This is a tried and true method of creating icons that look decent. Now, it does NOT work for every picture and generally, you'll have the best results with screencaps or other dull looking pictures. I was asked how to create icons beyond cropping, so this is my short tutorial that leads you through the basic actions I take on the icons that I make.

I'll be going from this: to this:

( Instructions )

The following is Tutorial for creating a public S2 layout or theme. It is followed by a tutorial for using S2 style layer and theme IDs for your journal layout.

( Part 1: Creating Public S2 Layouts and Themes )

( Part 2: Using Public IDs for S2 Styles and Themes )

For example: The following journal's layout was created using the Public Layout ID #1200 (Flexible Squares) and the Public Theme ID #1202 (Fresh Paint for Flexible Squares) that were created on the journal kickawesome. Screen Capture.

Feel free to hit me up with questions.