Hi ,

I am new to scrapbooking (both digitally and otherwise). I downloaded a trial version of paint Shop Pro and started going thru it..But I find it so difficult to design..Is this waht others feel too..What isa good software to start...I have soo many things to scrapbook, have a 14 motnh old and am still looking at my pregnancy scrapbooking..I better hurry..Someone plsssssssss help me....


NonnyP

It is hard at first to get scrapping, digitally or with paper. I think you made the right move in getting a trial version of the software first. If you are really not comfortable with PSP you might want to try out another software. I use Photoshop Elements and really like it. It's a great scaled down version of PhotoShop and does everything the beginning to intermediate scrapper needs. Like all graphics software it does have a learning curve but it is not too overwhelming. Adobe does offer a trial version that you could check out.

Any new software is a little overwhelming even if you are really comfortable with similar products. If you normally use MS Word and really know your way around it, imagine how bewildered you be trying to use WordPerfect for the first time. What ever software you decide to use I think you need to set goals for yourself. Come up with a simple LO that you want to create. If you're having trouble coming up with an idea, browse throw the gallery for inspiration. It's okay to scraplift (use someone else's layout as the springboard for your own) just make sure to credit them when you post your LO.

Also look through the SBB tutorials and try one out that interests you. If you have problems with following any of the tutorials, pop into the forums and ask for help. We love to help each other out!

HTH!

__________________
Stacy
My Gallery

avatar photo by Marja Flick-Buijs downloaded at sxc.hu

Hello,

I can recommend Ulead's Photoimpact for ease of use. If you are just starting out you may want to try a few page kits available at various online stores as well as some of the free elements here. Once you settle in to a particular software then you can try your hand at creating your own elements if needed. Remember to take things slow and before you know it you'll be learning new techniques to share here!

Good Luck!

__________________
Mona
My Gallery

Hi! PSP can be a bit non-intuitive (however it is the program that I use. Hmm, what does that say about me? ). A lot of folks also like Microsoft Digital Image Pro for starting out. It and Ulead Photoimpact are probably the most approachable, followed by Photoshop Elements.

HTH!

__________________
Scott

"Help, my creativity is being held captive!"
My Gallery

Mona, I have Ulead's Photo Impact and while I've never made elements or really did digital scrapbooking (I'm a newbie here), I have layered papers with collage images and words I've stored on my computer. I've managed basic things (like my avatar) but need to know more. Like sizing my avatar took a few times, and the crop tool, I don't know how to do a free-hand crop (the crop tool comes up in a square) so if I want to add a tag and trim the edge, I don't know how. I do have some tutorials and I will go back and study those.

It was nice to see someone mention a software I actually have! Thanks

__________________
Lea

Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray. - Rumi