Can we talk?

[LJSDesigns]

About composition. I really want to learn how to better compose my layouts. I've read a lot on design concepts such as the rule of thirds, odd numbers of elements, symmetry and color usage, but I still struggle when it comes to creating a original composition that I absolutely love.

I always start with my photos and papers, and some times I don't get any further than that before I am tossing it out and starting over, which has me wondering if I am going at it backwards. Maybe I should start with my photos and elements and then go to my papers? How do you all do it? And do you have a vision before you begin or do you throw things on the canvas to see what sticks? Are you perfectionists and try each element in a dozen places before you give yourself a thumbs up or do you just go with the flow? What do you think is the secret to a beautifully composed layout?

I am open to any advice or ideas that you all have and would really appreciate the input. Thanks!

 

[jessica31876]

I was a lot like that. I struggled coming up with page designs that I really and truly loved and was so against template use. I felt like it was cheating or like it was not really "my deisgn" but then I started using them when there were challenges like here they had a cookie (a template) you had to decorate every month. It really opened me up to templates. I will give you an example of what I mean.

This was a layout that I did recently without a template:

While I *like* it I do not LOVE it. This however was done with a template:

It is not from the site or I would link to show you how different my layout is from the original template and how different it is from the other CT members who used that template.

So basically what I am saying is for me at least using a template frees me up to think solely about the deisgn elements like what pictures I want to use, what papers, what elements, what I want the journaling to say and I already know basically where everything goes because the template designer placed it. Now thats not to say I do not change templates to work for me. For instance this layout:

had a much smaller photo and a paper I believe above the photo. So I changed the size of the photo and some other things here and there to work for what I was wanting to do. It still looks like the original but I made it mine in little ways. Here is the template pack I used for that layout:

 

[YepBrook]

Hmmm... let me think about how I do this...

I sometimes start with a vision, or a goal... like, "I need to fit 7 photos on this page" or "I want the papers to be triangles". Sometimes I just let the kit drive me, or a specific element that I really want to use (you know how sometimes you really want to use something, but the template doesn't work with it, or it doesn't fit?).

When I'm doing a pretty "designed" page with lots of cut-out papers, layers and photos I basically start by creating my own template. I use the pen tool, polygonal lasso, shape tools, and other tools like that to create my layers of papers and photos. Then I fill it in with papers, etc. just like I would with a template. I do this a lot when the design part is the most creatively fulfilling thing for me at the moment, or when I want a page to fit a certain # or size of photos. I've done this a lot when I want to make a page that a template just doesn't exist for.

When I'm just winging it freestyle, I usually dig through the ellie folder of the kit to see what types of frames are in there. Then I move them around the page until I have a nice arrangement. Sometimes I end up ditching the frames but it helps me visualize where the photos will go. Then, I make boxes of papers or strips... or circles, whatever paper shapes I'm thinking of using behind the frames and go from there. I do this method around certain elements I want to use, too. For example, I'll place the element of choice usually somewhere off-center and then start building around it.

As for design tips, pretend like you have a blindfold on most of the time. Let go of perfectionism and place things in a way that doesn't seem "perfect" or too matchy. Pretend you are a paper scrapper using scissors and don't be afraid to have things a bit wonky and off-center sometimes.

Hope this helps!!!

 

[clearskies]

I usually have an idea in my head when I start as to how I want the general placement of the photos and whether I'm going for a 'busy' or 'clean' look. After that it's a lot of playing. Sometimes it's great. Sometimes it's awful. When it's awful, or just not working I save, close and move on to something else...

 

[MommaTrish]

Hmmm...
Well I almost always go into Photoshop with an idea in my head. And if I don't I open the kit I'm wanting to use and just stare at it until I get ideas. From there I just open every single thing in the kit, put it on the paper, and then move it around a lot until I get something I like. I also use papers (not just clip and cut, but the actual background, as an integral part of my pages designs.

 

[AmberK]

I seriously struggle with this. I HATE that Im so dependent on templates and Im trying to start doing layouts without them or using templates that are out of my usual comfort zone. But tonight I completed a page completely on my own! Im so proud of myself and you guys will be able to see it as soon as the sneak peek thread goes up.

What drove this one for me was the frames that was in the kit. That was the foundation of my layout and it just went from there. I find that even if I start with my pictures but have no frame or guide for how I want the picture Im so indecisive about it. Which is ridiculous. So I got my pictures all settled on the layout and then did BG papers because for me I LOVE BG papers. Then I added some mattes and ellies and started playing. I still added mattes behind pictures even after the LO was like 85% done. I just looked at it and decided how it needed to be balanced out.

Now with that being said- I have full confidence that the next LO I try to do on my own witll NOT go as smoothly as this one did. But at least I did it!

 

[Nettio]

Let's chat.

I always start with a vision in mind and my first step is usually to sketch out a simple sketch of that vision on paper. Really simple. Seriously, there's a reason I use a computer to create art, haha. But I find the sketch helps me make sense of size and scale and the overall composition without the fuss of the computer.

Once I have a sketch I like, I build that sketch in Photoshop using the shape tools, essentially creating my own template. Which probably makes sense since I'm a template designer, haha, but I've actually done it this way long before templates were a thing. I find it helps because I'm able to make sure the basic composition works before I start getting crazy with photos, papers and elements.

One suggestion I have if you're struggling with composition is to choose a few of your favorite scrapbookers and really break down the composition of their pages. Look for patterns. Most scrapbookers who have a distinct style have key things they repeat from page to page. For example, I tend to use horizontal and vertical bands a lot (a strip of paper going edge to edge) as the foundation for my compositions. But if you can find some of those repeating details that you like, then you can practice implementing them on your own pages while adding your own flair.

 

[nun69]

I let the kit ususally drive my inspiration if I don't use a template....like Lennette said, I sometimes find a scrapper that I like and try to "copy" their style (which is why I have so many LO's pinned).....I also don't let the kit "theme" drive me too much cause I try to make almost any of my pictures fit the kit I am working with
I always start with my background first, then I just layer element upon element on my page and then move them around until I like them, then shadow and add my picture and journaling last

 

[LJSDesigns]

I'm off to work, but I wanted thank all of you for your replies, Ladies. I to plan to revisit this thread as soon as I can this evening, because I have some questions about your comments and want to jot down all these awesome suggestions. I love templates, but I also want to conquer my own inability to create a layout from scratch that I love just as much as my templates. See you tonight!

 

[Valgal]

Pretend like you have a blindfold on most of the time. Let go of perfectionism and place things in a way that doesn't seem "perfect" or too matchy. Pretend you are a paper scrapper using scissors and don't be afraid to have things a bit wonky and off-center sometimes.

Hope this helps!!!

This is pretty much what I do, lol! I put my photos down first, in the order I want them, then just start tossing things on willy-nilly till I like the look. In general I keep most things clustered around the photo, and then something to frame the whole page... like another paper layer or a doodle frame or stitching. Like this:

clusters around the photos, 2nd paper layer and doodled page frame

clusters and off-center frame

larger cluster, no frame.

I do use templates for for my Project Life pages so that the whole album will have a cohesive look. My faves are Nettio, Studio Basic & Penny Springmann

I hope this gives you some ideas! I agree with whoever said to copy another page you like. I do that all the time! OR, I use a page as inspiration. I have a Pinterest board for those kind of pages.

 

[neenee]

I let the kit ususally drive my inspiration if I don't use a template....like Lennette said, I sometimes find a scrapper that I like and try to "copy" their style (which is why I have so many LO's pinned).....I also don't let the kit "theme" drive me too much cause I try to make almost any of my pictures fit the kit I am working with
I always start with my background first, then I just layer element upon element on my page and then move them around until I like them, then shadow and add my picture and journaling last

Me. Just about perfectly. Although, I don't lift people hardly ever. I always intend to but, never do.

I use templates about 20% of the time maybe. Otherwise, I just let the kit guide me. I place my pics first on just a solid background (usually a craft or whitish) then I start layering ellie after ellie after ellie. I will then start adding paper crops behind my cluster area (if I decide it needs them) until I get it like I like it. I journal and title last. The journaling and titling is my least favorite part because I don't feel creative in my title work and I struggle to journal from the heart.

 

[dailydwellin]

I struggle with this, too. The comments here have been really helpful and well thought out. That's one reason why I love SSD so much!!!!

I have found that using templates, doing challenges, and doing scrap lifts has helped me tremendously with learning about composition and how to best arrange layouts myself. I would find layouts that you're really drawn to and study them and even try to lift them to get a feel for their composition.

I'm going to continue to follow this thread because, like I said, I need help here as well!

 

[tanyiadeskins]

I am certainly no queen of composition or anything and I struggle with this a LOT! But I want to stress something super important that I recently learned. If you feel like you are not liking the layout at the beginning, do NOT start over...keep going. I find that as I add more stuff it starts to change how I feel and if I did not like the paper placement, for instance, once there is more stuff on the page I can get a sense of where to move it ... I don't know, just keep going! That's my advice! I have done that on quite a few layouts lately and ended up loving them! <3 I love me some templates but I am really trying to do more of just my own layouts lately as well

 

[MommaTrish]

I am certainly no queen of composition or anything and I struggle with this a LOT! But I want to stress something super important that I recently learned. If you feel like you are not liking the layout at the beginning, do NOT start over...keep going. I find that as I add more stuff it starts to change how I feel and if I did not like the paper placement, for instance, once there is more stuff on the page I can get a sense of where to move it ... I don't know, just keep going! That's my advice! I have done that on quite a few layouts lately and ended up loving them! <3 I love me some templates but I am really trying to do more of just my own layouts lately as well

I can't tell you how many times I've started (hell, sometimes all the way to like 3/4 through) and just hated the page but made myself keep going with the idea. And 90% of the time I do end up really liking the page when done.

 

[misfitinmn]

I can't tell you how many times I've started (hell, sometimes all the way to like 3/4 through) and just hated the page but made myself keep going with the idea. And 90% of the time I do end up really liking the page when done.

Me too!!!

I will say that I very, very rarely scrap without a template but something I have started doing recently is kind of putting together my own "template" .... for some reason I get really distracted when I have the kit open and try to assemble a page from scratch. But I can get an idea in my head, create a template of my own out of it, and just clip things to the shapes and fit the kit around my page. Which appears to be the opposite of most everyone else! But it's only once in a blue moon I don't use a template...for whatever reason (my uncreativeness...yep, that's a word now!) I just never like those pages as much.

 

[NeverendingJen]

Let's chat.

I always start with a vision in mind and my first step is usually to sketch out a simple sketch of that vision on paper. Really simple. Seriously, there's a reason I use a computer to create art, haha. But I find the sketch helps me make sense of size and scale and the overall composition without the fuss of the computer.

Once I have a sketch I like, I build that sketch in Photoshop using the shape tools, essentially creating my own template. Which probably makes sense since I'm a template designer, haha, but I've actually done it this way long before templates were a thing. I find it helps because I'm able to make sure the basic composition works before I start getting crazy with photos, papers and elements.

One suggestion I have if you're struggling with composition is to choose a few of your favorite scrapbookers and really break down the composition of their pages. Look for patterns. Most scrapbookers who have a distinct style have key things they repeat from page to page. For example, I tend to use horizontal and vertical bands a lot (a strip of paper going edge to edge) as the foundation for my compositions. But if you can find some of those repeating details that you like, then you can practice implementing them on your own pages while adding your own flair.

I do almost exactly the same. Even with a template, I start with this- photos and papers, then I go from there. I'm constantly tweaking, and just because the papers are there when I add elements does not mean they stay in the long run

 

[newfiemountiewife]

I don't use templates, very rarely, and I almost always start with photos first. But I don't open anything until I have some idea in my head of what I want to do.

This layout I made, for example, I knew what I wanted to scrap in terms of the photo and subject before I even started. I also had an idea of what TYPE of kit I wanted to use. When I saw the kit, I knew it would be perfect.

Originally, this layout was a horizontal layout, but I just didn't like how it was coming together, so I flipped it sideways, and adjusted, and really liked how it turned out. Sometimes, that's all you have to do! Just readjust as you go. I don't read much on composition, I just go with what comes in my head, and I really like the minimal size as well as the white space, but that's just my style.

Also wanted to add, that the papers I start with are RARELY the papers I end up with. I usually put a neutral paper on the back to begin, sort of like a base.

 

[mummytothree]

Hmmm...
I just open every single thing in the kit, put it on the paper, and then move it around a lot until I get something I like.

This is me!!! The first thing I do is choose the kit to scrap with. Then I choose my photos. I open a new document and I do my picture placement first. Then I drag anything and everything I would want under the photos on the page and then I drag everything I want above the photos onto the page. Then I close all layers but the back ground paper and the photos and then I just start revealing layers and moving them around. Sometimes I place all elements first and then do any paper layering. Sometimes I do the paper layers first!!! Just depends on my mood!!! :thumbup: I'm sure I don't do it properly but really as long as I like it that's all I care about it!!! Who want's a hobby with rules!?!?!

 

[LJSDesigns]

Well, I took a number of your suggestions and implemented them in a layout I did tonight. I started with my photos and then layered on my ellies, used some shapes to create a template in progress and ended up with a composition that made me happy. I would appreciate any constructive criticism you may have to improve it though.

I do agree that studying the work of scrappers I admire will help me a lot, in fact I have been looking at the gallery and doing some serious pinning. lol I have discovered that I love the look of white space and smaller ellies that still have the clustered feel to them. I feel like I am still defining my own style and have a lot to learn, so I want to thank you all for helping me out. If you have any other suggestions, I am all ears.

 

[Trista]

I am with others that have suggested to just keep working through if you are not loving what you have started working with. Flip the page... change the bg paper... make small adjustments before giving up on it completely.

Your favorites list is a great place to start - look through some of your favorite pages for things that you like and "lift" those things.

 

[NeverendingJen]

Well, I took a number of your suggestions and implemented them in a layout I did tonight. I started with my photos and then layered on my ellies, used some shapes to create a template in progress and ended up with a composition that made me happy. I would appreciate any constructive criticism you may have to improve it though.

I do agree that studying the work of scrappers I admire will help me a lot, in fact I have been looking at the gallery and doing some serious pinning. lol I have discovered that I love the look of white space and smaller ellies that still have the clustered feel to them. I feel like I am still defining my own style and have a lot to learn, so I want to thank you all for helping me out. If you have any other suggestions, I am all ears.

this looks great lorie! I think you are really on the way to finding your style and experimenting is the best way to learn.