Like

One of the most flexible tools that can be utilized in Photoshop is the gradient-with the help of masking technique it can bring out a whole new meaning to an image. These are tiny particulars that create a fabulous design. Such detailing creates a good texture to the final result.

If a spring sale ad looks fabulous and inviting for the grab-the offer, it is thanks to some innovative gradient design. This is the power of sophisticated graphic many professionals are practicing designing that online. An advanced graphic artist who has mastered the basic level can explore the gradient design with Photoshop masking technique. They can be used for website and logo creation also. It is a natural progress for increasing the level of skill also. It’s the era of creating embellishments and upgrading photography to a competitive stage. Sometimes even when digital cameras are used for shooting subjects, noise addition, red eye and contrast elements can endanger the vital look of the shot. Post processing becomes an important activity to control the unsavory elements. Even when images are being edited, the quality needs to be maintained while the scalability is increased. Professional artists are adept at such procedures. When a masking layer is used, it should be minimal. Just because the technology offers the option of the masking technique, it cannot be over-utilized. The image may be resized in the bargain. Will this affect the final result? A careful decision needs to be taken. When a gradient design is being made can the noise be reduced from the top? What about alternate textures? Will they hamper the operative ability of the artist? Once these doubts are cleared, the actual procedure follows.

When the editor needs to make the texture over the gradient, the vector mask may be added. If the other layers are not to be disturbed then noise is used with Luminosity. If an editor uses clipping path there are chances of high contrast. The inner glow is also used to add noise. This brings the color, pattern and gradient on one level. If an editor is experimenting then he may also like to use the smart object filter option. The gradient design can be created in many other ways with masking technique. An editor needs to learn the methods correctly for effective use. Using the right quality of light and shadow also makes the final result more authentic. And that is the prime concern of every professional. This is also used for making transparent color effects. When a good job is done, the viewer’s attention is focused on the right objects, text and graphics of the picture. With the magical use of filter, render and lighting effects an optimum wave of light and darkness is captured.   Several website designs feature this gradient design with Photoshop masking technique.

Several 3-d effects can also be created with gradient tool. Many professionals who make logos in 3-d have done it with lots of firsthand experience. The gradient has to blend with the shape and this is where creativity reflects. The perfect use of transparency brings the compliments. Combining masking with gradient scale has developed as a serious graphic art for some online designers. They have been catering to many clients that need visuals with good textures very successfully.

About Author:
Atiqur Sumon
Chief Executive, DTP & SEO Expert at Outsource Experts Ltd.
Graphic Artist | Vector Mask | Photoshop Masking Technique

Like

A seasoned technician may already be aware of best ways of extraction. As beginners understand while learning they will find extraction is the best Photoshop masking technique. The following text helps new comers to identify and learn some career building skills.

In the beginning it could be a little difficult to master even a single extraction method. But as the novice understand the medium and the process; the clouds begin to clear away from the mind. Photoshop is great software to start the graphic course. Any kind of photo might reach the table. It may be much easier to extract a figure that has well defined edges or geometric shape. But if it is wild crop of hair, or a bunch of trees, there could be a challenge. Once glance will help the editor to identify which is the best method of isolation or extraction. Simple forms can be detached quickly. The Photoshop grid can be used to select the object. Depending on what needs to be extracted the degree of difficulty can be determined. Then a combination of tools like the pen, eraser, and magic wand, making masks can be applied. Even quick mask can come to the rescue for extraction. With so many solutions extraction becomes a simple process.

How can extraction be done skillfully? Take a picture that has a composition that needs to be removed. For example there is a mug of a man with a gun with a dark background of trees behind. The mug needs to be used in a different backdrop to make the figure clearer.  Try to use the lasso tool to earmark the area for extraction. Larger selections are difficult to execute. Hence choose smaller masses. This enables the editor to have a marquee selection. Copy and paste it to another file. The lasso tool may be time consuming but it gives better results. It takes longer because it is done manually. But it gives wonderful results.

The same mug can be extracted with the quick mask also. But the final output may be less than perfect. Less time will be involved in the procedure too. This is done with the brush and paint tools. If the edges are sharp, a soft eraser can be used to clean it for a better extraction. There is an option to preview it also. Make use of it to know if the extraction is being done correctly.

Extraction can also be done with the magic wand. This is also a cool method to isolate the mug from the original background and put it against another interesting one. If further skills need to be developed, then try to use the magnetic lasso. It can be done with the mouse itself. Once the subject is selected, extraction is possible.

With so many ways to achieve the target result, no wonder extraction is the best Photoshop masking technique. It is one of the quickest ways to develop a series of skills as a graphic editor. With graphic editors in demand for many sectors like ad agencies, print media, e-commerce, knowing how to do it in different ways can be a boon. Many beginners are now confident of picking up projects for photo editing armed with these simple techniques.

About Author:
Atiqur Sumon
Chief Executive, DTP & SEO Expert at Outsource Experts Ltd.
Photoshop Masking Technique | Photo Editing | Making Mask