Good Enough.

That's what has been on my mind lately. And here is how it started. I did the layout of Hayley, and something was bugging me. It was off, and I knew it was off. The right side was too bare. And yet I wanted a very linear, simple layout to keep the focus on the photo WHICH I LOVE. But I couldn't find a fix in the 5 minutes I allot myself to fix a layout, so I put it up and called it "Good Enough."

You see, I pride myself on being a fast scrapper. And I am. I can do a layout in 30 minutes, and hour tops. I've done some layouts in 10 minutes. I have too many deadlines, and a life, and I cannot agonize over every layout. But unless there is some sort of prize (ie cookie) for being the first one done, or an award for the "Fastest Scrapper in the Midwest," I am not really gaining anything by being fast.

So I put my layout up on the DesignerZine critique forum. First, let me tell you how much I love that MB. It has been so helpful for me to examine the path I am on in the scrapping world. WIthout judgement. Without someone screaming that "THIS" is the way you must do things. Anyhoo, I signed up for a private forum where if you want an honest assessment of a project, and suggestions, you can post your work. So I did. I got WONDERFUL advice, and tried a few changes before ending up with the final product. Much better, no?

So what did I learn? That maybe my "good enough" approach is what is holding me back from the bigger opportunities. And hey, maybe not. Maybe I just don't have what it takes. And that's a reality I may have to face. I'm a big girl, and this is not my life. It is my hobby. And will remain so even if I find out I am destined to be a smaller designer forever. Maybe I need to approach some of my layouts with more thought and more time. And the reality is, I will not be able to do that often with the amount of DT work I have. But I can do this with my own scrapping. The rare two times I get to scrap what I want, when I want, with what I want.

To be honest though, one of the drawbacks of my analyzing my work this way is I have lost a little confidence in my layouts. I did one yesterday for a DT, and was nervous to put it out there. I know I'll work through this. I think this is a growth phase for me, and usually those aren't easy. But necessary nonetheless. I'll work through it. Wish me luck!!!