Opening Photoshop for the first time feels a bit like Luke venturing in the cave on Dagobah – unknown, slightly scary, and you know you may bump into Darth Vader at any minute. Okay, maybe not that last one…but it can be overwhelming to start using Photoshop!
What tools do you actually need?
How in the world do you figure out how to do what you need to?
And what the heck is a layer mask anyway?!
Never fear, young Photoshop Jedi-in-training! I have some tips for you to get started in Photoshop, plus a free resource at the bottom of the post that will get you creating in no time.
1. Be Willing to Learn
When it comes to new programs, some people have the attitude of, “I can’t possibly learn how to do that.”
One of the most valuable skills you can cultivate in your life is the willingness to learn new things. And guess what? The more you do it, the easier it gets! So dive in, get started, and don’t be afraid to learn new skills.
2. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the tools
I’ve been using Photoshop since high school, and there are still some tools that I just don’t use in Photoshop. Don’t feel like you have to know everything before you get started. Start with what you know, and go from there! (And I have a resource at the bottom of this post to help you get started with that!)
3. Learn the shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are your friend! They may be a little clunky to learn at first, but you’ll be able to work so much faster in no time. The bonus? A lot of these shortcuts work across the different Adobe programs, so this will pay off when you need to work in another program.
4. Keep your resolution high
One big mistake people make when they get started in Photoshop is not creating their images big enough or high enough quality. It’s always better to start big and scale down later. I’ve never regretted creating a big image – but I’ve definitely regretted making an image too small!
5. Use templates to work faster
This is one my favorite things to do in Photoshop, and it saves me so much time. I have templates for everything imaginable – pin images, pin collages, Facebook ad images. It makes it easier to get creative when I have a good base to start with.
Think templates sound amazing, but not sure where to get started? No worries – I’ve got you covered! You can grab a free pin template here. And I’ll also send you a short video showing you exactly how to customize and use it.
