Without a doubt we are super excited to be working with sketch artist Becky Fleck in 2010!! If you don't know Becky, she is an extraordinarily talented graphic designer and author of the best-selling book, Scrapbook PageMaps: Sketches for Creative Layouts...an absolute must in your scrap space! I have had the opportunity to work with Becky these last few months, including working with her and Davinie on Project 12, and thought you might like to know a little about her too....
You’re a graphic designer by trade. How did you get started in scrapbooking?
About seven years ago, I decided to create an album to commemorate my in-law’s 60th wedding anniversary. Looking back, I think it was nuts to create a 60-page album that spanned their entire life together when I’d never scrapped a day in my life, but I had so much fun experimenting with different papers, embellishments and techniques. I’m a “jump in with both feet” kind of gal and I was officially hooked on the hobby after that.
Your page maps are so versatile and offer lots of room for design flexibility. In what ways can someone adapt a page map to fit their own style?
First and foremost, I would suggest not following the page map exactly as it is drawn. By shifting around the elements of a page, altering photo and title positions, and changing up embellishments, your own personal style will come through. Flipping and rotating page maps to fit your photos and theme is another way to mix in your own style. Most importantly, just relax and have fun with the design process.
How would you describe your personal scrapbooking style?
I lean towards a pretty linear style with a fair amount of dimension, but often I get myself out of a scrapbooking rut by trying something new that departs from my typical style. It’s fun to get out of my comfort zone from time to time.
What are your greatest inspirations and how do you translate them onto your scrapbook pages?
My two greatest sources of inspiration are the stories behind my photos and the magazine Anthem. I am a huge proponent of journaling because as scrapbookers, we are the authors of our lives. One hundred years from now, I want my family to know the true and authentic story of me, not just the who/what/where/when. Anthem magazine is a really edgy, urban culture magazine that is put together with a fascinating and captivating design, along with killer ads from the most well-know to the most obscure companies. An issue of Anthem never fails to inspire me on some level.
What other hobbies/interests are you involved in outside of scrapbooking?
I am hopelessly obsessed with football and fly fishing. From April to September, you’ll find me standing in numerous rivers and streams throughout Montana, Wyoming and Canada. From September to February, I’m permanently planted in our family room on Saturdays and Sundays watching NCAA football and the Minnesota Vikings. Seriously, I tell all my family and friends, “Do not call me on a Sunday unless you are on fire or in the ICU!”
What is something someone might not know about you? I know the Canadian anthem by heart. :) (note...very impressive!!)
In case you missed our recent Project 12 post and Becky's fabulous January and February sketches, here they are...
January's sketch
February's sketch
Thank you Becky for sharing some of YOU with our readers! Look for Becky's article in our upcoming Spring issue releasing in stores and online on March 26th and be sure to visit www.pagemaps.com for many hours of inspiration. Have a great Tuesday!
~ Catherine
I discovered Becky's site less than a week ago and now it's my absolutely FAVORITE site. Yesterday I ordered her PageMaps book off Amazon.com. I can't wait til it gets here!!!
Posted by: Penny D. | February 23, 2010 at 07:18 AM
I have Becky's book and love it! Great interview!
Posted by: krolski (kathy) | February 23, 2010 at 10:11 AM
I love Becky Fleck's Page Maps!
Posted by: Kelly Massman | February 23, 2010 at 10:53 AM
I discovered page maps about a month ago and I love it! sketches are a great way for me to get jump started and over the intimidation of a blank page staring at me.
Posted by: erica | February 23, 2010 at 12:55 PM
I love Becky and her PageMaps! I usually change them up but what a jumping off point for me! Her blog is great and I love keeping up with her football passion. I am doing the Project 12 (for several albums - mine, my friend's Christmas gift and my daughter and they all start out with the same layout map but they all look a little different - versatility - gotta love it!)
Posted by: Tammy Bingeman | February 23, 2010 at 06:14 PM
I've been reading/using Becky's PageMaps since its inception. I love having the sketch to go by..even if I do change it some. Thanks Becky for all you do!
Posted by: Carol Metully | February 24, 2010 at 12:29 AM
Wow! I have to get this book!! Off to look for it now.
Posted by: Pamela | February 24, 2010 at 06:46 AM
Becky's book is excellent. I just recently purchased it and I know it is one I will come back to again and again.
Posted by: Jessica | February 24, 2010 at 01:53 PM
I love the pagemaps site and have been using it since it began. Thanks Becky!!
Posted by: Joan Ostler | February 24, 2010 at 06:03 PM
Love my Becks! She's one amazing chica all around! xoxo (And GOOOO PACK! ;))
Posted by: Kelly | February 26, 2010 at 11:22 AM