Artkive - Save Kids' Art

Pay $40 to have a box sent to you so you can send them your art work The online estimate for how long it would take said 5-7 weeks. I started this process in January so that it could be a birthday present late March. I didn’t get the box for 2 weeks, sent the art back the next day and didn’t hear anything for another 4-5 weeks. I messaged them several times asking for an update. Finally got an email that I needed to proof my book. Pictures looked good and full on each page, they got my title correct blah blah blah. Paid $70 for them to finalize the book….wait 2 weeks and now I have to pay another $29 to get the book sent to me which will take another 2 weeks. I got the book today and I’m not happy at all. Each piece of artwork had a child’s name on it (from the original piece) I listed the correct spelling of each name on the form you send in the box. They put both names on every single page. So artwork that clearly says “BOB” has “Bob and Sam” printed at the bottom. The title has a white border around it on the front page so it makes the artwork on the cover look cheap. Overall you could do this for much cheaper at Staples. I mean I got a coupon for Mixbooks, it cost me $11 to make a book myself, it would’ve been $40-50 without coupon. I mean I could format each photo how I wanted and add text. Artkive is a complete waste of money I spent $140 on something I could’ve made online myself. $39 shipping for an empty box is insane. Let alone $30 for a thin hardcover book. Again don’t waste the time or money.

Like many others, I find the bait and switch business model to be unacceptable, and I am discontinuing use of the app. When I downloaded the app, there was no mention of it only being free up until you add 40 images, after which point you must pay in 30 days or loose your photos. Who would use the app that wouldn’t eventually reach the 40 photo limit? IF you are willing to pay for the service they provide, I can share that the app works just fine. It’s a relatively easy interface and allows you to track art by child and age. So if you’re looking for this then it will probably work fine for you. I, however, will be moving my photos to another photo app for free (truly free, forever free). It’s a hassle that I’d rather not have to go through, but it’s worth it to avoid being “trapped” into a membership. I strongly suggest that the company make it clear up front that this is a “free limited trial,” and even make people agree to understanding that they will eventually have to pay. Had I seen this notice I would not have started using the app (which is the point of their tactics).

I’m a busy working mom so when I heard about Artkive from a friend, I was psyched. I sent in artwork for both of my kids in one box and they professionally photographed all of it and tagged by kid and age. I had hoped to do this at home but I just could never make time and honestly the photos would not have turned out even half as good. I got one keepsake book for each kid, and my kids love looking at their books and showing it to their friends. I chose to have Artkive send the art back, but I honestly don’t even need the originals anymore. My kids and I are enthralled with the books. The service is expensive, but they do everything for you and it’s worth it. Highly recommend!