New here

[kajuntalley]

Hi everyone, Yes I am a male! New to scrapping, and need lots of help??? How do I get started for one thing? I try to start on my own, and nothing. Helpful hints would be most appricated!!

[Di at Legacy4Life]

Hi Mitch,

Welcome to DSO. You are seriously out numbered here ;) but this is a great group of people. For starters, what program are you using to scrap with?

Secondly do a Google search for tutorials online for your particular graphics package.

Download a few of the freebies that the designers and other contributors have lurking on their blogs to get you started.

Any more help - check out the forum where people have probably asked the questions you will be asking. Click HERE (http://www.digiscrapobsession.net/pals/forumdisplay.php?f=14) to be taken to that thread.

Don't be shy. The more questions you ask, the quicker you will learn.

Di

[Bunny]

and so it starts...
next thing ya know there will be football and beer pages goin' up in the gallery. :hand:

Oh I'm just kiddin!:w00t:

I cant really add anything to what Di said, just wanted to say HI. Im pretty sure you're the only 2nd guy in 7 years of us being here.
We're not worthy....:notworthy:

LOL!

Welcome to the DSO Show,
sit back grab some popcorn, and enjoy. LOL!

[kajuntalley]

Thanks for the warm, Welcome!!!

[Dinphy]

Woot!!
Guy scrappers are very rare to find, and sure are a welcome addition! :thumbup:
I'm glad you decided to join DSO, it's a fun group!

I agree with Di,
First thing is what program do you use, or would you like to use.
Real constructive help is usually based on how the program works.
Most used programs (that I've heard of) are Photo Shop, Paint Shop Pro, and the free program Gimp.
(I personally use something different :rollin: called Xara)
You can use whatever you like best, but pay attention to choose a program that:
* can work with multiple large files (3600x3600 pixels)
* can use .jpg and .png files
* can handle transparency

-Some ethics (I wished I new before I started)
* when you download a freebie, it's kind to leave a 'thank you'. A comment on a persons blog is most appreciated. (comments are treasured, and on a blog they stay even after a freebie is gone)
Many use 4shared as their distribution site, and you could chose to leave your thank you there.
* Keep the information and TOU (terms of use) that come with the freebies. It'll tell you what you can use it for. If you make pages for your personal use, it's usually okay, but if you'd want to sell - or even just give away for free - what you made, it's important to know if you're allowed to.
Yes, even with the stuff you got for free! ;)
* When you post your layout in a gallery, give credit to who made the kit or items you used!

-Start browsing for the freebies!
There are many many to be found, and free stuff is perfect for starters.
Note that not all are available for a long time, and you'd want to have a variety for different photo's.
A great place are the colour challenges (http://www.digiscrapobsession.net/pals/forumdisplay.php?f=8) here at DSO, there are many freebies, all work with one set of colors given by Kim. It's easy to mix and match, and there are real treasures to be found!
Tip: make a layout with one of the kits provided, post it in the thread before the end of the month, and even get Kim's posting bonus!
(uhm... wait for next month, or be very quick today :giggles:)

A couple of terms that are often used, and you might wonder about (I did)
LO = layout, the page you created
PU = personal use
CU = commercial use
S4H = Scrap for hire,
S4O = Scrap for others

Browse the gallery!!
It'll give you loads of inspiration, and an idea of the many possibilities.

I'll be on the lookout for your layouts! ;)

Dinphy

[Bunny]

ooo excellent reply Dinphy!

You should write a "Things Newbies Should Know" article for the DSO Blog:whistle:

[txbubbles]

ooo excellent reply Dinphy!

You should write a "Things Newbies Should Know" article for the DSO Blog:whistle:

Ohhh...good one Bunny! I second the motion :neener:

Welcome, Mitch!
Here are some links to some great tutorials to get you started.
Scrappers Workshop (http://www.scrappersworkshop.com/)
Great tuts for getting started in PSE and PS

Misty Cato (http://mistycato.wordpress.com/tutorials/)
Again, great easy to understand tuts for PSE and PS (get back, Bunny, don't hit me, I can't help it if I'm an Adobe groupie) :razz:

Scrapbook Elements (http://www.scrapbook-elements.com/sbe/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=173&Itemid=56)
Tuts for getting your feet wet in most all programs

I have never used it, but a lot of scrappers use the free program Gimp (http://www.gimp.org/)

Most important, just jump in and PLAY! Second, don't be afraid to ask questions, we were all newbies at one time :amen: