The Role of
Photoshop in Education
Learning Adobe
Photoshop is essential to success in digital media industries.
Photoshop is a
gateway into several related technologies. From digital image acqui-
sition and
processing to typography and compositing, Photoshop is often your first
introduction. If
you can master this program, you can go on to success with several
other
technologies. With this in mind, it is important to learn Photoshop with one
eye on the present
and the other on the future.
The Role of
Photoshop in Professional Industries
It’s been said
that if you know Photoshop, there’s always work to be had. Photoshop
is used by
everyone from photographers to Web developers, video professionals
to graphic
designers. In fact, Photoshop is used in more places than you’d expect—
including the
medical, architectural, and legal fields. Adobe Photoshop is a portal
to Adobe’s other
software applications, but it is also much more. Mastering
Photoshop’s tools
will teach you more about creative technology tools than any
other program.
With a solid knowledge of Photoshop, you’ll be well on your way to
being comfortable
with the entire digital toolbox.
Purpose of This
Book
When I decided to
write this book, it was to fill a need. I have worked with
Photoshop students
of all levels, from the college classroom to working professionals
across all
industries. What I’ve heard time and time again is that people wanted an
objective book
that gave them everything they needed to truly understand Adobe
Photoshop. Readers
have grown tired of books that talk down to them or waste time
promoting only the
latest features.
It’s not that
there’s a shortage of good books for the professional; I’ve read many
of them and know
several of their authors. But what has happened over the years,
as Photoshop has
become such an established program, is that we are left with two
types of books:
those for complete beginners and those for pros looking to dig deep
on specific areas
of the program. What was missing? A book that addresses the need
of the learner who
wants to understand the important features of Adobe Photoshop,
as well as the
core technology behind it, to build a solid foundation for future learn-
ing and immediate
success.
This book is for
learners who learn best by not just reading but by doing. Every
chapter contains
extensive hands-on exercises and all the files you need to practice.
With the purchase
of this book you also have access to an exclusive version of our
video podcast
series. You have immediate access to 54 videos that show you ad-
vanced skills and
special techniques. In addition, interactive quizzes help you check
your progress to
ensure the knowledge is “sticking.” The accompanying CD has
everything you
need. And be sure to visit www.rastervector.com and www.peachpit.
com/understandingphotoshop
for updates and bonus downloads.
If you are learning
Photoshop in a classroom, this book should combine with your
instructor’s
knowledge to give you a rich, interactive learning experience. For
those working
professionals looking to fill in their understanding of Photoshop,
this book answers
and reinforces the essential information that you’ll need. For
both audiences,
this book teaches you what you need to succeed in the profes-
sional workplace.
As a teacher and a working professional it is my goal to prepare
you for
professional success.
Suggestions on
Learning
Photoshop is a
very comprehensive program; don’t try to learn it overnight. In fact,
rushing to learn
is often what causes problems. In an effort to learn quickly, skills
don’t have time to
be absorbed. To combat this problem, I have eliminated nones-
sential topics
from this book. I’ve also included a hands-on example or activity for
every skill.
The truth is you’ll
learn best by doing. Don’t skip the hands-on activities in a rush to
make it through
the book. I strongly encourage you to try each one. After completing
the book’s
activities, you should repeat the techniques with your own photos. Nothing
makes a topic as
clear as you experiencing it interactively and achieving success. With
practice—regular and thorough—you can understand and master Photoshop.