Is Photoshop a Hard Class?

Whether Photoshop is considered a difficult class depends on the individual. Generally, it depends on the depth of study and your prior experience. Photoshop is an incredibly versatile software but has a lot of different tools, functions, and features to explore. This may require exceeding time and effort, but difficulty is still subjective. Additionally, if the class is incredibly thorough and discusses beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level concepts, it could be considered more difficult than a basic entry-level course. Still, you may likely have less difficulty if you have relevant experience (such as mastery of another Adobe Creative Cloud application). However, regardless of anything else, learning Photoshop is incredibly achievable with the right tools, resources, and mindset. 

What is Hard about Learning Photoshop?

Photoshop is a powerful software that requires users to learn a wide set of skills, tools, panels, menus, and functions. To gain expert-level skills, users should be able to create a visually appealing image that is also successful in its purpose. They should have strong creative skills as well as technical skills. However, what is difficult for one person may not be as difficult for another. It will vary from person to person, but these are a few of the most difficult aspects related to learning Photoshop that you may encounter throughout your learning journey and beyond.

Navigating the Interface

 Photoshop is a rather extensive software; this is fantastic, as it leads to the most professional-looking images possible. But, for the novice student, this can be daunting. One of the most difficult things for a novice could be simply learning to navigate the interface. This can be challenging or overwhelming for new users, particularly because there are so many different tools, menus, panels, and features. Not only will you have to learn what each feature does, you will have to learn how to access them. This can lead to a steeper learning curve overall but is manageable with the help of a Photoshop expert who can guide you through the interface and help you get familiarized.

Learning Various Tools

On the subject of tools, there are so many to learn that this can be the most challenging part of learning Photoshop. Although Photoshop’s vast capabilities and myriad tools help make images as clear, professional, and compelling as possible, there is so much to master that it can be time-consuming and difficult. However, these tools are essential as they allow users to do various editing tasks so it must be learned to use Photoshop fully. Many people would claim that Photoshop tools are not difficult to learn but may take some time to get used to before you can fully master using them. Some of the most challenging aspects of using Photoshop regarded by users include the Clone Stamp Tool, Brush Tool, Pen Tool, and working with layers.

Editing Techniques 

Because there are so many tools, there are many different editing techniques. For example, understanding how to use Photoshop’s non-destructive editing tools can be difficult. Users can use adjustment layers, smart objects, and layer masks to yield control over the edits while also maintaining flexibility and keeping the original files. Additionally, creating advanced masks and selections, particularly when editing objects with fine details such as a person’s hair or the fur on an animal, can be a tricky editing technique to master. This requires using the Pen Tool, Refine Edge, and Mask feature, which can all take time to master. In addition, the frequency separation technique can be used to maintain a smooth, bright skin texture, but is relatively difficult to grasp at first as users must learn to separate the image into low and high frequencies to adjust the image. Next is compositing and photo manipulation. This is a major part of Photoshop but blending images can be a little challenging. 3D manipulation requires a strong attention to detail and complex retouching methods such as clone stamping and the healing brush need precision and subtlety to get a professional-looking image. Although these editing techniques can be difficult at first, students agree that with ample practice and an expert instructor, it becomes less challenging over time.

Keeping Up With Updates

Adobe regularly updates software to ensure users have the most seamless user experience. Staying up to date is important but may be difficult depending on the new additions or the changes made. Using any software is a continuous learning experience due to these updates, and therefore it’s important to adapt to the changes and incorporate the differences into your new skillset. This may lead to an overload of information or require you to seek out additional resources, but software updates generally help increase the user experience and help you create the most visually appealing images. 

How Can I Make Learning Photoshop Easier?

Live Courses

Live courses are the easiest way to learn Photoshop mainly due to the interaction they provide between peers and the instructor. Having a live course means students can ask questions in real-time as opposed to over email or a chat box. Likewise, the instructor can provide feedback tailored to each student’s needs. The instructor can provide guidance, give demonstrations, facilitate class discussion, discuss any complex concepts at length, and help troubleshoot errors with the software should they arise. In addition, the courses are structured, so students always know what to expect and can easily fall into a routine. This makes entering class less scary, particularly for someone new to learning. On occasion, students may work together on projects, mimicking the collaboration process often found in the workplace. With ample instruction, hands-on projects, and sufficient interaction, live courses make learning Photoshop much easier.

On-Demand Classes

However, some may choose on-demand classes. This course option has several advantages for certain types of students. While not suitable for a beginner, someone with previous Photoshop experience may benefit from an on-demand class. This may be the easier way to learn the next level of skills in a flexible, self-paced learning option. On-demand classes are easily accessible, often low-cost, and offer various learning resources like tutorials, guides, workbooks, exercises, and downloadable handouts. Although they lack interaction and require students to learn completely on their own, this can be a suitable learning method for those who have previous experience or only need a small set of skills.

Free Resources

In addition, free resources make the learning process less demanding. They are easily accessible, either in-person or online. You can search for books, brochures, tutorials, and lectures at a local library. With a quick Google search, you can find websites, blogs, social media pages, and video tutorials to gain more experience. You can find chatrooms where you can connect with other Photoshop learners, meet like-minded individuals, and gain new perspectives from others. Plus, many free resources can serve as a continual learning tool, as Adobe and its applications are constantly evolving. This information is at your fingertips, so it is worthwhile exploring the varying resources. This is a good supplement to a live course as it can help find answers to questions, explain troubleshooting techniques, and inspire you to expand your creativity. 

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Learning how to do anything becomes easier with ample practice. To gain Photoshop skills easily and quickly, you will want to devise a strategy. If you enroll in a live course, you will have a set structured curriculum. Even outside of class, you can break down the concepts and take it step by step. Plus, in a live course, you will likely have a limited license to Photoshop. This is an ideal opportunity to practice. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to work on a project. You can edit and enhance personal photos, work on marketing projects, and explore the interface, tools, and techniques freely. You may also end up making something that can be added to our professional portfolio. Practicing Photoshop is one of the best ways to gain skills with ease as practice can reinforce and solidify your skills, build muscle memory, increase your editing speed, make you work more efficiently, help you explore creative avenues, and overall build confidence in your skills and abilities.

Best Ways to Learn Photoshop Without Difficulty

All in all, the best way to learn Photoshop without difficulty is to enroll in a live course. This is the most interactive learning environment that promotes a creative, supportive space to learn. The lessons are designed to give you as much information as possible and provide practical applications of your skills. In addition, they offer expert instruction, so you know your instructor will have plenty of experience using Photoshop. The hands-on projects make using Photoshop after the class ends achievable, as you will leave knowing how to apply your skills to personal projects or the workforce, should you choose to turn using Photoshop into a career.

Live classes are flexible, often offered in part-time and full-time settings so you can find a course that suits your schedule, budget, and learning needs. They are often scheduled for weekdays, weekends, or evenings, so virtually anyone can fit a course into their schedule. In addition, you can take an in-person class or a live online class. Both occur in real-time and have a live instructor, so you get a similar learning experience regardless of which you choose. Plus, this is ideal for those who live in remote areas or are otherwise incapable of making it to class. 

Although live classes are great for learning any skill, it is especially useful for Photoshop specifically. Photoshop is a highly visual and hands-on skill to learn since it is an image editing software. This requires a lot of interaction between the user and the software. In asynchronous options, such as an on-demand class, the hands-on skills may not be easily translated. Plus, in a self-paced option, there is a lack of feedback. Since Photoshop is such as visual skill, it’s necessary to receive constructive criticism on your work. There are many ways to learn, but live courses make the learning process less difficult and much more enjoyable.