Author Interview Chris Molitor

Chris is one of those designers who could be classified in a “Jack of many trades” category. He currently has over 20 files for sale across two Envato Marketplaces that add up to over 220 sales between them all. Chris is a prime example of how one can use their skills to build up a decent passive income with the Envato Marketplaces.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

My name is Chris Molitor. I’m a 27-year-old web and graphic designer in Seattle, WA. I’m married to my wife, Christine, who graciously lets me code and design well into the midnight hours.

I went to school at the University of Washington where I received my Bachelor’s in marketing. After a very brief stint at a major tech company in the area, I decided to bag my original plan and get into web design.

My interest in web design began in 2003 when I started a Wordpress blog at http://www.themolitor.com. That was around the same time I started playing with photoshop and wanted a way to share my “photoshop phun” files and Chuck Norris Comics (based on the infamous Chuck Norris facts).

Currently I’m the lead web and graphic designer at Rain Networks in Bothell, WA.

2. What has been your experience with selling files on the GraphicRiver marketplace?

There is nothing more satisfying than someone liking your work enough to actually buy it. After my first sale on Graphic River, I was instantly addicted to the selling rush and was quick to offer more items on Graphic River and Theme Forest.

Even when items were rejected – yes, I’ve been there – it was such a great learning experience. Being critiqued definitely made my designs better and I’m thankful for it.

3. What is your highest selling file? Why do you think it is so popular?

Currently, my highest selling file on Graphic River is my “sticker peel” file (although, my “Samurai Warrior” is probably the most popular). I think this is just one of those files that people get right away because it’s so simple. It’s also easy to customize, which I’m sure everyone can appreciate.

4. Do you do any sort of marketing for your GraphicRiver files? If yes, what do you do?

Of course! Every time I get a file approved on the Envato marketplaces, I’m quick to add it to my blog and post a link on Twitter and Facebook. Nothing like a shameless plug to drive traffic

5. How do you get ideas for new files to sell on GraphicRiver?

A lot of my design ideas come from inspiration I get from viewing other authors on the Envato marketplaces (especially Graphic River). There are some highly skilled artists here. I also love traditional Japanese art, so I get a ton of ideas there. Probably the strangest place I’ve been inspired is a stamp store in a local mall. There are some crazy designs in those places.

6. What advice would you give to other authors on the GraphicRiver marketplace?

Don’t get discouraged if your files get rejected. That is probably the best thing that will ever happen to you when it comes to strengthening your skills. Keep at it!

7. Other than your own work, what is your favorite file for sale on GraphicRiver?
I would have to say “Ray of Light Background Floral Illustration“. Beautiful!