QOTD: Can a layout have too much?

[DigiGirlTN]

Can a layout have too much "stuff"? Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Is less really more? Or is it the more the merrier? What do you think?

[chris]

It really depends on how it all comes together. Some pages with just a few items feel disjointed, while others with lots and lots seem to look just right.

I personally prefer pages that aren't overwhelmed by too much decoration if there's a message or photo that should take center stage.

[gwacie]

Sometimes. I've been known to take away an embellishment or two (or more) even after I've declared the layout "finished". Sometimes stepping back from the layout for a while lets you see where things look unbalanced and you could remove or add things accordingly.

[stefdesign]

I don't use traditional embellishments, so I don't worry about too much extraneous 'stuff'. However, I think a lot of my layouts are way to busy, and it really bothers me. I often wish I could just stop when I'm wanting to add another photo, or color, or effect. Less is definitely more most of the time .

[RobynLJ]

I definitely feel that in most cases less is more!

I agree with Chris in post #2.............
I personally prefer pages that aren't overwhelmed by too much decoration if there's a message or photo that should take center stage.

[SWJenn]

I agree that too much stuff is a problem if it takes away from the photos. I hate when I have to hunt among the junk to find the photo. To me scrapbooking is all about the story, and the photos are what tell the story. I find my self doing more simple layouts these days, partly because they take less time! And I love them just as much!

[goodtexan]

I am glad you are asking this, cause here is a question I can answer with an unconditional YES. A page can have too much. May I add that after having played the game here for a couple of days in a row I feel somewhat dizzy just by looking at some layouts? I know that everyone is different and blah (bah hoof kick) but to me less is definitely more and that goes for everything: One can have too many children, too many pounds, too much stuff and yes too many effects... To me less has always been more and I love to throw out stuff with a passion. I feel good when I can take stuff off: my page, my house, my boat. I seriously miss simpler pages a lot and sometimes feel layouts that I see are just a dump site for elements.

[RobynLJ]

Originally Posted by goodtexan

I seriously miss simpler pages a lot and sometimes feel layouts that I see are just a dump site for elements.

I totally agree with you!

[Diane]

Personally, I think it's about creative expression. It's how an individual chooses to tell their story. It's not always about a photo. You can tell your story through creative expression although it might not always be obvious. That's what I love about computer crafting, digital scrapbooking. Anything goes. Yes, there are trends and design principles but I really do love when someone just goes for it because that's their style or that's how they want to tell their story. Super cool.

So lots of "stuff" is good. "Less is more" is also good. Whatever floats your boat!

[chris]

Originally Posted by Diane

Personally, I think it's about creative expression. It's how an individual chooses to tell their story. It's not always about a photo. You can tell your story through creative expression although it might not always be obvious. That's what I love about computer crafting, digital scrapbooking. Anything goes. Yes, there are trends and design principles but I really do love when someone just goes for it because that's their style or that's how they want to tell their story. Super cool.

So lots of "stuff" is good. "Less is more" is also good. Whatever floats your boat!

You have a nice way of expressing it Diane.