Friday tutorial

It's Friday and that means it's time for this month's tutorial!!! Today I (Deanna) thought I would share with you a little bit about my design process. I know there's always talk about defining your style, and one of the easiest ways I've come to do that is through my creative process. I've decided that my "style" is somewhat simple, balanced, and a little graphic too. Now that doesn't mean that I don't like to be trendy, or try different techniques, but in flipping back through my layouts these are the 3 characteristics (simple, balanced, and graphic) seem to always be present. SO,here's a quick look at how I create that type of layout.

Usually I start with a sketch. This is one I drew while talking on the phone. lol! Once I picked out the photo I wanted to use, which was vertical, I chose to turn my sketch 90 degrees to the left. And though I didn't stick to it exactly (no chevron mask was used for the background), the final layout is pretty much just like the sketch. Here's how I made it work.

When I first start creating I begin by adding strips of patterned paper to the sides of my layout. To me, it kind of gives the blank canvas a frame within to work. That may be backwards for some, but I like to see my space in its framework.

Lately I've enjoyed stacking papers of different sizes and patterns. I love playing with the different combinations, leaving room to "tuck" embellishments later on in the process. Even though there are 4 to 5 different papers here, I usually end up with something that still looks like a square or rectangle. Again, this is where balance comes in to play. The blue floral paper is opposite of the cream/yellow/green bokeh paper but still in proportion to each other.

Next of course I add my photo and a few embellishments, circles and star accents for the sides. This layout is still feels balanced although now it's balanced on the diagonal. I've also tilted the picture to add a little more interest. The picture is one of motion and I wanted to continue that idea of motion and playfulness. To me, a completely square/straight/level photo wouldn't have conveyed that.

Next I add the groundwork for my title in the middle of the page and photo to maintain the focal point and balance.

Finally I've added the title as well as a couple of talk bubbles and banners on the sides. When I did that, I had to shift a few circles around, but then I'm what I like to call a "paper pusher" too. Sometimes I move papers all over the place before they get their final resting spot. But here's the final layout. Simple, balanced, and a little graphic.

And there you have it, a step-by-step of my creative process and my thoughts behind why I do what I do. The end result is a variation of the sketch. It's also balanced, simple, and a little graphic. Just my style!

Hope you all have a fantastic Friday!