Digital Scrapbooks

I got a couple of questions about digital scrapbooks, so I thought I'd write about 'em a little.

The idea behind digital scrap books is that instead of using the tangible 3D objects (papers, embellishments, pens, scissors, etc.) you would normally use to make a neat-looking scrapbook page, you instead use your computer. You take photos, and textures, and lettering, and clipart and combine them using a graphics editing program (photoshop, or paint shop pro) to make a simliar layout. Once your done with the layout, you can either print it or just save it digitally to view on a web page or to burn to a DVD or something like that.

Obviously, this scenario has it advantages. For one, if you're a digital photographer (like me), it makes lots of sense to simply import your images into a program and play around with them. For another, it's hugely excellent have your best friend, ctrl-z with you at all times. The “oops” factor is big with digital cropping. Another thing you've got to love is the cost … around $1/page if you print them yourself. Which is a huge savings in comparison to traditional scrapbooks. Another thing I really love is that I get to use my favorite fonts … and other digital elements that would be a super-pain to use with traditional scrapbooks. Another reason for me is that it's yet another way to keep my skills sharp. The downside, of course, is that you're not working with the real deal. You don't get to go pick out the fun papers, or make cute little shapes or use ribbon. Some people have made graphics that simulate embellishments like buttons and ribbon, but personally, the point of that sort of thing, for me, is the THING itself, not just the aesthetics of it. If you want to include ticket stubs or brochures, it's possible (after printing, of course) but it's a bit harder. Printing is also a bit of a chore too because of limitations in sizing and borders. A lot of scrapbooks are 12″x12″, which are damned-near impossible to print (and expensive of you can find it at all!). There are some ways around it, including printing smaller and mounting on larger cardstock or enlarging with a color copier. But you can also print on an 8.5″x11″ sheet and trim to 8″x8″. And binders are sold now for 8″x8″ sheets.

So for me, it's a nice addition to paper scrabooks, not a replacement.

Here are a few links:
+ an article on getting started
+ photoshop tutorials specific to scrapbooks
+ digital scrap book community
+ fontastic – great fonts

Last, but not least, this is one of my first efforts at a digital scrapbook page. I actually used the jesser.org background, since I already had it made.