Mastering Photoshop

I just started using Photoshop and already mastered the basics such as tools, layer concepts, and blending modes but I still don’t know how to really make good objects such as a Logo. I’m trying to master web and graphic design in Photoshop. How long did it take you guys to master it and any tips to getting better at it?

Generally I would consider Illustrator better for logos.

I’m not sure anyone ever masters it. You just learn more as you go (or if you’re like me, you don’t learn at all. :stuck_out_tongue: )

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I use Fireworks.

I believe that with the arrival of things like SVG, CSS gradients and RWD, Photoshop is becoming less relevant in the world of web design. Gone are the days of creating those 1px background gradient maps and designing a pixel-perfect page layout, then slicing it up into web-optimised image files.
For me, the clue is in the title. Photoshop is best suited to working with photographs and the like, which is mainly what I use it for.
That’s not to say it’s exclusively for that. There may be some web graphics where it suits. Like for textures and patterns, particularly if you are going for a more natural, organic or grungy look.
But for more the common, crisp, clean graphical styles, vector graphics are the way to go. SVGs are perfect for things like logos and icons on the web, being resolution independent and super lightweight. When in-lined they can take on some level of interactivity, being assigned css styling to alter properties which can allow things like hover effects for example.
I have pretty much weeded out all PNG graphics for logos and icons in favour of SVG.

So for logos, you really should be looking at vector graphic software like Illustrator, Sketch or whatever.
And of course keep Photoshop to hand for re-touching and optimising your photos.

As with most things, you gradually become less terrible at it. :wink:

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Hey! I’d imagine maybe 1-2 years of solid use to get anywhere close to mastering photoshop. Although I would recommend using these shortcuts for the program, as it cuts down the time and effort… making things so much easier! Is it just for a hobby?

Good graphic design is independent of Photoshop. They are principles used to make the design communicate the message.

Here is a sample series on graphic design principles (navigate page to page through link at top). You will never really master them apart from putting the principles into real projects.
http://www.killersites.com/magazine/2010/fundamentals-of-graphic-design-part-1-alignment/

Just think… you are going to make a logo for food company… So, you can add there some things related to food, color or anything else that provides the company’s goal. It depends on your creativity or sometimes they can provide you the information for making a logo…

When you think about Master, My answer is same from ralphm , It’s up to you. Just learn various techniques of using tools. I prefer Illustrator, Because, there is a number of resources can make you master on Logo Design like your experience in Ps. :slight_smile:

You are mixing up two different things, two different skills. Mastering Photoshop and being creative are two different things, two different skills. For instance, you might be given a pencil and master using it, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be a master of comic book drawing – that’s a different skill. Don’t confuse the tool and the creative skill needed to use it. I know how to use the dictionary to look up words – I even know how to spell words correctly – but that doesn’t mean I have the skill to write a good murder mystery. Different skills.

To be creative requires learning the elements of creative graphic design. I gave some links on this page for examples of those principles. Also, pay close attention to today’s images and how they implement those principles, and you’ll get further along with the graphic design aspect.

I know a thing or two about calligraphy. I can do some nice lettering projects in pen and ink. But the project is elevated when I apply graphic design principles and arrange my letters accordingly. Different skills, but they work together.

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