dumb question?

[Jormanoy]

Someone out there said that the only dumb question was a question not ask, so here I am asking. I need some hints on how to create my own template. I've never tried before so here I am staring at a blank page. Do you sketch it out on paper first, do you have a preconceived idea what it will look like before you start, or do you just put in and take away until you like what you see, maybe start with a color scheme. Any hints would be greatly appreciated. Please help. Jormanoy

[angelwithin]

no such thing as a dumb question.....but theres plenty of dumb answers lol

im one of those back to front designers

i design my embellishments first...this usually starts with one shape, colour or strange thought

then i make any frames.... then the papers and finally any shapes.....once that is all done i make up my templates

told ya im all back to front lol

[Jormanoy]

That is interesting I was thinking just the other way, background first and then up. What program do you use for your creations? Your work is so great. Jormanoy

[angelwithin]

im a jasc paint shop pro 9 gal (now owned by corel)

[Verleen]

Its so interesting and helpful to see all the different ways people create a page.

Norma, I do it a tad different too. I start with the pictures and build a theme around the pictures on the page. I look at the colors on them and see if certain colors pop out to give me inspiration for the page colors. The pictures also give me ideas as to titles for the page, subtitles and whether I need some journaling space to tell a story. At this point I have the basic layout, which I can change as I go if I want to. I can reposition them as I go. I then look at how I can embellish the page with paper scraps, borders and other theme-related embies. My personal preference is to keep the page simple, interesting and not allow the embellishments to detract from the pictures and story. I try to pick them so they add without detracting.

When I did my first pages, I had embies up the kazoo. Let me try that, and this and something else. What fun to try all this new stuff. Then I looked at the final page and realized that no one, not even myself, could really see the pictures and story with all the clutter. Solution....so simple with digital. I took out stuff until the pictures and story reappeared.

[Jormanoy]

WOW! A big thank you to Angelwithin and Verleen, I kinda am shy about asking questions but your comments have really helped. CAn't wait to try it out with the book I'm so stuck on. jormanoy