If you're looking to whip up a creative page design in a flash, you
will love the user-friendly sketches featured in Memory Makers latest
release, Scrapbook Page Maps. Here author and artist Becky Fleck shares some thoughts about using sketches and authoring a book.
Snapshot: 3 Quick Questions
1. You’re a graphic designer by trade. How did you get started in scrapbooking?
About
five years ago, I decided to create an album to commemorate my in-law’s
60th wedding anniversary. Looking back, I think it was nuts to create a
60-page album that spanned their entire life together when I’d never
scrapped a day in my life. But I had so much fun experimenting with
different papers, embellishments and techniques. I’m a “jump in with
both feet” kind of gal, and I was officially hooked on the hobby after
that.
2. What other hobbies/interests are you involved in outside of scrapbooking?
I
am hopelessly obsessed with football and fly fishing! From April to
September, you’ll find me standing in numerous rivers and streams
throughout Montana, Wyoming and Canada. From September to February, I’m
permanently planted in our family room on Saturdays and Sundays
watching NCAA football (go Sun Devils!) and the Minnesota Vikings.
Seriously, I tell all my family and friends, “Do not call me on a
Sunday unless you are on fire or in the ICU!”
3. You live on an old cattle ranch nestled in the Beartooth
Mountains in Montana. What’s the coolest thing about living there in
the wide, open spaces?
I really enjoy the solitude and
peaceful quality of life that comes with living in such a remote area,
but I’d have to say the coolest times are in June and July when the
mule deer come around with their new fawns. We frequently supplement
their diets with cracked corn, especially for the does who have had
twins or triplets. Last summer and fall, two does had a set of each.
There is so much wildlife right outside our windows all year round. The
cottontail bunnies are pretty darn cute, too!
The Deep Stuff
4. This book is all about sketches—or “page maps” as you’ve coined
them. What is the biggest advantage to using a page map when creating a
scrapbook page?
For me, they are a real time saver. It is a
lot of fun to gather papers, embellishments and photos together, but I
don’t always have a lot of time to develop a design for a page layout.
With a page map, the layout comes together fast and easy.
5. Your page maps are so versatile and offer lots of room for design
flexibility. In what ways can I adapt a page map to fit my own style?
First
and foremost, I would suggest not following the page map exactly as it
is drawn. By shifting around the elements of a page, altering photo and
title positions, and changing up embellishments, your own personal
style will naturally come through. Flipping and rotating page maps to
fit your photos and theme is another way to mix in your own style. Most
importantly, just relax and have fun with the design process.
6. Your scrapbook layouts are amazing—everything from color to design to photography. What other things will I find in the book?
In
this book I encourage the reader to be an artistic rebel, even if only
for a day. The book is filled with valuable tips, notes of inspiration,
design ideas and step-by-step technique instructions. One of my
favorite techniques is a unique combination of fabric and plastic—it
was a fun and messy process!
7. What are your greatest inspirations and how do you translate them onto your scrapbook pages?
My two greatest sources of inspiration are the stories behind my photos and Anthem magazine.
I
am a huge proponent of journaling my stories because as scrapbookers,
we are the keepers of our history. One hundred years from now, I want
my family to know the true and authentic story of me, not just the
who/what/where/when.
Anthem magazine is an edgy,
urban culture magazine that is put together with a fascinating and
captivating design, along with killer ads from the most well-know to
the most obscure companies. An issue of Anthem never fails to inspire me on some level.
8. What is the most surprising and/or fulfilling thing about being a published author?
Right
now, I’d have to say the most surprising thing is the sheer volume of
e-mails I've received! I have been overwhelmed with such thoughtful
notes of congratulations and encouragement. The most fulfilling aspect
of the book is that I had two wonderful editors who preserved my voice
throughout the manuscript and my quirky (sometimes snarky) personality
really comes through. That was important to me because I tend not to
take myself too seriously if I can help it!
9. What do you hope readers will enjoy most about your book?
I
hope everyone will find it a useful tool that educates, inspires and
saves time, especially for beginning scrapbookers, but even for the
most seasoned artist. The card deck is such a cool component of the
book, too, and I think readers will discover how handy it is for crops,
classes and shopping. By the way, if anyone figures out how to play
Texas Hold ’Em with the card deck, let me know!
To learn more about Becky and her page maps, visit her web site.
