I am new to Digital Scrapbooking. What is it all about?
Just like traditional (paper) scrapbooking, digital scrapbooking helps you capture and preserve your memories. The difference is that we use our computers to do it. You will use a digital kit that contains paper (or backgrounds) and elements. You can find kits in our freebies section and of course in our shoppe.

What computer software should I used to do this?
Many different programs can be used. Photoshop Elements seems to be the most popular, but many scrappers also use Paintshop Pro or Digital Image Pro, and many designers, as well as scrappers, use Adobe Photoshop. There are many great resources for learning Photoshop. Visit Adobe.com or Lynda.com to learn more. We also have some tutorials right here in our ScrapStudio.

How do I create my first layout?
Here is great tutorial to help you with this.

What size and resolution do I create at?
Most scrappers create their pages at 12 in x 12 in just like they would with paper. You can also do 8 in x 8 in. or 8.5 in. x 11 in. to print it easily on your home printer. One of the great things about digital is that you're not bound to any particular size of page! But, whatever size page you choose, we recommend using a 300 dpi (dot per inch) resolution to assure the best quality possible at the printer.

Now that I've created my layout, what do I with it?
You can first upload it in our gallery (see below). Some scrappers only keep a digital file of their layout and look at them on their PC. Howerver, most of them print their layou ts. You can print it on your home printer, take it to your local photo developer or even make a book with them. One great online resource for printing your pages and creating books is Shutterfly.com.

How do I upload my layout to your gallery?
First, make sure you are registered in our forums/gallery area. This area is a separate registration from our shoppe. Once you create your layout or other digital project, make sure to save it at 600 pixels by 600 pixels at 72 dots per inch, making sure it is less that 125k. Then in the gallery, click on Upload Photos and follow the prompts. Make sure to fill in all the information, making sure to properly credit all artists. If you're doing a specific challenge be sure to choose it from the drop down menu.

I've done so many layouts.. what should I try next?
Why not try one of our altered/collage or heritage challenges? Or what about doing a hybrid project? We've got some great inspiration on our blog and in our forums. Come get creative with us!

What is Hybrid Scrapbooking?
Hybrid is just a term for using your computer and digital scrapbook products, along with traditional scrapbooking items to create something — either a layout or a mini-book or other altered item. We offer some great inspirational hybrid projects on our blog and in our gallery.

In addition to uploading my layouts, how else can I become involved in your site?
Browse the gallery and leave praise for other's layouts. Or participate in one of our weekly challenges. Create a freebie to share (send it to freebies@scrapartist.com), or come into the forums to learn and share your own knowledge. Finally, you can just head into the forums to chit-chat with other ScrapArtists!

How do I keep up with all the news at ScrapArtist?
Make sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Muse for great inspiration and exclusive freebies! In addition, every Monday, we'll keep you informed of new products and other happenings. You can find our newsletter sign up box on our home page.