sketches confusion

[charms1976]

Okay I don't know if it is just me or what. I think I am lacking the creativity gene or something. I have all these books of sketches for cards and scrapbook pages and I look at the sketch and thinkwow. I have to do exactly how the sketch looks! But then my brain freezes and I can't figure out how to go past that and make it my own. Does anyone else have this problem?????:confused:

[c-mouse]

for what it is worth----I print off the card sketch challenges every Wednesday like a ritual---------------------I NEVER look at the examples until I have created my own....I find that if I just have the design and not the completed card I am much more creative in using my own materials, being true to my style.

[shellpole]

Why don't you deliberately put the sketches away for a while. There was a time when we stamped without sketches being around. Maybe focus on a technique instead or some sort of construction.

[marciad]

I seem to have the same problem at times. One or two hints: If the card calls for ribbon, try a strip of decorative paper instead and maybe a scalloped shape where the bow would be. Another thing would be to go to your cs stash and pick some colors that you might not use alot. Start with small changes and you will soon see yourself doing more experiments. Change up the embellishments. HTH

[momis mama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by c-mouse

...I NEVER look at the examples until I have created my own....I find that if I just have the design and not the completed card I am much more creative in using my own materials, being true to my style.

i also prefer to complete a sketch challenge (or any other actually) BEFORE looking at any other entries.

when i first started stamping i rarely had an ORIGINAL idea.

i think it just comes in time... practice, practice, practice!

the challenges are a great starting point... my 'go to' challenges are the sketch and the inspiration.

this is SO SO TRUE!

[identicaltriplets]

That's why I don't care for some sketches because they are WAY too specific for me by showing photo placement, photo size, etc. I think that can limit your creativity. KWIM? I know my sketches are VERY general, and my team creates AMAZING and such different things from each sketch. My sketches are a jumping off point to get you started and really creating instead of copying specifics. I encourage people to flip the sketch anyway, create a layout, card, tag, altered art with it, anything! Sketches can be helpful but they can be a hinderance too IMO.

As someone suggested, put them away for a while! Just enjoy crafting and creating!

[Scrapjanny]

I very rarely follow a sketch exactly, even for the DTs I'm on. One thing I like to do is look at a sketch and see if there are any elements that really appeal to me. For example, is there a scalloped border, central image, block of journaling that I can use for my current page/card? That's what I use, and I have a jumping-off point. I think many of us (myself included for awhile) need a little self-confidence booster. Take a deep breath, grab an idea from one of your many sketches, and just dive in. Don't worry about being perfect or following the sketch to the letter. Good luck and have fun!