Graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and many other creative professionals use Photoshop when they need to manipulate digital images to get the job done. But even if you’re a Photoshop pro, there are probably some things you don’t know yet.

This article discusses the seven most valuable skills for creative professionals who use Photoshop. We’ll start with layer masking, one of the most powerful tools in Photoshop’s arsenal for creative professionals.

1. Layer Masking

Applying Photoshop masking layer or layer masks helps creative professionals control a layer’s visibility, transparency, and opacity. Masking is one of the most creative techniques because it allows you to selectively apply adjustments to parts of your image.

Another primary use for layer masks is when creating desktop wallpapers, where you can use them as clipping masks to create transparent backgrounds that allow desktop icons or text to show through.

Masking is also used to composite images together. If you want to make a collage of several photos, you can use masking to create the illusion that you took each picture with the same backdrop.

2. Blending Modes

Blending modes are a way of combining layers. There are 27 different blending modes, each with its unique effect on the image. You’ll find that blending modes can help connect layers with varying types of information, creating exciting results, and even applying single ideas to multiple backgrounds.

A blending mode modifies how one layer reacts with the pixels below it in an image by changing their brightness values. You can create fantastic effects by changing how these pixels respond to one another via their brightness values.

3. Image Adjustment

Adjustment layers act as virtual pieces of glass placed on top of an image, letting light through at different levels based on how transparent or opaque you set them up. A darkening effect would make everything underneath appear darker.

These adjustments are like the ones you’d make when working with physical film negatives or prints. You can change specific parts of your image without affecting other areas. It is helpful because it gives you more control over how your final product looks by allowing you to keep specific details while adjusting others simultaneously.

4. Advanced Selection Techniques

Advanced selection techniques are some of the best ways to get the most out of your Photoshop skills. You can use these to select complex objects and areas in Photoshop. These techniques include using a quick mask, color range, refine selection, and the pen tool.

You can use advanced selection techniques to precisely select the part of an image you want without redoing a lot of work if your initial selection isn’t perfect. It can save you time and frustration, which is especially useful when working on large pieces.

5. Compositing Techniques

Compositing is the method of combining multiple images into one. You can use it to create new ideas or to combine different elements of a single image. You can use compositing in many industries, including photography, film and video production, and graphic design.

There are many different techniques for compositing, from blending layers in Photoshop or using layer masks to adding 3D objects or digital effects. Compositing is essential in post-production because it allows you to combine multiple elements into one image.

6. Photo Retouching

You may overlook photo retouching as a skill, but it’s one that Photoshop users need to have in their toolbox. Photo retouching is the art of removing blemishes, wrinkles, and other unwanted elements from an image.

You can also utilize it to enhance the appearance of skin tone. It can involve adjusting lighting, removing red eyes, and improving shadows. Photo retouching includes using the healing brush tool, the clone stamp tool, and the liquify tool.

7. Creating Vector Art in Photoshop

Creating vector art in Photoshop is essential because it allows you to create high-quality images that you can infinitely resize without losing quality. The pen tool is a potent tool that lets you create vector art right in Photoshop.

You can use it to create simple shapes or complex paths and edges, which you then convert into a shape layer in PSD format. You can operate the pathfinder tool to create compound paths, clipping masks, or custom shapes by combining two or more paths at once.

The Bottomline

Photoshop is a powerful tool for professional designers. However, the software is complex and can be intimidating when you first start using it. But with practice, you’ll be amazed at how much you can do with Photoshop. We hope these seven skills will help get you started on your journey as a creative professional using Photoshop.