Master Design Using Templates

Today, Creative Team Member, Marnie, is sharing how to Master Design Using Templates.

Introduction

Do you struggle with creating a layout from a blank canvas?

Templates might just be the answer.

A template “is a blueprint design for a finished page.” (Anna Aspnes)

• Serves as a map to guide us through a project.
• Afford structure for the beginner.
• Offers a ‘springboard’ for the more advanced memory keeper.

It also:

• Solves design dilemmas such as element placement.
• Provides the opportunity to focus on your photos and words.
• Enables the learning of Design Principles as you create.

Fake it til you make it.

I once knew a baker who told me she baked dozens of baguette loaves before conquering the process.

You start with a ‘recipe’ to learn the basics, and then as you increase your knowledge and experience, you are able to make more advanced modifications of your own.

• Use templates to get the gist of cohesive layout design
• Limit aA DigitalART supplies to just a few complementary ArtPlay Palettes.
• Gain expertise through REPETITION and PRACTICE.

In this ‘Master Design Using Templates’ post, you will:

• See how the same set of photos are showcased in 3 different templates.
• Learn which STYLE may be best suited for your layout design.

Choosing the Right Template

Template collections provide versatility and cohesion perfect for completed projects.

• aA Albums are Marnie’s ‘go to’ products for celebrating photos of her grandchildren.
• The latest Hipster Plume Template Album No. 5 is guiding her through the creation of a Nepal travel book.

1. WaterColor Templates 

Choose a WaterColor Template for an artsy/blended look.

• One large focal blended photo is supported by a variety of smaller ‘framed’ masks
• May be used in single or double-page format with word and title placement indicated.
• Offers sophisticated photo artistry layout design.

Try this:

• Clip your focal photo to the large FotoBlendz mask layer to blend into your background.
• Add supporting photos to the ‘frame mask’ layers to populate the template.
• Support the COLOR and THEME of your images with aA DigitalART supplies.

Note.

• Marnie clipped her images to the masks of WaterColor Template Album No. 9_10.
• Guidance for adding a background paper; recoloring stains; adding WordART, and embellishment.
• Clipped a composite of the layout to a 12 x 12 Page FotoBlendz.
• See more in her product links and process notes.

2. FotoInspired Templates

Choose a FotoInspired Template for a more contemporary and structured layout design.

• Multi-photo approach with a slightly distressed ‘magazine-style’ grid format.
• Use as individual 12 X 12 single layouts, double-up to support more photos or modify to suit your layout design.
• Popular for documenting the every day, such as the FotoInspired Project, as well as Heritage, Travel and even creative Blended Photo Collages.

Try this:

• Clip your photos to some of the ‘fotomask’ layers.
• Add aA DigitalART supplies to the remaining ‘fotomask’ layers in the template and embellish as preferred.
• See Anna’s step-by-step approach in this trio of Artsy Digital Pocket Scrapbooking videos at the bottom of the Resources page.
• See also 5 Ways to Create an Artsy Design.

Note.

• These templates furnish flexibility for numerous photo projects where you have a LOT of photos to showcase.
• Marnie used FotoInspired Template Pack 2F_7 for this particular layout.
• She clipped her photos and some artsy paper to the masks.
• Added digital papers, FotoInspired Edge Templates; and finished with embellishments.

3. MonthReview Templates

Choose a MonthReview template to showcase your photos with more documentation.

• Offers a similar ‘look and feel’ to the WaterColor Template Albums but with more space for text and labeling of photos.
• Use as single or double page spreads, and make modifications to suit your photos and preference as preferred.
• Document monthly activities, themed events or ‘house’ a collection of photos.

Try this:

• Use the ‘frame labels’ to add notes about specific images.
• Leave them blank to add White Space to your layout designs.
• Use the ‘Calendar’ element to add a date to your page.

Note.

• Marnie used MonthReview Template Album No. 4_6.
• She omitted the calendar element and one of the framed masks; clipped photos and Artsy Paper to the other masks; recolored stains; finished with texture and embellishments.
• See this video for further guidance on using the MonthReview Template Album.

Summary

Template are invaluable to learning artsy design principles to elevate your photo artistry and memory keeping.

• Template Albums offer efficiency and cohesion in your layout design.
• Use the templates individually or mix and match to create double page spreads.
• Learn as you create and start making modifications as your skills an knowledge advance.

We invite you to:

• Read this Adapting Colorful Artsy Layered Templates on the aA Blog.
• Watch this Digital Background for Templates video on the aA Youtube Channel
• Create beautiful and cohesive Double Page Spreads using BOTH template and ‘freestyle’ approaches.

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