but I find the easiest way to VISUALIZE something is to think in hard core measurements. I personally like to work in pixels when designing, but when doing quick and dirty layouts, I prefer to work in inches. Why? Because with an inch measurement, I KNOW what size the images are (without having to do the math first).

I personally scrap 8x8, but on a 12x12 page you'd do the same thing. I try to remember that most images are standard size 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10. I typically work with images that are 4x6 or 5x7 in my layouts, but keep in mind that I scrap 8x8 so that is what fits. It doesn't mean that I can't crop an 8x10 to fit, as I certainly could and sometimes I do.

BUT once I started placing real sized pictures on my layouts, it became easier for me to see where things would fit and where things wouldn't fit. I do recommend turning on your rulers to help you visualize.

One of my biggest beefs is actually that the elements are often out of proportion to the rest of the layout more so than the pictures themselves. Most standard sized staples are a given size. Most bookplates are standard sizes. Most round tags are a certain size. For me, my goal is REALISM! I go to scrapbook night with my paper scrapping friends. My goal is to make it look real. So for me, I want the elements to be just as realistic in size as the images.

I spend time browsing the paper scrapbooking isles in the stores. Why? To see what sizes things are. I even carry a little tape measure in my diaper bag so I can measure things if the sizes aren't stated. I design my elements to the standard sizes.

FWIW, I also have an "under construction" folder where I put things I can't get right. I've gone back 6 months later and totally scratched the layout and started over and finished them in a matter of a couple of hours. Sometimes it just takes time and and distance to get it right.

HTH

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~*~ Stacey ~*~
Mother to 3 boys | Digital Scrapbooking Junkie | Web Designer | Digital Scrapbook Kit Designer