Giving proper credit ~~ some tricks

After reading this article by Michelle Thompson, I decided to detail the method I use to keep track of the credit info for my layouts. (BTW, her blog, Scrapability is one of the BEST blogs out there on the topic of scrapbooking ~~ if you haven't taken a look at it, you are missing out!)

I use a combination of the methods she mentions ~~ not so much for submitting my LO's for publication, but for proper crediting in the galleries. I have started to name my layers with the designer's name when I think of it ~~ with the font name as well.

Something I have been doing for some time is keeping a text file open while I am working. If I am doing the layout for an online chat or challenge, I will often paste the details regarding the crop in the file first (i.e., what the challenge is, link to the inspiration, link to the gallery to post in, etc.) Then as I am working, I will note Designers names, kit names and site names as applicable, along with templates, inspiration links, fonts, any notes that I want to keep with the layout.

Then, when it is time to post , I can start filling out the fields while my layout is saving (in those precious minutes that can seem like an eternity at the end of a crop!!)

I also name my .psd file, my .jpg file (the flattened, 72 dpi, 500x500 pixels file for posting on the web) and my .txt file with the same name, beginning with the date I created the layout (i.e., 20060131-firsthaircut.psd, 20060131-firsthaircut.jpg, 20060131-firsthaircut.txt) so I can easily find the text file that holds my credit information.

ANYHOW, there is part of the method to my madness ~~ hope it is of use to someone! Please post a comment if you find this useful.