Learn How to Use Photoshop

Learn to Draw in Photoshop

Mastering the techniques to draw digitally in Photoshop require some skill. Here are a few things to get you started.

First things first, Get Photoshop!

Photoshop software will allow you to draw digitally. It has many tools that will allow you to draw, paint, erase and create shapes. Get started initially with common shapes like a rectangle, circle. You can elaborate on these shapes and use your imagination to create drawings. You can begin withdrawing flowers, trees and other simple pictures. As you progress you will also be able to draw portraits and other intricate things.

Photoshop tools for drawing digitally

Your primary tool for drawing would be the mouse. However, now a digital art tool called the WACOM tablet is also available that helps you to draw.

• Brush Tool: You will have to experiment with the correct brush to determine the best applicable for you. You have the option to change the size, type and behavior of the brush that you choose.

• Eraser Tool: Similar to the brush, you have the options to choose from a set of erasers from the software. Even this has the option to change the size, type etc.

• Burn tool/Dodge tool: With the Burn tool you can make your colors to appear darker. Conversely, you can choose the Dodge tool to make the colors to appear lighter.

• Layers Menu: This is one of the most unique tools in digital drawing which is not available in physical drawing. The layers menu allow you to build your drawing in layers. This can be explained like this - it is a transparent cell that allows you to work on every layer in such a way that you can either allow a layer to interact with the other layer or vice-versa.

When drawing with detail and precision, here are a few Photoshop tools, you’ll want to use.

• Grids: Using grids will help you to capture the drawing cleverly and easily. It will enable you to check proportions and placements etc.
• Shading: Shading can also be used here like in physical drawing. It gives your photograph the characteristic of a physical drawing.
• Color: When using colors, you need to take care that you make use of realistic colors.
• Add a Background: Giving a background to your picture is quite important. Doing so will improve the depth of your image and create interest.

In Short

Learning to draw in the real world will only enhance your ability to draw inside of Photoshop. Master the techniques of traditional drawing and you will have more flexibility in Photoshop to experiment with digital drawing.

Why Photoshop CS3 Sucks

I’ve been posting so many things about digital Photography and Photoshop lately and came to the realization that I hate Photoshop CS3 because of the fact that I am now addicted. I use Photoshop every single day and I can’t stand the fact that I have to use it every single day. Most people would think I am crazy for saying that, but it is true. It’s the one and only program I have really used my entire life for everything I’ve ever done, from Websites, to Digital Photography, Graphic Design, Video, Slide Shows, Interior Design, 3D Design mock-ups, and more.  I use it for everything. When I moved into my new house, I used Photoshop to design my entire house. When I got a new bunny, I designed my Rabbit Cage in Photoshop.  What hell is wrong with this program? Seriously it is so freaking great, it almost makes me angry.  I’ve also wasted a big junk of my life now sitting in front of the computer. Every version of Photoshop that is released, makes me get more addicted. Now that CS3 has been on the market for awhile, I wonder what Adobe will come up with next. I can’t even imagine what the next version of Photoshop will do because the CS3 Extended does everything you would ever need.

Seriously, I think I am going to start a support group for Digital Photographers who spend too much time in front of their computers. My wife hates it, my friends hate it and so does my family. They don’t quite understand why I spend so much time in front of the computer. If they could even comprehend half of the information that is inside my brain, and how much effort it takes to get good at something, they might just leave me alone about it.

Digital Photography and photo sharing has become so abundant online and is so easy to do. Every photographer is sharing images around the globe. You can find pictures of anything and everything. You don’t even have to wonder what other cultures or countries look like anymore because you can look them up on Google or whatever your favorite site is.  It almost spoils the fun and the adventure because you know exactly where in the world you would go or not go. Sometimes I would rather just go and find out for myself.

Finally when I do travel, what am I doing? Of course I am taking pictures of everything instead of enjoying the views and chatting with my family. Half the time I can’t even remember the names of the places I traveled to because I am so focused on shooting photos and trying to capture that perfect image. And of course, once I get home, what am I doing? Downloading the images of course, and fixing them up in Photoshop. It’s a rather disgusting cycle of life, but it’s my life and that’s all I know. Maybe one of these days I’ll change, but for now, I’ll continue loving Photoshop and Photography and trying to live out my dreams.

Photoshop Tools and Menus

Here is a quick Photoshop demo to showcase the basic navigation of Photoshop and how to use the Photoshop menus, tools and main menu bar. If you are a total beginner to Photoshop, you’ll need to know where everything is. This tutorial will walk you step-by-step how to hide or show menus, how to access hidden tools and how to rearrange your workspace.