method you choose, don’t forget to follow the security tips outlined above to keep your data safe and secure. If you run into any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section for quick fixes.

The post How to Use Multiple Google Drive Accounts on macOS appeared first on Hongkiat.

Adobe Flash is back (at least for these game devs)

Original Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/3d/video-game-design/adobe-flash-is-back-at-least-for-these-game-devs

Flash Forward 2025 will showcase new Flash games and interactive movies.

Building an On-Scroll 3D Circle Text Animation with Three.js and Shaders

Original Source: https://tympanus.net/codrops/2025/02/03/building-an-on-scroll-3d-circle-text-animation-with-three-js-and-shaders/

Learn how to create a circular text animation in 3D space using Three.js, shaders, and msdf-text-utils.

Nim: A Personal Website Template Built with Motion-Primitives

Original Source: https://tympanus.net/codrops/2025/02/01/nim-nextjs-react-tailwind-motion-template/

Nim is a free, open-source personal website template built with Next.js 15, React 19, Tailwind CSS v4, and Motion-Primitives, featuring subtle, pre-built animations.

Look Closer, Inspiration Lies Everywhere (February 2025 Wallpapers Edition)

Original Source: https://smashingmagazine.com/2025/01/desktop-wallpaper-calendars-february-2025/

As designers, we are always on the lookout for some fresh inspiration, and well, sometimes, the best inspiration lies right in front of us. With that in mind, we embarked on our wallpapers adventure more than thirteen years ago. The idea: to provide you with a new batch of beautiful and inspiring desktop wallpapers every month. This February is no exception, of course.

The wallpapers in this post were designed by artists and designers from across the globe and come in versions with and without a calendar for February 2025. And since so many unique wallpaper designs have seen the light of day since we first started this monthly series, we also added some February “oldies but goodies” from our archives to the collection — so maybe you’ll spot one of your almost-forgotten favorites in here, too?

This wallpapers post wouldn’t have been possible without the kind support of our wonderful community who tickles their creativity each month anew to keep the steady stream of wallpapers flowing. So, a huge thank-you to everyone who shared their designs with us this time around! If you too would like to get featured in one of our next wallpapers posts, please don’t hesitate to submit your design. We can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with! Happy February!

You can click on every image to see a larger preview.
We respect and carefully consider the ideas and motivation behind each and every artist’s work. This is why we give all artists the full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. This is also why the themes of the wallpapers weren’t anyhow influenced by us but rather designed from scratch by the artists themselves.
Submit your wallpaper design! 👩‍🎨
Feeling inspired? We are always looking for creative talent and would love to feature your desktop wallpaper in one of our upcoming posts. Join in ↬

Fall In Love With Yourself

“We dedicate February to Frida Kahlo to illuminate the world with color. Fall in love with yourself, with life and then with whoever you want.” — Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.

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with calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 1024×768, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1440, 2560×1440
without calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 1024×768, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Sweet Valentine

“Everyone deserves a sweet Valentine’s Day, no matter their relationship status. It’s a day to celebrate love in all its forms — self-love, friendship, and the love we share with others. A little kindness or just a little chocolate can make anyone feel special, reminding us that everyone is worthy of love and joy.” — Designed by LibraFire from Serbia.

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with calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440
without calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Mochi

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.

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with calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 3840×2160
without calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 3840×2160

Cyber Voodoo

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.

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with calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 3840×2160
without calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 3840×2160

Pop Into Fun

“Blow the biggest bubbles, chew on the sweetest memories, and let your inner kid shine! Celebrate Bubble Gum Day with us and share the joy of every POP!” — Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.

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with calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440
without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Believe

“‘Believe’ reminds us to trust ourselves and our potential. It fuels faith, even in challenges, and drives us to pursue our dreams. Belief unlocks strength to overcome obstacles and creates possibilities. It’s the foundation of success, starting with the courage to believe.” — Designed by Hitesh Puri from Delhi, India.

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with calendar: 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440
without calendar: 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Plants

“I wanted to draw some very cozy place, both realistic and cartoonish, filled with little details. A space with a slightly unreal atmosphere that some great shops or cafes have. A mix of plants, books, bottles, and shelves seemed like a perfect fit. I must admit, it took longer to draw than most of my other pictures! But it was totally worth it. Watch the making-of.” — Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.

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without calendar: 800×480, 800×600, 1024×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1440×960, 1600×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 2560×1600, 2880×1800, 3072×1920, 3840×2160, 5120×2880

Love Is In The Play

“Forget Lady and the Tramp and their spaghetti kiss, ’cause Snowflake and Cloudy are enjoying their bliss. The cold and chilly February weather made our kitties knit themselves a sweater. Knitting and playing, the kitties tangled in the yarn and fell in love in your neighbor’s barn.” — Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Farewell, Winter

“Although I love winter (mostly because of the fun winter sports), there are other great activities ahead. Thanks, winter, and see you next year!” — Designed by Igor Izhik from Canada.

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without calendar: 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 2560×1600

True Love

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.

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without calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 3840×2160

Balloons

Designed by Xenia Latii from Germany.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Magic Of Music

Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.

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without calendar: 800×480, 800×600, 1024×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1440×960, 1600×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 2560×1600, 2880×1800, 3072×1920, 3840×2160, 5120×2880

Febpurrary

“I was doodling pictures of my cat one day and decided I could turn it into a fun wallpaper — because a cold, winter night in February is the perfect time for staying in and cuddling with your cat, your significant other, or both!” — Designed by Angelia DiAntonio from Ohio, USA.

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without calendar: 320×480, 800×480, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Dog Year Ahead

Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Good Times Ahead

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.

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without calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 3840×2160

Romance Beneath The Waves

“The 14th of February is just around the corner. And love is in the air, water, and everywhere!” — Designed by Teodora Vasileva from Bulgaria.

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without calendar: 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1280×720, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

February Ferns

Designed by Nathalie Ouederni from France.

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without calendar: 320×480, 1024×768, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1680×1200, 1920×1200, 2560×1440

The Great Beyond

Designed by Lars Pauwels from Belgium.

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without calendar: 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

It’s A Cupcake Kind Of Day

“Sprinkles are fun, festive, and filled with love… especially when topped on a cupcake! Everyone is creative in their own unique way, so why not try baking some cupcakes and decorating them for your sweetie this month? Something homemade, like a cupcake or DIY craft, is always a sweet gesture.” — Designed by Artsy Cupcake from the United States.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1200, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Snow

Designed by Elise Vanoorbeek from Belgium.

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without calendar: <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1024×768.jpg title=”Snow – 1024×768″>1024×768, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1152×864.jpg title=”Snow – 1152×864″>1152×864, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1280×720.jpg title=”Snow – 1280×720″>1280×720, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1280×800.jpg title=”Snow – 1280×800″>1280×800, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1280×960.jpg title=”Snow – 1280×960″>1280×960, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1440×900.jpg title=”Snow – 1440×900″>1440×900, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1600×1200.jpg title=”Snow – 1600×1200″>1600×1200, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1680×1050.jpg title=”Snow – 1680×1050″>1680×1050, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1920×1080.jpg title=”Snow – 1920×1080″>1920×1080, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1920×1200.jpg title=”Snow – 1920×1200″>1920×1200, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1920×1440.jpg title=”Snow – 1920×1440″>1920×1440, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-2560×1440.jpg title=”Snow – 2560×1440″>2560×1440, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1366×768.jpg title=”Snow – 1366×768″>1366×768, <a href=”https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-2880×1800.jpg title=”Snow – 2880×1800″>2880×1800

Share The Same Orbit!

“I prepared a simple and chill layout design for February called ‘Share The Same Orbit!’ which suggests to share the love orbit.” — Designed by Valentin Keleti from Romania.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Dark Temptation

“A dark romantic feel, walking through the city on a dark and rainy night.” — Designed by Matthew Talebi from the United States.

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without calendar: 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Ice Cream Love

“My inspiration for this wallpaper is the biggest love someone can have in life: the love for ice cream!” — Designed by Zlatina Petrova from Bulgaria.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Lovely Day

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Time Thief

“Who has stolen our time? Maybe the time thief, so be sure to enjoy the other 28 days of February.” — Designed by Colorsfera from Spain.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1260×1440, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

In Another Place At The Same Time

“February is the month of love par excellence, but also a different month. Perhaps because it is shorter than the rest or because it is the one that makes way for spring, but we consider it a special month. It is a perfect month to make plans because we have already finished the post-Christmas crunch and we notice that spring and summer are coming closer. That is why I like to imagine that maybe in another place someone is also making plans to travel to unknown lands.” — Designed by Verónica Valenzuela from Spain.

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without calendar: 800×480, 1024×768, 1152×864, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1440×900, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 2560×1440

French Fries

Designed by Doreen Bethge from Germany.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440

Frozen Worlds

“A view of two frozen planets, lots of blue tints.” — Designed by Rutger Berghmans from Belgium.

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without calendar: 1280×800, 1366×768, 1440×900, 1680×1050, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 2560×1440

Out There, There’s Someone Like You

“I am a true believer that out there in this world there is another person who is just like us, the problem is to find her/him.” — Designed by Maria Keller from Mexico.

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without calendar: 320×480, 640×480, 640×1136, 750×1334, 800×480, 800×600, 1024×768, 1024×1024, 1152×864, 1242×2208, 1280×720, 1280×800, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1366×768, 1400×1050, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1680×1200, 1920×1080, 1920×1200, 1920×1440, 2560×1440, 2880×1800

“Greben” Icebreaker

“Danube is Europe’s second largest river, connecting ten different countries. In these cold days, when ice paralyzes rivers and closes waterways, a small but brave icebreaker called Greben (Serbian word for ‘reef’) seems stronger than winter. It cuts through the ice on Đerdap gorge (Iron Gate) — the longest and biggest gorge in Europe — thus helping the production of electricity in the power plant. This is our way to give thanks to Greben!” — Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.

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Sharp

“I was sick recently and squinting through my blinds made a neat effect with shapes and colors.” — Designed by Dylan Baumann from Omaha, NE.

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On The Light Side

Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.

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Febrewery

“I live in Madison, WI, which is famous for its breweries. Wisconsin even named their baseball team “The Brewers.” If you like beer, brats, and lots of cheese, it’s the place for you!” — Designed by Danny Gugger from the United States.

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Love Angel Vader

“Valentine’s Day is coming? Noooooooooooo!” — Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.

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Made In Japan

“See the beautiful colors, precision, and the nature of Japan in one picture.” — Designed by Fatih Yilmaz from the Netherlands.

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Groundhog

“The Groundhog emerged from its burrow on February 2. If it is cloudy, then spring will come early, but if it is sunny, the groundhog will see its shadow, will retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.” — Designed by Oscar Marcelo from Portugal.

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The best movie posters of the month: January 2025

Original Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/design/poster-design/movie-posters-of-the-month-january-2025

Our pick of the most beautiful new theatrical posters.

The Digital Playbook: A Crucial Counterpart To Your Design System

Original Source: https://smashingmagazine.com/2025/01/digital-playbook-crucial-counterpart-design-system/

I recently wrote for Smashing Magazine about how UX leaders face increasing pressure to deliver more with limited resources. Let me show you how a digital playbook can help meet this challenge by enhancing our work’s visibility while boosting efficiency.

While a design system ensures visual coherence, a digital playbook lays out the strategic and operational framework for how digital projects should be executed and managed. Here’s why a digital playbook deserves a place in your organization’s toolbox and what it should include to drive meaningful impact.

What Is A Digital Playbook?

A digital playbook is essentially your organization’s handbook for navigating the complexities of digital work. As a user experience consultant, I often help organizations create tools like this to streamline their processes and improve outcomes. It’s a collection of strategies, principles, and processes that provide clarity on how to handle everything from website creation to content management and beyond. Think of it as a how-to guide for all things digital.

Unlike rigid rulebooks that feel constraining, you’ll find that a playbook evolves with your organization’s unique culture and challenges. You can use it to help stakeholders learn, standardize your work, and help everybody be more effective. Let me show you how a playbook can transform the way your team works.

Why You Need A Digital Playbook

Have you ever faced challenges like these?

Stakeholders with conflicting expectations of what the digital team should deliver.
Endless debates over project priorities and workflows that stall progress.
A patchwork of tools and inconsistent policies that create confusion.
Uncertainty about best practices, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

Let me show you how a playbook can help you and your team in four key ways:

It helps you educate your stakeholders by making digital processes transparent and building trust. I’ve found that when you explain best practices clearly, everyone gets on the same page quickly.
You’ll streamline your processes with clear, standardized workflows. This means less confusion and faster progress on your projects.
Your digital team gains more credibility as you step into a leadership role. You’ll be able to show your real value to the organization.
Best of all, you’ll reduce friction in your daily work. When everyone understands the policies, you’ll face fewer misunderstandings and conflicts.

A digital playbook isn’t just a tool; it’s a way to transform challenges into opportunities for greater impact.

But, no doubt you are wondering, what exactly goes into a digital playbook?

Key Components Of A Digital Playbook

Every digital playbook is unique, but if you’ve ever wondered where to start, here are some key areas to consider. Let’s walk through them together.

Engaging With The Digital Team

Have you ever had people come to you too late in the process or approach you with solutions rather than explaining the underlying problems? A playbook can help mitigate these issues by providing clear guidance on:

How to request a new website or content update at the right time;
What information you require to do your job;
What stakeholders need to consider before requesting your help.

By addressing these common challenges, you’re not just reducing your frustrations — you’re educating stakeholders and encouraging better collaboration.

Digital Project Lifecycle

Most digital projects can feel overwhelming without a clear structure, especially for stakeholders who may not understand the intricacies of the process. That’s why it’s essential to communicate the key phases clearly to those requesting your team’s help. For example:

Discovery: Explain how your team will research goals, user needs, and requirements to ensure the project starts on solid ground.
Prototyping: Highlight the importance of testing initial concepts to validate ideas before full development.
Build: Detail the process of developing the final product and incorporating feedback.
Launch: Set clear expectations for rolling out the project with a structured plan.
Management: Clarify how the team will optimize and maintain the product over time.
Retirement: Help stakeholders understand when and how to phase out outdated tools or content effectively.

I’ve structured the lifecycle this way to help stakeholders understand what to expect. When they know what’s happening at each stage, it builds trust and helps the working relationship. Stakeholders will see exactly what role you play and how your team adds value throughout the process.

Publishing Best Practices

Writing for the web isn’t the same as traditional writing, and it’s critical for your team to help stakeholders understand the differences. Your playbook can include practical advice to guide them, such as:

Planning and organizing content to align with user needs and business goals.
Crafting content that’s user-friendly, SEO-optimized, and designed for clarity.
Maintaining accessible and high-quality standards to ensure inclusivity.

By providing this guidance, you empower stakeholders to create content that’s not only effective but also reflects your team’s standards.

Understanding Your Users

Helping stakeholders understand your audience is essential for creating user-centered experiences. Your digital playbook can support this by including:

Detailed user personas that highlight specific needs and behaviors.
Recommendations for tools and methods to gather and analyze user data.
Practical tips for ensuring digital experiences are inclusive and accessible to all.

By sharing this knowledge, your team helps stakeholders make decisions that prioritize users, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.

Recommended Resources

Stakeholders often are unaware of the wealth of resources that can help them improve their digital deliverables. Your playbook can help by recommending trusted solutions, such as:

Tools that enable stakeholders to carry out their own user research and testing.
Analytics tools that allow stakeholders to track the performance of their websites.
A list of preferred suppliers in case stakeholders need to bring in external experts.

These recommendations ensure stakeholders are equipped with reliable resources that align with your team’s processes.

Policies And Governance

Uncertainty about organizational policies can lead to confusion and missteps. Your playbook should provide clarity by outlining:

Accessibility and inclusivity standards to ensure compliance and user satisfaction.
Data privacy and security protocols to safeguard user information.
Clear processes for prioritizing and governing projects to maintain focus and consistency.

By setting these expectations, your team establishes a foundation of trust and accountability that stakeholders can rely on.

Of course, you can have the best digital playbook in the world, but if people don’t reference it, then it is a wasted opportunity.

Making Your Digital Playbook Stick

It falls to you and your team to ensure as many stakeholders as possible engage with your playbook. Try the following:

Make It Easy to Find
How often do stakeholders struggle to find important resources? Avoid hosting the playbook in a forgotten corner of your intranet. Instead, place it front and center on a well-maintained, user-friendly site that’s accessible to everyone.
Keep It Engaging
Let’s face it — nobody wants to sift through walls of text. Use visuals like infographics, short explainer videos, and clear headings to make your playbook not only digestible but also enjoyable to use. Think of it as creating a resource your stakeholders will actually want to refer back to.
Frame It as a Resource
A common pitfall is presenting the playbook as a rigid set of rules. Instead, position it as a helpful guide designed to make everyone’s work easier. Highlight how it can simplify workflows, improve outcomes, and solve real-world problems your stakeholders face daily.
Share at Relevant Moments
Don’t wait for stakeholders to find the playbook themselves. Instead, proactively share relevant sections when they’re most needed. For example, send the discovery phase documentation when starting a new project or share content guidelines when someone is preparing to write for the website. This just-in-time approach ensures the playbook’s guidance is applied when it matters most.

Start Small, Then Scale

Creating a digital playbook might sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Begin with a few core sections and expand over time. Assign ownership to a specific team or individual to ensure it remains updated and relevant.

In the end, a digital playbook is an investment. It saves time, reduces conflicts, and elevates your organization’s digital maturity.

Just as a design system is critical for visual harmony, a digital playbook is essential for operational excellence.

Further Reading On SmashingMag

“Design Patterns Are A Better Way To Collaborate On Your Design System,” Ben Clemens
“Design Systems: Useful Examples and Resources,” Cosima Mielke
“Building Components For Consumption, Not Complexity (Part 1),” Luis Ouriach
“Taking The Stress Out Of Design System Management,” Masha Shaposhnikova

ShineOn Print On Demand Review: A New Way to Create Custom Products

Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/shineon-print-on-demand-review

I found a business opportunity that combines creativity with low risk. ShineOn is a print on demand (POD) platform that allows you to start a jewelry business without the usual startup hurdles.

If you have a way with words or want to get into business without a lot of resources, ShineOn is an interesting option.

This POD model is simple and easy to use, perfect for newbies to business. I’ll break down the details of ShineOn and answer your questions about this new platform.

What’s special about custom jewelry?

Print on demand jewelry is a new spin on personalized accessories. I noticed it’s a less crowded space than the t-shirt and apparel market. While everyone knows about customized mugs and towels, jewelry has been quietly growing.

This type of jewelry never goes out of style. Gift giving occasions keep demand strong year round. I’ve seen how these pieces make great gifts, especially for women, but options for men too.

With on-demand design you can create one of a kind pieces for both creators and customers. No inventory required.

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ShineOn at a quick glance

ShineOn launched in early 2016 by Eric Toz. Although new to the e-commerce scene, ShineOn has already made a splash in the custom jewelry space.

I’ve seen how ShineOn’s focus on personalized accessories has resonated with consumers looking for sentimental gifts.

The business model is simple and works. They only cater to Shopify store owners and provide a full suite of services.

Product design, order fulfillment, shipping management, sales tracking. They even host product listings so sellers don’t have to.

I like ShineOn for newbies to e-commerce. Success on the platform is based on two skills: product design and Facebook ads. So even if you’re not experienced you can still succeed.

ShineOn has two customization options:

Direct jewelry engraving or printing

Customized packaging cards

Graphics, photos or text on the jewelry

For items like 3D pendants where direct customization isn’t possible.

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How ShineOn works

ShineOn is a platform I like for its print on demand jewelry approach. Designers and sellers can upload their designs or hire designers to create designs.

The platform then allows users to apply those designs to different jewelry pieces and generate mockups for marketing purposes.

What’s unique about ShineOn is its production model. Products are only made after a customer orders. This eliminates inventory and risk for sellers.

The profit model is simple:

| Seller’s Earnings | = | Sale Price | – | Manufacturing Cost | – | Shipping Fee |

ShineOn’s product selection process is thorough. They do market research and testing to find jewelry pieces with high sales potential. This ensures their products are on trend and consumer demand.

Once a product is approved ShineOn makes it in their factory. The platform then updates with new product images and sellers can create mockups and start marketing.

One of the benefits of ShineOn is no upfront costs. Sellers can list products without inventory. When a sale happens ShineOn deducts the product cost and shipping fee from the payment received.

This makes jewelry selling open to many entrepreneurs, from hobbyists to established businesses. It combines custom design with on demand production.

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ShineOn’s Sales and Marketing Tools

Learning Resources

ShineOn has a free course for sellers to get started on their platform or Shopify. It explains everything in detail so you don’t have to guess, covers the basics of selling. For more advanced strategies there are paid courses.

I like the knowledgebase for new sellers. It has text and video tutorials on getting started, managing Shopify orders, shipping and fulfillment processes.

Customer Reconnection

I like ShineOn’s free retargeting service. It shows Facebook ads to users who have added products to their cart or started checkout. They also get follow up emails. This increases sales by targeting people who have shown interest.

Sellers can do retargeting themselves or have ShineOn manage it.

Product Promotion

ShineOn has customizable product pages. I can click “View In Store” and add to my Facebook to drive traffic.

Design Assets

I have access to a huge library of mockups, video creatives and message card designs and jewelry customization. This is great for design inspiration when I need it.

The platform has a ton of free mockups I can rearrange as needed. These are good for advertising but I can also upload my own product photos if I want.

Buyer Support

Unlike most print on demand services ShineOn goes beyond manufacturing and shipping and offers buyer support for my customers. Customers can contact via contact form or email.

Value Adds

I can offer engraving as an upsell. It adds $6 to the product cost but I can charge customers $15 or more and increase my average order value. I can adjust pricing as needed.

Sales Incentives

The platform has discount tools I can add coupon codes to product pages to attract more sales. I can access these tools from the Discounts tab.

Coupons are categorized by savings type, fixed dollar amount and percentage. I can adjust product pricing to maintain profit margins when using discounts.

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What Can I Sell Through ShineOn?

ShineOn gives me a wide range of customizable jewelry products to sell.

I can sell graphic products like pendants, keychains, bracelets and necklaces. These come in shapes like dog tags, hearts, crosses and circles. Customers can upload their own photos or choose from pre-made designs.

When creating graphic products I have two design options. I can use transparent backgrounds so the product color shows through or non-transparent backgrounds for a more defined look. ShineOn also has free designs that have been proven to work.

For card based products I need to use templates so my designs fit within the printable area. This ensures professional results every time.

Engraving adds another layer of personalization. I can offer text engravings on jewelry pieces and even photo etching on heart or dog tag pendants for necklaces.

Here’s a quick summary of the product types:

Graphic products (pendants, keychains, bracelets, necklaces)

3D pendant necklaces with card messages

Engraving only

The 3D pendant necklaces are interesting. The jewelry itself is not customizable but the card boxes have sentimental phrases. The appeal is in the messaging not the jewelry design.

There are two engraving only products currently:

Horizontal bar necklace

Engraved rectangle keychain

By having all these customizable jewelry I can cater to different customer preferences and create unique personalized products that stand out in the market.

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ShineOn Pod Jewelry Pricing

ShineOn has jewelry products at different price points.

The most affordable ones start at $9.90, mostly for steel or silver. Some popular $9.90 options are silver circle pendant with snake chain, silver graphic heart keychain and steel dog tag with swivel keychain.

Customers can opt to upgrade their purchase. 18K gold plating is available for most products. Personalized engraving is another popular add-on. These upgrades increase the final price.

Let’s take an example:

Base price (silver circle pendant): $9.90

Gold plating upgrade: +$5.00

Engraving: +$6.75

Total: $21.65

I found that offering these upgrades can increase order values. While engraving costs $6.75 to produce, I can price it up to $15 for customers and increase profit margins.

For the complete list of base prices and upgrade costs check the Inventory tab in your ShineOn account. This will help you price your products accurately and maximize your earnings.

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Is ShineOn Easy to Use?

ShineOn has a simple and easy to use platform for sellers. I found the sign up process quick and easy. New users can create products in minutes of signing up.

If you need extra help ShineOn University has free courses to get you started.

Paid courses are also available for more advanced strategy training.

Here’s a quick overview of the sign up process:

Go to platform.shineon.com

Enter your name, email, password and location

Enter a secondary email for notifications

Set up store details (Facebook pixel, Google Analytics, URL handle)

Add payout information (PayPal, Payoneer or Pingpong)

Once your account is set up you can create products in no time. I was able to upload designs and launch new products in under 20 minutes. The step by step process is:

Click “Create Product”

Choose from product types

Upload your design

Add title and description

Set variants and pricing

Set Facebook pixel and Google Analytics

Choose your niche

Edit product URL

Publish

ShineOn has pre-written product descriptions which I found helpful as a starting point. I could easily customize them to fit my brand and target audience.

After publishing the platform generates a unique sales page URL for each product. This can be used in Facebook ads or other marketing efforts to drive traffic and sales.

I love how ShineOn simplifies the whole process from sign up to product launch. The platform removes many of the technicalities of e-commerce so sellers can focus on creating great designs and marketing their products.

For newbies to print on demand ShineOn is a big plus. The platform takes care of the production and fulfillment so sellers can focus on the creative side of their business.

The basic features are easy to understand but I found that the platform also has more advanced options for experienced sellers. This scalability makes ShineOn suitable for both newbies and seasoned e-commerce entrepreneurs.

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Pros and Cons of Using ShineOn to Sell

ShineOn has many benefits for sellers. I like the zero upfront cost. When a customer orders a product ShineOn deducts the product cost from my account and I only get my profit. This removes financial risk and simplifies cash flow.

The platform is a turnkey e-commerce solution so I can start selling right away. ShineOn takes care of most of the business from production to shipping so I can focus on two main areas: running effective Facebook ads and creating winning product designs.

But there are some limitations to consider. Since I’m selling under the ShineOn brand I don’t own the brand itself. I can’t sell the business if I wanted to exit.

While it’s worth noting that selling a store can be tough even with full ownership, not having this option may be a con for some sellers.

Customer support is limited on ShineOn. They do handle customer inquiries but no phone support.

Customers can only reach out via email or by filling up a contact form with their details and message. This might not be suitable for customers who prefer immediate voice support.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Zero upfront cost
Automatic profit calculation
Ready to use e-commerce platform
Focus on ads and product design

Cons 👎

Can’t sell the business
Limited customer support
No phone support for customers

In my experience ShineOn works well for sellers who want to minimize operational complexities and focus on marketing and creativity.

It’s perfect for newbies to ecommerce or looking for a low risk entry point.

But entrepreneurs who want full control over their brand and customer experience may find the platform’s limitations a challenge.

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Selling with ShineOn on Shopify

ShineOn’s direct integration with Shopify gives e-commerce entrepreneurs an opportunity.

By selling ShineOn products through my own Shopify store I can build my personal brand and own the products I’m offering. This way I can establish myself in the market.

Having a store under my name has its perks but it’s not without challenges. I need to develop skills in branding, conversion optimization and product copywriting.

I also need to make sure my site loads fast to avoid penalties from platforms like Facebook.

For newbies to ecommerce this path may seem overwhelming. But with dedication and learning it can be a fun ride.

The key is to balance the benefits of brand ownership with the responsibilities of running an online store.

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Selling ShineOn Products on Etsy

Etsy is a great platform for jewelry sellers to get high profit margins. Many ShineOn sellers use this platform to reach customers who love handmade products and are willing to pay premium prices.

ShineOn doesn’t have direct integration with Etsy but there’s a workaround using Shopify. I first connect the ShineOn app to my Shopify account.

This allows me to create and publish ShineOn products in my Shopify backend.

Once the products are in Shopify I can download the mockups and use them to list items in my Etsy store.

When a customer places an order on Etsy I manually input their details in Shopify except the email address to prevent automatic order confirmation emails.

After ShineOn fulfills the order I find the tracking number in Shopify’s Orders tab and copy it to my Etsy store. This way order fulfillment and tracking is smooth for my Etsy customers.

Here’s a quick summary of the steps:

Connect ShineOn to Shopify

Create products in Shopify

Download mockups

List products on Etsy

Manually input Etsy orders into Shopify

Update Etsy with tracking information

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My ShineOn Review

ShineOn has become a solid player in the print on demand space. I found it to be easy to use even for those new to ecommerce. They have all the tools and resources for sellers to succeed.

From my experience ShineOn is best for print on demand jewelry. Sellers can focus on product design and Facebook marketing to make money.

I think it’s good for both newbies and experienced sellers looking to add more products.

New but works well. Try it out if you want to sell print on demand jewelry.

The post ShineOn Print On Demand Review: A New Way to Create Custom Products appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.

Are Logos Becoming Irrelevant in Modern Branding?

Original Source: https://webdesignerdepot.com/are-logos-becoming-irrelevant-in-modern-branding/

Logos are no longer the sole defining element of a brand, as dynamic branding, AI personalization, and social media dominance challenge their relevance. While still valuable as anchors of identity, logos must evolve into adaptable, integrated tools to thrive in today’s fluid and experience-driven branding landscape.

An Ode To Side Project Time

Original Source: https://smashingmagazine.com/2025/01/ode-to-side-project-time/

There seemed to be a hot minute when the tech industry understood the value of idle tinkering and made a point of providing ‘side project time’ as an explicit working perk. The concept endures — I’m lucky enough to work somewhere that has it — but it seems to have been outpaced in recent years by the endless charge toward efficiency.

This seems a shame. We can’t optimize our way to quality solutions and original ideas. To try is a self-defeating fantasy. The value of side project time is hard to overstate, and more workplaces should not just provide it but actively encourage it.

Here’s why.

What Is Side Project Time?

Side project time pops up under different names. At the Guardian, it’s 10% time, for example. Whatever the name, it amounts to the same thing: dedicated space and time during working hours for people to work on pet projects, independent learning, and personal development.

Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin famously highlighted the practice as part of the company’s initial public offering in 2004, writing:

“We encourage our employees, in addition to their regular projects, to spend 20% of their time working on what they think will most benefit Google. This empowers them to be more creative and innovative. Many of our significant advances have happened in this manner. For example, AdSense for content and Google News were both prototyped in “20% time.” Most risky projects fizzle, often teaching us something. Others succeed and become attractive businesses.”

— Larry Page and Sergey Brin

The extent to which Google still supports the practice 20 years on is hazy, and though other tech big hitters talk a good game, it doesn’t seem terribly widespread. The concept threatened to become mainstream for a while but has receded.

The Ode

There are countless benefits to side project time, both on an individual and corporate level. Whether your priorities are personal growth or making lines, it ought to be on your radar.

Individuals

On an individual level, side project time frees up people to explore ideas and concepts that interest them. This is good in itself. We all, of course, hope to nurture existing skills and develop new ones in our day-to-day work. Sometimes day to day work provides that. Sometimes it doesn’t. In either case, side project time opens up new avenues for exploration.

It is also a space in which the waters can clear. I’ve previously written about the lessons of zen philosophy as they relate to pet project maintenance, with a major aspect being the value of not doing. Getting things done isn’t always the same as making things better.

The fog of constant activity — or productivity — can actually keep us from seeing better solutions to problems. Side project time makes for clearer minds to take back with us into the day-to-day grind.

Dedicated side project time facilitates personal growth, exploration, and learning. This is obviously good for the individual, but for the project too, because where are the benefits going to be felt?

Companies

There are a couple of examples of similar company outlooks I’d like to highlight. One is Pixar’s philosophy — as outlined by co-founder Ed Catmull — of protecting ‘ugly babies’, i.e. rough, unformed ideas:

“A new thing is hard to define; it’s not attractive, and it requires protection. When I was a researcher at DARPA, I had protection for what was ill-defined. Every new idea in any field needs protection. Pixar is set up to protect our director’s ugly baby.”

— Ed Catmull

He goes on to point out that they must eventually stand on their own two feet if they are to step out of the sandbox, but that formative time is vital to their development.

The mention of DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), a research and development agency, highlights this outlook, with Bell Labs being one of its shining examples. Its work has received ten Nobel Prizes and five Turing Awards over the years.

As journalist Jon Gertner summarised in The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation:

“It is now received wisdom that innovation and competitiveness are closely linked. But Bell Labs’ history demonstrates that the truth is actually far more complicated…creative environments that foster a rich exchange of ideas are far more important in eliciting new insights than are the forces of competition.”

— Jon Gertner

It’s a long-term outlook. One Bell employee recalled: “When I first came, there was the philosophy: look, what you’re doing might not be important for ten years or twenty years, but that’s fine, we’ll be there then.”

The cynic might say side project time is research and development for companies without the budget allocation. Even if there is some truth to that, I think the former speaks to a more entwined culture. It’s not innovation over here with these people and business as usual over there with those other people.

Side project time is also a cultural statement: you and your interests are valuable here. It encourages autonomy and innovation. If we only did OKRs with proven value, then original thinking would inevitably fade away.

And let’s be frank: even in purely Machiavellian terms, it benefits employers. You’ll be rewarded with happier, more knowledgeable employees and higher retention. You may even wind up with a surprising new product.

Give It A Spin

Side project time is a slow burner but an invaluable thing to cultivate. Any readers in a position to try side project time will reap the benefits in time.

Some of the best things in life come from idle tinkering. Let people do their thing. Give their ideas space to grow, and they will. And they might just be brilliant.

Further Reading

“Side Project Programs Can Have Major Benefits for Employers” by Tammy Xu
“What made Bell Labs special?” by Andrew Gelman (PDF)
“Why Bell Labs Was So Important To Innovation In The 20th Century,” Forbes
“Google’s ’20% rule’ shows exactly how much time you should spend learning new skills—and why it works,” Dorie Clark
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull