about training for CS2

[solti]

Hi,

I bought a new computer and the salesman convinced me to add Photoshop CS2 to the deal. I have previously worked a lot on my old computer with (lo and behold!) Photoshop 5.5. I feel I know it as good as a hobby enthusiast needs to, but I am not a pro (nor do I need to be). I admit I bought CS2 more for being uptodate with software and from the *feeling* I was missing out on features rather than *knowing* it to be so.

Now, I guess a lot of things have changed since 5.5 so I wonder if I will be ok with just the manual or if I should get something else as well for training purposes (bear in mind, this is a hobby endeavour and I am not setting out to work professionally with PS, just build my personal websites and making hobby graphics). But since it took me 5 years to find out how to create a square wich is not filled but simply stroked (I never understood that I should be reading about stroking paths, I was just angry there was no 'create non-filled square' tool), I would like to avoid similar restraints on my creativity when switching to CS2. This anecdote may indicate a very superficial knowledge of 5.5, but I think rather that my problem is that since I never bothered trying to learn 5.5 from the beginning (since I am just a hobby enthusiast) I know some things quite well, but there are also elementary things that I ignore.

I saw a great deal on ebay for the CS essential training dvd, which was so cheap I consider buying it, because I have not found any deals on the training dvd for CS2, and I certainly won't fork out the retail monies for it, I am not that keen on learning. But would this be stupid, I mean using CS-training material to get to learn CS2?

Or should I rather get for instance Sams Teach Yourself CS2 in 24 hours (or a more substantial book)?

I guess video or book is a personal like/dislike issue but I have no experience with any PS training material apart from the manual for 5.5, so I can't really tell which training suits me, hobby enthusiast as I am.

Any general comments on this, guys and gals?

Thanks a lot!

P

 

[Joy Foraker]

I'm going to send your question to one of our members, Ammar Midani, who is a three times ACE (Adobe Certified Expert). I have a lot of confidence in his knowledge of Photoshop = all versions.

 

[lasa]

5.5 to CS2 is a huge step...

I personally prefer the books. This way I have them available if I need to do something in particular, I look it up...I can read about my problem at Starbuck, at the beach or in the bathroom its all the same. I feel that PS has way to steep of a learning curve try an absorb off the bat....so with a book you learn according to your current needs.
Doggy ear the book to death..

Maybe I'm wrong but it works for me.

Lasa

 

[Welles]

solti,

If you can afford it and learn by being shown, I strongly suggest Total Training for CS2. If you watch the videos and do the tutorials on the first go around and then work with the program for a while followed by another viewing, more work and another viewing etc. you will maximize the training for each time you will learn more. In six months, if you start with some knowledge of PS already, you will achieve a startling level of growth. Beats several college courses!

http://www.totaltraining.com/

(The former is an unsolicited personal testimonial. I'm not affiliated with Total Training in the slightest.)

 

[ronmatt]

I've been working with Photoshop since it was a b/w Knoll's app. I know a lot of illustrators that have the same background in it and I think I can speak for all or most of them. You will never really learn from tutorials or books. they are guides only. It's an intuitive app. Unless you're using it solely for photo manipulation. If you're using it as a raw creative tool, then, like any other art medium, learning and technique are developed through experiment and trial and error. The step from 5.5 to CS2 is huge. Especially without going through 7, which, I believe is the benchmark version of PS. Like any other medium, don't expect any more out of it than you are willing to put into it. With diligence, it will amaze you. Also, keep in touch with forums like these. ( this one is especially friendly and informative ). As much time as I spend working with PS. I learn something here every day. Good luck with CS2, If you're an artist, you've got to have it.