layout or pictures first?

My fiance and I went shopping today at a LSS. Usually when we create a layout with get our pictures first, and then make everything else. Well today he gets the idea to do a layout first, then get the pictures in the size we want. What do you do first? I'm nervous about doing the layout first because I like seeing the pictures and being able to move them around. Any advice?

Always start with my pictures first!

I prefer to start with the pictures, first, but I know many people who create the layout first and then add pictures.

I figure out the pictures I want to use, but I plan the LO, then size the pictures, which is why I usually print them at home. Then I can print sizes and colors the way I want them for the LO without waiting. Even pre-digi prints I usually end out re-printing so I can get better quality, plus size and color.

Often I do the planning on the computer where it's easier to move things around, then move to my scrap table once I get a design in mind. It often changes a lot from the computer design, but it's a good starting point for me. ~Judy

Pictures first for me too.

I did a class once where we created 10 or so pages without photos or embellishments. I thought it would be easy to add photos later, but 5 years on and most of them are still in the same bag. I get them out every now and then, but I struggle to imagine photos and titles on them. I must get them populated so that they stop annoying me, but that was a good learning curve for me.

I have tried doing layouts first and it didn't work as well for me either. I still have two spots on a two page spread that are blank because I couldn't find the right pictures to insert. It just works better for me to have the pictures first. Then I can create a page that will compliment them perfectly.

• RedSquirrel Said:

This is exactly what I was going to say - I did some at a class and never used them. So I always start with pictures. I'm ok with planning the lo and possibly resizing them though to fit where I want them.

Pictures first for me too. I have tried LOs first too and also had a hard time getting the pics to fit.

i start with the photos first ...except on that rare occasnion when i want to try a new technique and i put it aside for later.

I print my pics @ home so I tend to pull them out first before I start my layouts.

I might find the paper line or sketch I want to work with first but even then I generally have photos in mind before I get going.

For me, it's sort of like which comes first?...the chicken or the egg?

I actually scrap both ways. Sometimes it's the layout (or rather paper & supplies) first...and other times it's the photo that determines the project.

That's sort of the really great thing about the monthly challenges here. Sometimes I can pick the photos to match the layout...where other times, I can start the layout based on the theme, supplies & or suggested scrapbooking sketch.

As far as physical, store-bought, premade layout, I know some people don't like them (for whatever reason), but when you scrap as many layouts as I have going on, they are at times refreshing, fun & just a different way to scrap!

And on that note, there is no wrong way or right way to scrap!

Just as a tip, I think taking your photos along to the store or on your camera or phone, might prove to be helpful. That way you can be sure to pick & choose the papers that you feel seem to match, coordinate or determine the look & feel that you are going for/trying to create!

Best of luck!

Picture first for me also. I seem to get my inspiration from the pictures. Though, I have to admit I can't remember the last time I did a layout and then found the pictures for it. I might have to give it a try one day just to see how it "feels".

Pictures first.

I always have what pictures I want to use in mind when I plan my LO....I know what the theme is and how many pics I'm going to use...
I can plan the LO without printing the pics though, like Judy (MrsDriver)
That way, I can print 4x6 or a bunch of 2x2 or collage...depending on the design of my page...

Sometimes, I pick my pictures to match a story or embellishment I want to use, or new technique I want to try.....
Sometimes, I choose pictures first and then design around the pictures....
I can't imagine doing a whole layout without KNOWING what pictures you are going to use though.....

I usually print all my pics that I know I want to scrap in 4x6. Sometimes I print several that are really close because I need to see them in person on paper before I know which one I like best. I usually use the 4x6 prints but sometimes I decide I need to change the size, and then I'll get reprints done. So, to answer your question, Yes

Hang on...*we* ??? My husband was always more than happy for me to scrap but if I'd suggested he might want to do it with me he'd have looked at me oddly

Lucky you - how nice to share your hobby

I always use my pictures first. I have idea of what paper, stickers even washi tape. I want to use for the layout. The photos help me figure out what would go well with it and tell the story. I always want the pictures to tell the story not just the products I use. But always well lay everything out on the paper pictures included to see where I want everything. Then I start putting it together.

I always start with my pictures first. Sometimes I choose to coordinate the papers with the photos and other times I just let the photos do all the talking. I have never tried to create a layout and then add the pictures to it. What if the paper doesn't match or the embellishments LOL

I've had great results doing LOs first... I got the idea to try it when I was going to a crop and didn't want to deal with figuring out pictures. I printed out thumbnails of all the pictures I was planning on using and took with me to the crop. I had the pictures there to reference but I felt like I had more freedom. I could create LOs much faster than normal. I go back and forth, but I think I like this method better than starting with pictures.