Shadowing flattish things

[kristijoy]

I was playing with all my new art journalling supplies and realized I was stuck on some of the subtley of shadowing.

Stamps: I didn't shadow the stamps. Seems like the right thing to do.

Spritzy masks: no shadows here either.

Paint: I didn't shadow the paint either, but on some other layouts I've had where the paint looks kind-of goopy, I'm tempted to shadow it. Like for example: Traci's new Paint Alpha. Do you shadow that?

Gesso?? Didn't use that, is it like 'paint'?

Any other thoughts?

[kelley]

I never ever shadow any paint item like spritz, masks, paint, stamps. Ever. (well, I used to, but I also used to shadow every single thing on my page including text LOL) I have seen some people do it, but I honestly just don't think it looks right to me. Paint adheres to the surface without a gap, so I wouldn't think there'd be a shadow. I wouldn't shadow Traci's new paint alpha personally.

[Nettio]

It depends on the paint but if it's goopy or bulky, then I will sometimes add a shadow to it. But it's not so much a shadow as just adding dimension to make it look less flat so it's really subtle.

[NeverendingJen]

if I add shadowing to paint, it's a micro shadow- even less than stitching.

[SeattleSheri]

I don't typically shadow those type of items, but it's all personal preferences and what I'm in the mood for. Sometimes I will actually do an inverted shadows or use other types of styles.

[Arual]

I don't typically shadow those type of items, but it's all personal preferences and what I'm in the mood for. Sometimes I will actually do an inverted shadows or use other types of styles.

What is an inverted shadow? Educate me please! Is that the same as an inner shadow?

[YepBrook]

My rule of thumb for shadowing when it comes to art journaling stuff... if the item has shadows on it (not a drop shadow, but within the texture of it) like glitter or a big ol' glob of paint then I shadow it. Otherwise, most of the paint splatters, gesso, anything made to look like a rub-on, or spill doesn't get shadowed. Stitches & washi tape get micro-shadows.

[SeattleSheri]

What is an inverted shadow? Educate me please! Is that the same as an inner shadow?
I totally used the wrong terminology! I meant to say that I do an inner bevel to make it look like something is carved into the background.

Here is an example. I applied and inner bevel on the lines. I think I also changed the blending options on the paint splatters.

https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/data/516/20121028_MyTrueColors.jpg (https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=255725&title=love-is-silly&cat=500)

[anneofalamo]

sometimes...you might take your burn tool with a very slight opacity and burn a bit to bring the item more onto the paper...

[heathergw]

I'm pretty much the same as Brook... most of the time I don't... if it's a gloppy paint I might add embossing to give it a little more texture... another thing I like to do is mess with the blending options to make it look not so perfect

[Arual]

I totally used the wrong terminology! I meant to say that I do an inner bevel to make it look like something is carved into the background.

Here is an example. I applied and inner bevel on the lines. I think I also changed the blending options on the paint splatters.

https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/data/516/20121028_MyTrueColors.jpg (https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=255725&title=love-is-silly&cat=500)

Ohhhh that is neat! I should try that some time!

BTW, thats a fun layout!

[kristijoy]

Gorgeous LO!! That helps alot! I've generally not shadowed paint, but I have seen some 'goopy' looking paint that I've added an itty bitty shadow too. I like your rule of thumb Brooke. I'm going to remember that!

[mrshobbes]

This isn't dropshadowing at all, but I found this trick at The Daily Digi last year and have been using it EVERY time I have journaling, paint, splats, inked alphas, or even masks, etc. It is subtle, but on certain paper textures it looks so awesome and much more blended into the background, so it doesn't look so flat as if it were literally just on the layout's surface :)

http://thedailydigi.com/fonts-dont-float/

[kristijoy]

This isn't dropshadowing at all, but I found this trick at The Daily Digi last year and have been using it EVERY time I have journaling, paint, splats, inked alphas, or even masks, etc. It is subtle, but on certain paper textures it looks so awesome and much more blended into the background, so it doesn't look so flat as if it were literally just on the layout's surface :)

http://thedailydigi.com/fonts-dont-float/

I remember that article too! :thumbup: I'm a PSE user, so I haven't actually given the 'alternate ideas' a try yet.