Layout Critique #1

This is one of my earlier layouts, so there are lots of things on it I would like to update, and I'm excited to hear what you have to say. The photo is a special one for me, from my honeymoon.

Please follow the directions carefully. Be specific and make a "good feeling sandwich" (something you like, something you'd improve, something you like). Comments that do not follow the guidelines may be deleted.

I'm hoping to make this a regular feature on the blog. If you'd like to submit a layout for critique please email it to me at [email protected]

Tags:

layout critique

Recent Comments

Harriett Humphries Wed, 03/06/2013 - 15:29

Hope I'm not too late. I've been away from the computer but really wanted to comment on this layout. I think the colors and swirls are perfect for the mood of the photo - happy, playful, loving. The only thing that might be an improvement would be a black outline around the photo group which might help tie the b/w photos to the layout. And perhaps a small shadow. And then a black outline around the entire page might help to keep the eye contained. Adding some grunging (similar to the background) to the hearts would tie them in better. For historical chronicaling, some journaling would be useful, but as a layout, the message gets across as is. I love the repeat of the pose in different sizes and crops.

Marisa Lerin Tue, 03/05/2013 - 21:32

Great comments everyone! Thanks! I think I will redo this layout, but the trick will be whose great advice to follow???

Jennifer Granger Tue, 03/05/2013 - 17:18

I love the contrast of the bright colors and the BW photos. The areas inside the collage section scream to me "love word art" in stead of multiple hearts. I love the placement of the photos esp. the two smaller horizontal ones at the top that almost look like two pieces of one puzzle. It wasn't until I really looked that I realized your shirt was two different colors . . .very seamless flow there ;0)!!

Nancy Vigil Tue, 03/05/2013 - 13:07

I really love the background colors and the swirls. As for the photos, I think for me it looks like the photos are sitting there on top though. I think I would separate the photos and use another color besides white to make them melt into the page. Another thing is to add some journaling because I am just dying to know why in the heck you look like you are getting wind blown and way up high! It looks happy though!
I don't really know anything though, I am mostly an observer! Oh! One mor thing - I love the hearts on the frame.

Melo Vrijhof Tue, 03/05/2013 - 12:45

I like the black-and-white framed photos against the colorful background. It draws the eye to the photos instantly, together with the swirls. I also love the way you cropped your photos, it keeps you interested, I keep discovering new things [by the way; how did you change the color of your shirt all of a sudden?!]

I would add some shadows; there are hardly any shadows behind the pictureframe, making it look a little flat. Maybe I would have enlarged the heart scatter to stick into the background a little and maybe into one of the photos too, thus connecting back- and foreground. But then again, that might look weird... I love the way you let the background colors repeat in the heart scatter!

Janet Hull Tue, 03/05/2013 - 12:13

Oh and one more thing, I love how you offset the swirls and photo "mat" to the right side, this is very pleasing to the eye.

Janet Hull Tue, 03/05/2013 - 12:12

I absolutely love the "smudged" bright colors in the background and the swirls with hearts are beautiful, give a feeling of happiness! I think if you wanted all the photos B&W perhaps the photo background should be a tint of one of the colors from the background to bring the photos out more. If you used color photos then there wouldn't be such a stark difference. I think the first thing that caught my eye was that there are no shadows, shadows definitely will bring the entire layout more to life. I adore all the colorful hearts, simple sometimes is so perfect!

kavel tasdelen Tue, 03/05/2013 - 12:07

I like the background colors. But there is something wrong about harmony. Photographs collages looks like floating on an abstract background and some tentacles (swirls) try to catch you. Of course this is not a problem but a choice. But this floating thing makes passive the photos effect. Because the photograph parts are really nice and to built the idea about the photographs could be nice. Maybe to put different frames each photos and split them can help. And also just to think minimalist about the swirls could be good for the layout.

Meridy Reeve Tue, 03/05/2013 - 11:41

I love the way that the swirls draw our eyes into the photo cluster. I would change the white background around the pictures just because it is so bright and it distracts from the photos. I think the photos would be better showcased in a creamier color, or a light gray. I would also take out the photo that shows only your back. That photo doesn't really show anything about you. I think instead it would be nice to see one photo of both of your faces, so we can see how happy you are. :) I love the placement of everything and colors, it allows for a nice eye movement (if that makes sense).

Heather Johannessen Tue, 03/05/2013 - 08:15

Is the idea to take some of our suggestions and tweak your layout? If so, I'd love to see the final product.

Christine Bastian Tue, 03/05/2013 - 04:35

Love the doodles and the swirls behind the photo. I would change the background to a maybe grungy distressed paper of a llight color and put a layer with a piece of paper that just peeps behind the photo and the doodles so you will have a layer to create a shadow on that makes your photo more stand out and pop and give it more dimension. Love the photo collage and think the hearts look super cute.

Lana Fischer Tue, 03/05/2013 - 03:02

I love the colors and the swirls. It is so cute I'm not sure what to improve on..maybe the white background different but I'm not sure what I would use. I LOVE the repeat of photos and 'the kiss"..so sweet!!

Heather Johannessen Tue, 03/05/2013 - 01:57

I love the swirls and doodles around and behind the groups of photos. I would make the photo group bigger, since the photos are so precious, and I would replace the multiple heart element with maybe with distressed subway art. Although the colors are not currently "in" colors, I like them a lot. With the obvious display of love in the photos, it reminds me of fireworks and the multifaceted feeling that come with deep seated love.
Thanks for being vulnerable and letting us give you feedback on your great layout. It is very nice.

Blog By

Marisa Lerin

About Me

Hi There! I’m Marisa Lerin and you’ll see me around at DigitalScrapbook.com a lot. I started this site in 2010 soon after I discovered a new love in digital scrapbooking. DigitalScrapbook.com has gone through some significant changes since that time and it’s grown into this lovely community site you are seeing now. I am daily surprised by the turn of life’s events that has led me down this path. If you're new to the site, welcome! Here are a few tidbits about me that I hope will help you get to know me better!

I’m originally from Minnesota, USA, but spent a good chunk of my childhood living abroad (in Bolivia and Hong Kong). I returned to Minnesota to attend university, got married and then moved overseas again (Korea, then Jordan and 1 year of traveling). My designs are heavily influenced by these many nomadic years. I am currently back in the USA, now living in the great state of Oregon!

I have no official training for what I’m doing, since I decided very wisely (haha) to study physics in university. I am always learning new things about digital scrapbooking, and this community has been immensely helpful for that!

If I manage to stop digital scrapbooking you will probably find me watching TV, reading or baking. I also enjoy writing for the blog here at DigitalScrapbook.com where I talk about whatever happens to be catching my fancy at the moment.