If you’re interested in entering the wide field of graphic design, a great starting point is to begin playing with some of the industry standard programs used by graphic designers across the globe. Sure you can play around with Paint to get some of the basics down, but if you’re serious about entering the field, you’ll need to get your hands on some more intricate programs sooner rather than later. If you haven’t spent any time looking into graphic design yet, and you don’t really want to spend too much money right away, Creative Bloq provides a good list of free programs like SVG-Edit, Inkscape, Blender, and plenty others to look into. However, if you’re definitely serious about getting into graphic design, then you’ll want to get your hands on the most well-known programs around: Photoshop.
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While Photoshop is a pretty complex piece of software, the more time you spend with it, the more you’ll learn and understand. And once you feel you’ve gained enough proficiency in its use, why not try some of the following methods to earn some money with your newfound Photoshop skills.
1. Photoshop Brushes
One of the best parts about Photoshop is how flexible and adjustable it is. Photoshop users are always interested in looking for new toys and tools and modifications for the program to play with. If you have the skills and knowledge to create custom tools and, specifically, Photoshop brushes, you can make some decent cash selling your creations online. Photoshop Roadmap highly recommends taking some time to explore the sort of brushes currently available (be warned, there are a lot), and then working towards creating a much higher resolution, better quality brush. Additionally, you can build your own collection of brushes, patterns, textures, and more to play with.
2. Stock Photography
If you happen to have a passion for photography as well as graphic design, why not combine the two to make some additional income. Creating stock photos can be a great way for you to expand your own horizons and skill sets. Not only does it give you an excuse to travel around to get as many varied photos as possible, it also lets you play around with photo retouching and modification at your own pace on your own time. Once you’ve managed to create a good folder of possible stock photos, you need to find a site that will buy them. Tricky-Photoshop suggests visiting sites like istockphoto.com, shutterstock.com, fotolia.com, and depositphotos.com, when trying to sell your work.
3. Create Tutorials
If you are a quick learner and have discovered everything Photoshop can offer you, why not put your knowledge to use and create tutorials for beginners? The specifics and detail of the tutorials you write are mainly up to you, but Power Home Biz states that you can make anywhere from $10 to $100 from selling tutorials to various sites. Though the actual fee you get is usually based on the quality and length of the tutorial, whether it’s written, video, or in some other format.
4. Post-Production Retouching
If you’re interested in further honing your photo retouching skills and making even more money from them, you should look into post-production work. A good way to turn your Photoshop retouching skills into profit is to find an established photographer and partner up with them. They take the photos and deal with the clients while you do all the touch-ups and effect work in post-production. In fact, according to Advanced Photoshop, Scott Kelby, the founder of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) states that developing your retouching skills is one of the best ways to make a living using Photoshop. Just make sure you’re good at retouching blemishes, hair, and other problems alongside creating and adding effects.
5. Web Design
This method of using Photoshop is potentially one of the most lucrative, but at the same time, it’s likely to require the most effort and time put into it. Additionally, if you wish to become a full-fledged web designer, you’re going to need to learn to do more than just use Photoshop. You’ll need to learn some programming languages, how to optimize a site properly for PC and mobile, and a host of other necessities. However, as Street Directory states, web design is a skill that’s in great demand and it’s one that can earn you a lot or a little depending on how well-rounded your skills at it are.
There are other ways you can earn money using Photoshop. You just need to look around and be creative in your usage of the program. Design marketplaces like Designhill can offer you unique options in the form of design contests. You can earn from Photoshop design through Designhill and other marketplace sites though bidding on client contracts with your work. So if you feel you’re especially skilled at Photoshop, try signing up for some of those online contests and see if you can win the client.
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