Creating the Unexpected | A Scrapper’s Style Interview with Anna Aspnes

Welcome Anna! Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I am a UK native, military wife and mom living in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado with our two new puppies. A passion for family and Art led me to the sport of digital scrapbooking in 2002 and documenting, designing and teaching have been a way of life ever since. I also enjoy running and a glass of wine with friends.

Your page design style stands out and leaves a lasting impression. What three words would you use to characterize your current style? 

Non-Traditional: Digital techniques and outside-the-box approach which cannot be recreated in traditional paper pages.

Artsy: Incorporation of contemporary collage and abstract art.

Montage: A composite of 2 or more seamless images created by means of digital blending techniques.

You hit upon some key ideas, which helps us understand why your pages look very digital – and beautiful like works of art. What one technique or steps do you apply to your pages every single time? And how long does it take to complete a page?

I blend images through the use of brushes, layer masks and blending modes with an artsy twist to boot. Most pages take between 30 to 40 minutes to complete. The faster the better. I shy away from complex and long-winded techniques.

Get out of here! Thirty minutes to complete a page? That’s simply amazing. You’ve been digital scrapbooking for a decade — you jumped-in really at the beginning of the craft. Has your style evolved over time?

I have definitely grown and evolved personally as a digital scrapbooker and in line with the industry over the past decade. My initial pages were 5 X 7 in size, very graphic and simple with very little substance. Most included a quote or title with little written detail. My layouts have become increasingly complex in terms of both the design and documentation. My layouts showcased more complex techniques as I learned more about Photoshop and have also been influenced by trends and my own personal artistic touches as I have found my way to defining a unique style.

Do you ever attempt to step outside of your style comfort zone?

All the time. I’m constantly stepping outside the norm trying on new techniques for size, which grows my skills and keeps me interested in the sport.

What types of digital kits are you drawn to as a result of your style?

I’m drawn to art journaling style kits with lots of color, texture and unique illustrations and kits similar to my own designs, which lend themselves well to blending. I generally prefer to use my own designs in my work.

Before we wrap up, what inspiring tips would you like to share with the Simply Tiffany readers?

Think less and play more. Over-thinking a layout can be the biggest obstacle to producing artsy pages. Select some brushes, combine with layer masks and or blending modes and allow yourself to enjoy the process of experimenting and playing to create something unexpected and fantastic.

Something unexpected! That’s your style all over, Anna. Thank you for sharing your style thoughts with us here at Simply Tiffany and inspiring us with your art.

See more of Anna’s inspiring work on her blog at Anna Aspnes Designs, her layout gallery or pick up her beautiful wares at Oscraps.

About this Interview

Scrapper’s Style interviews are an extension of Scrapper’s Style | the eBook, which helps digital crafters identify their own, unique style and ultimately build better scrapbook pages. With proven strategies for digital scrapbookers, the book offers in-depth tips for linear, layered, and artistic layouts. Check back here every Monday for a new Scrapper’s Style Interview.

About Tiffany

Tiffany Tillman is the Owner of Simply Tiffany Studios, an online resource with tutorials and page-design interviews for digital scrapbookers. She's also a Designer for Pixels & Company and professionally trains digital crafters developing e-learning content.

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