Ztampf! ~ digiscraptistry at its finest

Q:: How did you started in this digital scrapbooking industry?
Fhung::
It all started when I was doing some research online on how to make my rubber stamp to use for my art project (I'm an artist). This was back in 2005. The research brought me to the rubber stamping world and consequently to scrapbooking. Then I stumbled into digital scrapbooking. I got really so interested in it because I do like working with digital imaging and I have some skills in it and I thought, "Hey! This is like a good idea." At that time I was working freelance so I thought, "Hah! It could be something to make a living or have some income from." So then, I just tried it and since I knew how to make websites I set up my own store right away. At that time digital scrapbooking was very new. There was no DigiShopTalk, so the opening was without any fanfare, I didn't know anyone, so it was just like… popped (out of nowhere) [laugh]. From there I just continued and today I am working quite well.

Q:: I'm aware that you have ventured into other fields like ceramics and other form of designs and craftsmanship. How fulfilling is digital scrapbooking to you in comparison to the others?
Fhung::
Digital scrapbooking fulfills my interest in working with digital imaging. I have been working with digital imaging in various forms for various purposes before but have never found something that is so liberating and yet has specific functions and versatile in its uses like digital scrapbooking. I guess the fact that it is useful not just for me but also for others is very fulfilling in itself. To have customers from all over the world that love and use my creations is fantastic! It is particularly very rewarding when I hear from them about how my digital scrapbooking products help them create beautiful things that they are proud of and furthermore, challenge them out of their comfort zone and provoke them to see and think things differently.

I have more freedom and therefore more relaxed in creating for digital scrapbooking compared to other mediums because everything can be undone and redone (just have to remember to save my file often!), copied and pasted, modified, etc. Basically, with digital imaging I can experiment to my heart’s content without worrying about wasting precious materials and mounting cost like when I work with non-digital work (i.e. ceramics, paper and paint, etc.). I hate wasting things so this is a huge positive feature in working with digital medium for me.

It's also a form of challenge for me. For example if there is a certain effect that I want to achieve, I will figure it out myself. I feel like I am exploring in this area. It’s a limitless playground for me. Sometimes I just want to create pretty things and I can, without having to explain the concept. My kits do have concepts though because I guess it's just the way I am. My kits always have reasons, little stories behind them.

Q:: The digital scrapbooking industry is predominantly from the USA, coming up in Europe and in Australia. Your designs have a distinct Asian flavor. Is this by choice and to be different or where do you think this Asian flavor comes from?
Fhung::
First because I am Asian. I was born in Asia, I live in Asia so it's like around me and inside me. I don't always make Asian flavored kits but sometimes it's by choice because there are Asian scrapbookers all over the world, so why not create something for them.

Q:: Does that mean that you designed more for yourself or for commercial success? Do you think it's a balance mix?
Fhung::
I think it's a balance mix. I don't design just for market. I usually design something I would like to use myself.