Element Creation Question

[raynebair]

I'm practicing my hand at making elements, but I'm having trouble getting them to show up in the right size when I pull them into a layout.

For all you designers, how do you determine what size to make your elements? Or is this something that will be discussed in a class?

[Natasha]

I always start out with a 12 x 12 page and create my elements on that, I crop the page later on, and I make my elements larger than I need, its easier (and better for quality) to downsize.

[Abby]

I always start out large and resize down as well. You can always make them smaller, you can't always make them bigger!

[raynebair]

I guess I'm okay then. Most of mine end up way too big. I will try starting with a 12x12 canvas. Maybe if I create while doing a layout, my proportions won't be so crazy.

[Elisabeth]

I'm not one of the designers, but I'll tell what I do - I always make them a little large, but a guideline for me is to create them at 200 dpi so they will fit in with kit elements, and try to estimate how big the final piece would show up on a 12 x 12. I'll open a 12 x 2 to make a ribbon that goes all the way across the page, and crop it when I'm done. For slides I'll open a 3 x 3, for frames a 5 x 6, for buttons or snaps a 1 x 1. So just a little bigger than the element will be finished. I end up cropping a lot of dead space out but it gives me room to slide it around a bit until I get ready to save.

[Meg]

I usually open a 12 x 12, and make several elements on the page. Then I cut them up into seperate layers and save them individually. I make them bigger than I think I'll need, but having them on the full sized page helps me keep the proportions right.

[BethyNixon]

You all create elements seperately?
I always make them as part of a layout - my scale is still sometimes off, but I usually get a good feel for them.

We should have an element-off!
I've learned so much in my DSU classes but I'm starting to forget some of it because I'm not practicing like I should.

I have NO idea how to do it but anyone interested? Kinda of a challenge to make certain elements and we can offer pointers to each other on how to make them more better.

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

I make my elements while I'm making the layout and kit. :)

[Lauren]

Like Stacey I always make my elements on the layout Im creating - that way everything is in proportion - Ive seen so many layouts with inch wide eyelets !!!- If you create on a true size canvas you will find everything falls into the same proportions- Also your elements all go together better that way if you create them all on your canvas

[Rosemary]

Bethy, keep your eye out for Software wars, they can be a great way to practice your element making skills!

[BethyNixon]

Software wars??

OOH, I gotta look for those!

[carti]

Creating Elements

Did anyone keep information on tutorial How to make Grommets and Eyelets by Gizmobird?

I clicked on some links and got nothing.