Starting a Digital Scrapbooking Project
August 2nd 2007 00:13
I know that beginning any new layout in scrapbooking requires some planning so I thought I'd share some basics to get you started. It isn't intimidating as it seems - promise 
1) Sketch out some ideas on paper. Whether you are interested in a bold title, some flourishes to accent your page, a collage of photos as the focal point, etc. Sketch something simple (or complex) and write down the journaling you have in mind. Another great idea is keeping a scrapbook journal to keep your ideas and sketches in to use in an instant when scrapbooking time becomes available to you!
2) Decide what level of involvement you would like to have in designing the elements on the page. If you are not able to create your own backgrounds, titles, embellishments, etc then you will want to source out those pieces from another designer. You can purchase digital scrapbook kits in whole to include all of the pieces you will need to create many layouts or can purchase and download single files/fonts to add to what you already have on your computer.
3) Upload and/or scan all images you want to use on your layout(s). Remember with photo editing software the sky is the limit when it comes to being creative. You can make all of your images black & white for example or add some brushes to the photos. You could even add text to your images on self-made sticky notes or add eyelets in the corners.
4) Layers are your friends. No matter what program you are using (Photoshop, Paint Shop, PhotoImpact, etc) you need to be working with each element on a separate layer. By layering all the items you can move them around individually or delete them if needed. This will enable you to place each element where you want it and replace any of them if you don't like how it looks.
5) Make sure the file you are creating is at the proper resolution/dpi. If you are working on a 12x12 layout for example: Open a new file that is 12 inches wide by 12 inches high with a dpi of 300 if you wish to print out your layout. If you are only using it for the web then 72 dpi is sufficient and the size can be 640 pixels by 640 pixels. Check with the gallery you will be uploading web layouts to for specifics.
6) Save constantly! I can't tell you how many times I have designed a layout and forgot to save my last actions only to go back and have to redo the last 15 minutes of my work. I now rely on auto-save and if you are not familiar with this action, look it up online for directions for the program you are using or in the booklet that came with your software.
7) Finally save your image that you have worked on separately from the image you will be printing out. Your final image to have printed should be flattened (Merge/Flatten all layers) and saved as a .jpg or .tif. Your image you worked on can be saved separately (as a .psd or .psp for example) so that you can return to work on it if you choose to use the same elements with different pictures.
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Lisa Miller, a graphic designer, has been creating digital and traditional scrapbook layouts for 15 years and is the owner of Really Long Link which offers digital scrapbook elements, freebies, tutorials, web graphics, ebay auction templates, websets and more. Join the mailing list for her monthly newsletter with tips and articles to help organize, create and inspire!
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1) Sketch out some ideas on paper. Whether you are interested in a bold title, some flourishes to accent your page, a collage of photos as the focal point, etc. Sketch something simple (or complex) and write down the journaling you have in mind. Another great idea is keeping a scrapbook journal to keep your ideas and sketches in to use in an instant when scrapbooking time becomes available to you!
2) Decide what level of involvement you would like to have in designing the elements on the page. If you are not able to create your own backgrounds, titles, embellishments, etc then you will want to source out those pieces from another designer. You can purchase digital scrapbook kits in whole to include all of the pieces you will need to create many layouts or can purchase and download single files/fonts to add to what you already have on your computer.
3) Upload and/or scan all images you want to use on your layout(s). Remember with photo editing software the sky is the limit when it comes to being creative. You can make all of your images black & white for example or add some brushes to the photos. You could even add text to your images on self-made sticky notes or add eyelets in the corners.
4) Layers are your friends. No matter what program you are using (Photoshop, Paint Shop, PhotoImpact, etc) you need to be working with each element on a separate layer. By layering all the items you can move them around individually or delete them if needed. This will enable you to place each element where you want it and replace any of them if you don't like how it looks.
5) Make sure the file you are creating is at the proper resolution/dpi. If you are working on a 12x12 layout for example: Open a new file that is 12 inches wide by 12 inches high with a dpi of 300 if you wish to print out your layout. If you are only using it for the web then 72 dpi is sufficient and the size can be 640 pixels by 640 pixels. Check with the gallery you will be uploading web layouts to for specifics.
6) Save constantly! I can't tell you how many times I have designed a layout and forgot to save my last actions only to go back and have to redo the last 15 minutes of my work. I now rely on auto-save and if you are not familiar with this action, look it up online for directions for the program you are using or in the booklet that came with your software.
7) Finally save your image that you have worked on separately from the image you will be printing out. Your final image to have printed should be flattened (Merge/Flatten all layers) and saved as a .jpg or .tif. Your image you worked on can be saved separately (as a .psd or .psp for example) so that you can return to work on it if you choose to use the same elements with different pictures.
***************************** ******************
Lisa Miller, a graphic designer, has been creating digital and traditional scrapbook layouts for 15 years and is the owner of Really Long Link which offers digital scrapbook elements, freebies, tutorials, web graphics, ebay auction templates, websets and more. Join the mailing list for her monthly newsletter with tips and articles to help organize, create and inspire!
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