Digital Scrapbooking Basics - Setting Up Your Document

From understanding resolution to what color mode to use, this tutorial walks you step-by-step on how to set up a document to start a new digital scrapbook layout.

The most common sizes for a digital scrapbook page are 12" x 12", 8" x 8" or 6" x 6". I like starting with a 12" x 12" page because I can always decrease the document to a smaller size later if I want. Remember that you never want to increase a document size after it's created because it will not look good and you'll be disappointed with the results.

I am using Photoshop Elements to describe the steps in this article but the instructions given here will apply to just about any digital imaging software. So to start, navigate the mouse cursor to select File => New => Blank file to open the dialog box for creating a new digital scrapbooking page.

The first thing we want to do is fairly intuitive and that is giving it a name. So enter whatever you'll remember easily into the name field.

Setting the Resolution

Now let's talk about resolution a bit. To set the resolution correctly, we need to know if we are going to print this digital page. The minimal resolution for good print quality is 200 and most people choose 300 as a standard resolution. A higher resolution contains more color information thus producing a better quality print.

Notice that increasing the resolution also increases the size of the image. So if I set the resolution to 72 pixels per inch, which is sufficient quality for images viewed on display screens, the image size is 2.14 MB. By upping the resolution to 200 PPI, the image size is now 16.5 MB. And taking the resolution up to 300 PPI makes the image size jump to 37.1 MB. (MB stands for megabytes and each megabyte is just over a thousand bytes of information.) And this is still a blank image file! Adding photos, embellishments, textures, backgrounds, brushes and text will swell the image size even more so don't be surprised at how large your document becomes as you add more and more digital scrapbook elements.

Setting the Color Mode

The next thing we want to set is the color mode. The three selections to choose from are Bitmap, Grayscale and RGB Color. Bitmap is not the greatest color mode to select and I never use it. Grayscale describes an image where black, white and all the gray tones in between comprise the entire color palette of the image. You can experiment with these two as you wish, but for now RGB Color is the selection we want to make.

RGB is an acronym for Red, Green and Blue and refers to the method in which these three primary colors are combined to create a broad array of colors. The RGB method is the primary basis on how your digital camera takes photos and it's also the way most of your scanners, televisions, computer monitors and LED screens work. I recommend you work in RGB Color most of the time.

Setting the Background Contents

The last item to select is the Background Contents and the choices are White, Background Color, and Transparent. Some people get confused by what background color is. Looking at your color selection palette, you will see two small colored squares representing the current settings of the foreground and background colors. The background color is the little square that sits slightly behind and slightly overlapped by the square representing the foreground color. If you have already selected the color that you want to be your background color, then you should select Background Color as your background contents. I personally prefer working on a transparent background myself.

Now click okay and your new blank page is ready for you to start adding photos and whatever other elements you choose to design your digital scrapbook page layout.

Write a Cover Letter Tips - Your Secret Guide to Landing a Job

No matter how you view it your cover letter is still the first key to the success of your job-hunt. Resumes generally act as support to your cover letter. Since the letter should be as compact and short as possible, you are hindered to include everything in it. Instead, you incorporate this essential data in your resume. As such, it is vital to write a cover letter with caution.

A job application process is a step-by-step procedure. If you start poorly at the beginning, expect the outcome to be undesirable. A messy cover letter throws your chances to get your resume read. If your resume is not read and scanned, your opportunity to be interviewed is also lost. Without a job interview on your part, the door to career opportunity is not open. So when writing your cover letter, here are few tips for you.

• Do not Re-hash Your Resume on Your Cover Letter. It is not recommended to make only a summary of your resume and integrate it on your cover letter. A good letter should highlight only your relevant skills and experiences and tie them up gracefully with the job position. Metaphorically, a cover letter acts like a bridge between the resume and the job description.

• Coordinated Your Resume with Your Cover Letter. Aside from it to be visually appealing, the cover letter should coordinated nicely with the resume. For instance, if you use a certain font on your letter, you should also use the same font on your resume. Use also the same quality of paper on both documents. In addition, use the same header on your letter and resume. With well-coordinated documents, your marketability will be great.

• Keep it Simple and Yet Elegant. Overdoing the style and format on your letter is a big mistake, unless you are applying for a position as a graphic designer. A simple letter with great content is enough to convey your message. Never go for common decorative fonts to attract attention because they will not. However, if the employer is unconventional, be as creative as you can possibly be.

• Be Brief on Your Letter. It is important that you capture and maintain the attention of the employer within 10 seconds. A short and snappy letter is a good option in doing so. If you make your letter long enough, you will lose the interest of the hiring manager. To avoid long paragraphs, do not use sentences with the same thought. Honestly, you do not need to explain everything on your letter. This is because your intention is to leave the employers' curiosity on you. Let them call you and learn more about you through job interview.

• Use Different Letters for Different job Applications. This only implies that the letter should be tailored and fit the job description perfectly. It must be specific enough to highlight your strengths. Tailoring your letter for every job application can take too much of your time. However, it is very effective.