Photoshop, Adobe’s powerful image editing software, has been a cornerstone in the creative industry for years. Whether you’re a photographer, designer, illustrator, or digital artist, improving your Photoshop skills is crucial to enhancing your creativity and expanding your potential. Mastering Photoshop can significantly elevate your work, allowing you to execute ideas precisely and professionally. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and strategies to improve your Photoshop skills, from learning the basics to tackling advanced techniques. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Photoshop is an extensive software packed with a wide range of features. Each tool can be accessed through various menus or the toolbar, but it can be tricky to remember where each one is located or which icon corresponds to what function. Honestly, relying on searching through the interface with your mouse each time you need a tool is a slow and tedious process.
To become proficient in Photoshop, mastering keyboard shortcuts is essential. These shortcuts significantly enhance the app’s usability, making tasks faster and more efficient. For example, to quickly access the brush tool, simply press B. To create a new layer, use Command + Shift + N on a Mac or Control + Shift + N on a PC.
Most of Photoshop‘s frequently used tools and functions come with built-in keyboard shortcuts, which are well worth learning. If there’s a tool you frequently use that doesn’t have a shortcut, you can always assign one yourself for quicker access.
An effective way to memorize these shortcuts is by using a Photoshop shortcut cheat sheet. When you’re still familiarizing yourself with the app, having a printed or saved reference can be extremely helpful. Over time, as you practice, these shortcuts will become second nature, and you’ll no longer need to rely on the cheat sheet.
Find New Ways to Accomplish Things
In Photoshop, there is rarely just a single method for accomplishing a task. Different tools can often achieve the same result, but in different ways. A common mistake among beginners is mastering a technique that works most of the time, without fully grasping the underlying process and the reasons it works.
For example, you can use the High Pass filter to sharpen an image, but why choose that over a Smart Sharpen adjustment layer? Do the two methods yield different outcomes? The truth is, it depends on the situation.
When working in Photoshop, consider experimenting with tools you don’t typically use. For instance, if you often rely on Levels for adjustments, give Curves a try instead, or vice versa. Both tools are capable of enhancing contrast, as shown in the example above. While you may not always achieve the exact results you’re aiming for, most of the time, it will work just as effectively. Plus, this practice will help you gain a deeper understanding of how both tools function.
Shifting your mindset from focusing solely on how to achieve a specific effect to what you want to achieve, regardless of the method, is a significant step toward mastering Photoshop.
Learn from Watching Experts
One of the best ways to improve your Photoshop skills is by observing experts in action. I personally mastered Photoshop by watching skilled professionals work, and it proved to be an incredibly effective learning method. The real challenge in learning Photoshop isn’t just understanding how the tools function, but knowing when to apply them appropriately. This transition is often the trickiest part.
Many beginners focus on online tutorials to grasp the basics and then assume they’ve learned enough. However, I encourage you to go beyond that. Once you’re comfortable with the fundamentals, dive into advanced tutorials and courses—even those that might seem beyond your current abilities. The goal isn’t to replicate every step the instructor takes but to watch and understand their workflow. By doing so, you’ll naturally pick up strategies and techniques that you can adapt to your own projects.
Avoid Tackling Everything in One Go
A common pitfall in Photoshop is completing a project in one sitting, saving it, and sharing it immediately. When you’re engrossed in editing, it’s easy to overdo things, such as adding excessive saturation or contrast. What could have been a great image may end up looking overly exaggerated and less appealing.
To prevent this, adopt two key strategies to refine your workflow and enhance your results. First, reduce all effects to 70% of their intensity. Work on your edits as usual, and once you’re satisfied, group your layers and adjust the overall opacity to 70%. This ensures a more subtle and balanced look.
Second, take a break once you’ve finished your edits. Step away for 20 minutes before revisiting the project. This pause allows you to return with a fresh perspective, making it easier to spot errors, overdone areas, or spots that need further attention. Implementing these habits will elevate the quality of your Photoshop creations.
Edit Without Causing Permanent Changes
There are essentially two methods to edit an image: you can directly alter the original pixels, or you can apply non-destructive techniques that record your changes in a way that allows for easy reversal. The actual changes to the pixels are only applied when you export the final result.
One of the most transformative features in Photoshop is non-destructive editing. Instead of needing to start over when you’re unhappy with an adjustment, this approach allows you to fine-tune your edits endlessly. For example, opt for Adjustment layers rather than using standard Adjustments. Similarly, instead of relying on the Sharpen or Dodge and Burn tools, you can achieve better results with filters and Curves layers.
While some of these tips are straightforward, mastering them takes time. Keyboard shortcuts won’t become second nature overnight, and learning from seasoned professionals involves ongoing effort. However, many of these practices can be implemented right away. Next time you’re working in Photoshop, try a new method and take a short break after finishing. You’ll likely notice a significant improvement in your final work.
Continue Practicing
It may seem like common sense, but it’s important to continue practicing, even when progress feels slow. Improvement takes time, and persistence is key. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with Photoshop, and you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how to achieve specific outcomes. Remember, your practice sessions are for your own growth, and there’s no need to share them with anyone else.
Keep Software Up to Date
Updating your software is crucial to make sure you enjoy the latest features of Photoshop. However, it’s important to note that not all updates deliver the same experience. Before updating Photoshop or your operating system, it’s a good idea to browse online forums and see how the updates are impacting other users. In some cases, waiting before updating might be the better option.
Improving your Photoshop skills requires dedication, practice, and the right resources. Whether you’re learning the basics or mastering advanced techniques, the key to success is consistency. By building a solid foundation, seeking feedback, practicing regularly, and taking advantage of the wealth of resources available online, you can become a Photoshop expert. Keep pushing your limits, experiment with new ideas, and soon you’ll see your skills and creativity reach new heights.
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