Step 4: Planning My Layout and Printing Final Photos

I begin all of my projects in Adobe InDesign to help me plan out my layout and select my photos. As an alternative you could create mock-ups using Canva, Photoshop, or use the paper protype similar to what I created in Step 1.

I begin by measuring the accordion fold pages and set up my layout in Adobe InDesign. Once I have set up all the pages, I pull in the photos, maps, and photos of ephemera I plan to use. At this time, you could type journaling but I plan to handwrite so I create spaces to include that later.

Tips & Tricks:

• By creating my layout digitally, it allows me the time to think through the photo selections before printing them. This avoids unnecessary extra photos and print out the exact sizes that I need.

• I add any journaling or digital artwork to photos as part of my digital layout process.

• I often save a photo of the digital version of a physical scrapbook products. This helps me when I am creating layouts. For example, I purchased the physical chipboards but saved a photo of them as it helps me decided in advance where I might want to place the chipboards when I am planning my layout.

• I have a few “go to” fonts for my projects.  Here is a list of my favorites: Typeka Mix, Prestige Elite, and Lust Didone