We are excited to bring you a new series here on the blog where we interview Scrap Girls Product Designers about their layout design process. We hope this will give you insight into the inner workings of their creative process and inspire you along the way!
Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
Lots of places. Lately I have been getting great ideas from advertisement layouts. There are some fun ones on Pinterest.
What is the first thing you do when beginning a layout?
Ok – this is going to be kinda strange, but since I design layouts as I create the products; I start with that I am trying to show in the kit or collection. I know that it’s backwards from what I did when I was just scrapping for my family. I had to adjust to it myself.
I sort of have a system. You can see the progress in the layout shown here:
1 – I start with the background and photo. (I often change the coloring of the photo to match my background)
2 – Add Main Embellishments.(This is where I try to show main embellishments in a collection)
3 – Add Title and Journaling.
4 – Add Word Art Accents.
5 – Add Embellishment Accents. This includes scatters (love scatters) tucking things behind clusters, and making sure the colors are balanced in the layout.
6 – Add Lighting Effects.
Of course, it doesn’t always happen like this, but I generally try. Sometimes I can can spend and hour on a layout and sometimes several hours to the point I have to put it away and look at it again tomorrow. Sleeping on it really helps if you find yourself stuck.
Is there a products or tool/technique that you use on most layouts?
Yes, lately I have been using the ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Lighting Effects (Original and set #2). It really adds a final touch to my layouts. I find myself using several on one layout. The layout you see here has 3 from the original set. It is barely noticeable looking at the final layout, but if you look at the 5th image and then the final you can see the difference.
What is the one piece of advice you can give our readers?
I read a cool quote on FB from my friend Ariadna. It said “I will not compare myself to strangers on the internet.” I thought that was not only funny, but great advice for all. I would say that and don’t be afraid to push all the buttons in Photoshop. One afternoon I opened up a photo and just started pushing all the buttons in the filter gallery. I was surprised how much I learned just by playing. lastly, just have fun!
Anything else you would like to share?
I started the “Breaking Down the Layout” Series last year. If you ever see a layout of mine you’d like to see broken down, please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email. Sometimes I am not sure what you might like to know and there are so many scrappers at different levels.
You can reach me at brandym.scrapgirls@gmail.com
Digital scrapbooking products used: (Click on the images below to be taken to the product page)
Thanks Brandy! Stay tuned for our next Layout Design Process interview coming soon to a Blog near you!
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