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What to look for in your first Photoshop training course

By: Daniel Hill If you're planning to pursue a career as a graphic designer, you already know that Photoshop training will be a central part of your learning experience. And if you're planning a career as a visual effects artist in film or television, you know how important Photoshop training is to get your first job. But many people don't know that Adobe Photoshop is the design tool of choice for all professionals who work with images-dentists, architects, and archaeologists all depend on Photoshop training to achieve their full potential.

You'll never regret the investment of time and money when you see how Photoshop training can take you to the next level. When you sharpen your Photoshop skills, you improve everything you do in your work and in your play. You learn how to add huge value to your web site designs, and how to give your presentations the quality of a professionally designed portfolio. It's easier than ever to learn advanced design techniques with Photoshop training. And the best part of it is: You'll have so much fun learning, you'll never want to stop. Here are some of the things you should look for in an introductory Photoshop training course:

How to use the painting tools: You need to learn the different tools and techniques for painting your graphic images, as well as how to create patterns and how to use the pattern stamp tool.

How to get around the work area: The first thing you need to learn is how to work with the file browser-Adobe Bridge-and how to navigate the work space. As soon as you're comfortable doing this, you'll learn how to create and work with Photoshop files. You'll learn about the different file formats in Photoshop, how to scan photos and artwork, and how to use the menu and tool bars. And right at the beginning it's important to start learning and using keyboard shortcuts.

How to work with tools and images: You need to learn the tool bar, what the individual tools can do, how to work with palettes and resolution, how to align images, and how to create and use thumbnails.

How to create photographic edges and buttons: You need to learn how to automate jobs through the use of actions, how to design creative buttons, how to create navigation bars, and how to finish your project.

How to work with selections: Photoshop training will quickly give you the ability to use all the selection tools. You'll learn how to transform selections and content, and how to use quick masks.

Before you purchase Adobe Photoshop, always make sure that your computer meets the system requirements for working with your version of Photoshop. Most importantly, before you enroll in a Photoshop training course, be sure you're willing to make a serious commitment of time and energy. You'll only get out of your Photoshop training as much as you put into it, so be sure you have enough time to practice techniques and experiment with new tools.