The #1 question that I am asked is: how do I get started with digital scrapbooking. In fact, two of my friends just asked me that question yesterday. There are two things that you need – software and training.
Software
Popular digital scrapbooking software programs are:
- Adobe Photoshop Elements (PSE) – I started digital scrapbooking with PSE and if I hadn’t started designing I would still be using this. Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 was just released with major new features so this is a good time to buy!
- Adobe Photoshop (PS) – I switched over to PS when I started designing. PS is great for digital scrapbooking but has the capability to go beyond just scrapbooking with design, 3D modeling, etc. All the “extras” can be intimidating so between PS and PSE I would suggest starting with PSE. If you really want to buy Photoshop and can wait a few months, version 6 should be coming out soon.
- Corel Paint Shop Pro (PSP) – I have no experience with this program.
- Creative Memories Storybook Creator – I have bought this program after I had used PSE and PS. The CM software is focused just on digital scrapbooking so there are not all the extra functionality that the other programs have. That can be considered an advantage and a disadvantage. As an advance digital scrapbooker I found this software to be limiting in functionality.
- GIMP – This is a FREE open source program that is supposed to be equivalent to PS. I have not used it myself but I wanted formal training so I decided to go with PSE when I started digital scrapbooking.
- My Memories Suite – I only recently learned of this program. It reminds me a lot of Creative Memories but it has a multimedia component. You can read my review of the product here and find a $10 off coupon code in my blog sidebar for this software.
My overall recommendation is to use Adobe Photoshop Elements. You can download a 30 day free trial here.
Training
I am a visual learner and love the digital scrapbooking classes at JessicaSprague.com. Each JS class has instructional videos for both PS and PSE. That was wonderful because when I switched from PSE to PS, I went back and watched all the PS videos to come up to speed on that software. When you are done taking the following classes (in the order specified) you should be a digital scrapbooking pro!
If money for classes is not available for you right now, just google whatever it is you want to know and I am sure there is a tutorial out there to show you just how to do it. I have several Photoshop and Photoshop Elements tutorials that you can find under tutorials in my blog menu. I add a few tutorials each month so stay tuned!
[...] How To Get Started With Digital Scrapbooking – 1 freebie(s)? [...]