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Dear Cruisin' Susan,
I've picked a theme and gathered all my materials to make a couple of door signs for my cruise. Do you have any tips for putting it all together so that it won't look like a hack job when I'm finished?
– Ready to Go
Dear Ready,
1. MATCH YOUR GRAPHIC SOURCES WELL. If you are making a sign with mostly realistic illustrations or photographs, think twice before adding something "cartoonish" and visa versa. I'm not saying never to mix the two, just, if you do, make sure the different kinds of graphics complement — not clash with — one another.
2. GO WITH YOUR STRENGTHS. If you are a crafty person with a steady hand, don't think you need to use a computer. Likewise, if you're good with computer graphics programs, don't be afraid to go toally digital. If you're good at both, lucky you!
Read on for more suggestions.
– Cruisin' Susan
Precision Cutting. When you cut out pictures or illustrations, take the extra time to make sure you get a good, clean, even trim. Of course high-quality, sharp scissors are a must. You might also consider a precision cutting instrument. The least expensive are shaped like a pen with a sharp, thin blade at the nib. If you use one, be sure to secure the image you want to cut to a piece of cardboard or cutting mat so you don't wreck your table! If you are a dedicated crafter you may want to invest in a paper trimmer and/or a stencil cutter.
Pasting. My pasting preference is to use a spray adhesive. This type of product provides an easy and quick way to get even glue coverage. I always apply this kind of spray outside and use a mask to avoid fumes. If you are using liquid glue, apply sparingly. Avoid puddles and globs by using a stiff paint brush to apply. If you are using a glue stick, be gentle and take care to apply evenly. Tip: Go outdoors to use it.
Taping. One problem with tape is that unless it is applied to the entire perimeter of an object, you run the risk of the edges curling. And visible tape around the entire perimeter of an image can look bad. If you do end up using tape, "stick" with the double sided variety secured to the back as close to the edges as possible.
Finishing. You’ve worked hard on it...so protect it! If you have access to a laminator, then great. If not you could use simple page protectors or clear, self-adhesive laminating sheets. (Apply carefully!)
Another option is to use a photo and paper safe preservation spray. You'll definitely want to use this spray outdoors. Follow the manufacturers directions and use a mask so you don't get “fumigated.”
Word Processing Software. These programs let you create titles and text, and import illustrations and graphics. Some word processing programs will even allow you to create the illustrations within the word processor. Pros: Almost everyone has one of these programs pre-installed on their computer. Cons: Not very adept at scaling and moving images.
Draw Software. These are graphics programs that let you to create pictures, print them, and import them into other programs. If you use one of these programs you'll have greater versatility in placing, moving, and scaling your graphics and text than you will with word processing software.
Photo Editing Software. The best of these allow you to draw pictures, edit graphics, add text, and create cool effects, for instance, making photos look like drawings or clip art. I always have a blast fiddling around with the options until I find just the combination of effects I’m looking for.
Go Back to Step 2 – Get Materials
Go Back to Step 3 – Find Graphics
