Photoshop is a graphic editing software produced by Adobe Inc. That allows you to create and manipulate images. With this application, you can crop, resize, color correct, or retouch graphics to create stunning final images for personal and professional projects. From photographers to content creators, anyone who regularly works with graphics can benefit from the advanced features this software offers. Photoshop is generally used in graphic design, web design, photography, and other art and digital art industries. It is used regularly in marketing and advertising campaigns for companies looking to enhance the visual appeal of their brand, convey brand messages effectively, or connect better with their potential customers and clients. It is a versatile tool for those who create print media like flyers, cards, posters, or brochures. It is also highly compatible with other creative Adobe products like InDesign or Illustrator. You can improve your design workflows and enhance your editing capabilities with the expanded tools and features in Adobe Creative Cloud. If you are a person interested in joining a creative career, learning how to use Photoshop is a valuable skill that can give you a leg up in the professional world of graphic editing and design.
Photoshop was developed in 1987 by a pair of brothers named Thomas and John Knoll. Though it wasn’t originally an Adobe product, the distribution license was sold in 1988, at which point it was branded as a subset of Adobe Illustrator. Due to the limitations of computers in the early 1990s and the amount of storage and computer memory needed to run and host the application, there were concerns about how popular the software would be. Early expectations for the program were low, but the software sold better than expected. In 1995, Adobe fully purchased the rights to Photoshop, and since then, the program has grown significantly. When Adobe Creative Cloud was developed in the early 2000s, it focused on software and applications that could help creative individuals thrive in the professional workplace. Today, Adobe Creative Cloud has expanded and includes many more features, including a variety of programs that can be integrated with Photoshop. This transition between programs solidified the role of Photoshop in digital image editing. It is consistently considered a vital tool for creatives and has a wide range of uses, from image creation to manipulation. Learning and understanding Photoshop is a great way to expand job opportunities in any creative field, and is a good investment for those specifically joining image-based fields, industries, or careers.
What Can You Do with Photoshop Training?
Photoshop provides you with many transferable skills that can be used in both personal and professional ways. Professionals primarily use Photoshop in industries that rely on visual media. This includes Photography, Advertising & Marketing, Media Production, and Graphic Design. Businesses use this software to enhance the visuals of their brand. This may be in the form of product photography, logo creation and brand design, or banners and logos for their websites. Web design is a big part of corporate marketing, and Photoshop is used to edit menus, optimize graphics, and create specific layouts that can promote engagement and build customer retention. Professionals can also work directly with text in Photoshop. Typography and text effects are a big part of crafting attractive visuals. When creating posters, flyers, or other advertisements, this application can help with styling and creating eye-catching effects. It’s important to know the foundation of graphic design and what makes a high-quality, balanced image, but without the right software, this process can be tedious and challenging. Photoshop makes the manipulation and creation of graphic materials simple and intuitive, and with its advanced functionality, it can be used in nearly any industry to enhance the graphic component of the business.
Photoshop is not limited to professional projects. Hobbies and personal projects can also be enhanced with this software. Due to its photo editing, enhancement, and manipulation features, Photoshop is wildly popular with hobby photographers. It’s a platform that allows you to adjust colors, lighting, and composition, and can provide professional results even for those casual photoshoots. Artists can use Photoshop to improve their digital art. They can also create art from scratch using Photoshop's artist-friendly tools such as the drawing and painting tools. If you have an interest in digital scrapbooking, this software is great for arranging photos and decorative elements on a unique layout that can be printed, or saved in a variety of formats for easy sharing. There’s also the opportunity to build your brand. Photoshop skills look great on a portfolio but are also one way to create business cards, a personal logo, and documents that can easily be shared with others. Social media relies on visuals, and having access to a program that can help you improve the quality of what you share can open up a world of unique opportunities. Photoshop serves as an outlet for artists and other creatives. Between the many DIY projects and the potential to build up your professional image, Photoshop is a worthwhile investment and an excellent addition to your overall skill set.
What Will I Learn in a Photoshop Class?
To navigate Photoshop and use the application to its full potential, some basics must be learned first. Many Photoshop classes will begin with a list of recommended tools and techniques that can help simplify the editing process. The first step is to learn how to navigate the interface. This is everything from the menus to the workspace layout. It’s difficult to use software when you’re unsure of the full features, and a course can help with that. Instructors may cover basic image editing, or review techniques like cropping, resizing, or making basic adjustments to things like brightness or color balance. You’ll learn how to create, load, save, import, and export documents so that they can be shared or collaborated on. Outside of these technical skills, many other high-level skills can not only enhance a Photoshop class but also be developed more strongly through them.
Text and Typography
Thanks to Photoshop's many text-related functions, you can manipulate both text and typography at the drop of a hat. Text can be resized. It can be warped or converted to different shapes. Borders and shadows can be added, and bubble or clear text can be filled with images and decorated. Adobe has a variety of fonts available to users. It also has a tool that allows you to identify text from photos so that you can find similar fonts for your designs. Adjusting the lettering happens in a few easy steps. After you have added text to your image, you can explore any of the fonts in the application or in Adobe Typekit which is available through Adobe Creative Cloud. Thousands of high-quality fonts and texts can be refined according to your tastes and needs. Photoshop allows you to sort and track fonts that you like for consistency, or just for convenience. Most Photoshop classes will introduce you to the text functions and how to find fonts. Though not every class will walk you through the basics of typography or graphic design, many will provide you with the tools that can help you practice on your own. Learning typography before joining a Photoshop class can help amplify the experience, and expand your use of the software.
Photo Editing
Photo Editing is a core component of Photoshop. Many tools in the application allow you to manipulate visual images. If you are proficient in image editing before taking a class, the time you spend with your instructors is more efficient. For those who do not have experience with photo editing, a Photoshop course will likely introduce you to photo editing techniques as you move through the interface, and work with the menu and tools. Because Photoshop is primarily a graphic manipulation software, images are an extremely common type of input. A lot of what Photoshop does is photo and image editing, and it is used frequently in industries and careers that depend on attractive visuals.
3D Design
With Adobe Photoshop, you can model, texture, and render 3D work. You can manipulate the lighting, move, rotate, or scale your model, and change the camera angle so that you can catch a unique view of your image. There are more advanced 3D skills that can be learned in Photoshop, so if you already have experience with the fundamental skills, you can take full advantage of the tools that they offer. Specialist Photoshop courses can provide a more in-depth review of how the application manages 3D effects, but many basic courses will only review those tools at a surface level. The more experience you have with 3D terminology, technology, and techniques, the more you can build on those skills with Photoshop to bring out the best your 3D scenes have to offer.
Special Effects & Filters
You can create special effects and filters with Photoshop. There are many filters already available with the base software, and they can be used to help clean or retouch your graphics. Filters can change the color and lighting of your graphic with a simple click. They can also greatly enhance your photos. In today’s digital age, many people are already familiar with website-specific filters. For those who spend a lot of time working with their images, filters can be a quick and easy fix to making those pictures pop. Special effects are more advanced, and may not be as intuitive to editors as filters are. Special effects allow you to blend or fade your filters. They are more technical and require a bit more work, but they allow you to do things like add backgrounds, combine different effects, and apply different filters to different parts of your image. If you have an understanding of filters or special effects before taking a course, it can open up more time for practice, but a Photoshop class will often review these two functions for those who have no experience.
Attention to Detail
Precision is needed in graphic editing and image manipulation. Photoshop allows you to check your work down to the pixel. With its zooming features, layer management, and retouching tools, you have every opportunity to edit your work until it is precisely as you want it. A Photoshop course will encourage you to pay very close attention to the details. Making a habit of paying close attention to your images can improve your overall quality of work. Those who already have good attention to detail will be able to use that skill to make minor changes that have a major impact. As you work with Photoshop, this skill will grow organically, and may even leak over into other aspects of your professional or personal life.
How Hard is It to Learn Photoshop?
Photoshop offers many advanced functions, which can make it seem incredibly complex and difficult to learn. In reality, learning the basics of Photoshop can be a relatively simple process, and you can do certain things to make it even easier. Adobe offers published manuals that walk you through the most common tools and techniques. There are guides available for those who want to learn specific functions. You can take a course, or ask a professional to guide you through the basics of the software. Having prior experience with design principles can also make the tool selection easier and more intuitive. Once you have learned the interface, you can slowly work your way from a basic understanding to full proficiency and advanced use, but getting started may not be as difficult as it initially seems. Many factors can impact how quickly you pick up the software.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Photoshop?
The amount of features and tools available through Photoshop can be overwhelming to some users. If you are also unfamiliar with general design principles or have no experience with editing software, learning those tools and their functionality may take a bit longer. As you work your way through Photoshop, you may find yourself challenged by certain features. Take Photoshop’s Pen Tool, for example. It is an infamously difficult tool to use. It allows you to draw directly in the program but must be used with several accompanying tools. Layers may also cause problems for those who have not worked with them before. Since you can edit an image by layer so that the original image is untouched, remembering what edits happened in what layers can be a hard thing to master for those who have not had the opportunity to practice. Other difficulties in Photoshop can be quite subjective, as they depend on a person’s history with design, editing software, or experiences in their field.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Photoshop?
In a few short months, you can pick up the tools that would allow you to comfortably and confidently use Photoshop. You may not become an expert in that time, but you will become proficient enough to use it for a variety of projects. This means that in two to three months, you’ll be able to navigate Photoshop’s interface and use a majority of its tools to assist with your work. It’s important to note that this is not a guaranteed time frame. There are ways to speed up the process depending on opportunities and resources. If you have the budget, you might consider taking a Photoshop class, which will provide you with a targeted curriculum, an industry professional, mentors, and peers who can help guide you through the software. Moving from beginner to advanced traditionally takes a little longer, even up to a few years. Even once you have learned all of the tools and techniques relevant to your industry, there are unique ways to use them in other industries. Overall, how quickly you learn Photoshop depends on several factors, but will take the average person 2-3 months to comfortably learn. Transitioning to an advanced or professional use of the software can take a few years. In both cases, having access to resources can significantly speed up that process.
Should I Learn Photoshop in Person or Online?
Choosing whether to learn Photoshop online or in-person is a decision that depends on many things, including your learning style, preferences, and circumstances. Different styles carry different benefits. In-person learning is the most traditional of the three formats and one that most of us have experienced at least once in our lives. This learning environment is well-structured. Being in a physical classroom can help you focus, and having direct access to both a teacher and your peers can easily fill the social component that many people rely on when learning. Networking is a natural byproduct of being in a room with like-minded individuals and can help you build professional relationships before even joining the workforce. Another benefit of in-person learning is the access to immediate feedback. Having a teacher in the same space as you can be a valuable part of correcting mistakes and improving skills. There is little flexibility with this option in terms of schedule, and accessibility can be an issue for those who lack appropriate transportation or struggle to attend in-person events.
Online learning can be slightly different, as there are two formats. Asynchronous learning deals with goals and deadlines, but allows you to work at your own pace outside of that. You may find this format less stressful if you are a self-paced learner. Because you can choose when you work on which items, you can quickly move through those topics that are too easy for you, and take your time on the more challenging concepts. This sort of class is more flexible than the other formats. It can increase your free time, allow you to balance your learning with your personal goals, and access the courses from anywhere and anytime, making things like vacation and travel a breeze. With asynchronous learning, you’re encouraged to take a guided curriculum and interact with it in your own way and your time. You can replay and review content as needed, which is often more difficult in an in-person setting if the classes aren’t being recorded. You are also more likely to be introduced to supplemental online materials and resources. This could be anything from forums to discussion boards. It is much easier to become distracted in an asynchronous course, and for those who do not have practice with self-learning and time management,
The live online format blends both in-person and asynchronous elements. The instructor will teach at a predetermined time via some online platform, which means that you get the structure of an in-person course while losing the flexibility of an asynchronous format. At the same time, because you are taking the course online, it is much more accessible, and you can choose the location that is most comfortable for you and most conducive for learning. Online courses can be more cost-effective than in-person, and you are still more likely to have access to digital resources that can make learning a smoother process. There are a variety of short courses that use the live online format for the convenience of the student, as these courses can be taken from anywhere in the world, including the comfort of your own home. When you decide which class type to take, it will be important to consider which educational components you value. If face-to-face interaction is a big consideration, in-person works best. If you need flexibility in your schedule, asynchronous may be best. If you want a combination of live interaction and an opportunity to work with digital elements, live online may be your best bet. The most appropriate format differs between people.
Can I Learn Photoshop Free Online?
There are ways to pick up fundamental Photoshop skills online. Resources like Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, Skillshare’s free Adobe Photoshop class, or even the many manuals and guides offered by Adobe can get you to a space where you’re comfortable using the software for basic projects. With enough research and time, you can also learn more advanced tools and techniques and become well-versed in the application. However, it’s important to mention that for those who want an endorsement of their skill, or who want to ensure that they have their bases covered for professional development and use, a class must be taken. Certificates and certifications are two ways that you can prove your Photoshop expertise. Many companies and careers that depend on Photoshop are hesitant to accept self-learning as a formal skill. Taking a course ensures that you are following a curriculum that can benefit you in the workplace. It also outlines for potential employers what tasks you are capable of based on that curriculum. Learning the basics of Photoshop online for free can easily transition into a successful course that can be used on official professional documents.
What Should I Learn Alongside Photoshop?
Other applications and technical skills can amplify your Photoshop abilities. It is recommended that while learning Photoshop, you also peek through Adobe’s similar and complementary software in Adobe Creative Cloud. This includes Illustrator and InDesign. Illustrator works primarily with vector graphics, whereas InDesign works more closely with publishing layouts of printed materials like books, brochures, and magazines. There is a lot of overlap in what these programs do, and because they are all under the same umbrella company, there are ways to integrate them so that you can carry your work between applications. In terms of technical skills, understanding graphic design principles like typography, color theory, balance, and composition can improve your overall designs and help you create visually appealing graphics. This is the same reason that learning the basics of photography is recommended. Once you know more about lighting, composition, and camera settings, you can take higher-quality photographs, which can not only make your editing easier but also help you become more familiar with the settings and tools that Adobe Photoshop has to offer.
Industries That Use Photoshop
Learning Photoshop can be an incredibly valuable skill for those who want to work in Philadelphia. Some of the state’s biggest industries use design software, including education and tourism. Other industries have become more prominent in the state as they have grown worldwide such as web development and design. Other opportunities are related to all industries, like advertising and marketing. Within these fields, Photoshop can be a useful tool in creating attractive, high-quality graphics. Those graphics accomplish several tasks. Whether that’s promoting a new service, creating references and resources, or just editing existing literature to make it more cohesive and brand-friendly, almost all industries can benefit from using this application to enhance their visuals.
Education
Education, specifically higher education, is one of Philadelphia's biggest economic sectors. The city is home to the University of Pennsylvania, which is responsible for over 100,000 jobs and impacts 1 in every 8 Philadelphians in terms of economic activity. Alongside Temple University and Drexel University, both prominent research institutions, the city is a central hub for networking in education. With the large university presence in the city, education has become an outstanding part of the culture and regularly relies on applications and software like Photoshop to create clear and comprehensive resources for students and city members alike.
In education, Photoshop is used in several ways. For those who are obtaining a degree in photography, graphic design, or another art-related major, knowing Photoshop is a must. It is a fundamental tool for creating and editing digital art, images, and web or print layouts. Photoshop is also used to provide educational resources to others. Teachers can create materials like flyers, manuals, and other handouts. They can create printable presentations. They can also build tutorials for students. When you offer engaging materials, learning is more intuitive and overall easier. Photoshop is one way to make sure that the literature being dispersed in a class is appropriate, clear, and appealing to its audience.
Art & Illustration
Philadelphia ranks among the top cities whose economic growth and activity is driven by the arts. Being one of the oldest cities in the United States, there is a lot of history and culture that leads to self-expression and exploration of the arts. There are many galleries, theatres, studios, and other cultural spaces that host a variety of artists, and encourage visitors and community members to engage with the many artistic opportunities that exist. Photoshop’s versatility works perfectly for any artist. It can accommodate digital painting, illustration, concept art, storyboarding, and even photo manipulation. Many features are attractive to those creatives who work with graphics of any sort. As Philadelphia continues to grow as a supportive environment for its artists, Photoshop continues to act as a tool for those looking to push the boundaries of their craft and bring their visions to life.
Web Design & Development
Photoshop has a unique role in web design and development. It allows you to experiment with many visual elements, including color, shape, and typography. This application is not only used to create one-off images like logos or banners but can be used on more advanced projects, like creating a blueprint for the way you want your website to look. It’s difficult to make an intuitive design with attractive elements. Font and typography make a big difference in how accessible and readable your website is. Photoshop has a large font library that you can choose from, and when your graphics are finished and ready for use, there are several formats that you can save your images in. This includes PNG, JPG, JPEG, and otherwise. There is even a ‘save for web’ option. Photoshop continues to be the industry-standard software for those who are managing graphics. As it can be seamlessly integrated with other Adobe software geared towards web designers and developers, like Adobe XD and Dreamweaver, designers will have an easy time implementing new designs effectively across different platforms.
Advertising & Marketing
Philadelphia is a top tourist and destination spot. This makes it a prime area for advertisements and marketing. It is not only the fourth largest media market in the United States but it is considered one of the best cities to visit in the country. Companies and businesses want to take advantage of the engagement they can get from putting up billboards, handing out flyers, sticking up posters, or joining networking events. With Photoshop experience, you can help create literature and marketing or advertising materials for companies that want to expand their reach. Outside of building the businesses’ branding, photo editing and graphic manipulation are incredibly useful in tailoring marketing materials to a specific audience. With this application, you can make sure that the materials are consistent, and that they are eye-catching and visually compelling. With the help of Photoshop, businesses can find unique ways to stand out against a competitive marketing landscape in a bustling city.
Photoshop Job Titles and Salaries
Photoshop is an application rather than an occupation. You can use it in any career that requires photo editing and graphic manipulation, which includes several prominent industries. Some of the higher-earning careers that use Photoshop skills include that of a senior Graphic Designer who oversees larger projects, manages teams, and makes sure that all objectives and goals are met with high-quality, consistent, and visually appealing content across different platforms. A senior Marketing Manager is similarly responsible for leading a team, and because Photoshop is such an important application in marketing and advertising, many careers in this field will require a working professional knowledge of the software. Photographers benefit from having a functional knowledge of the app at their fingertips, as it can amplify their business by allowing them to put together portfolios of eye-catching images. Other jobs may not require Photoshop-specific experience but will require knowledge of some form of photo editing software, and with Photoshop being one of the most popular, it is highly recognizable. That makes it a great professional investment.
Graphic Designer
Graphic design is a career in which you communicate with people through the use of visuals, using computer software to communicate thoughts and ideas. Many people who go into graphic design are creatives and artists. There is a need for graphic design in publishing, advertising, and other high-profile industries. A degree is useful in securing an entry-level job, but because of the creative nature of this work, a portfolio is incredibly important for showcasing your skills and improving your professional options. Graphic Design is a growing field and is expected to increase by 3% in the next decade. The average salary for a Graphic Designer in Philadelphia is $56,000. Once you have worked as an entry-level Designer, you can move your way up to the role of senior Graphic Designer and expect a sharp salary increase to $73,000 with the upper average passing $100,000 a year. The scope of a senior Graphic Designer is slightly different, in that this managerial role is responsible for keeping graphic design projects on task. They make sure that the work is high-quality and the team is cohesive.
Web Development & Digital Design
Web development is a blanket term that refers to the career of creating and managing websites. Digital design is slightly different in that you are checking websites for their usability by paying close attention to the interface, layout, and functionality. The average salary for a Web Designer in Philadelphia is $80,000, whereas a Digital Designer can make additional money at an average of $100,000 a year. These figures are impacted by experience, and different positions will have different entry-level requirements, ranging from high school diplomas to full degrees. Employment in this field is expected to grow rapidly at about 16% over the next decade. Other popular careers fall under the umbrella of web development, including user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. Both deal with specific components of digital interaction, though UI refers specifically to the look and feel of a webpage, and UX reviews your entire experience with a webpage.
Photographer
Photography offers a flexible and diverse career path for those who are looking to expand their creative horizons. Photographers who work for a company can either be salaried or hourly. Those who run their own companies and work special events are more likely to be given a one-time payment by project, which might be negotiated ahead of time, or paid on an hourly basis according to the duration of the event. Portrait photographers work directly with people to capture their personalities. Sports photographers work with athletes to help capture moments in their games. Wedding photographers specialize in capturing people’s special day. There are a variety of specialties in photography, including fashion, wildlife, and commercial photography. On average, a photographer in Philadelphia makes $40,000, though this may be increased through tips, commissions, or cash bonuses. Salary also differs depending on the field that you join, and any specialties that you have.
Art Director
Art directors work in many mediums to make sure that visual style is cohesive. These mediums include newspapers, magazines, movies, and even product packaging. Joining this field requires a degree in art or design, and having a portfolio or previous work experience can generally improve your job prospects. The average salary for an art director in Philadelphia is $133,000, well above the national average for salaries in the United States. This is a growing field, projected to increase in jobs by 6% over the next decade. Those who have previously worked as graphic designers, copy editors, photographers, or illustrators are well-positioned to find careers in this industry.
Photoshop Classes Near Me
If you’re looking to expand your horizons in the field of design, Noble Desktop offers a ||CPN548|| that covers all of the basics needed to be successful in the industry. Through this certificate course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Photoshop, which includes photo retouching, graphic creation, and image manipulation through color, contrast, and more. Instructors will teach you how to prepare your images specifically for webpages and online use, as well as use in videos and print. There’s also the added benefit of learning two complementary programs that can enhance your Photoshop experience, including a course on Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator. Upon completion of the course, you will have a solid understanding of graphic design concepts and processes and an updated portfolio for use in professional settings.
Noble Desktop also offers a certificate in Digital Design. You can learn the essentials of multiple Adobe products including Figma, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. This program can help you build your portfolio while also teaching you the basics of Photoshop, including image manipulation, photo retouching, and exporting photos for a variety of uses. By the time you leave this course, you will have proficiency in design concepts, processes, and workflows. With the practice you get in this course, you can make your modern designs look great in a portfolio and can help elevate your professional opportunities.
If you need more flexibility in your schedule, Noble Desktop offers a ||CPN714|| course. Over a few hours, you’ll be introduced to the program’s interface, and learn the basic tips and tricks to enhance and improve your photos. This short course is ideal for those who want to learn Photoshop, but may not have the time or flexibility to attend a longer course. This is beginner-friendly, and you will learn topics from retouching photos to erasing or editing unwanted elements. If you take this course you can become proficient in photo and image editing in a very short amount of time, and leave with a certificate of completion that can be added to your social networks and professional portfolio.
Certstaffix offers an Adobe Photoshop Introductory short course that comes with a certificate of completion. This course focuses on enhancing your photos with techniques, tips, and tricks that can be used on any number of graphics. Students will learn how to use generative fill to create images from scratch. They will learn how to erase, edit, replace, and repair their images, to remove any imperfections or inconsistencies. There is also a segment dedicated to exporting photos for print, web, and mobile use. Both basic and advanced techniques are included, and by the time participants leave the course, they should be confident and well-versed in photo editing, video editing, and web & print preparation of images.
Ledet hosts an Adobe Photoshop 101 introductory course. This short course will walk students through Photoshop’s interface so that they can confidently create high-quality edited photos. Other topics covered in this course include workflows as well as photo retouching, repairing, and publishing. Participants will gain hands-on experience with layers, masks, typography, and other vital tools and techniques. This is an Adobe-authorized Photoshop training center and uses official Adobe courseware and lesson files for teaching. Upon completion of the course, students will be well-prepared to edit and work on their graphics, as well as advance to complementary apps in Adobe Creative Cloud.
Photoshop Corporate Training
Corporate Training options are available through Noble Desktop. These trainings offer a comprehensive and custom curriculum for teams that want to learn a diverse range of professional skills. You can study under industry professionals who have turned their real-world experience into an opportunity for you and your business. These courses have flexible scheduling and are available where you need them, when you need them with both online and in-person options.
Group class vouchers are also available. You are eligible for a discount when you order in bulk. This is an excellent way to provide additional flexibility to your team. You choose the courses from a long list of regularly offered subjects, and they take them at their convenience. A complimentary consultation is available for those interested in discussing their training needs. If you’re looking for a comprehensive way to train your team, consider Noble Desktop’s corporate training options. For more information, email corporate@nobledesktop.com.