Guide for imaging n00bs on importing and working with images in Corel/Photoshop?

PatlaborUnit1 wrote:

I have played with the program for about 4 or 5 hours and got no results at all of anything like what I wanted…

Don't expect quick results—this is a complex tool. Like all power tools, it enables you to screw something up far more efficiently than you could ever do it by hand…

PatlaborUnit1 wrote:

I  have never been one to learn just by playing with a program, I need the step by step focus to get started...

I was that way too, with graphics software. But you must realize that this is the single, biggest obstacle in your way. Once I got past that, I made rapid progress.

You do need a "toehold" though. Just don't expect to get the results you want right away. It's like learning to ride a bike—you have to skin your knees enough to make the thing work right…it's a blood sacrifice thing…

I know what you mean. They go "Go here, click this, and wham bam boom" and you're still going "go where?". 

If it's a hand-me-down program, it's likely an older version. Search Amazon for used books. Sometimes you can get the right book for a couple of bucks. IE Photoshop 6 for Dummies is available for $1.49 + $3.49 shipping. For $5 it might be worth buying. I certainly wouldn't shell out $30 for a new one!

Thanks for the replies guys. the program was a gift from my sister in law who is a graphics professinal who makes billboards and she uses it all the time, but when she has demonstrated how to do things, its way over my head and far too fast.  I have played with the program for about 4 or 5 hours and got no results at all of anything like what I wanted, so I was getting really frustrated.

 Ill check the library, its not very  "local" for me, so I can only hope they have something like that that makes it worth the drive for me.  Otherwise I'll look around for some of the other books and forums suggested.  I  have never been one to learn just by playing with a program, I need the step by step focus to get started...guess its because Im a real latecomer tocomputers.

 Thanks for the help guys

David

Go to your local public library and get a "Photoshop (and/or) CorelDraw for Dummies" book. I know Ross said to not waste your money on books, and he's right, but the Library is free. The learning curve for Photoshop is almost straight up for the beginner, and the above mentioned books at least gets you moving through some basic commands. People make fun of the "for Dummies" series, but the series is written using humor and plain language and gets you past the jargon. Once you leap the hurdle of actually using Photoshop you'll find that the book won't be needed. That's why I say get if from the library!

You can also try http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Photoshop/1 and http://www.huntfor.com/design/tutorials/coreldraw.htm . 

Good Luck! 

 

You're not alone! I too am just learning how to use the Adobe products, my other half uses the stuff as part of her business but when I need something done does not necessarily coincide with her schedule so I am learning how to do it for myself. Two books that seem to be very helpful are the Photoshop CS Bible and Adobe Creative Suite Bible, both available at most larger bookstores. I use them as references for the tough spots, otherwise I use the program exploring and learning as I go. It can be fun!

David,

I used to be a partner in a now defunct CG site. First, best advice: Don't let the software intimidate you! It seems overwhelming at first, and the learning curve is steep—but fun.

Adobe Photoshop documentation is probably better than almost any software documentation I have ever seen, for any program, anywhere. Adobe also has forums, IIRC, but if not, many graphics arts  sites have forums specific to photoshop, and often are quite friendly to total noobs. Don't waste  your time or money on books that tell you how to use the software—Adobe's documentation is better and free.

Before you try doing a tutorial, or even as you are doing a simple one, experiment with the various tools in the software to see what effect they have. This is absolutely the best way to learn. The experimentation will lead you to specific questions like: "What the heck is a gamut warning?" or something similar, which you can go to a CG forum and ask.

It's been years since I was involved with the online community, but here's a link to an About.com site that might prove useful. Also, Robin Wood is a very good professional artist whom I know personally, and she has some good photoshop tutorials on her site. 

You can also ask questions in the Painting or Decaling forum. If I see them and know the answer, or part of it, I'll reply.