#create QR code for business card

[technifytechnologies]

Best QR Code Maker for Business Cards - QR Ocean

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[dirtbagwitch]

MAGIC FOR THE CITY DWELLER

CHAPTER ONE: WELCOME TO THE CONCRETE JUNGLE, WHERE MAGIC NEVER SLEEPS

magic isn’t just for the deep woods and moss-covered stones. it’s not limited to candlelit covens or ancient runes etched in a sacred grove. magic is where you are. in the humming neon signs, the flickering streetlamps, the rhythm of bus doors opening and closing, in the energy of walking amongst a crowd on a busy street.

urban magic is about finding the mystical in the mundane, harnessing the city’s restless energy, and using every graffiti tag, liminal space, cracked pavement, and forgotten coin as a tool for enchantment. the city is alive—a churning, breathing, chaotic organism—and if you listen closely, it’s whispering spells in the wind between skyscrapers.

this isn’t some high-brow, ceremonial magic doctrine. here, we work with sigils written on coffee shop napkins, metro card protection spells, and phone screens charged as scrying mirrors. this is magic for the streets, for the punks, for the witches in walk-ups and studio apartments, for the ones who find the divine in the hum of a dive bar at 3 AM.

WHAT MAKES URBAN MAGIC DIFFERENT?

the biggest shift between traditional and urban magic is the environment. instead of sacred groves, we have community gardens. instead of rivers, we have storm drains. instead of bonfires, we have neon lights and power grids pulsing with raw electricity.

but just because the setting is different doesn’t mean the magic is weaker. city magic is potent as hell, because it’s charged with movement, history, technology, and millions of lives overlapping in real-time.

ELEMENTS IN AN URBAN CONTEXT:

• earth → concrete, bricks, asphalt, parks and park dirt

• air → the wind between high-rises, the whispers of overheard conversations, the endless streams of information moving across the city

• fire → electricity, neon lights, the heat of a crowded bus, a match or lighter

• water → rain pooling in the streets, sewer systems, fountains in public squares, water dripping from rooftops

• spirit → the city itself, the collective energy of its people, the ghosts in old buildings, the echoes of everyone who’s walked these streets before you

this practice isn’t about forcing the old ways into a modern setting. it’s about adapting magic so that it fits your world, your reality, your city.

THEORY & FRAMEWORK: CHAOS MAGIC, QUEER MAGIC, AND CITY SPELLS

urban magic thrives on three key principles:

1. ADAPTATION – use what’s around you. city witches need to be resourceful as hell. your “wand” can be a pen, a drumstick, or a crowbar if that’s what speaks to you (though a crowbar is a little extreme). your “altar” can be a windowsill, a shoebox, or even temporary like the back of a bus seat where you traced a sigil in the condensation.

2. INGENUITY – urban magic is subtle, fast, and often disguised. your ritual circle might be drawn in spilled coffee, your sigils hidden in street art, your glamour spells worked through fashion choices and body language.

3. INTERACTION – the city is alive. talk to it. work with the spirits of your apartment building, the crows and raven and wandering city cats who see a lot, the graffiti messages that seem to answer your questions in cryptic scrawls, street names that feel like answers to questions. trust your gut, keep watch for the synchronicity

MAGICAL SYSTEMS THAT THRIVE IN THE CITY:

1. CHAOS MAGIC: THE DIY APPROACH TO WITCHCRAFT

urban magic truthfully falls under the umbrella of chaos magic.

chaos magic is sort of like punk rock spellwork. no rules except what works. it’s the belief that magic isn’t just about ancient texts and strict traditions—it’s about belief as a tool. hacking reality, using symbols, and experimenting with what actually gets results. if something stops working you chuck it and move on to something new.

• create sigils from street signs, corporate logos, and subway maps.

• use “reality hacking” spells—like placing intent in a QR code or whispering an incantation into a social media post before it goes viral.

• swap out outdated correspondences for modern tools—your phone can be your scrying mirror, your router a beacon for intention-setting.

chaos magic thrives in the city because cities are chaotic. they��re full of random encounters, glitches, synchronicities waiting to be tapped into.

2. QUEER MAGIC: BREAKING RULES, BENDING REALITY

witchcraft has always been the domain of outsiders, rebels, and the marginalized. queer magic embraces fluidity, resistance, and radical self-expression.

• use genderfluid deities, archetypes, and spirits in your workings.

• cast spells at drag shows, pride marches, and underground raves—because those are modern sacred spaces.

• turn self-love into a spell, defying the narratives that say queer people don’t deserve power, joy, or love.

urban queer magic is loud, unapologetic, and built on the bones of those who paved the way before.

TOOLS & MATERIALS: USING THE CITY AS YOUR SPELLBOOK

urban witches don’t need fancy supplies. we use:

• 📱 smart phones – scrying mirrors, digital sigil boards, enchanted playlists

• 🎫 metro cards & transit tickets – protection charms, travel blessings

• 🗝 keys – for unlocking opportunities, closing doors that need to stay shut

• 🖋 pens & sharpies – sigil-making, graffiti spellwork

• 🪙 spare change – prosperity charms, offerings to city spirits

• 🧾 receipts – paper magic, petition spells, glamour workings

if it exists in your daily life, it can be a tool.

EVERYDAY SPELLS & RITUALS

🔮 PROTECTION SPELLS FOR NAVIGATING CITY LIFE

• “doorway ward” – rub salt along your threshold, whispering “no harm may cross this line.”

• “metro shield” – imagine a glowing energy bubble around you before stepping onto public transit.

💰 PROSPERITY & SUCCESS SPELLS

• “lucky coin” – pick up a found coin, say “bring me fortune,” and carry it for a week.

• “resume enchantment” – anoint your job applications with cinnamon for luck before sending.

💡 HACKING REALITY WITH CHAOS MAGIC

• “digital sigils” – set a sigil as your phone wallpaper and charge it every time you unlock your screen.

• “parking spell” – whisper “open the way” as you search for a spot—watch as one appears.

🌀 COMMUNITY SPELLS & URBAN COLLECTIVE MAGIC

• “city-wide sigil work” – drop the same symbol in different places and see what manifests.

• “full moon offerings” – leave a quarter at a crossroads to honor the city’s spirits.

THE CITY IS YOUR ALTAR

this is your grimoire, your spellbook, your guide to turning the city into a magical playground. don’t just live in it—work with it, enchant it, let it enchant you back.

magic is everywhere, babes. you just have to know where to look.

[reasonsforhope]

"Clothing tags, travel cards, hotel room key cards, parcel labels … a whole host of components in supply chains of everything from cars to clothes. What do they have in common? RFID tags.  

Every RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag contains a microchip and a tiny metal strip of an antenna. A cool 18bn of these are made – and disposed of – each year. And with demands for product traceability increasing, ironically in part because of concerns for the social and environmental health of the supply chain, that’s set to soar. 

And guess where most of these tags end up? Yup, landfill – adding to the burgeoning volumes of e-waste polluting our soils, rivers and skies. It’s a sorry tale, but it’s one in which two young graduates of Imperial College London and Royal College of Art are putting a great big green twist. Under the name of PulpaTronics, Chloe So and Barna Soma Biro reckon they’ve hit on a beguilingly simple sounding solution: make the tags out of paper. No plastic, no chips, no metal strips. Just paper, pure and … simple … ? Well, not quite, as we shall see. 

The apparent simplicity is achieved by some pretty cutting-edge technical innovation, aimed at stripping away both the metal antennae and the chips. If you can get rid of those, as Biro explains, you solve the e-waste problem at a stroke. But getting rid of things isn’t the typical approach to technical solutions, he adds. “I read a paper in Nature that set out how humans have a bias for solving problems through addition – by adding something new, rather than removing complexity, even if that’s the best approach.”   

And adding stuff to a world already stuffed, as it were, can create more problems than it solves. “So that became one of the guiding principles of PulpaTronics”, he says: stripping things down “to the bare minimum, where they are still functional, but have as low an environmental impact as possible”.  

...how did they achieve this magical simplification? The answer lies in lasers: these turn the paper into a conductive material, Biro explains, printing a pattern on the surface that can be ‘read’ by a scanner, rather like a QR code. It sounds like frontier technology, but it works, and PulpaTronics have patents pending to protect it. 

The resulting tag comes in two forms: in one, there is still a microchip, so that it can be read by existing scanners of the sort common within retailers, for example. The more advanced version does away with the chip altogether. This will need a different kind of scanner, currently in development, which PulpaTronics envisages issuing licences for others to manufacture. 

Crucially, the cost of both versions is significantly cheaper than existing RFID kit – making this a highly viable proposition. Then there are the carbon savings: up to 70% for the chipless version – so a no-brainer from a sustainability viewpoint too. All the same, industry interest was slow to start with but when PulpaTronics won a coveted Dezeen magazine award in late 2023, it snowballed, says So. Big brands such as UPS, DHL, Marks & Spencer and Decathlon came calling. “We were just bombarded.” Brands were fascinated by the innovation, she says, but even more by the price point, “because, like any business, they knew that green products can’t come with a premium”."

-via Positive.News, April 29, 2024

--

Note: I know it's still in the very early stages, but this is such a relief to see in the context of the environmental and human rights catastrophes associated with lithium mining and mining for rare earth metals, and the way that EVs and other green infrastructure are massively increasing the demand for those materials.

I'll take a future with paper-based, more humane alternatives for sure! Fingers crossed this keeps developing and develops well (and quickly).

[kowai-kabuki-tanuki]

Annecy: A Lake of Broken Promises

Fantastic article by Matt Jones from Medium:

How Annecy 2025 exposed the widening chasm between graduate hopes and industry reality – and what must change before an entire generation of creative talent is lost forever

The picturesque lakeside town of Annecy should have been the place where dreams came true. Instead, it became the scene of a devastating awakening. As thousands of animation students clutched their sketchbooks and business cards with QR codes linking to online portfolios at the 2025 festival, the world’s premier animation celebration, they encountered a sobering truth: just 3 recruitment booths operated alongside 23 educational providers – a stark 3:23 ratio that perfectly encapsulated the industry’s fundamental supply-and-demand crisis.

The recruitment reality was brutal. Cartoon Saloon from Northern Ireland told hopeful graduates they weren’t currently hiring. Doghead from Italy maintained a booth that remained largely unstaffed throughout the festival. Dwarf offered opportunities, but only for those willing to work in France. A small recruitment room on Mifa Campus ran sessions for merely 2 days, yet was oversubscribed, leaving countless students without access.

This disconnect between aspiration and opportunity represents far more than a scheduling mishap or economic blip. It reveals a fundamental crisis brewing at the heart of the animation industry – one that threatens to squander a generation of creative talent whilst simultaneously undermining the very foundations upon which animated storytelling is built.

Key takeaways

Only a fraction of animation graduates – as few as 3 to 5 out of every 100 – secure employment in their chosen field, despite an industry valued at $400 billion globally

Major studios including Pixar have reduced their workforces by 14% whilst simultaneously increasing their reliance on artificial intelligence and sequel-based content

Animation festivals like Annecy, which should serve as crucial bridges between education and employment, are failing to provide meaningful recruitment opportunities despite charging premium attendance fees

Universities continue expanding animation programmes whilst knowing full well that industry absorption rates cannot support graduate numbers

A new model of industry collaboration, educational transparency, and creative risk-taking is urgently needed to prevent the collapse of animation’s talent pipeline

Where are the Jobs When Animation is Booming?

The question that haunts every animation graduate clutching their sketchbooks and business cards with QR codes to online portfolios seems almost absurd when set against the industry’s financial success. These students, many shy and anxious, scribble copious notes and desperately seek opportunities to showcase their work, lacking the confidence of seasoned professionals yet carrying the same creative passion. The global animation market reached $400 billion by 2024, with North America alone anticipated to grow from $23.2 billion in 2023 to $36.7 billion by 2031. Yet this prosperity hasn’t translated into opportunity for the very people who dream of creating these blockbuster films and series.

Behind the impressive box-office numbers, however, the animation industry has been experiencing seriously choppy waters. Major animation players have implemented cutbacks over the past year, with Pixar’s recent cuts affecting 14% of its workforce. The studio justified these layoffs as part of a move away from creating streaming content for Disney+ to refocus on features, but industry insiders recognise this as symptomatic of broader cost-cutting measures across the sector.

The cruel irony becomes apparent when examining what’s actually being produced. Studios are making unprecedented profits from animated content whilst simultaneously reducing the workforce needed to create it. 3 animated releases in 2024, all sequels, dominated the worldwide box-office: Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out 2 topped with nearly $1.7 billion, followed by Universal/Illumination’s Despicable Me 4 and Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4.

The Academic Industrial Complex

Universities have become unwitting accomplices in this crisis, continuing to expand animation programmes despite knowing that industry absorption cannot support graduate numbers. The business model is too attractive to resist: animation courses command premium fees – often reaching $50,000 annually in prestigious institutions – whilst requiring relatively modest infrastructure compared to other disciplines.

Gobelins’ 3D Character Animator certificate boasts that graduates have a 100% employment rate within 6 months of completing the program, but this represents an elite programme admitting perhaps 20 students annually. Meanwhile, hundreds of other institutions worldwide graduate thousands more students into a market that simply cannot accommodate them.

The disconnect between educational marketing and employment reality has created what industry observers describe as an “academic industrial complex.” Universities promote animation programmes using imagery of Pixar campuses and DreamWorks success stories, whilst carefully avoiding discussions of actual employment statistics. Students accumulate debt pursuing dreams that statistical analysis suggests are increasingly unlikely to materialise.

Michelle Connolly of Educational Voice observed that “Schools must stop selling 1990s-era career dreams. Our 2024 survey shows 68% of graduates need hybrid tech/art roles to survive”, yet this message hasn’t reached prospective students who continue enrolling in traditional animation programmes expecting traditional career paths.

The Festival Paradox

Annecy 2025 perfectly embodied the industry’s contradictions. The festival featured phenomenal lineups with major studios like Disney Animation, DreamWorks, and Pixar presenting new work, drawing a record 18,000 accredited guests. Yet for the students who travelled from across the globe, often spending their last savings on accommodation and festival passes, meaningful employment opportunities were virtually non-existent.

Beyond the supply-demand imbalance lay deeper structural problems. The exhibition hall for students was even reduced in size this year, with 1/3 blocked off for Mifa (aimed at buyers), along with the traditional ground floor. This physical reduction of student space in favour of commercial activities perfectly symbolised the festival’s shifting priorities.

Even established schools like MoPA admitted the exhibition costs were incredibly expensive, yet they gambled on the opportunity to promote that year’s graduates – with very few actually getting the chance to meet with recruiters. This expensive gamble proves indicative of how educational institutions are forced to compete in an increasingly desperate marketplace, whilst being particularly unfair to students from institutions that couldn’t afford booth space.

This represents the festival’s core contradiction: it markets itself as an industry gateway whilst the economics tell a different story. Students invest hundreds of pounds in passes, travel, and accommodation, often funded by family savings or student loans, based on promotional materials suggesting attendance will improve career prospects. Meanwhile, the festival charges educational institutions premium rates to compete for attention from virtually non-existent recruiters.

The Artificial Intelligence Acceleration

Perhaps no factor threatens animation employment prospects more dramatically than the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. 75% of survey respondents indicated GenAI tools, software and/or models had supported the elimination, reduction or consolidation of jobs in their business division, according to a comprehensive study of entertainment industry executives.

The impact extends beyond simple job displacement. About 33% of industry executives predicted that AI would displace 3D modellers by as early as 2026, with 25% expecting graphic designers to be affected as well. These entry-level positions traditionally served as stepping stones for animation graduates, providing essential industry experience whilst developing professional portfolios.

About 21.4% of Film, Television, and Animation jobs (or approximately 118,500 jobs) are likely to have sufficient tasks affected to be either consolidated, replaced, or eliminated by GenAI in the U.S. by 2026. California, home to major animation studios, will be impacted the most, affecting 39,500 jobs.

The technology’s advancement was evident at Annecy itself, where AI companies maintained booths that were all but empty, targeting studios rather than students. Chat3D, offering text-to-3D model generation, charged between $500–1,000 per user per month – pricing that made clear their focus on corporate clients rather than emerging artists. The sparse attendance at these AI booths suggested either industry wariness or that deals were being struck behind closed doors, away from the festival’s public spaces.

The Sequel Trap

Studios’ increasing reliance on sequels and franchise content represents another threat to emerging talent. The 2025/26 slate demonstrates an unprecedented commitment to reboots and spinoffs: Stranger Things is being animated, whilst beloved series including Gumball, Regular Show, Adventure Time, Foster’s Home, and Steven Universe are all receiving reboots or spinoffs. Even these familiar properties face production delays, further restricting opportunities for new talent.

Original content traditionally provided opportunities for newcomers to prove themselves on smaller projects before advancing to major productions. However, this shift reflects risk-averse corporate strategies prioritising proven intellectual property over creative innovation. Tom Sito, a Hollywood animation veteran now teaching at USC, suggests that the widespread cutting of jobs “bespeaks the lack of vision in a lot of the corporate strategy”.

The sequel dominance creates a vicious cycle: fewer original productions mean fewer opportunities for new talent, which reduces the industry’s creative diversity, ultimately leading to even greater reliance on proven properties. Young animators find themselves competing for positions on projects led by established teams with decades of experience, making entry-level opportunities even scarcer.

What Must Change: A 3-Pillar Solution

Festival Reform: Creating Real Opportunity

Annecy and other major festivals must evolve beyond their current model of celebration without substance. Festival organisers should implement tiered exhibition fees, charging premium rates to companies without active recruitment whilst subsidising booths for studios offering genuine employment opportunities. This would incentivise meaningful job creation whilst reducing the financial burden on organisations actually hiring.

Festivals should establish year-round digital portfolio platforms rather than relying on brief, expensive physical events. These platforms could operate continuously, providing far better return on investment for both students and employers than current festival models. Having Annecy support the thousands of students who pay dearly to attend each year feels just, and recruiters should be incentivised to use such platforms or disincentivised to ignore them.

Most importantly, festivals must abandon romanticised career presentations in favour of honest industry discussions. Panel sessions should include employment statistics, salary realities, and alternative career paths rather than perpetuating unrealistic expectations about traditional animation careers.

Educational Transparency: Truth in Advertising

Universities must implement mandatory employment outcome reporting, similar to medical schools’ residency placement rates. Prospective students deserve accurate information about career prospects before committing to expensive programmes. Accreditation bodies should require institutions to demonstrate minimum employment rates – perhaps 25% within 6 months of graduation – to maintain programme approval.

Curricula need fundamental restructuring to prepare students for hybrid careers combining animation skills with business, technology, and entrepreneurship. Rather than training students exclusively for studio employment that may not materialise, programmes should develop versatile creative professionals capable of adapting to changing industry conditions.

Industry Innovation: Breaking the Sequel Cycle

Studios should establish “original content quotas,” dedicating specific percentages of budgets to new intellectual property development. This could follow models already implemented in some territories, ensuring continued creative innovation whilst maintaining profitable franchise production.

Governments that offer tax incentives and provide funding for large employers in the creative industry to operate in their countries should mandate original content quotas and student hiring/development programmes as conditions for receiving these benefits. Public investment in studios should yield public benefit through job creation and creative diversity.

Companies should develop apprenticeship programmes providing paid training rather than relying solely on traditional hiring from oversaturated graduate pools. These programmes could identify promising talent early whilst providing practical industry experience currently lacking in 3–4 year degree programmes.

Emerging Opportunities: Beyond Traditional Animation

Despite the challenges, new opportunities are emerging for creative professionals willing to adapt. The animation industry employs more than 220,000 professionals in the United States and is expected to grow by 5% annually, though these roles increasingly require hybrid skills combining animation with technology, business, or education.

Gaming represents a significant growth area, with the gaming and animation industry reaching a massive $268.8 billion by 2025. These positions often offer more creative freedom and better employment prospects than traditional film animation, whilst still utilising core animation skills.

Virtual and augmented reality applications continue expanding, creating demand for animators in educational technology, healthcare simulation, and interactive media. These emerging sectors often welcome candidates with animation backgrounds, even if they lack specific industry experience.

Independent production has become increasingly viable through crowdfunding and digital distribution platforms. Software publishers lead the animation industry’s pay scale with a $110,000 average annual salary, whilst tools like Blender and affordable rendering services enable small teams to produce professional-quality content.

An Industry’s Reckoning

The numbers from Annecy 2025 tell a story that the animation industry can no longer ignore. With 23 educational providers competing for the attention of just 3 recruitment booths, the festival became an inadvertent expose of systemic dysfunction. Thousands of students, armed with portfolios and dreams, encountered a marketplace that had no genuine intention of hiring them.

This revelation demands urgent examination of how the animation industry markets itself versus how it actually operates. The disconnect between promotional promises and employment reality threatens not just individual careers but the creative future of animation itself. If the industry continues excluding new voices whilst relying on artificial intelligence and franchise content, it risks cultural stagnation that could undermine the very creativity that built studios like Pixar and DreamWorks.

The current trajectory requires acknowledgement from all stakeholders – festivals, universities, and studios – that existing practices are unsustainable. Students deserve honest information about career prospects, meaningful opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, and alternative pathways when traditional employment proves elusive.

The animation industry stands at a crossroads. It can continue celebrating past achievements whilst failing future creators, or it can restructure itself to nurture the talent pipeline essential for continued innovation. The stark reality exposed at Annecy 2025 – 3 recruitment opportunities amid 23 educational providers – demands immediate action.

The next Annecy festival could feature genuine employment opportunities rather than empty promises, honest career discussions rather than promotional presentations, and sustainable pathways for emerging talent rather than exclusive access for established professionals. Whether this transformation occurs depends on industry leaders’ willingness to prioritise long-term creative health over short-term financial convenience.

The alternative – continued exclusion of new talent whilst relying on artificial intelligence and franchise content – threatens the very creativity that made animation beloved worldwide. For an industry built on imagination and wonder, such an outcome would represent the ultimate broken promise beside the pristine waters of Lake Annecy.

Students hoping to be noticed – by Matt Jones

[lunawings]

Brief Aikatsu FAQ

Although this is not an Aikatsu blog, for some reason I tend to get a lot of Aikatsu questions, so I'm going to pin this here!

I'm going to Japan. Where/How can I play Aikatsu?

All versions of the Aikatsu arcade game (Original/Stars/Friends/Parade/Planet) have been discontinued. However as of May 2024, there is an original Aikatsu machine and a Parade machine located at the Official Aikatsu Store in Akihabara and if you buy something at the store you can get a ticket to play one or the other. The machines themselves are free to play, however they are offline, meaning you cannot scan school IDs, create new characters, or get Aikatsu cards. Depending on how busy the store is, you might only get to play once, so I would suggest you go early and think about the song and character you might want to play!

Disclaimer: I've never been to the store myself, but I will update this post if I ever do go!

Where can I get Aikatsu QR codes? (For the 3DS games, etc.)

This website has an archive! The password is Aikatsu!Aikatsu!

Sometimes the password doesn't work on the first try. I don't know why, but try again!

[cursecuelebre]

Witch/Tarot PSA: DO NOT BUY COUNTERFEIT DECKS.

What is a counterfeit deck?

These are “decks” are illegal manufacture of actual real tarot decks that are not created by the actual publishing houses or the artist or author. These were copy pasted terribly on small cheap card stock in plastic folded boxes rather than the regular boxes that the publishing company would use. These cards will not sometimes credit the author or artist, do not use the copyrighted company which is illegal and it will not come with a guidebook but a QR code on the back.

Why are they bad?

Yes buying regular and legit decks can be expensive in my country US it’s about $30 if the deck is brand new. Not that expensive but if you can’t spare $30 save your money or wait till they go on sale. Tarot is a luxury not a necessity remember that. When one buy these decks their money will not go to the artist or author or even publishing company but a Chinese factory most likely a sweatshop that are treating their workers terribly. I’d rather pay full priced for an artist and authors hardwork that they deserve knowing they put their blood, sweat, and tears for. Also creating these inauthentic decks harms the environment as well.

Keep in mind publishing houses like Llewelyn or Us Game systems are not big, their not penguin books or Harper Collins these are small publishing companies that need to have a percentage of the sales.

Author Ciro Marchetti known for his Glided Tarot said that he doesn’t want to continue his art career for tarot because of this reason, of his deck being illegal pirated and sold for a very cheap price that isn’t worth it because the quality is terrible and unethical. It affects the artists and authors mostly because their work is being produced by companies that they won’t get rightfully paid for.

Also here’s one of the most messed up thing I discovered, I love my small metaphysical shops and my family likes to explore all kinds of shops in my state of Connecticut. But when I go into a shop and I see those counterfeit decks now unlike Temu where they sell them for less than $10 these owners would sell them for full price. This is a scam because people who are unaware just brought a pirated item thinking it’s legit and actually produced by an actual publishing company when it’s a cheaply made deck and the pictures are terrible quality very pixelated. I get angry when I see these decks and I’m taking my business somewhere else.

There have been cases where people are selling AI versions of tarot decks for instance, The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham (wonderful deck highly recommend) the art was stolen and reused for a AI tarot deck that used the same name and everything. Beware of that and I know that isn’t a common but AI tarot exists so be careful especially on sites like Etsy, Etsy has a lot of AI decks, do your research and message the seller if possible at times the seller will even put in the bio of what it is their selling if it’s made from AI.

How to Prevent It

Spread awareness, US game systems made an excellent statement on counterfeit decks and telling customers how to spot them. If you see counterfeit decks in your metaphysical shop you can confront them if you want I know confrontations can be difficult especially for small businesses but again it’s important to bring it up even asking politely, “I noticed you have counterfeit decks and selling for full price why is that?” But if not take your business elsewhere maybe leave a review warning others about them. But I find it hard to believe that a lot of these shop owners don’t know what their doing when selling these decks, unless they’re very irresponsible or just don’t care about ethics of business or even laws of their business.

Cues when you are checking a counterfeit deck?

Does it have the artist’s and author’s name sometimes the person is both author and artist.

Does it come with a guidebook when the normal deck usually does. Some of these illegal decks will remove “guidebook” from the title and have a small QR Code on the back of these decks that’s your NUMBER ONE CLUE when you spot these decks THEY DO NOT HAVE GUIDEBOOKS BUT QR CODES FOR THE SAID GUIDEBOOK. THEIR VERY SMALL COMPARE TO THE AUTHENTIC DECKS.

Do they put the Publishing Company’s name for copyright? For instance those annoying US Game systems borders usually will have their copyright (within good reason to not let the cards to be ripped off that’s why you don’t see many us game system tarot rip offs). To spot the copyright title it’s on the box usually on the back, it will be small but it will have ©️ then the publishing company’s name.

Do you know of the tarot deck is a mini? Sometimes authors and publishers will republish regular decks for minis. Be sure the deck says mini or look up to see if the publishing company republished a tarot mini compare the decks if they match.

[laanirouche]

2025 Homevalley Global Entrepreneurs Competition Q&A Session

The 2025 Homevalley Global Entrepreneurs Competition registration is in full swing! To address your inquiries, we’ve created this Q&A section, covering registration methods, competition details, awards, and the "Talent Scout Award" mechanism. We aim to resolve your doubts and empower every participant to compete with ease and pursue their dreams!

I. About Registration

1. After registration, how can I withdraw or modify my project information or BP if there are updates? Can I resubmit?

After registration, you will receive an official email confirmation. For changes to project details, please kindly contact the project liaison team via email.

2. What should I do after submitting the registration form? How will results and updates be notified?

After registration, you will receive an official email with your registration status and subsequent competition arrangements. Please check your inbox regularly.

3. Can I participate again if I joined last year but didn’t win?

Yes! Participants from last year who did not win awards are welcome to reapply.

4. Should I choose a competition zone based on my residence or study/work location?

Priority order: overseas residence > overseas study/work location.

5. Are there educational requirements for founders?

No! We welcome all innovators and entrepreneurs with bold dreams.

6. Can foreign entrepreneurs participate?

Yes! The competition is open to participants of all nationalities.

II. Competition Details

1. Where is the competition held? Are pitches online or offline? If online, which platform is used, and how are time zones managed?

Preliminary rounds may include both online and offline pitches. The organizing committee will notify participants based on proximity and convenience.

2. Is there travel support for offline pitches?

No travel subsidies for preliminary rounds. Projects advancing to the semifinals may qualify for a **1-6 month fully-funded Shanghai incubation camp** (including flights, accommodation, workspace, mentorship, and more).

3. Must the project pitch be delivered by the same applicant? Can a team member substitute?

The applicant must deliver the pitch, and the same person must participate in all rounds (preliminary, semifinal, final).

4. Are pitches conducted in Chinese or English?

Participants may use either Chinese or English.

5. Is pre-competition training provided?

Semifinalists may qualify for the Shanghai incubation camp, which includes training, mentorship, and pitch preparation support.

III. Awards & Prizes

1. Can I claim the prize if my project hasn’t been implemented yet?

Yes, competition prizes are awarded regardless of implementation status, but landing incentive (e.g., local support) requires project execution.

2. Can preliminary and semifinal prizes be combined?

No. Only the higher prize amount will be awarded.

3. How are USD prizes claimed? Is a corporate account required?

When the competition concludes, winners will be contacted for claim.

- Preliminary/semifinal USD prizes require a corporate account.

- For CNY payouts, USD prizes will be converted at the exchange rate of the transaction date.

- Final prizes are paid in CNY via corporate account. Unregistered projects may use a personal account.

IV. "Talent Scout Award" Mechanism

1. Must the Talent Scout be a company? Can individuals participate? Does this affect prize claim?

Individuals can also act as Talent Scouts. Claim remains unaffected.

2. How can Talent Scouts track their recommended projects’ progress and finalist status?

Dedicated staff will provide real-time updates on recommended projects.

3.How do I become a Talent Scout? What materials are needed?

Scan the Talent Scout registration QR code, fill in your details, and upload a business card. Our team will contact you and provide a unique referral code for tracking.

[bonktdigitalbusinesscards]

Paperless Business Cards

Paperless business cards are digital alternatives to traditional printed cards. They let you share your contact details using QR codes, apps, or online links. These cards are eco-friendly, easy to update, and reduce waste. You can share them instantly via email, text, or scanning. Many apps, like HiHello and Haystack, help create paperless cards. They are great for professionals who want a modern, hassle-free way to network without carrying physical cards.

[kline-blogger]

Vendor Pop-Up Shop Table Ideas

Vendor Pop-Up Shop Table Ideas

First impressions matter when selling at a pop-up shop! A well-designed vendor table attracts customers, showcases your products, and boosts sales. Whether you’re selling handmade goods, food, or boutique items, an eye-catching setup makes all the difference.

Key Elements of a Successful Vendor Table

Stylish Table Cover: Use a branded or aesthetic tablecloth to set the tone.

Clear Signage: Display your business name, pricing, and promotions with attractive signage.

Organized Layout: Arrange products at different heights using shelves, crates, or risers to create visual interest.

Engaging Decor: Add small touches like fairy lights, flowers, or themed decorations to enhance the customer experience.

Marketing Tips

Offer business cards, QR codes for online shopping, and interactive elements like product samples or giveaways.

Conclusion

A well-designed pop-up shop table can make your booth stand out and attract more customers. Invest in an organized, visually appealing display to maximize your sales potential!

Read More Here: Vendor Pop-Up Shop Table Ideas

[shadowfromthestarlight]

I was recently at an event where people shared a QR code for their business card on their phone. And told me there are a bunch of sites where you can just create your own QR code.

And you do see cards or flyers with QR codes a lot these days, of course.

So it got me thinking that I could just have a card that I hand out with a QR code to a webpage with a lot of links to information about seed oils, whenever people are puzzled that I'm asking them if their products contain seed oils, or whenever I'm talking to people in the workplace or wherever about health-related topics.

I explored a site that lets you print business cards with QR codes and did a preliminary design for a seed oil card, now the next step is to compile the links I want to use in one webpage. I thought about using a page on tumblr or wordpress but decided to use substack, it was actually the easiest.

So later I'll be setting that up, then hopefully this coming week I'll get around to finalizing and ordering the first batch of cards. I'm excited!

[technifytechnologies]

Creating Custom QR Codes for Business Cards - QuickCode

Use QuickCode to improve your networking with QR codes for business cards! Add a professional, high-tech touch to their connection with your contact information, portfolio, or social profile links. Create a modern first impression with clients and partners using quick, easy-to-create, and highly customizable QR codes today!

[threeeyesstudio]

From Frames to Connections: Behind the Scenes of My First Art Pop-Up

Preparing for my first in-person art sale was an intense but rewarding experience. I want to share some highlights from this journey—from finding creative ways to present my work to the unexpected moments that made it all worthwhile.

I started by collecting second-hand frames for my signed prints. There’s something special about giving these frames a second life, and I know how much people appreciate art that’s ready to hang. Refurbishing these frames felt like honouring their potential. Watching a piece come together in a frame, blending something old with something new, was incredibly satisfying.

The pop-up was held at a local shop in my neighbourhood called Loohoo. The name caught my attention because it reminded me of my cat, Lulu, and the shop itself offered such a creative way to connect with the community. The owner provided space for local businesses to host pop-ups, and I was thrilled to have this opportunity to share my art.

As the event approached, my days were packed with prepping prints, designing small details, and juggling my day job. I even created holographic stickers with a QR code linking to a new digital card I’d set up. It’s a modern take on business cards, making it easy for people to find all my links in one place.

To promote the event, I collaborated with the shop owner to design a poster that was displayed in her window and around the neighbourhood.

While recovering from an illness, I tried to balance work and pop-up prep from home. I don’t know how to code, but I had to learn a bit to make my backup Linux gaming console work for me as a backup work pc. It was exhausting, and the illness eventually got the upper hand. Preparing for the pop-up took a backseat while I focused on recovering from a month-long battle with back-to-back flus. My doctor jokingly called me "lucky."

The week before the pop-up was a frenzy of activity. I curated stickers, cleaned up frames, and set up displays for my silk scarves in some cheap boxes I found at the dollar store. They worked surprisingly well and kept the setup neat and approachable. My packaging leaned toward simplicity and sustainability: tissue-wrapped art in mismatched secondhand paper bags. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt like the right approach—practical and aligned with my values.

The pop-up itself was an incredible experience. Meeting people, hearing their stories, and seeing how they connected with my art was one of the most rewarding parts.

One piece that stood out to visitors was Wildflower Hair. Two people were especially drawn to it for very different reasons: one said it gave her a sense of strength and independence, while another shared her love for dandelions, despite their reputation as weeds. This piece was my way of saying that even when you feel like a "weed," you’re a beautiful flower, deserving of celebration.

Heart of Gold was another favourite. One woman added it to her growing collection of anatomical hearts, while another loved the contrast of strength and openness in the design. The gold in the piece was meant to represent that delicate balance: strong boundaries that still let love shine through.

After the pop-up, I took some time to rest and recharge. Reflecting on the experience, I realized how important it is to have a solid plan, especially when balancing a full-time job with creative projects. The event also gave me valuable insights into what works for markets, from display setups to the kinds of art that resonate most with people.

Connecting with people in person was a game-changer. Unlike the online world, which can feel like shouting into the void, the pop-up allowed me to see real reactions and have meaningful conversations. It confirmed that the emotions I aim to convey through my art resonate with others, even as they interpret those emotions in their own ways.

This experience has inspired me to think about how I might create a stronger sense of community around my art, even though I’m still figuring out how to do that. While online will remain my main focus, I’m excited to explore more in-person markets in the future.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

[shipwreckedwithcaptainmarrow]

Now with having my book published, and another on the way for late 2024, it's become important for me to have my own author website. I see the usefulness of it, being able to hand people business cards with QR codes that take them to the website instead of some social media they might not be signed up for or use. Here is where you'll find information on my books, the inspiration behind them, how to reach out for signed copies or to book me for educational or author events, my upcoming events, and more! I did create the site using Wix's editor, and when I can afford to I'll upgrade with my own domain name to remove the Wix ad bar at the top (it's expensive).

[shayona-printing]

The Art of Business Cards: Design Tips and Printing Options

Introduction

In a world where digital communication reigns supreme, the humble business card persists as a powerful symbol of personal connection and professionalism. Its significance transcends the ever-changing landscape of trends, consistently playing a pivotal role in networking. It leaves a lasting impression, establishing a unique brand identity. This article delves into the enchanting world of business cards, offering invaluable insights into design and printing options that can elevate your networking game to new heights.

Design Tips for Business Cards

1. Color Palette: Select a colour palette that not only aligns with your brand but also evokes the right emotions. Understanding colour psychology can be the key to leaving a lasting impact.

2. Typography: Choose fonts that are visually appealing and highly legible. Avoid overly decorative fonts that hinder the ease of reading.

3. Branding Elements: Strategically incorporate your logo, tagline, and other branding elements. Ensure they enhance rather than overpower the card’s design.

4. Simplicity is Key: Embrace the mantra of simplicity. Keep the design clean and uncluttered, including only essential information to avoid overwhelming the recipient.

5. Unique Touches: Elevate your card with unique elements such as QR codes for effortless contact sharing, embossing for a delightful tactile feel, or die-cut shapes for added visual allure.

Printing Options for Business Cards

1. Choosing the Right Printing Method:

Once you have the perfect design, it’s time to choose the right printing method, each with its unique advantages and considerations:

1. Digital Printing: Ideal for small print runs with a quick turnaround. It’s cost-effective and perfect for vibrant, full-colour designs.

2. Offset Printing: Preferred for larger quantities, offering high-quality results with precise colour matching and a vast array of paper options.

3. Specialty Printing: Explore options like letterpress, foil stamping, or thermography for a luxurious finish that sets your card apart.

2. Paper, Finish, and Coating:

1. Paper Types: Different paper stocks can affect the look and feel of your card. Choose from options like matte, glossy, or textured paper to match your brand’s aesthetic.

2. Finishes: Opt for finishes like matte or glossy to enhance your card’s appeal. Consider soft touch or silk lamination for a unique texture.

3. Coatings: Spot UV or foil coatings can add a touch of elegance to specific elements of your card.

3. Resolution and Bleed Areas:

Ensure your design files are high resolution (typically 300 DPI) to guarantee a professional result. Pay attention to bleed areas to avoid any unwanted white edges during cutting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the art of crafting effective business cards lies in the marriage of design and printing choices. A well-designed card that reflects your brand’s essence can leave a lasting impression in the minds of those you meet. The choice of printing method, paper type, finish, and coating can further elevate the card’s quality and aesthetics.

Embrace the power of the business card, the tangible connection in the digital age. It remains an essential tool for networking, building relationships, and creating a strong brand identity. Apply the design tips and printing options discussed in this article to create standout business cards that will leave a lasting mark.

Ready to bring your business cards to life? Contact Shayona Printing the best printing company in Corona CA, today for all your business card printing needs and personalized assistance. Your networking journey begins with the perfect card in hand.

[ecardmakeronline]

Business Card Maker Online | Digital Visiting Card Maker | eCard Maker

The Ultimate Guide to Online Business Card Makers: Designing Your Perfect Card

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the importance of business cards in networking and making a lasting impression.

Mention the convenience and cost-effectiveness of online business card makers.

Section 1: Why Use Online Business Card Makers?

Explain the advantages of using online tools, such as cost savings, customization, and accessibility.

Share statistics or quotes on the significance of business cards in the digital age.

Section 2: Choosing the Right Online Business Card Maker

Discuss factors to consider when selecting a service, including templates, pricing, and ease of use.

Mention popular online business card maker platforms (e.g., Canva, Vistaprint, Moo) and their features.

Section 3: Designing Your Business Card

Describe the essential elements of a business card: logo, contact information, branding, and visuals.

Offer tips on creating a memorable and professional design.

Share design principles and advice for different industries (e.g., creative, corporate, tech).

Section 4: Customization and Branding

Highlight the importance of aligning your business card design with your brand identity.

Show how to upload custom logos and use brand-specific colors and fonts.

Offer examples of successful branding through business cards.

Section 5: Templates and Design Inspiration

Showcase a variety of templates available on online business card maker platforms.

Provide design inspiration and tips for different professions (e.g., real estate, photography, healthcare).

Section 6: Printing and Paper Quality

Explain the printing options offered by online services, including paper types, finishes, and quantities.

Discuss the importance of paper quality in conveying professionalism and uniqueness.

Section 7: Saving and Sharing Your Design

Walk readers through the process of saving, exporting, and ordering their business cards.

Offer advice on sharing digital versions and using QR codes on business cards.

Section 8: Cost Considerations and Budgeting

Provide an overview of the costs associated with using online business card makers.

Offer tips on budgeting and cost-effective design choices.

[mahimna305201]

Digital Marketing

The Covid-19 pandemic has revolutionized the way we connect and establish relationships, leading to a surge in digitalization. According to a survey by Statista, 63% of business owners believe that online visibility improves brand image. The best digital business cards provide significant value to individuals and businesses at affordable rates. Digital business cards offer numerous advantages, such as lower cost, ease of design and modification, multiple customization options, and environmental friendliness. However, it is important to consider potential challenges related to technical issues and data security. Creating a digital business card is simple. By selecting the appropriate platform and following a few steps, including choosing a design template, adding contact information and branding elements, and saving the card as a PDF or image, you can quickly create a professional digital business card. Sharing can be done through email, messaging apps, QR codes, and dedicated mobile apps. When going digital, you have the freedom to include various fields on your smart digital business card without space constraints. Besides basic contact details, consider adding social media links, payment apps, chatting apps, streaming platforms, creative platforms, Skype, Github, Calendly, and notes to enhance its functionality. Compared to paper business cards, digital business cards are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. They require a one-time setup cost or a low monthly subscription, offering free or affordable plans with the option for advanced features. The sustainable nature of digital business cards contributes to a greener future. While determining the best digital business card solution can be challenging due to the numerous options available, Cardddle stands out as a great choice for its reasonable pricing, multiple design templates, customization options, and easy sharing capabilities.The Covid-19 pandemic has indeed transformed how we connect and build relationships, leading to a surge in digitalization. Statista's survey indicates that 63% of business owners believe online visibility improves brand image. Digital business cards offer several advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, easy design and modification, multiple customization options, and environmental friendliness. However, it's crucial to consider potential challenges related to technical issues and data security.Creating a digital business card is simple: select an appropriate platform, choose a design template, add contact information and branding elements, and save it as a PDF or image. Sharing can be done through email, messaging apps, QR codes, and dedicated mobile apps.Digital business cards offer more flexibility, allowing you to include various fields without space constraints, like social media links, payment apps, chatting apps, streaming platforms, Skype, Github, Calendly, and notes to enhance functionality. Compared to paper business cards, they are cost-effective and eco-friendly, with affordable plans and advanced features available.Among the many options, Cardddle stands out as a great choice due to its reasonable pricing, multiple design templates, customization options, and easy sharing capabilities. Embracing digital business cards can contribute to a greener future while maintaining professionalism and convenience in networking.

For more information open https://blogbymahimna.blogspot.com/2023/07/types-of-digital-marketing.html