Oscraps

How do you create word art and clusters?

LSlycord

LSlycord

Well-Known Member
For some of you ladies who just rock the word art and the clusters, how do you do it? Do you create it first and then add it to your layout later? Or do you create it at the same time? Just curious.
 
I'm not great at wordart, but I do like my clusters .... and I usually start with the photos and papers and place where I want, then I open up all the lovely elements and just drag and drop until they look good, then add or delete and add foilage, etc. I love clustering and throwing an entire kit on a page (I know that's pretty unusual for here lol) . The more layers the better!!
 
I recently started doing word art and often get font ideas from others. I usually pair 2 fonts- one is a traditional font and one will be a script of some type. For clustering, I decide on the type I want (border, surrounding a photo, etc) and often start with foliage, strings, ribbons, etc for the base and then just start moving other elements around.
 
I never create word art or clusters first. Word art usually comes as an idea while I'm creating my layout. I make my clusters as I go and rarely use pre-made clusters.
 
Yes, I am another one that creates clusters or wordart as I go. While I create my own clusters, I sometimes use a designer's cluster in with it so give it more 'body' so to speak, LOL! :)

Linda, I also wrote a tutorial on the basics of creating a cluster, many moons ago, it's in the tutorial section if you want to take a look some time. There are two parts to it, this is the link to Part 1 HERE
 
I do a little bit of everythig... I like using premade clusters, but they don't often fit my photos, so I milk them for ideas and scraplift them which makes it possible to move/resize elements as needed. Sometimes I create a generic 'starter' cluster separately and then use it several times on my page tweaking it and adding elements to make it look not the same. Sometimes I just build clusters as I go... it depends on the kit - some kits are easy to work with, others - not so much, but I never know which one it will be until I'm half way through the page...
 
Love it Trina!
wombat146 said:
Yes, I am another one that creates clusters or wordart as I go. While I create my own clusters, I sometimes use a designer's cluster in with it so give it more 'body' so to speak, LOL! :)

Linda, I also wrote a tutorial on the basics of creating a cluster, many moons ago, it's in the tutorial section if you want to take a look some time. There are two parts to it, this is the link to Part 1 HERE
Click to expand...
Thanks Ona. Im going to take a look.
 
I have said it a million times, I stink at clustering. I have a little cheat technique if I want to cluster more than just a few elements around a frame.
I open a template that has a cluster in it and a new 12x12 file. I select and drag the cluster layers to the new file. Then I start adding the elements I want to use on my page to that file and start messing around with placement and layering. When I have it close to what I want, I drag the elements onto my scrap page and then resize/relayer until I have something resembling an actual cluster :D
 
I also find clustering very difficult, sometimes I get my inspiration from other designs that contain beautiful clusters, and once I'm inspired I keep adding elements, although I still find it difficult
 
WA I start on a blank page. Add the quote/title with each word or phrase on a separate layer all in the same type.
Place the words where it appeals to you.
Once I have the words in place I play with fonts, sizes, bold and sometimes colour.
The word/s I want to focus on are usually bold, script or a different colour.
Anything that will make that word or phrase stand out. Connecting words like 'and ,on ,the" are in smaller type.

Clusters:
Chris's idea is a perfect way to learn placement when making clusters and Ona's tutorial are good places to start.

I think with clustering, it is wise to remember a few design rules:
-use odd numbers .. vary between an odd number of flowers, one twig, stand alone colour, or stand alone element of some sort like a clock etc.
- use a variety of shapes and sizes and colours/tones of the same colour ..but limit the variety so that the eye knows where to look.
- think focal point -perhaps 3 bigger roses with smaller flowers/foliage tucked in and around
- perhaps start with one or two twigs, a ribbon, multiple paper strips and place elements along, under, over , above and below the lines formed by those items ---- avoid all in a row elements
- tuck greenery in between the flowers ....not all of a flower needs to show
- shadows are important.. the closer to the background the darker and smaller they will be .. conversely, the farther away or closer to the foreground the softer opacity and larger the shadow.
 
i never make wa or clusters separately. I add elements to my canvas and play. sometimes I end up with a cluster, othertimes just single elements.
 
veer said:
I also find clustering very difficult, sometimes I get my inspiration from other designs that contain beautiful clusters, and once I'm inspired I keep adding elements, although I still find it difficult
Click to expand...
What do I see on your siggi? ;) a stunning cluster
 
I'm not really good at clustering. Sometimes I made them but now I use the premade as a base..

I love to make wa and I also start that on my lay out. I choose the words I want to emphasize and they become much bigger. Also I use 2 or three different kind (of) fonts like typewiter, sans serif or script.
 
I LOVE word art! I usually use a lot of it. I pretty much wait until the end of my page and see where the wordstrips will fit the best. That works for me. I also love creating clusters, but some of the designers here have fantastic clusters, that saves me lots of work. I just play around and put bigger elements on the bottom, then start layering up. I put a shadow on ALL of them to give them lots of depth - I think that's important. Lots of different elements make for great clustering.
 
I am not good with making my own wordart but i do make my own clusters - but i do that after i have hte photo spot on my page, I also like using premade clusters but almost always add somethng to it to make it more my own. instead o f suing it sometime will copy it and use diffenrt flowers/greenery or omit something dont want.

the ideal premade cluster is one that comes in PSD form with all layers. Have only seen a couple of designers do that - wish more would.
 
So very interesting to hear how we all do these things! Never thought of modifying a pre-made cluster. But you can bet that I'll do it now!
 
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