Soccer fascination is a global phenomenon – how could a relatively simple game like soccer become the most popular sport in the world? From Europe to South America, and from Asia to Africa – wherever you look it’s all soccer. We put our psychological specs on to get to the bottom of this intriguing question.

Why is soccer so big?

If you take TV ratings as a yardstick, the Olympics (and not the soccer World Cup) is the number one sporting event. Why is this? Well, the three most populous countries in the world (China, India and the USA) have not yet really warmed to the game of soccer. For most countries in Europe, South America and Africa, however, soccer is the number one sport. We’re talking a huge combined number of people here, so the World Cup is still the biggest single sporting event. That’s where we are today. But how did soccer become so big in the first place?

A simple game for “the masses”

The special fascination with soccer is also based on its relatively simple set of rules. Of course, there are things like the offside rule and varying degrees of what may be perceived as a tackle (and what’s a foul?), but it doesn’t take much to play soccer. What you need is a ball, a pitch of grass, and a few teammates to kick the ball around. You can play soccer wherever you are in the world. Don’t have goalposts available? Choose a couple of trees, trash cans or just the bags you have with you.

And the simplicity won’t stop there. Think of all the sports you know and how you count points. Rugby, football, cricket and tennis have all different ways of counting points. Even in basketball, you can score points worth two, three or one point, depending on the situation. A goal in soccer always counts the same – whether it’s a tap-in from close range or an artful shot from 40 yards that curls in the top-right corner of the back of the net.

The elusive goal of soccer

High score sheets are rare, and sometimes you have games without a single goal. All popular American sports tend to be considered so entertaining, because the score keeps changing all the time in the course of a game. In soccer, it’s a real rarity. Sometimes a single goal shot in the final minute of extra time decides a game, and on other occasions you watch a very entertaining encounter between two very skillful sides that ends in a scoreless draw.

Soccer is unpredictable

People attend soccer matches, because they don’t know how the game will end. Of course, there are favorites who usually count among the contenders to win the league or a championship, but the underdog tends to have a bigger chance than in most other sports. Games and tournaments don’t always end the way you expect them to end. A look at the European Championship in recent years reveals that dark horses like Portugal, Greece and Denmark were crowned surprise champions against the odds.

The Brazilian national team is usually the top favorite when it comes to winning the World Cup, but it’s been a while since they last won it. And in 2014 – when they were hosting it in Rio de Janeiro – they were the clear favorites when meeting Germany in the semifinal. And they ended up losing that game 1:7 in their own backyard.

The love of soccer runs through families

In Europe, Africa or South America, people usually get introduced to soccer in early days of their childhood. Kids grow up in an environment in which most people are very passionate about the game. A soccer ball is often enough to make a little kid happy, and your dad taking you to the stadium of his favorite club on your sixth birthday is enough to seal a life-long affiliation to a soccer team. You’ll never forget the first time you’re introduced to an atmosphere of tens of thousands of people singing, shouting and cheering. Regardless of the outcome of the game, you’ll be a fan for life thereafter.

Soccer creates identification

But soccer also works as both a motivator and a great equalizer. In poorer countries in particular, the sport offers one of a few opportunities for social advancement. This contributes tremendously to an identification with the game and its stars. Soccer heroes are identification figures for many boys and girls. Players like Neymar, Messi or Mohamed Salah count among the finest of their craft, and a whole country bursts with pride when wallowing in their success. Their success on a world stage of soccer serves as a way of projecting their own wishes and desires. The lives of soccer fans get lifted to unbelievable highs when their stars hit success, and incredible lows if they lose.

But soccer is also an equalizer in the most positive sense. Take the French team, for example. It’s a team consisting of players from all kinds of social and ethnic backgrounds. Looking at the team photo, you wouldn’t tip them to be idols and multi-millionaires surpassing the income of most lawyers and doctors by far. Kylian Mbappé, their star player and one of the hottest assets in world soccer, is the son of Cameroonian immigrants who grew up in the northeastern suburbs of Paris. Had it not been for soccer, it’s hard to imagine how anyone could have reached these incredible heights.

Soccer connects people

Soon there will be another world cup. The stadiums will be filled with fans traveling from all corners of the world, and people in bars and pubs will shout at television screens, unable to contain their emotions. Once again we’ll get the impression of the unifying power of the beautiful game. Almost everyone finds pleasure in experiencing the exhilaration that comes with finding a common ground with a group of like-minded people. The larger a team’s fan base, the stronger the positive experience.

There aren’t many occasions on which you find that kind of distraction from everyday life. The mutual experience of rooting for the same team or country lets us get involved, and we can show our feelings – in public! That’s why soccer is more than just a game for most people, as any moment in those 90 minutes of play can decide over a whole nations victory and defeat. After all, a single goal can be the last and decisive one.

How to create your own soccer fan shirt

Feel like showing some stylish support for your team? It’s easy to create a custom soccer shirt:

• Choose a product with your team’s colors
• Pick a design (e.g. country flag, mascot, etc.)
• Add a slogan to cheer on the team (note: don’t use trademark protected terms)
• Upload images or graphics if you like

Der Beitrag The Fascination with Soccer – a Psychological View on Sport erschien zuerst auf Create Blog.

Are you planning your big day? Here’s how to make sure your celebration feels like yours.

Few events in modern life are as steeped in traditions, stereotypes, and expectations, as a wedding. Whether your future mother-in-law is insisting you wear her old bridal veil or your groomsmen are trying to convince you to have your bachelor party at the local strip club— everyone seems to have an opinion on how your wedding should be.

So, how can you make sure that your wedding really feels like yours? You and your partner are unique individuals about to start a new chapter together. Your event should feel as unique as you are. Maybe you’re planning an intimate event at city hall, or maybe you’re pulling out all the stops for the wedding bash of the century. Whatever your style, make sure your wedding day is what you and your future spouse want and that it feels like the right celebration for you both.

Here are some points to consider when planning a wedding with your own personal flair.

Bachelor & bachelorette parties

Before the big day comes the big night out! But what if you’d prefer a quiet night in, or a weekend camping trip? It’s your party, so do it your way. Let your bridal party know what sort of event you’d most enjoy—they’ll be happy to have your input and celebrate in a way that really feels like you.

Are you the one planning the party for your bestie? Here are some tips for adding a personal touch to their celebration:

• Brainstorm their favorite foods, drinks, and games— then incorporate them into your shindig.
• Create a fun look for your group to showcase the bride or groom’s personality. Don’t be afraid to go overboard and look goofy— it adds to the fun!
• Be a detective. If you want to keep some elements of the party a surprise, recruit friends to talk to the bride or groom about their dream bachelor or bachelorette and have them report back to you!

Location, location, location

It’s easy to get swept away touring grand venues or dreaming of exotic destinations for your big day. But sometimes the perfect venue is the one that holds personal meaning to you and your partner.

Think outside the box! People nowadays hold their wedding celebrations in the woods, at amusement parks, in museums, or simply at home. Reflect on your relationship together and ask yourselves if any special locations stand out. They might be just the thing to add a personal touch to your wedding day.

Ceremony and vows

These days, even the most traditional part of a wedding— the  ceremony itself— is  by no means set in stone. If a traditional religious ceremony is your thing, go for it. If you would rather dress up as pirates and go barefoot on the beach, nobody can stop you! Rings? Bridal parties? Processional music? It’s all in your hands.

If you and your partner want to personalize your ceremony, sit down together and talk over what elements are “must-haves” for both of you. What does it mean to you to get married? How can your ceremony reflect your values, hopes, quirks and connection as a couple? Take notes on your conversations, do some homework, and craft a ceremony that feels genuine to you both. Writing your own vows can also be a great way to actually talk to your fiancé(e) about what marriage means to you and what you feel you can honestly, authentically vow to the other.

Personalize your look

Once you’ve settled on a location and thought about how you want your ceremony to be, you can start thinking about your ensemble. Whether you go for a classic or quirky style, don’t let anyone pressure you into wearing something you don’t like on your wedding day. You should both feel like you’ve never looked better… and be comfortable enough to boogie the night away at your reception, of course!

Here are some ideas for adding a personal touch to any wedding style:

• Ask loved ones. Maybe your mom has an heirloom necklace to lend you, or your grandfather’s old pocket watch. Does your friend love to sew? Maybe she’d love to sew some special handkerchiefs to wipe away your tears of joy.
• Get colorful. Adding a splash of your favorite hue can be a playful way to inject some personality into your look, and your bright yellow shoes will be sure to make your friends smile as you sashay down the aisle.
• Don’t be shy. It’s your wedding— if you’re in love with a certain look, don’t be afraid to express yourself and go for the unexpected! You can definitely pull off that pink suit if you rock it with confidence.
• Shop local. Incorporating some jewelry or other handmade elements from your hometown can add a subtle personal touch to any outfit.

Music to your ears

Music can create an atmosphere that feels totally unique. When you’re getting ready in the morning, put on a playlist that makes you feel confident and happy. Music with a special meaning to you and your future spouse can add a personal touch to any ceremony. And if you’re planning a party, make sure you include the tunes that will get you and your partner out on the dance floor! If you have any songs that remind you of when you and your partner first met or other significant moments in your relationship, your wedding day can be the perfect time to revisit them.

Don’t forget to say thank you!

If you have a bridal party, don’t forget to express your appreciation for them. A personal gift for each bridesmaid or groomsman on your wedding morning will start their day with a smile and leave them with a fun souvenir from your special day. A little wedding survival kit can be a useful and funny present.  You could include: breath mints, snacks, mini bottles of alcohol, hangover-fighting ibuprofen, bobby pins, tissues… get creative!

Keep it real

One final word of advice: keep your wedding real. Focus on what’s important to you and your future spouse. If you don’t want to get caught up in minute details like napkin colors or which envelopes to choose for your invitations— then don’t! For your loved ones, the most important thing is seeing you and your partner happy. So be yourselves, keep your wedding authentic, and enjoy a memorable celebration of your happiness together.

Your wedding is about your love—hold that close and your celebration is sure to be meaningful, personal and unique.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and happy planning!

Der Beitrag Your Wedding, Your Way erschien zuerst auf Create Blog.

The big tournament has started, and they’re going crazy over there! We’re taking a look at why Europeans are obsessed with soccer, and why Denmark will be crowned European champions.

Soccer – a European phenomenon

Some Europeans feel that soccer – or “football”, as they refer to it over there – is the most important thing in life. A German proverb refers to it as the “most important unimportant triviality in the world”. Soccer is the great unifier of the masses. There are no class distinctions in soccer, and there’s a peculiar kind of fanaticism that takes a hold of everyone. Bank clerks, chimney sweepers, accountants, and shop assistants all go crazy when their team’s club colors are at stake. At stake, you may ask? Yes, it’s actually a bit like going to war. You expect your team to fight for the colors of their shirt until they drop, particularly when it comes to playing for your country. The lord may have mercy on anyone who puts on a lackluster performance when putting on your country’s jersey. He’ll be sure to be taken to the cleaners in the press and the pubs.

Soccer is still a sport loved by most men

In most European countries, soccer has long become the most popular sport. The rules haven’t changed in 125 years, and there have been generations of fathers who passed on the craze to their sons. Why not daughters, you may ask? Of course, many women are interested in soccer as well. These days there are many teams for ladies that enjoy an increasing popularity. But the big money – and we’re talking billions and billions of turnover – is with the male teams that enjoy a huge supporter base consisting of predominantly male fans.

What makes soccer the last male stronghold?

Those of you who have visited a soccer stadium in Europe will know the answer. And we’re talking any stadium in any kind of league. The audience will consist of about 90% males, many of them already slightly tipsy when entering through the stadium’s gates in the early afternoon. Then there are huge lines for the beer stands, sausage and meat-pie stands, and grown men standing in line to get the match scarf of the day – also in temperatures of 90° degrees and more.

Once you get into the main stand or take a seat anywhere in the stadium, people indulge in songs devoted to the team and the players as if their life depends on it. And this is even before the actual match starts. Once the game gets underway, there is no stopping a 90-minute outpour of human emotions. You have never seen such suffering and such joy. Your team conceding a goal results in the kind of desperation akin being made privy to the news that your house has just burnt down. And your team scoring a goal may feel like the jubilant exaltation of winning the lottery, becoming a father, and getting promoted at the same time. We’re not kidding – a raucous goal celebration is second to no other human emotion.

The Danish soccer team – refreshingly light-hearted

So, why do we think that Denmark will become European Champions of soccer? Since soccer has such a huge cultural standing and history in most European countries, you can imagine the pressure that comes with playing for your country. Look no further than England to see how success on club level with many talented home-grown players doesn’t automatically translate into success at tournaments. England haven’t won a trophy since 1966 – a whopping 55 years.  

In come Denmark, the secret favorites of the Euros. The small Scandinavian country has great players like Christian Eriksen, been able to qualify for the European Championship and World Championship in recent years, while also causing a major upset when beating bigger countries in the process. It’s interesting to note that Denmark became European Champions in 1992, and they hadn’t even qualified but were called up as a late replacement. Having nothing to lose and playing without the weight of expectations can surely give you wings. So, if you’re looking for a dark horse to put your money on, the Danish horse would be it. And the odds are currently 50 to one!

Create your own custom soccer fan shirt

Here’s an easy and fun way to create custom fan jerseys:

• Choose a product you like (e.g. cheap T-shirts, hoodies, mugs)

• Pick a free design

• Add your text

• Place it in the cart

In a matter of days it’ll land in your mailbox, and you can cheer on your team in style. Of course, this is not only reserved for soccer fans.

Der Beitrag European Soccer Culture and the Championship erschien zuerst auf Create Blog.

Looking for a custom zodiac gift? Here you’ll find inspiring tips for custom gifts that will make any zodiac lover happy. And we’ll fill you in on the main Gemini character traits while we’re at it.

Gemini in Astrology

Period: May 21 – June 20

Symbol: Twin

Planet: Mercury

Element: Air

Colors: Green, yellow

The easy-going adaptor

Geminis are light-hearted people who can easily adjust to situations and social surroundings. They like trying out new things, and as such like to take things head on. With an honest and open-minded approach to life, they will appreciate adventurous activities that take them to pastures new. Brace yourself for fun and surprising times with a Gemini at your side! As long as you keep them entertained, they’ll stick around and will be game for anything. Customize this game-on T-shirt with designs and text that capture your Gemini’s spirit.

The extrovert

Geminis tend to be social animals who get easily excited about meeting new people and spending time with friends. Think of them as the life and soul of every party, easy to talk to and ready to make new friends. They’re insightful conversationalists who won’t shy away from discussing deep topics either. And if you should ever be in need of what some may call a “wingman”, a Gemini will be the right person by your side. And this, of course, includes women as well! Here’s a custom wingwoman T-shirt to celebrate this unique character trait.

The impulsive actor

Having said that Gemini can be fun and extrovert, their willingness to quickly react to any kind of situation can lead to impulsive actions. One moment they’re immersed in deep conversation, and before you know it they’re giving you’re a piece of their mind that may come across as blunt or a bit rude. And while everyone else in the room wonders where this sudden change of heart came from, your Gemini has already lost interest in the topic and pays for a drink with their maxed-out credit card. This custom mug could be a reminder to keep the focus with a level head.

The curious smart-ass

Geminis make for great conversationalists, because they tend to be very knowledgeable people. They take an interest in a lot of topics from different areas and love discovering new insights. Their curious nature drives them on to keep learning, and this equips them well for discussions about all sorts of things. Ask a Gemini for a recommendation if you don’t know what to read. This custom unisex hoodie makes a great gift for the bookworm Gemini in your life.

The playful adventurer

Many a Gemini is known for a fondness for romantic adventures. This characteristic is due to their passion for new discoveries, and it is only natural for them to throw themselves into that next new fling or short-lived relationship. If you’re in a relationship with a Gemini and want to hold on to them, communication is key to make it work. Talk straight to them and tell say what you really think and want. Geminis don’t like secrets! As long as you’re on the same intellectual wavelength and you have fun together, there’s no stopping the Gemini from being true to you. This custom apron will tickle their adventurous side in the kitchen.

Der Beitrag 5 Gemini Gifts for Zodiac Fans erschien zuerst auf Create Blog.

You don’t need to live in a modernized 16^th century farmhouse or double-height mezzanine on 5^th Avenue to design a balanced space you can live and work in. We’ve put together a few ruses to make your home both comfy and handy.

Live-work space – what’s that?

We’ve all seen these beautiful industrial buildings turned into new residential space or top-notch studios for rich architects and lawyers. There surely must be a way to get a piece of this nonchalant beauty for a more balanced work-life space in your own four walls, right? And there is, so keep reading!

Create space to work

Working from home can feel like being stuck or even imprisoned. After all, most people spend at least eight long hours per day doing what’s commonly referred to as “work”. And since work takes up such a big part of our day, we should offer it the space it deserves to make it both more enjoyable and efficient. If you’re able to devote a whole room to your work – ideally one that offers a lot of natural daylight – here’s an idea. Clear it out completely before very carefully adding just a few bare necessities. A desk, chair, and small cupboard or shelf will do the trick for most people. And it’s easy to built! A very cool-looking table, for example, can be conjured up in a jiffy by screwing steely legs to a nice wooden surface – and the same applies to making your own shelf. Put the desk in the middle of the room to amplify the effect. Once you walk into your airy office room, the burden of work will feel ever so much lighter. And now may just be the time to create a custom mug to enjoy the atmosphere and your favorite hot brew.

Generate a live-work environment

Leaving the house and commuting to the office makes a big difference for adopting the right mindset for work. At home, it might feel a little different to get into that same frame of mind. Distractions and the notion that your home is not really associated with work can make things complicated. A simple trick can help you put your head on track for work. Planning your day with time slots devoted to certain activities will help you get stuff done. Such a timetable could e.g. look like this:

9am     –          Enter your office room and commence work.

10:30   –          Have a coffee break. Added points for doing a stretching exercise while making the coffee.

10:45   –          Get back to the office room.

12:15   –          Cook a simple but healthy lunch. You’ll find some inspiration in this article.

1pm     –          Go back to the office room for two solid hours of crunch time.

3pm     –          You deserve another break. Open your windows and go for a walk or a quick jog.

3:30     –          Get back at your desk. With all the good energy and positive vibes, you may be able to finish two hours from now.

Here’s a custom T-shirt to remind you of probably the best one-word mantra – balance.

Put the glass down after work

And now for some actionable advice. It’s very important to clock off and close the door to the office room once you feel you’re done for the day. Otherwise it may feel like holding a glass of water that you never rest on the table. Why that? You may feel that the glass is very small and it’s only half-way filled with water, so you can still carry on and hold it a little longer. But imagine holding this glass for another hour. Or two or three. In the end, it will become very strenuous, and when you’ll put the glass down eventually, you’ll end up feeling completely exhausted and tired. So allocate a time for putting the glass down aka stop working, and enjoy your life after work to recharge your batteries. There’s always a next day, and this custom mason jar can hold any drink you feel like after work.

Der Beitrag Live-Work Space in Your Home Office erschien zuerst auf Create Blog.

No matter what industry, no matter what business – we have the right print type for any occasion. In this article, we’ll show you how to get the most out of digital printing.

Are you looking for corporate apparel for yourself or your staff, but don’t know exactly which print type best suits your purpose? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll show you which print type will make the biggest impression on your staff and customers. Let’s start with our all-rounder – digital-direct printing.

The all-rounder: Digital-direct printing

There’s almost nothing our digital printing can’t do, and that’s why it’s used as the standard method on most of our products. Whether you’re after cheap T-shirts, elegant polo shirts, sweatershirts and hoodies, aprons or merchandise articles – digital printing showd its advantages almost everywhere:

• Available for all file formats
• Brilliant print results
• Smooth surface thanks to directly inked material
• No order minimum

This makes digital printing our most flexible print method. Simply upload your company logo or design, place it on a product, add text, and choose color and size. Then your order is ready to go.

Really sustainable – print-on-demand with digital printing

Overproduction and destruction of surplus goods aren’t an issue in our print-on-demand business model. This is because we only print goods on order. That’s why print-on-demand is one of the most resource-efficient production methods in the textile industry. 

We produce the majority of our digital print orders with our new Kornit Atlas printers. These use a particularly sustainable printing technology, What’s more, they are absolutely non-toxic and use 100% biodegradable inks.

Tested for you – excellent quality and durability

Before we include a product for digital printing in our range, the product must prove itself in our in-house test lab. We check how well the textile harmonizes with our printers and ink. Is the color brilliance good enough, does the color fastness convince, and what about durability? To answer these questions, the products must withstand at least 10 washing cycles without losing color intensity.

Der Beitrag The right print for your business: digital printing erschien zuerst auf Create Blog.

Selling an original work of art (no matter the cost) is a validating moment in any artist’s career. When you sell your first piece, there is a sense of hope that “making it” as an artist is possible.  However, one thing we tend to gloss over is the emotional connection one has to his/her artwork and what it feels like to part ways with an original. Let’s be honest, it can be hard to let go of something that took hours, days, weeks or even months to complete.  Yes, you’re putting money in your pocket, but feeling a sense of […]

The post The Art of Letting Go appeared first on Fine Art America Blog.

Fine Art America is the world’s largest online art marketplace and print-on-demand technology company. We’ve been helping people sell art online since 2006 allowing them sell wall art, home decor, apparel, and other products. We are proud to be home to hundreds of thousands of artists, photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, and global brands. In just a couple clicks – artists and photographers can upload their work to FineArtAmerica.com, set their prices for dozens of different print-on-demand products, and then instantly sell those products to a worldwide audience of buyers. We fulfill each order on behalf of our artists and each product is manufactured […]

The post How To Sell Art Online appeared first on Fine Art America Blog.

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ next_background_color=”#000000″ locked=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_post_title categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_placement=”background” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ title_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ background_color=”rgba(64,53,78,0.6)” custom_padding=”300px|||” text_shadow_style=”preset3″ custom_css_post_title=”font-size: 40px!important;||color: #fff!important;||font-weight: normal;” custom_css_post_image=”background-color: rgba(64,53,78,0.6)!important;” parent_locked=”on”]   [/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.2.2″] It is that time of year again, when high school and college students all over the United States celebrate the end of an era–the day they graduate. What better way to celebrate their graduation than the gift of art? Here are some ideas to give graduating high school and college students to prepare them for their next step. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.2.2″] High School Graduation The first […]

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[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ next_background_color=”#000000″ locked=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_post_title categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_placement=”background” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ title_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ background_color=”rgba(64,53,78,0.6)” custom_padding=”300px|||” text_shadow_style=”preset3″ custom_css_post_title=”font-size: 40px!important;||color: #fff!important;||font-weight: normal;” custom_css_post_image=”background-color: rgba(64,53,78,0.6)!important;” parent_locked=”on”] [/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.2″] Do you ever feel like you are just too crowded? Like there are so many people and places and things in your way that you would just give anything to be able to have a few minutes of solitude. One of our co-workers, who has three children under the age of 6, was discussing this very thing yesterday. She was talking about how much she wanted to […]

The post I Need My Space appeared first on Fine Art America Blog.