Course Preparation

Photoshop Skill Set Self Evaluation

Please review the list of Photoshop skill areas below and note those with which you are uncomfortable or unsure.

· Navigating the work area.
· Working with the file browser.
· Working with native Photoshop files.
· Creating and saving a new document.
· The menu and status bar.
· Understanding different file formats.
· Importing and scanning images and artwork.
· Keyboard shortcuts.
· Understanding individual tools.
· The tool options bar and preset manager.
· Working with palettes and context menus.
· Working with resolution.
· Aligning images.
· Using the unsharp mask.
· Creating and optimizing thumbnails and images.
· Understanding the basics of color modes.
· The color picker.
· The color and swatches palettes.
· Using the eyedropper.
· Using the info and navigator palettes.
· Selection tools.
· Working with selections.
· Transforming selections and content.
· Understanding quick masks.
· Layers.
· Layer blending modes and opacity.
· Adding creativity with layer styles.
· Working with the history palette.
· Basic image retouching.
· Painting tools and techniques.
· Creating patterns and the pattern stamp tool.
· Gradients.
· Basic color correction and color theory.
· Working with color creatively.
· Hand-coloring images and graphics.
· Using type.
· The type tool.
· The character and paragraph palettes.
· Transforming type
· Type styles and effects.
· Using filters creatively.
· Creating buttons, photographic edges and working with actions and shapes.
· Automating tasks using actions.
· Designing creative buttons.
· Creating navigation bars.
· Creating photographic edges and frames.

I can do a complex path using the path tool’s bezel handles. Yes or No
I can make (not filter) a realistic drop shadow Yes or No
I can combine multiple layers of an image exposed in a bracket. Yes or No
I can build an action and batch actions Yes or No
I can automate actions and fill file info Yes or No

All of these tasks are used in photo retouching and in assignments for this course. Review the skills in the Photoshop manual or the help section of the program.

Being able to perform seamless tasks saves and time makes the post production less stressful and builds your battery of solutions to image clean-up.