Typical/stereotypical approach to scrapbooking

I don't know what others think, but when I started in 2004 the "typical" layout was a lot like BH's old sketches, you know? Photos matted several times, many of them, on a double page layout, kinda floating I guess. Minimal embellishments, basic journalling, perhaps a sticker sneeze? I dunno. I think people that hear about it think more the "old school" (not commenting on if old or new style is better) and have a negative reaction to it.

A "typical" page (for my Mom, for example, who knows what scrapbooking is but doesn't appreciate it or delve into it much) would have a title, a few photos, matted photos, cardstock, colours that speak to season or event, and theme-y embellishments to get the message across. Much like we scrapped 16 years ago, and much less like we scrapbook now.

I started scrapping in 2005. I had no clue what it was suppose to look like so I went on a book buying spree and bought books for scrapbook ideas (some I think were Creative Keepsake brand) after that I felt my LOs had to have:

Matted pics
Stickers everywhere
Title spelled out in stickers.
Everything had to be "perfect" meaning no paint spatters no angled pics...like things were very straight and centered if that makes sense.

Now I do what I want. I don't stick to trends but if a trend catches my eye I will start to use it because I want to and not because all the cool kids are. I have worked on a LO and my DH had came walking in many times and would say I should do this or that and a lot of times it did look better!

I can also tell you from a mans perspective my DH thinks inking/splattering/drops of paint or ink is NOT what belongs on a LO. Lol he hates he it just don't understand it at all.....
So of course those are the things I love to do! What does he know?! Lol

Basic layout: photo(s) and journaling on a background page, which is frequently 12x12.

Depending on the individual scrapper, one or more photos may be cropped, photos and journaling may be matted, the layout have a title, embellishments added, and the layout dressed up in a variety of ways from very simple to extremely artistic.

I started scrapbooking in 1996. There have been many changes and trends over the years. Based on what I have seen at the LSS, scrapping styles vary considerably depending on how much time, money, and creativity a scrapper wants to devote to her pages.

A stereotypical page is dressed up with sticker sneeze on a white background, sometimes with unadorned cardstock die-cuts or borders thrown in for good measure. However, I have come across very few people in recent years who scrapbook that way anymore.

Edited to add: when I first started scrapping, I wanted my pages to look like those my sister-in-law did.  Mine were rather disappointing compared to hers.  She was very creative and artistic.  I had to develop my own style and my own creativity, which took time.  Her pages were/are beautiful, but her style is not my style.  Once I learned that, and figured out what my style was, I was far more content with the pages I created.

I no longer struggle with what my pages should look like or what I want them to look like.  If I like the page enough to glue everything down, I am satisfied.  I never glue anything down until I am happy with the results.

What I think my page will look like when I am just starting a layout, and what it evolves into by the time I finish, though, are two very different things.  I am fine with that.  It rarely ends up like I envision it will be, but all that really matters to me is if I am satisfied with it after it has developed into the final result.  I also don't stress about the time it takes.  I am a slow scrapper most of the time, but I enjoy the process.

I think no matter what the style or trend, I think for me a "typical" layout would always include the photos, a title and the journaling. Everything else is whatever floats your boat.