Set up your Photoshop workspace and create a basic drawing

Introduction

Open Adobe Photoshop
If you don't have Adobe Photoshop you can download a free trial at Adobe.

Settings and Document Setup

Set your preferences
Open Photoshop and set your preferences for your work environment. Start by going to Edit > Preferences > General, or hitting the hot key cntrl/command + K.
Create a new file
Open a new document in Photoshop.

Exploring the Photoshop Workspace

Explore the workspace
Become familiar with the workspace. Browse through the toolbar and play with the options covered.

Working with Layers

Download the “Shape Friends” psd file
Download and open the psd file attached below. You will be using it for your project.
Experiment with the different layer options.
Execute the different masking and layering excersizes that have been demonstrated. Create new layers and fills, clipping masks, layer masks, and folders.

Selection Tools

Explore selections tools
Practice using the various selection tools. Start with the general "Move" tool and use it to move single and grouped items. Create multiple selections by using "Add Selection". Use the Elliptical tool to create round selections, or try applying a different feathering setting to round the corners of your selection tool.
Use the lasso tool
Use the different forms of the lasso tool, including: default, polygonol, and magnetic.
Become familiar with the shortcut keys for each tool, to speed up your workflow.

Drawing Tools

Draw with the brush tool
Use the brush tool to draw on your image. Try customizing your brush with the brush options tool. Remember the benefit of zooming in when drawing lines. The eyedropper tool is helpful in selecting colors.
Use the pencil tool
Use the pencil tool to draw. Get familiar with shortcut keys for each tool to speed up your workflow. Use the bucket tool to fill in and shapes that you make, or color them in by hand.
Photoshop shortcuts
Share your drawing
Upload and share the drawing you made with your classmates. Explain which tools you used to create it.

Alejandro Llaque

15