Here is one possible example of a word art cluster using the five elements provided. This is an average design, not too minimal and not too fully loaded.

Evaluate My Cluster—Here’s What I Did

Remember, it’s okay if your process of cluster creation is different than mine.

• I began by placing the word art on my document.
• Because the word art is a sticker, I applied a low drop shadow.
• The shadow here is a little larger than what a real sticker would look like, but I wanted the word art to look like it was being lifted off the page a little bit.

• Next, I added the leaf with a medium shadow.
• I positioned the vertical direction of the leaf to mimic all the vertical letters in the word. Doing that introduced the design principal of repetition into the cluster.

• I added the bow next and made it appear to be tied to the stem of the leaf.
• To make it look lifted off the background, I gave it a medium shadow.
• Placing some of the elements behind the word art and some above it adds visual interest.

• Adding the dragonfly stamp gave the cluster more variety of texture.
• I tucked the dragonfly in closely with the other elements, but I made sure I could still tell it was a dragonfly.
• The dragonfly did not get a shadow because it’s a stamp.

• Finally, I added the glitter spray at the bottom of the Layers panel.
• I did not shadow the glitter because it's very similar to a stamp or paint.
• I also made sure the glitter was not larger than the boundary created by the rest of the elements.

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Step Two: Copy My Cluster Exactly

• Take the time to create an exact copy of my word art cluster above. Use the elements I provided.
• Pay special attention to the order and position of each layer and element.
• Follow the advice of drop shadow depth for each of the five elements.

More Inspiration

Did you happen to try the Additional Challenges above? I had a little bit of time to play. For some extra practice, try copying these designs as well.

Here are two variations my word art cluster using the five elements provided. They each have a slightly different feel.

These variations are more minimal, using the word art and two other elements from the ones provided.

And then, here is word art cluster that has lots of duplicated elements, yet it still has the focus set on the word.

What’s Your Preference?

Which of my additional clusters do you like best? Your answer might help you narrow down what your style preference is when it comes to clusters.

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ATTENTION: Please do not post your results of Step Two on the class Facebook Group. Doing so may sideline the creative process for your fellow classmates.

If you’re mega excited to share your result of Step Two, I’d love to see it. You can

email it to me or send it via the Help Desk.

CAUTION: Don’t rush to Step Three until you’ve successfully completed Step Two.