Digital Scrapbooking for Beginners: Where to Start and What You Need

Thing is, I’m not a traditional scrapbooker. I’m a storyteller.

I used to work as a graphic designer, and my employer blessed me with high-quality tools. So a couple years after I started with Creative Memories software, when I tried digital scrapbooking with an online service, it felt clunky. I was frustrated with the system.

Then I tried Artisan. I was hopeful it would be easier. It was.

If you’ve been wondering about digital scrapbooking for beginners, here’s what it is, what you need, and where to start.

What is digital scrapbooking?

It’s scrapbooking on a computer.

Digital scrapbooking lets me drop in the pictures, but typing is much more efficient for telling the story. I get coordinated color palettes selected by the pros, and I still design it myself.

And when I take notes in the moment on my FOREVER storage app, they stay with the picture. I don’t have to recall everything later.

What do I need to start digital scrapbooking?

Your photos, a computer, and digital scrapbooking software. I use Artisan.

I appreciated being able to download the full program and try it before purchasing. It gave me all the freedom, depth, and breadth I was looking for in my pages, plus free templates, tutorials, and beautiful digital art. And I can work on it without being online.

It met my standards for wanting everything but the kitchen sink!

What are digital scrapbook kits?

There are many kits, and so many of them are free. Sure, you can start from scratch. But you can also download a template, select your size (too many to list here), and then it’s all about drag and drop.

You can download kits online in the moment, and there are plenty of options to browse.

Do I have a favorite? Not really. A lot of what I choose is by mood. It’s autumn as I write this, but I’m working on a year-round book, so I’m thinking about February, not fall leaves.

What I love is that pixels2Pages gives me design ideas each month, and I learn new tools all the time.

Here’s a perk: join me at a workshop any given month and you earn a code for a themed offer. Only $5 for attending, instead of the $20 price tag.

How do I make a digital scrapbook if I’m not techy?

Some folks worry about not being tech savvy. The software is newbie friendly, and the tutorials (a hybrid of print and video) are guided for any level of experience.

Honestly, though, most people new to digital scrapbooking, or just new to Artisan, are just excited to create. Most concerns are answered with “That’s why I’m here!”

I feel like I’m the ambassador that comes with your product: available to answer your questions and celebrate your successes along the way. There’s so much to explore in Artisan, and I’d love to show you online. Join me at an upcoming Someday Hour.

Is a digital scrapbook a “real” scrapbook?

The other worry I hear: it won’t feel like a real scrapbook.

You know what a real scrapbook is? It’s the one with pictures of you and the people you love, with your words, your story woven in. Whether it’s made with adhesive and scissors and 3 layers of paper or printed professionally, it’s a book about YOU!

That’s what is real.

Paper vs digital scrapbooking: do I have to choose?

Nope. I still make paper scrapbooks (cause there are a few I haven’t finished yet, actually).

What I enjoy more now with paper is making greeting cards. They’re faster on the turnaround, and I can share a sentiment. Again, for me it’s about the words, not the creation.

And if your paper pages are piling up, here’s how I digitize scrapbook pages.

Where can I learn digital scrapbooking?

If you aren’t sure where to start, we can have a consultation, or pop into an upcoming workshop on Artisan 6 or a Someday Hour. Both are great ways to peek under the hood.

And before you order anything, talk to me first. There are goodies to maximize, especially club dollars, and I’ll help you get the most out of every one.

You’ve got this.

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