Ohay everyone! I recently got my hands on Photoshop and After Effects 5.5 and have never used any of the programs for anything. Aside from some basic image manipulation and whatnot, I have hardly done anything like this stuff and was wondering if anyone had any good tips (on anything you can think of) for beginners in the programs for doing any forms of digital art before I start watching some tutorials (any REALLY good tutorial sources would be nice: Youtube Channels, websites, etc...). Side note: I rarely use this section of the site so sorry if I need to have something to display in order to make a thread, so here, enjoy this kitten:
Have you used GIMP or anything somewhat related to Photoshop? Otherwise, look up some tutorials, there's a TON of stuff out there. I'd usually just use the Graphics Tutorial thread/database thing for learning basics.. That or google/stumble cross them. There are a TON of keyboard shortcuts that really prove useful/eliminate a lot of time. Otherwise, it's mainly trial and error, following guides, and developing a style you like. Photoshop can be really difficult to get used to if you have no experience with it.. but just push yourself to look at tutorials, etc. etc. If you find yourself sitting around, using the same effect over and over again in slightly different ways, then go and look up a random tutorial and try and follow it. Good luck!! And feel free to post anything you make here for some feedback Edit: Also, I found videos are nice, convenient guides. I know Miraj and Halo Orlando have some photoshop youtube videos/tutorials/time lapse-type things.
If you're looking for good tutorials and google doesn't turn much up (or you're lazy/impatient) get stumbleupon. Then set the stumble "interest" to "Graphic Design" and you'll hit so many websites with tutorials and neat stuff in no time. I've found so many awesome tiny sites that have good **** through that. I'd link it, but I fall into the latter category of people and don't feel like digging through the shitton of bookmarks I haven't organized yet.