How to Make a Digital Scrapbook for Free

Many people believe that in able to create great scrapbooks you need to spend a large sum of money to get started or spend a fortune on supplies. If you just want to save some memories and not get into the hobby seriously then there are ways to get around this. All you need to get started is a software program such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Picture It Pro, or Corel Paint Shop Pro and some scanned or digital photographs. Many Windows based computers come loaded with a program such as Picture It. It doesn't matter which program you use as long as it has the ability to support JPEG and PNG files.

The 5 best places to find freebies:

1. Large Forums - Large online forums that specialize in digital scrapbooking usually have a thread that is specifically for giveaways. Many also have threads from people that want to give out samples of their designs to try to get their work out there so they can become a designer also. You can find the ones you like and fit in with the best to join and hopefully make some new scrapping friends, layout ideas, and free stuff.
2. Digital Scrapbook Stores - Many have freebies posted as a category in their store to give out samples of their designers products. This is a way to hook people on their quality and hope they buy after they try them out. Most stores have their own forums that can also hold links to freebies.
3. Blogs - Most digital designers have blogs that they will occasionally give freebies away to their loyal readers. If you have favorite designers bookmark them or subscribe to their feed. It is well worth your time and effort for the coupons and freebies.
4. Contests - There are tons of forums and blogs that are devoted to contests that can range from photography, design of layouts, using quotes, using certain colors, etc that have giveaways for prizes. This is a good way to stretch your creativity while earning cool free stuff.
5. Creative Teams - If you are good enough designers will pick you to be on their design teams if you apply when they have calls. This usually takes some work and is the hardest way to earn freebies, but it is the most respectable and honorable. There are sites that post creative or design team calls such as Digishoptalk that will post when a spot is open for someone. You submit your gallery and hopefully they will like your work and want you aboard. Many designers offer consolation gifts if you have really made an effort, but they just really like someone else's style more.

However there are drawbacks to use of freebies. You are at the mercy of the designers as to what elements or kits you will have access. You don't have the freedom of paid kits or elements in your designs. If designers give away all free stuff then they won't make money which means they won't design more. It's always good if you like a designer to also buy paid kits to help support them for their effort.

Another thing to remember is that piracy is illegal and is harmful to these designers. Make sure if you share freebies to give the person the link to their blog or webpage instead of giving the freebie away. This is illegal and is no different than the piracy of digital music files. Please respect the designer's rights even if the files are free.

Everyone deserves to enjoy the hobby of their choice and hope these tips will help you on your way to being a great scrapbooker.