Hey everyone. I have updated the Snail Mail Security series here on the website. Now all the most recent additions to the series have been added to the page. The online store has been updated as well with framed Snail Mail pieces, a new Print On Demand option, as well as a Security Envelope T-shirt.
Abstract Collage now uses HTTPS site-wide. Until recently only the checkout pages of the online store were HTTPS, the most important part of the site to have secured. But since Google started downgrading sites it seems that even normal pages can be penalized for not being HTTPS. That’s about it, but feel free to read on if you want more information on how to transition your WordPress site.
I personally used the “Really Simple SSL” WordPress plugin to transition the site to HTTPS. This particular site is very image heavy. It makes sense because it is a portfolio website. But that is a headache when switching all those HTTP urls to HTTPS. Luckily the “Really Simple SSL” plugin does all these redirects for you.
When I tried to manually switch the site to HTTPS last year I came across some huge errors, which is ultimately why I only transitioned the online checkout part of the website at the time. I had to give up on the rest of the site. So a was pleased to find “Really Simple SSL” plugin could help with transitioning established sites (like this one).
If you are creating a site from scratch I would just recommend starting with HTTPS. It can kind of be a pain to transition your site later on. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Thanks!
Abstract Collage website updated to Stratum theme for WordPress. Excited about the new features for the site. To name a few: a strong mobile browsing experience, iPad size browsing look, pertinent front page content, WooCommerce integration, and many others.
Prior to this I had been using Boomshaka. This was a theme created by Jordan Kanter and myself for artists over three years ago. It survived numerous WordPress and WooCommerce updates until recently breaking down slightly with the way images were displaying. Both Jordan and I have moved on to other projects so rather than try to update an old project I decided to check out some of the current WooCommerce supported themes for WordPress.
I have looked at many artist websites over the years and have developed strong opinions. I’ve written extensively about that. I have been particularly critical of the way WordPress handles images. The gallery features are clunky, awkward, and it is far too easy to have images stretched or resized improperly. That’s why when I found Stratum I was confused because there are very few themes that “have it all.” And so far I couldn’t be more happy!
The Abstract Collage online store has been upgraded to HTTP Secure (HTTPS). We will continue to use PayPal secure checkout. I am experimenting with how much of the rest of the website will use HTTPS vs regular HTTP. Google now favors pretty heavily HTTPS so I may transition the rest of the site as it makes sense. Currently the only forced pages are when you get to “/checkout/” and beyond.
I have also just recently opened an Etsy store here. This is the result of having a few previous but unsuccessful attempts at stepping up security on Abstract Collage. Even though the security on Abstract Collage has now been updated, I will still be pursing the Etsy store at least temporarily. I am debuting only one product, the Recycled La Croix Greeting Cards (3 pack). Depending on how it goes I have some other test products that I may try to audition on the Etsy store. Very exciting to have the opportunity to find new customers and test out different demographics.
It is my intention to keep Abstract Collage as my main online store presence. Abstract Collage is still the only online place to buy the Snail Mail Security collages. I have done my best to offer incentives for Chicago and surrounding suburb buyers with discounts on shipping as well as local pickup options. This is one of the benefits of building your own online store. I can set the prices and the only middle man I have to pay is my credit card processor (PayPal) just like any other retailer.
As to products that are featured in multiple places like the Recycled La Croix Greeting Cards, I intend Abstract Collage to offer the best price and to be tailored to previous customers and repeat buyers. For example, the current La Croix greeting card options on Abstract Collage are “grab bag” style where customers will get a 5 pack of cards from an assortment of different designs. On the other hand on Etsy, I probably will not offer a “grab bag” style product.
More updates coming soon!
Now offering a new size of artwork: 12.5 x 16.5 in (framed). Order artwork online from the comfort of your home. Stay tuned because the store is growing!
Here are a few more quick links to get you started.
Snail Mail Security products (Security envelope pattern collages)
Recycled La Croix greeting cards
All Available artwork from Dan Schreck
You can now buy artwork directly from Dan Schreck through the AbstractCollage website. The store resides in the section called Available.
I have quite a bit of experience in artwork fulfillment and realize that shipping can be a real headache, especially when it comes to art. I’ve decided to offer free shipping on all artwork purchases to help alleviate this stress.
Framed pieces from the ‘Snail Mail Security’ series are now available as well as a few other pieces. Stay tuned, different types of artwork will be featured in the future as well as possible additions from other artists.
Biography and Artist Statement pages have been updated. The updates are very minor, however they do represent changes in thinking that have taken place over the past 2 years.
This is the first post, the best post.
