I am VERY new!

echadw01 · 10-04-2005, 02:41 PM

Hi All,
I've been looking around the website for an hour, and would LOVE to get into digital scrapbooking! I have been doing traditional scrapbooking for 10 years already and I am ready to upgrade from glue and scissors. My questions are:

1. I want to take the classes here, but I have no software at all yet. What exactly do I need to get started? FYI: I am familiar with photoshop 6.0 b/c my brother is a graphic designer. Not great at it, but I know enough to get by.

2. Is getting photoshop enough or do I need other programs?

3. Are the classes good and easy to follow? And if I am this much of a beginner, will I be a digital scrapbooker after the classes?

Thanks in advance! I am excited about getting started in this new journey. I am home on maternity leave, so I have PLENTY of time to learn! My goal is to be up and running as a digital scrapbooker by the time my first baby is born!

Thanks, Erica

Lauri · 10-04-2005, 03:01 PM

Welcome to DSP! It is a great site, and you will find lots of info here. Yes, you need software, but if you know Photoshop, that is perfect! I use Photoshop Elements (the lite version of PS) and it is amazing what it can do! The classes are very easy to follow and you can work at your own pace. I would start with the first page tutorial, found here . Read through it, and see if it makes sense. That's pretty much how the class lessons are written. You will be a digi-scrapper in no time!!

Margie · 10-04-2005, 03:01 PM

welcome erica! you do need software to get started. photoshop would be great. and yes, it's all you would ever need. and we suggest you work your way through the tutorial for a basic page first. it won't take long and will walk you through all the steps of a layout. click on tutorials above, then beginner. then the classes you will love! they're very helpful and step by step, plus your instructor will help you out anytime you need. you'll be a digital scrapbooker after the beginner tutorial, and certainly after a class. welcome, and congrats!

Margie · 10-04-2005, 03:02 PM

ah, lauri beat me!

Lauri · 10-04-2005, 03:03 PM

Great minds think alike Margie!

Pam · 10-04-2005, 05:59 PM

Welcome Erica, glad you found DSP. The process for many digital layouts is similar to your paper -- we are using software that allows layers (we can slide the photo around, as well as the elements until we get it the way we want). So your years of paper scrapbook design experience should give you a wonderful head start. Have fun!

echadw01 · 10-04-2005, 06:34 PM

thanks for all the reply's! Okay, so now I know before I start the classes that I need software. I will start these classes as soon as I get the software.
You recommend Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 and HP CSA? My last question: I have Windows 98. The system requirements for Photoshop Elements 3.0 says I need Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4. Do I need a new computer or can I use my windows 98?
Thanks Again!
Erica