PHOTOSHOP LAYERS AND MASKS, THE KEY TO CREATIVITY.

Layers are the control center for almost everything you do in Photoshop. Layer features can appear complex and confusing. In these practical and fun lessons, you will realize that Layers and Masks don’t have to be difficult.

Rather than merely listing off features, we present real-world projects where we will put all these features to use. As you work your way through the inspiring projects, you’ll learn all the features, but more importantly, you’ll learn where and how to use these techniques as well as why.

If you are new to Photoshop, the first few lessons will explain the basics, so you don’t get lost when we dive into the projects. If you already know these basics, jump right into the projects.

By the end of this training, you will be very comfortable working with layer, layer masks, blending modes, adjustment layers, smart objects, clipping groups and a whole lot more. You will also learn how to combine images and blend them together seamlessly. If you have ever wanted to create collages, web graphics, magazine art, brochures, posters, NFTs, or just cool art for fun, this is the place.

What sets this training apart, is the almost 30 years of Real-World experience your instructor, (Colin Smith) has from working as a commercial Photoshop artist/Designer. You have probably seen his work in magazines, ads, billboards, websites and more. Colin is the real deal, but he also loves to teach, and paces the content in a way that you can follow along and understand. These is no gibberish jargon here, just practical, conversational instruction.

This course will help you to understand how to approach creative tasks in Photoshop with confidence. You will be happy with the results. You’ll learn how to get the highest quality results in a fraction of the time.

All the images used are included, so you can follow along step-by-step.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Layer Basics:
How layers work

Layer Mask basics
Learn the basics of how layer masks work

Layer Mask basics 2
Deeper into layer masks and controlling mask transparency

Smart Objects
Why you should use Layer Masks

Blending modes
Understand the different Blending Mode groups

Hide white or black
Hide paper without selections

Clipping Groups
Constrain anything to the transparency of another layer

Photo collage
PROJECT. Break a photo into pieces in this creative project

Blend if
How to hide backgrounds without selections. Cutout without cutting out

Straighten circle
Prepare an image for a brush or pattern

Seamless patterns
High Tech backgrounds and more

Grungy distressed brushes and type
Get that distressed effect on anything with these custom brushes you will create

Photo edges
Add high energy edges on your images

Frames
How to put a face in a circle and more

Roll your own textures
Make highly useful, reusable overlays

Reusable signature watermark
Add a signature or watermark to your art or Photos

Colorize black and white
Turning black and white line art into color

Working with hand drawn art
How to clean up scanned art

Polaroid effect
PROJECT. Make a photo look like a Polaroid print

Create a collage
PROJECT. Put what you have learned together, to make a multi Layered Collage

Double exposure Effect
PROJECT. Put what you have learned together, to make a cool Double exposure effect

Bonus Layer Masks
Simple Layer Mask Basics in a simple project, to recap the basics, if you need it.

All instructors images included so you can follow along.

PDF Table of Contents and Blend Mode notes included