New Gallery Area for DIYers? - Page 11 - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

ptknox · #81 (**permalink**) 01-11-2005

You know, I swore I was going to stay out of this one...but Leeandra expressed MY feelings so well that here I am!

We each have our reasons for doing what we do and our own ability levels. I, like Leeandra, am focused on the memories. I don't have the talent nor am I inclined to create my own elements. Am I glad that there are people out there that do? You bet I am...and I'm in awe of their ability to do so. However, what is "the process?" When it comes to learning more about my software...I've been using Photoshop since Version 3 for web design...and I have learned more about it's features since I started digital scrapping 6 months ago than I learned in 6 years!

Just purchasing elements/kits does not make a layout. My eyes have been opened to filters, actions, clipping masks, shadowing techniques, the dreaded pen tool...etc., etc., etc. I may not design the elements on my pages...but I work darned hard to make my software perform in a way that will create a realistic looking layered layout. Am I not participating in "the process" because I don't create all my elements?

My grandmother used to say "If we agreed about everything....one of us would be unecessary!" She was a pretty wise woman. I think it's great that we can agree to disagree...and I'm pleased to see that it's being done without the name calling and mud slinging that turned me away from some other online communities. But please remember that we are ALL "necessary" and let's not draw a line between those that create elements and those that create WITH elements.

Just my two cents....which is probably worth about 1.5 cents with inflation factored in!

amyphelps · #82 (**permalink**) 01-11-2005

OOOH, LeeAndra, that is an excellent point. I think that's why I'm not too ambitious to go out and get PhotoShop. I really can do all I want to do with my scrapbooking with DIP, and I've got a long way to go to fully learn it's capabilities. (although I'd admit to yearning to learn "brushes" someday) I have no desires to make kits, much less sell them, but I sure do appreciate those who do. I just LOVE to see those graphic artisty (is that a word?) designers out there (dreamyscrapper, nicey, mom2ellarose, on and on) but I do not scrapbook that way, but I sure do love to look at how they are preserving THEIR memories and what joy it would be to page through their albums. For my purposes, the friends and family who browse my children's books think I'm a genius, and I think, IF THEY ONLY KNEW how "infant" I am in this digital scrapbooking world! And really, who cares? I'm preserving my children's childhood and that is MY goal. I"m thankful that SBB is STILL a place that someone can post a "first time" layout and they are given such wonderful praise and encouragement. AND SBB demonstrates MUCH patience to those just learning how to simply navigate the site, much less how to put an element on their layout! It's great to see such "newbie" questions - It's a great place for ALL types, and all stages. WHOO HOOO! Let's get scrappin'

JanetC · #83 (**permalink**) 01-11-2005

Quote:

the friends and family who browse my children's books think I'm a genius

, Amy. I've had that same thought often, as I've followed this thread. I collect and buy kits, arrange them on a page (and not always very skillfully), throw a cute heading on there, and my friends and family think I'm a genius, too. "You did that with a computer !!??!!"

Since I don't make my own elements, I kinda like seeing what people do with kits they bought, since I will get more ideas from that than I would from something completely homemade -- unless it's something homemade that I could duplicate.

That's what nice about the gallerys at SBB -- something for everyone.

I will admit, that even at my beginner-genius level, I do notice when someone throws 30 layouts into the gallery at once, all made with kits they're selling. It irks me a bit, and I always skip quickly through those.

JanetC

Emmy · #84 (**permalink**) 01-11-2005

Pattie - big smooch to you my friend! One of us really is unnecessary cause I totally agree with you!

zandini · #85 (**permalink**) 01-12-2005

I have to add my two cents as well, because I think this conversation will continue on for some time now. I have been digi scrapping since this summer and paper scrapping since '02. I was so thrilled to find digi scrapping, it is just a perfect match for me. When I first started, I tried to make my own papers and elements, but found it took more time than I was willing to invest. At that point I wondered if I was "good enough"... then I saw one of my favorite digi scrappers say that they never make their own stuff. She said that she didn't make her own stuff as a paper scrapper, so why would she do so as a digi scrappers. This was such validation for me! I realized that to some of us (me included) CG scrapping was not about creating the papers and elements, but using pre-made paper and elements in our own creative way - just the same as paper scrappers. So, now I am perfectly content using the amazing stuff that the designers come up with. I still AM creating, just not from scratch! Pattie said it well, there should not be a difference between those who create elements and those who create with elements. Let's not divide up this wonderful community we have built! If you gotten this far... thanks! I hope we can all learn to appreciate each others creativity, in whatever way that creativity is expressed. Kim

dbjjgibs · #86 (**permalink**) 01-12-2005

I love to create kits and share-it is a kind of rush to read all the comments on the kits I share. I do not usually use my elements and kits, I prefer to purchase kits, I am not saying that I don't use elements and papers I create, I do but I generally like the layouts I make with purchased kits better. I look at Holly's, Maya's and several others that I buy from and say to myself, how did she create that pattern? Did she make that brush? Wish I knew, but it is much easier to buy it than try to recreate it. The last kit I shared took me several days to make, which when you have a family and a full time job is really a lot of time. I look at the gallery and am amazed at the different way all of us use purchased kits. Maybe we should just accept our differences and admire all the talent.

kindarana · #87 (**permalink**) 01-12-2005

It might be interesting to see how different LOs can be when the kit or elements were designed for the pictures rather than chosen for the pictures -- or let's be honest, haven't you found the kit first and then gone looking for or shooting pictures so you can use it once? Even for kits that are for sale, knowing which pictures inspired the kit might help inspire you with your own LOs or if you are starting to make your own elements then you might see how others get inspired too.

Just making a different category doesn't mean one style is better than the other - there's art inspired LOs versus magazine advertisement inspirations, LOs that try to copy paper style versus ones that are digital-only. We all have our own styles but that doesn't mean one is better than the other.

Maybe a DIY challenge would be a good solution - then you get your gallery for it, and there could be restrictions on topics or themes to avoid the just-for-advertising posts.

Emma · #88 (**permalink**) 01-16-2005

I agree, I'm a lunatic when it comes to making my own stuff! While I realize how much easier it would have been for me to start scrapping if I could have used kits, and how useful they are for those who are new or have limited time or who just love the art produced by commercial designers (and heck, for us it's great since I can make some money from this beloved hobby and art form!), it would be cool to have a Brag Gallery category for those who made everything on the layout.

It would probably create a little stir for those who feel the design "snobs" don't think kits are as good as DIY, though. But that's not what we're saying. I just like to see at a glance what's original work and waht's a creative use of a kit.

Glad I'm not the only one who can't even bring myself to download freebies! There WEREN'T any when I started, so I had to translate online tutorials into scrappy stuff. Was good for me, put a little hair on my virtual Photoshop chest, LOL!