Layout Critique #6

I need more layouts! 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]

This week's layout comes from Meridy.

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.


Layout Critique #6
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Recent Comments

Lisa Lavery
Lisa Lavery Wed, 04/17/2013 - 14:27

It is a beautiful layout! I love how the photos focus on the baby and Daddy. The elements you chose go very well with the photos - nice baby colors. The only things I would change is maybe a smaller, less bold border around the outside and add some shadowing for depth.

Janet Kemp
Janet Kemp Wed, 04/17/2013 - 10:26

If you use Photoshop and know how to make actions, I would suggest doing it. That way, you don't have to repeat the process over and over. All out, after reading the article, I ended up creating 4 or 5 different shadows that I use for different types of elements. It's so much easier and quick now that I have them!

Meridy Reeve
Meridy Reeve Wed, 04/17/2013 - 08:51

Thanks so much for the comments so far! And thanks for the site link Janet! I'm going to have to try it. :)

Cynthia Arnett
Cynthia Arnett Tue, 04/16/2013 - 15:22

Love the B & W photos for this layout. I think the colors are good, too. Some shadowing as the others had said would be good, too. Journaling is always great on this kind of memory. What if instead of the jem you added a baby toy, rattle, etc. Does the ticket represent date of birth. Really great composition overall.

Meg Bertapelle
Meg Bertapelle Tue, 04/16/2013 - 15:15

oooohhhh so sweet baby pics! :) I love the pictures of Daddy & baby (can't read the journaling, so I'm assuming that's Dad!) :) I agree with others that some shadowing on your elements would really help provide some depth to the "objects" on the page. I suggest also increasing the contrast of your journaling text so that it's easier to read - it's probably a lot easier at full size, but I like contrast, especially for read-ability ;) Also agree that the color scheme is gorgeous - totally sweet and lovely without being typical, which I love. Congrats on a beautiful keepsake of a wonderful memory :)

Janet Kemp
Janet Kemp Tue, 04/16/2013 - 09:23

Oh wow...such gorgeous newborn photos and a beautiful color pallet! The whole layout brings me back to the birth of my first baby. :)

I agree with the other critiques that shadowing could make a huge difference in the look of the layout. I really do think that it could bring the layout to life. I've found that the following site has made a HUGE difference in how I shadow things. http://frickonastick.com/2010/03/shadow-files-the-basics/

All in all, such a lovely layout that documents such a special time in family life! I admire you for putting yourself out there...goodness knows it takes a lot of courage (don't think I'd have the courage to do it).

Harriett Humphries
Harriett Humphries Tue, 04/16/2013 - 08:41

Awe, sweet photos. The restful colors are perfect for the newborn theme without resorting to baby blue/pink. My only suggestion would be adjusting the shadowing to better reflect the size/depth of each object. Maybe lower and offset the main photo to put it into the "sweet spot" and adjust the other photos and elements accordingly. The BW photos display very nicely against the muted BG papers and are definitely the center piece. Really a nice layout.

Hollie Vierig
Hollie Vierig Tue, 04/16/2013 - 06:28

I love the edging on the geometric paper. The only thing I might change is drop shadows on the text card and the upper photos, and a few elements. I adore the color scheme :)