Let me tell you... Photoshop is an experience. Between InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, I consider Photoshop one of the most difficult to navigate. That being said, I've also found it to be one of the most useful.
I found myself becoming a bit frustrated throughout the design process. InDesign and Illustrator are extremely similar, but Photoshop is a beast of its own accord. As mentioned in my previous blog post, it's important to have a bona fide idea with where you'd like your design to go when working with Photoshop. I found that deleting mistakes was difficult at times.
Photoshop creates through the usage of new layers. If you add text to your template, that would be considered a new layer. If you add a picture or shape, this would also be considered a layer, and so on and so forth. Keeping your layers organized makes it easier to make adjustments during the process of creating something new. This tool also enables the creator to manipulate the placement of various elements on the page. For example, you can place text in front of a picture by using your mouse to click and drag the text box layer above the picture's layer. Once you've mastered this, it becomes significantly easier to make changes to your page.
Also, approach the program with an open mind. There exists so many features and capabilities that it's impossible to learn them all at once. Stay curious, and keep asking yourself how you can elevate your design to the next level.
My direct mailer (pictured below) is my final product for OU Recruitment Services. With this design, I wanted to work on playing with depth and more color. The University of Oklahoma's official colors are crimson and cream, so I thought it would be appropriate to emphasize crimson, especially. Because this handout was designated to the parents of prospective students, I opted to take a more logical and formal approach.
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