Learning Photoshop

I have been known to say that Photoshop is the “gift that keeps on giving.” There is always something new to learn or a new way to do an “old” thing. I’ve been using Photoshop for 8 years and there are still many things I don’t know about it. These thoughts came to mind this week when a reader commented on the fact that she was learning Photoshop, one day at a time. Her comment caused me to stop and think about my first weeks (months?) with Photoshop. 

When I started using Photoshop, I remember one of the most frustrating things for me was not knowing what questions to ask or what to try to learn first. Without understanding the capabilities of the program, it’s hard to even know where to begin. So I decided to just learn to crop a picture and add text to it. Simple enough, you say? Not for a beginner.

Here is my original not-very-impressive-straight-out-of-the-camera shot:

I cropped it, and added text to it…..I also lightened it, but have no idea how I did it.

Not a great crop job, but, hey, I did it! 

I remember that this took me about 30 minutes or more, and that I was sooooo proud of it!

And then in 2010 I started designing.  As long as I’m making myself vulnerable here, I might as well go all the way.  Here is the very first kit I ever designed.

Oh, my goodness.

 

So you see? Learning Photoshop, improving our skills – all of our skills – is just a matter of time and practice, practice, practice.

So if you get frustrated or impatient, remember, it really is one day at a time.

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Comments (6)

  1. That was awesome! Did you journal that? 🙂 Your 1st kit was sooo cute!!! You have come very far my friend and I am proud of you and admire your talent!

    March 8, 2018 at 6:35 am
    • Karen

      Thanks, DeLoris. You are too kind. 🙂

      March 8, 2018 at 7:04 am
  2. FussBudget

    This post was so interesting. It was great to see your firsts. With PS, I found it to be a sloooww process, especially if you do not have hours of free time to spend learning it. I think your first kit looks great.

    March 11, 2018 at 12:52 am
    • Karen

      You are kind. 🙂 Thank you.

      March 11, 2018 at 4:18 pm
  3. Mary Treusch

    You sure have developed your skills since you put that first kit together! However, I see some very nice things in there too. You are so very kind to share your knowledge! “Oven Lovin” is a suberb collection too.

    March 11, 2018 at 3:50 pm
    • Karen

      Thank you, Mary. I’m glad that whatever I can share is helpful for you. And thank you for the kind words about Oven Lovin’.

      March 11, 2018 at 4:18 pm
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