Just what I needed
I'm finally learning to design with Adobe after completing 'Adobe's Classroom in a Book for Photoshop CS3'. I had a general understanding of how all the parts work, but not a clue where to start in creating something. Derek Lea's book, 'Creative Photoshop' was the perfect next step. I am completing each chapter using my own images instead of the one's he provided and I am actually learning how to do it. What I especially appreciate, is that this author includes all the steps you need to complete each project. I have started other books and gotten stuck because they have either left out steps or assumed I knew more than I do.
A wonderful book
This is a wonderful book. Lea knows Photoshop well enough to produce anything he can imagine, and the man has a great imagination! He wields the Gradient tool like a painter uses a brush, and exercises blend modes to the max. And that's just a tiny part of what he shows how to do in this book. Reading the book is like taking a master class in the studio.
He has a wonderful way of teaching. For instance, in some places he starts right out and leads the reader step-by-step through a process, but then stops and encourages a look back, a mental synthesis of what has been accomplished and how it worked. So you get the pleasure of the accomplishment right away, but you also end up knowing what it was you just did - helpful, of course, if you ever want to go back and use the techniques in your own work.
If you're an expert, you can get a lot out of the book, just by reading and looking at the pictures. If you're intermediate in your Photoshop experience, working through the examples with the files Lea has included should be a great education. If you're a motivated beginner, the book may require a bit of a stretch as you read and work the examples, but I think you'll find it well worth the time invested.
Cool... depending on who you are an artist or a photoshop user to begin with...
I picked up Martin Evening's book on Photoshop for Photographers from this series and I was just blown away with how good it was, so I picked up this one thinking it would help me expand my artistic side. I wasn't as excited. It's not that there is anything wrong with this book, it's just a little misleading I think from some of the descriptions I read prior to purchase. This book is GREAT if you are an artist by nature already and want to transition into a digital work flow. It will have you doing cool stuff in no time at all. It will teach you all photoshops tools and how to use them to make art. However, if you are already pretty good on the digital illustration side already and were hoping to expand your artistic techniques and skills, aka just get more "creative", and this is where I am, I know photoshops tools and shortcuts inside out, then you might be a little let down. There's just more of a focus on using the photoshop tools to make art, such as refining the brush tool options to get a realistic brush stroke, than on artistic concepts like doing better, more realistic shading or how to inspire yourself to make more creative art. Don't get me wrong - there's some great artwork and ideas in here, but you don't need to buy a book to see great inspiring artwork (the internet has plenty)... So, it's either great or just good - ask yourself where you are and go from there.
Fantastic Book
One of the best Photoshop books I've seen recently. Engaging artwork, nice writing, technically sound [and pretty advanced]. 5 stars without hesitation.
Run don't walk to buy this title
I have never met a Photoshop book that has enraptured me like this one. This guy is fantastic, he brings a new look to the power of Photoshop. I don't know a Photoshop user who won't be challenged and inspired by this book. It encompasses everything from collage and montage to painting and vector drawing and in a very accessible way. It's a winner it should get 6/5 stars.
(7 reviews)
