Pages

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Do I Go This Way..... or..... Do I go That Way?

I was a newspaper advertising graphic designer in the 1980's. Left the industry just before they switched over to computerized graphic layout on Macs. Bought my own computer in 1997 and found a new hobby - computer graphics for fun!

I have had PaintShop Pro 6.0 since 1999 - I think. Life takes first priority. So, I've never really been able to focus on more serious learning about all the technical aspect to working graphics programs, etc. But I'm grateful. It has given me what I've needed thus far, for enjoying my love of paper scrapbooking and taking that into the realm of digital scrapping!

The PaintShop Pro program I've had is what most would consider to be - old like a dinosaur. The newer programs out there are pure evidence for how far the creativity has been able to grow.

My husband, Dwayne, gave me the Pixel Magic Digital Scrapbook layout program as a gift this past Christmas. Between that program - PaintShop Pro 6.0 - Sierra Print Artist 8.0 - and ArcSoft PhotoStudio 5 that came with my scanner - I am able to enjoy basic placement and layout of the digital kits that I'm able to purchase online from all those wonderful Designers out there!

But - as everyone with a passion knows - there is always that drive to soar with knowledge and ability for stretching creative talent! As I move along with my enjoyment - I keep my eyes and mind open to everything others are doing. More importantly - I pay attention to the various programs they're using and the various techniques they're able to apply with those programs. It has helped me decide which program I now want to invest in for the type of scrapping I want to enjoy - almost - maybe.

At the moment, I'm caught between two different programs. And I can't figure out just exactly what is causing the teeter-tottering decision game going on in my mind and heart. Is it because of the actual techniques being accomplished, or - is it the actual talents of the designer/scrapper that have been honed so wonderfully?

Vonda Bearden - WOW! I just get goosebumps every time I get to view her layouts! It just doesn't seem to matter what her subject is. It is so obvious - the woman does not sit down to do a layout in a hurry. She does not sit down and force herself to complete a layout around her mind's struggle or mental block. By the time she sits down to do a layout - her entire heart and mind have a vision and the love just comes pouring out onto every pixel angle for each and every item she sets onto a page! You can view every layout she's ever done and - this beautiful light comes shining into your eyes with the clear message that the woman, simply, had the time of her life and felt so much joy and happiness while putting the page together! She makes for a wonderful mentor!

Maggie965 - OMG! I have had the time of my life viewing her layouts! She's got that flair for color and balance. But she has a strong sense of family that she's able to enjoy at a time when the kids are a little older. Her kids are at those ages when, as parents, we all start having to color our hair a little more often. They're beginning to exercise those wings and the hormones are waking up. All of a sudden, they decide they're the only smart ones and parents know absolutely nothing. It's a time in our life, as parents, when how we guide our children is going to make the biggest difference in what direction they take in their life as adults. Maggie's one of the lucky ones! She's got some beautiful kids! You can tell that they give her loads of inspiration for enjoying her love of scrapping! And she has learned some tricks that can make me jump out of my chair!!!

There are so many others that I am watching and learning from. And they are all soooo awesome with their passion for scrapping! But the reason why I bring these two particular women up is because of the graphics programs they use.

Vonda uses Ulead 4. Maggie uses PhotoShop. I've noticed that quite a few scrappers are using PhotoShop Elements. I am absolutely intrigued by all the wonderful techniques they're able to accomplish! And then - Vonda sends out another layout.

I've just about settled on one conclusion to the confusion.

I'm gonna have to invest in a second computer - a bigger one! And then, I can invest in both programs!

And then - my husband can play Text Twist all he wants.

Ya' think that'll be a good enough bargaining chip to get him to go for it?

HAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah.... I know.

No comments:

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Do I Go This Way..... or..... Do I go That Way?

I was a newspaper advertising graphic designer in the 1980's. Left the industry just before they switched over to computerized graphic layout on Macs. Bought my own computer in 1997 and found a new hobby - computer graphics for fun!

I have had PaintShop Pro 6.0 since 1999 - I think. Life takes first priority. So, I've never really been able to focus on more serious learning about all the technical aspect to working graphics programs, etc. But I'm grateful. It has given me what I've needed thus far, for enjoying my love of paper scrapbooking and taking that into the realm of digital scrapping!

The PaintShop Pro program I've had is what most would consider to be - old like a dinosaur. The newer programs out there are pure evidence for how far the creativity has been able to grow.

My husband, Dwayne, gave me the Pixel Magic Digital Scrapbook layout program as a gift this past Christmas. Between that program - PaintShop Pro 6.0 - Sierra Print Artist 8.0 - and ArcSoft PhotoStudio 5 that came with my scanner - I am able to enjoy basic placement and layout of the digital kits that I'm able to purchase online from all those wonderful Designers out there!

But - as everyone with a passion knows - there is always that drive to soar with knowledge and ability for stretching creative talent! As I move along with my enjoyment - I keep my eyes and mind open to everything others are doing. More importantly - I pay attention to the various programs they're using and the various techniques they're able to apply with those programs. It has helped me decide which program I now want to invest in for the type of scrapping I want to enjoy - almost - maybe.

At the moment, I'm caught between two different programs. And I can't figure out just exactly what is causing the teeter-tottering decision game going on in my mind and heart. Is it because of the actual techniques being accomplished, or - is it the actual talents of the designer/scrapper that have been honed so wonderfully?

Vonda Bearden - WOW! I just get goosebumps every time I get to view her layouts! It just doesn't seem to matter what her subject is. It is so obvious - the woman does not sit down to do a layout in a hurry. She does not sit down and force herself to complete a layout around her mind's struggle or mental block. By the time she sits down to do a layout - her entire heart and mind have a vision and the love just comes pouring out onto every pixel angle for each and every item she sets onto a page! You can view every layout she's ever done and - this beautiful light comes shining into your eyes with the clear message that the woman, simply, had the time of her life and felt so much joy and happiness while putting the page together! She makes for a wonderful mentor!

Maggie965 - OMG! I have had the time of my life viewing her layouts! She's got that flair for color and balance. But she has a strong sense of family that she's able to enjoy at a time when the kids are a little older. Her kids are at those ages when, as parents, we all start having to color our hair a little more often. They're beginning to exercise those wings and the hormones are waking up. All of a sudden, they decide they're the only smart ones and parents know absolutely nothing. It's a time in our life, as parents, when how we guide our children is going to make the biggest difference in what direction they take in their life as adults. Maggie's one of the lucky ones! She's got some beautiful kids! You can tell that they give her loads of inspiration for enjoying her love of scrapping! And she has learned some tricks that can make me jump out of my chair!!!

There are so many others that I am watching and learning from. And they are all soooo awesome with their passion for scrapping! But the reason why I bring these two particular women up is because of the graphics programs they use.

Vonda uses Ulead 4. Maggie uses PhotoShop. I've noticed that quite a few scrappers are using PhotoShop Elements. I am absolutely intrigued by all the wonderful techniques they're able to accomplish! And then - Vonda sends out another layout.

I've just about settled on one conclusion to the confusion.

I'm gonna have to invest in a second computer - a bigger one! And then, I can invest in both programs!

And then - my husband can play Text Twist all he wants.

Ya' think that'll be a good enough bargaining chip to get him to go for it?

HAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah.... I know.

No comments: