Some of you may recall that back in November, our monthly photo group was blessed to be joined by Andrea Bell, who set us all on fire for Project Life (to read more about that and see some of Andrea’s Project Life sample pages, go here). For those of you, like me, who may have been living under a rock for the past few years, Project Life was created by Becky Higgins to be an easy, user-friendly way to get your photos into scrapbooks as well as to chronicle the little memories and tidbits that give life to those pictures. For me, as a non-scrapbooker, the best part of Project Life is that all the work is simplified by Becky Higgins’ kits: papers, sleeves, notebooks, etc. already all coordinated and designed to work together…. because while I am passionate about memory-keeping, I get no joy out of trimming papers, trying to pick things out for myself, or glueing and sticking papers down. If you’re like me, it’s enough work just making sure you actually are getting the camera out and pictures taken and uploaded!
Andrea introduced us to two different options for Project Life: the traditional paper scrapbook version as well as the digital version. Here’s the difference: with the paper version, you order core kits and receive tangible notebooks, paper, pre-cut photo protector pages, etc.–all ready to assemble easily. (Note: if the paper version really appeals to you, skip down to the bottom of the post now and check out the link to my friend Beth’s blog post on her experience with the paper version.) With the digital version, the same “products” are available–but all in a digital format, designed to be used with Photoshop or Photoshop Elements to create jpeg versions of your pages which can then be uploaded to your favorite photobook maker. Andrea pointed out that the cost ends up being fairly similar when all is said and done: with the paper version, you have to take into account the printing costs for your photos; while with the digital version you will have a one-time book-making cost. For around $100, you can get started with the paper version (and you will have future picture printing costs, which aren’t terribly expensive for 4×6″ prints). Meanwhile, the digital version is about $30 but you will face a larger one-time cost when it comes time to print your book.
sample February Project Life page, using a combo of Becky Higgins’ gender neutral baby edition and Paislee Press journal cards (click for full size)
It’s pretty well-established that I’m a Photoshop-hater, so why did I opt for the digital version instead of a paper version? Here were some of my reasons:
1. I am for the most part caught up on previous scrapbooking. I don’t have a lot of photos lying around, and most of my current photos are in digital form, existing on my computer, so it made sense for me to opt for a digital version. If I were playing “catch up” and had a lot of photos already printed and waiting for homes, I may have opted for the other version.
2. Space. Andrea pointed out that, after several years as a Project Lifer, she now has several very fat notebooks… enough that it is a bit overwhelming. On the other hand, when you have a book professionally printed, they are usually only 1/2″ to 1″ thick and are a bit more space-efficient.
3. Continuity. I already was used to using Blurb.com (my favorite consumer-grade book maker) for my 12×12″ “yearbooks” that I do for the kids… so it was a smooth transition to switching to the digital Project Life. Plus now all my books will continue in the same 12×12″ format and look nice lined up on a shelf.
4. Flexibility. Once I started looking into Project Life, I found that there are other designers who make products that can be used in conjunction with Becky Higgins’ products… opening up a world of almost endless design possibilities to suit every taste. (Warning: this can get pricey!) However, one great thing about the digital versions is that, once purchased, you own them forever and can use them over and over in multiple books, without fear of kits being discontinued or phased out. This is important if having the same color/kit year after year is important to you. It is also great if you want something that deviates just a bit from the typical Project Life offerings. For instance, I would classify myself as a “semi-minimalist” as far as my ideal book design goes, but also with an affection for things vintage. By selecting individual elements, I can tailor my book just to what I like. (One of my personal favorite shops, which can be used in conjunction with Becky Higgins’ digital products, is Paislee Press… they have some intricate designs but also some very minimalist–in fact, here’s an example of Paislee’s own 2012 book.) For others who prefer a more homespun or crafty look, there are options for that, too! You can really tailor your book to reflect who you are.
One tip, too: search “digital scrapbooking” or “Project Life” on Pinterest, and you’ll find tons of FREE digital products available for download.
I have my “digital goods” organized now to make it a bit easier for me to grab bits and pieces as I wish.
sample file structure for digital Project Life (click for full size)
And I’ve had some people ask, “If you already used Blurb for your books, why did you switch to Project Life at all?” For me, Project Life lets me be a bit more creative with the various “papers” and items. I like the minimalist designs from Blurb, too, but I did not like that when using their online software you are bound to their templates. In addition, they place a time limit for design and purchase of the books… whereas with Project Life, I can design throughout the year as I wish, then wait for a good discount code to come along before ordering.
Now I do admit some learning curve with Photoshop for me. My first page took me 45 minutes to design, but now I can have one laid out in mere minutes. The 45 minutes also included watching a couple handy videos on the PL website, so it really was a pretty quick way to learn. For those more familiar with Photoshop, I anticipate this wouldn’t be a problem, and Becky Higgins’ site as well as Paislee Press both have some helpful tutorials on how to use their templates.
This was my first PL page… It won’t end up in the final book because I’ve since changed my style a bit, but here’s what I was able to accomplish after one brief video tutorial and no real Photoshop experience.
first page design using Becky Higgins’ Amber Edition (click for full size)
I still haven’t printed an official year-end book yet, but Project Life feels doable, fun, and true to my goals of having a creative outlet for capturing my family’s “specialness.”
Now I freely admit the digital version is not for everybody… so read more about the paper version, too
My good friend and talented photographer Elizabeth Wendland of Sherwood, Oregon, opted for the “tangible” version of Project Life instead, because she had very different needs. She details her experience with that version in a blog post today, too! Beth had unique challenges in trying to find a way to make a meaningful album out of an unorganized heap of photos left behind after a house fire. Read about both Project Life versions and decide which one might suit you. Beth is also an awesome photographer and is a certified Me Ra Koh workshop teacher, so if you are in her area and would like to advance your photography skills, contact her!