Animated scrapbook layouts are a great way to showcase several photos on the same page without having to select a focal photo. Each one becomes the layout focus in its turn. And I think animated scrapbook layouts look really cool too.
I made this one using the very scrumptious Christmas Cheer Kit from Digital Arts Cafe and I love the way that all three of my photos have their moment in the spotlight in turn. And I think the movement in the layout is a great look too.
One of the key things to remember when you’re designing your Animated Scrapbook Layouts is maintaining colour harmony. When you design a ‘regular’ scrapbook layout you take into account the colours in your photos, especially your focal photo) when choosing your papers and elements.
In an Animated Layout you will have several photos appearing in the same spot in succession. This can have the effect of bombarding your eye with a lot of colour and activity and can be confusing.
Design tips for your Animated Scrapbook Layout:
- If your photos have lots of different colours happening in them, I suggest you change them to monochrome as I have done in the All Together layout. In Photoshop Elements there are a range of monochrome effects to choose from under Photographic Effects in the Styles and Effects Palette. Just highlight the photo and click on the colour of your choice. This will also be available in other software programs.
- Keep your layout simple. This is particularly important if you decide to use colour photos. With so much happening for the eye in the photo area as it keeps changing, you don’t want to have a busy layout that is competing for the eye’s attention all the time.
- The number of photos that you have in your layout will determine the size of the file. I would recommend three photos if you want a file size that will conform to the size restrictions on most online galleries. But if you just want to upload it to your blog or email it to friends you can add a couple more.
Remember Animated Scrapbook Layouts are totally digital.
You can’t print them out. Well you can, but you won’t get the animation — they will just be regular scrapbook layouts.
They make a very cool Christmas Card to email to far away friends and family.
If you think other Scrapbookers might enjoy this and find it useful please give it a vote on StumbleUpon.
Other articles you might enjoy:
Review of Scrapbook Max – Start Digital Scrapbooking without the Learning Curve
How to Choose Color Schemes
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Karen,
That’s a good innovative idea for scrapbooking. Thanks for sharing the tips.
Thanks for stopping by Raymond. i appreciate you leaving a comment.
No problem, Karooch.
I always reciprocate comments.
It’s the Law of cause and effect.
Have a great day!
Well, Karen,
And here i thought i was the queen, if not originator, of animated scrapping! Here are some layouts i’ve put on my blog. Designer credits are with the scrap!
http://lovinlifegurl.blogspot.com/2007/09/halloween-post_19.html
http://lovinlifegurl.blogspot.com/2007/10/its-great-pumpkin.html
(i made this 1 go slow so i wouldn’t send anyone spinning into infinity and beyond!)
http://lovinlifegurl.blogspot.com/2007/12/beautiful-brown.html
Is there a website that has a gallery that supports animated scraps? Every one i’ve tried so far (and i must say i’ve only tried a couple, it’s been so discouraging), it either refuses to load or loads HORRIBLY!
Wow, i’m excited that there are others! I may do some more now. maybe.
denise
Wow Denise. Some very cool layouts there. I particularly like the Halloween one. It’s practically manic.
I don’t know which galleries would support animated layouts. I haven’t posted to a gallery for a long time. I mostly post on Scraps of Mind and that tends to be enough for me.
I suspect their gallery software (which is usually an ‘bolted on’ product to the rest of their site, jusat can’t cope.
Is this kind of layout can be use as my friendster background?
I don’t know what files Friendster will accept adeLLe. If they accept GIF files (as I imagine they would) then it should work fine.
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