From the day I was introduced to Adobe Photoshop back in 1999, I was hooked. It’s one of the tools of the trade that can keep me up till 3 am with a caffeinated energy drink, playing air guitar when I make creative headway on a client’s project.

The software keeps me humble with its vast complexity, and there’s just SOMETHING about watching a concept come to life that brings an indescribable sense of accomplishment. I do believe if clients witnessed my energy level during a “cranking night” (that’s a 2E reference), they might begin to look at me differently.

On February 19th Photoshop turned 20. When I first discovered the program (version 4.0 to be exact) it had been around for 10 years. It was one of the first software packages that my creative soul quickly identified with while studying Mechanical Engineering. Woah, what? Yes, Engineering. Thank goodness I trusted my intuition back then. Don’t get me wrong, the Engineering field is highly respectable and there are some super smart people in that field. However, I would be lost and have little drive without this industry.

A one time colleague of mine over 8 years ago described his Photoshop love in 3 effortless words…

“It’s like therapy”

He was right. For someone to lose themselves in a computer program for hours means focus. Focus means a clear head, a cleared head produces work (in our case at least). Once the swirling ideas in our conscious (and subconscious) reach the Photoshop canvas and we’re at a logical break point, our deeply rooted imagination itch is brought serenity. We can step away from the screen and simply feel, better.

Photoshop is a constantly evolving tool for creative professionals that has kept me on my toes and consisently provides new ideas, tips and methods for accomplishing today’s web, video, print & branding challenges. I believe even the most skilled Photoshop users in the world are still learning on a periodic basis. The program is deep, like my love for it.

Anyways, enough of this love fest before my dogs catch wind of it and become jealous. Below is a collection of case studies, online resources, personal tips & random things I’ve had archived.

Handful of Photoshop Tips & Resources

• PSDTuts.com Photoshop tutorials galore – some extremely great content here
• FI case studies on their work for Porsche. I have mad respect for this company and their talent: http://www.kontain.com/fi/entry/89/54886
  
• DIM (“Design-in-Motion”) is an Ericism I coined many years ago. I first learned of the concept from a college instructor. Typically I’ll have over 15 different .PSDs by the time I finalize a composition. “SAVE AS” often people. Explore new creative ideas with each new document. You can always revert to a different concept and re-build on top of that if your current direction isn’t flowing. Enjoy the process! Some of my best ideas happened by accident through turning on/off layers from various DIMs and randomly moving elements around. Plus, it’s fun to look back at previous versions and have“What in the world was I thinking?!” moments
• Get a large monitor! I have a Gateway 30″ and the resolution offers numerous advantages for Photoshop users. Seeing an entire web comp at 100% and more of my layers, brushes, & history palettes screams productivity
• Speaking of large monitors, here’s some desktop wallpaper inspiration for all resolution types
• You like shortcuts? How about ‘dem shortcuts?!
• Ah, this is a fun one: Photoshop Disasters
• Name layers. Create folders. Have a hierarchy! I’m very systematic when it comes to my layers (I was traumatized by an old boss who rarely named his). I personally feel that I spoil our developers with how clean my files are. Right guys?!
• I just found this the other day: Free Photoshop Brushes. Never underestimate the power of presets. You can pretty much get any kind of brush, shape, pattern or texture within 5 minutes of a good search (for free)

Happy belated birthday Photoshop! You…complete me.