Thread: Just bought photoshop what's next?

Hello everyone, I just purchased Photoshop PSE 8. I was going to buy the newest version, but Staples only had this one. I really only bought it for making an interesting avatar, so I probably won't need CS5 anyway. It did not come with a very detailed manual, and the you-tube videos are not much help, so I was wondering if anyone had some good explanations on how I should get started? And like I said before, I really only want to make a interesting avatar, so tips would be great.

Thanks in advance!

Learn your tools first.

Learn the shape tools. You can hold down shift while using those to make the shapes perfectly symmetrical.

Also, learn your layer styles. Double click on any layer on the layer palette to the right and go thru those. Drop shadow, gradient/color overlays, bevel and emboss, etc.

Learn to use the lasso, such and the polygonal lasso to make photo editing and selecting easier.

These are just some basics. Also learn to use the layer masks to give certain parts, of certain layers transparency.

Best

Thanks

Where do you get the L4P "crown" to put into the avatar?

Just take a screenshot of it, and then use the magic eraser..

you can also find all kinds of tutorials on youtube to show you how to use most of the tools if not all on PS.

Originally Posted by Suprageex

Just take a screenshot of it, and then use the magic eraser..

Thanks, I thought it was similar to that.

There are several *pngs on the web, which will make it easier for you to integrate em into your avatar for instance.
Only found this one. Will try to upload the logo itself without the surrounding as an png later on.
http://www.tecnocraft.com/app_themes...t/logo/l4p.png

As for Photoshop, I would've suggested buying CS5.
They've integrated some new awesome features such as the content aware technique:


As for me, I didn't put much effort in going through the thousands of tutorials which are online.
think the best way is just to figure everything out by yourself.
Just take a picture of something you like and start going through all the tools.
You'll see pretty soon that you won't need all the tools, brushes, effects etc.
If you need any specific additional help, don't hesitate to contact me.
I'm also in the middle of launching a Photoshop Workshop at my university,
so I think I could explain you some details on a beginner level.

Good luck!

Edit: Just uploaded the L4P Logo. You can just open the file, cut around the name if you like and have the logo on a transparent background.
So you don't have to make a Screenshot or something like that and can integrate it into any other picture you like.

Thanks

after you get familiar with the tools, check out Photoshop Tutorials and Flash Tutorials - Tutorialized for heaps of easy to follow tutorials, or youtube em. that way you'll start making cool stuff and also get a knowledge of tips and tricks or the software

The pen tool also works wonders.