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How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Jan 13, 2019 1:49pm
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So I'm working on an ltc, and after 7 attempts to come up with a card that works, I think I can go with the design.

It got me wondering, how many different card designs do you try before you settle on one?
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970275 by photopam
Jan 13, 2019 2:08pm
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Part of picking out the image, for me, is to visualize what the presentation might look like. If I can’t get a sense of what to do with the image, I usually keep looking for other ideas. That said, the original vision usually morphs somewhat as I begin to create it - doesn’t look quite like I thought, or layout or colors need to be adjusted. In the end, it’s usually very similar to the plan I started with, but tweaked as I went.
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970275 by photopam
Jan 13, 2019 5:46pm
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I usually ponder on the main idea I want for the card for a couple of weeks. Once I decide what the main idea/approach I'm going to do, I then decide what image I want to carve. I then think of how best to present the image on the LTC. Once I get it carved, I try about 3 or 4 different ideas for placement and background and then I just go with it. Of course, as I start getting them finished I think of other ideas.
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970275 by photopam
Jan 13, 2019 5:51pm
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A LOT of trial and error. :)
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970275 by photopam
Jan 13, 2019 8:32pm
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I start with a basic design in my head which usually morphs as I make the cards. I have a couple odd ball cards with a small degree of variation for my themes. Recently, I produced a set of cards and was disappointed when I looked back at my original sketch for the carve. I had reversed the negative space in my carving and I much preferred the original sketch. face/palm..
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970287 by aMAZEing adventure frog
Jan 13, 2019 10:55pm
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A LOT of trial and error. :)

Amen to that!!! We usually spend a few days thinking of of a design. We discuss different possibilities for each design consideration before finally settling on one.

After carving, we print a few to experiment with regarding color, background and composition. It’s during this time that we usually stumble across an idea we hadn’t thought of yet. At this point we frequently toss out our earlier ideas and go in a new direction.

Then we design the back to compliment the front design and many times carve another small stamp to go with the overall concept.

Not often, but it has happened after getting into it I get frustrated or dissatisfied and scrap the carve and start completely over and carve a new stamp.
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970275 by photopam
Jan 14, 2019 9:11am
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I heavily consider the carve, which is the hardest part of creating a card for me. Once I have carved my image, I think I average two or three different card designs before I settle into the one that "works". I'll have to say that occasionally I create a card that is a pretty good match to my original vision, but more often than not my card morphs several times before it is finished. I just fiinished a set that I made 4 different backgrounds for, and ended up circling back to the original! I don't consider that experience a waste of time or resources though it was yet another learning experience
As a side note to this question, it was mentioned that sometimes it could take a few weeks to come up with an idea or concept for the card layout. I have to say that when people post trackers that have 1 month or less for a due date, it's too much pressure for me. I need to have time to pace my work and move from step to step in a relaxed way that works with my creative ability. I have noticed that when I do something in a hurry, it's not my best work and I also tend to make more prototypes than when I am a given the chance to think it out thoroughly.
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970301 by Gypsy Fiddler
Jan 14, 2019 9:28am
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Hope I'm remembering this correctly:

Louis Armstrong once recorded a song in the studio. Then he and his band re-recorded it again and again and again trying to get it just right. After 100 recordings, they decided the first one was the best and used it on the album.
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970301 by Gypsy Fiddler
Jan 14, 2019 9:41am
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when people post trackers that have 1 month or less for a due date, it's too much pressure for me. I need to have time to pace my work and move from step to step in a relaxed way that works with my creative ability. I have noticed that when I do something in a hurry, it's not my best work

That is my perspective also. I work slowly, and enjoy the process as I work. It’s relaxing for me. The day I find it stressful, rushed, and no longer enjoyable, is the day I’ll hang up my gouge and markers and be done.
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970303 by aMAZEing adventure frog
Jan 14, 2019 10:11am
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I've heard that too, AAF, and it is so true!
Re: How many?
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970304 by Wise Wanderer
Jan 14, 2019 12:26pm
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I do this too, but if I have too much time I tend to wander away and get lost in thought, put it aside as i ponder, forget about it a while, then I am rushed as the due date is tomorrow.

I need a good balance of thinking time and a deadline. :)