I would love to be able to design like some of my scrap-heroes like Gina Miller, Correen Silke, Dawn Stocstill, etc. I do not begin to imagine that I could be that good, and I don't necessarily want to make a business of it, as much as be able to make entire pages from scratch. If other people like my stuff, that'd be a bonus, and I could see maybe selling in the future.

My question is, where did all of you talented ladies learn to do what you do?? I've perused as many tutorials as I can find and learned a lot from them, but there has to be other resources out there. The things these wonderful designers do are so far beyond what I've found in tutorials. I'm not asking the magicians to reveal their tricks, but I'd love to find out where they learned to do what they do so spectacularly. TIA!!

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~Miranda~

I imagine a lot of what they produce comes from simply being a great artist. There are certain aspects of art that you can learn and certain crafts that can be done quite well without truly being artistic.. but I find drawing from scratch and creating realistic elements, etc something that you are just born with. You can learn to be an accountant or a doctor.. but the arts are highly innate abilities that typically require something other than taking a course or following a tutorial. I take great photographs.. and can churn out some great looking fine art prints.. that's my "art".. but I can't sit down and draw a scene in front of me.. to me - that's just something you either can or can't do. I can draw something amazing now and then.. but I consider it more dumb luck than any ability.

Designers.. what do you think.. it is an interesting question and with the advent of computer graphics and the software out there (3D graphic programs, photoshop, modelling software, home design), perhaps the line is being blurred a lot more.

Pesto, I agree that artistic talent just about has to be born in you, but there is also a lot to be said for learning to use the tools that are available to possibly bring out talent.

Mirandalea, there are online courses that teach graphics programs and there are community college courses that do the same. Here is one of the more popular online sources: LVS Many of the designers have a background in graphics arts and design or other artistic training as well as a good background in computer software programs, and they have parlayed that background and knowledge into scrapbook design. And they worked long and hard to really master the use of their graphics program, often PhotoShop.

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Did you know that I blog? Gypsy Gold Studio

Well said.. the courses look interesting..