PixelCATALYST . Scribbles . Photoshop Basic Instincts

CTRL+S. All of these things that i will scribble here are in random order but if there's one tip that is the first priority, that would be to add CTRL+S to your basic instincts. Save your work every five minutes, kiddo.

Always organize your layers. Don't leave them with those stupid Layer-- names. Name each of them like they're your cherished child or pet. To save memory and space (PLUS speed), merge layers that you are _really_ sure that need no editing anymore.

Sometimes after creating an unmerged photoshop file, i save it to another .PSD file and start merging layers. This way I am able to preserve every detail of work on a different larger file while having another 'lighter' file which i tinker with from that point on. You have to sacrifice some space for this process though. But as my college comsci professor once said... "Space is getting cheap these days... yet TIME will always be gold."

Be very careful in merging layers. Sometimes details are lost when merging when layers are 'far' from each other (check the layers window). If possible merge layers when they are only a step away from each other in that 'Layers window'. If things go wrong, CTRL+Z (Undo) or the 'History window' is always there.

CTRL+E (Merge linked layers or Merge Down in PS6)
SHiFT+CTRL+E (Merge visible layers)

Another warning when merging layers, you can't merge a picture of Bush and Saddam too. Windows will automatically generate the infamous blue screen of death. MacOS can withstand the pressure though... but it automatically converts Saddam's pic into a sexy stripper after a couple of minutes.

Yup... familiarizing oneself with the shortcut keys helps a lot. Same holds true when you're playing Starcraft or Warcraft III. Even doing simple arithmetic calculations with your brain instead of pounding that calculator during examinations saves a lot of time.

Use two windows for every .psd file you're working on. One which shows the entire image and the other for your zooming work. Position them in your work space in such a way that it is easy for you to move from one window to

another. In this way you can work on the details in one window while viewing the overall effects of your tweaking with just a click of the mouse.

View » New View
Then in the Navigator window adjust the ZOOM Slider

The phrase above is misleading... but do work with large .psd files and re-size afterwards. Once reduced to a smaller size, it hides some flaws your work has (once i told someone that even perfection has it flaws) and would make things ready in case you make a poster version of your work. 'Downsizing' and applying the Filter » Sharpen... » Unsharp Mask... filter makes things crisper.

Spend some time with your artwork/project. Don't rush things just because you want to brag about it and post your artwork in the 'net. Most of the time, an artwork done in days is far better than something done in hours.

Also... just because you have a woooopin' 4.5GHz PENTIUM 5000 RIG it would make your artwork better. Hell no... even the great Michelangelo spent months inside the Sistine Chapel to finish his masterpieces (and painting lying on his back, at that). Same holds true with computer art... or any forms of art. Savour every moment you spend doing and improving your piece. Go outside and observe nature if you're not into doing it and return to your platform once the mood swings in.

This is entitled Photoshop Basic Instincts I, so expect a Part II soon. Of course if you're not new here, you know what 'soon' means. BTW... don't bother sending us e-mail asking us for the whole image of that luscious thumbnail in the upper left corner of your screen.