Allison Waken | Digital

Get to know our digi experts! We'll be highlighting a digitally gifted Creative Team member each month on the blog. If you're interested in digital, be sure to follow these designers to see how they use our digital elements and to learn their techniques!

Name : Allison Waken

SC Username : AllisonWaken

Computer: I use a 27" iMac (yes the humongous screen)

Programs you use: Lighroom, CS6 and iPhoto

How did you learn these programs?: I'm all self taught (I learn best that way) I actually took some classes for my last job and was completely bored. I much prefer to figure out how to do something by googling it.

Method of printing: I usually print at Target or Costco.

Favorite font: Do we have to have a favorite? I actually don't use it often but really love Homestead.

Favorite digital element to work with: Digital stamps! I love that you can stamp them, clip to them, watermark with them etc.

How often do you use digital elements in your work: In some form probably on 99% of my spreads.

Favorite way to combine digital with traditional scrapbooking: Stamps/journaling on photos.

Something you'd like to try: An entire card of journaling. I'm usually a one line/sentence type of person so I'd like to see myself put more time/words onto a card.

Advice to a digital newbie: Just start small with one concept or technique at a time. You don't need to learn everything there is to know about Photoshop in order to add digital elements to your work. Start by learning how to use digital stamps or even just by adding text to a photo.

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5 comments

  1. Amante_del_Papel says…
    01/22/2014

    what a fantastic info!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  2. agrynolgibbs says…
    01/22/2014

    I love your advice: "Just start small . . . "

    I decided just a few days ago that I was finally going to learn Photoshop, and I think I'm going to adopt "just start small" as my mantra!

    Last night, I learned how to use digital stamps and change colors. I went to bed frustrated, though, because I couldn't figure out how to use "clipping masks." I kept reminding myself that Rome wasn't built in a day, and as long as I'm learning something new each time, I'll get there eventually.

    So glad to hear you reinforce that idea!!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  3. AllisonWaken says…
    01/22/2014

    @agrynolgibbs awesome for learning how to use digital stamps and change colors! That's a big step. I'd be lying if I said I never got (or still get) frustrated at times with photoshop.

    What I did in situations like yours was what you did - go to bed and start tomorrow. Once you're ready to learn a new technique google what it is you're trying to learn and find a tutorial that works well for you (I'm not a huge fan of videos so I always looked for step by step photos)

    Good luck!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  4. 1Djc says…
    01/22/2014

    This is an encouragement to me. Start small. I am also saving for a new computer...I LOVE your big screen. I might copy that too.:)

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  5. Msaula says…
    01/23/2014

    I'm starting small.....thank you Allison! Please do a full digital class next SC!!

    0 Reply 0 Replies