Reproducing a beatiful slide

[inspiration4day]

I want to learn photoshop by myself and i've read that the best way to learn any skill fast is by working on a project which aims at learning some specific skills so i decide to reproduce a very beatiful slide (which is definitely done by photoshop). The problem is I don't know where to start, which tool to use ...
So if you can, please give me some guidelines on how to reproduce as precisely as possible slides below

[IamSam]

Hi I4D,

The images you have posted all require different techniques, all of which are fairly simple. Pick the one you most want to learn and someone here will guide you through the process.

The first and third images would be the easiest. The second and fourth require a little more work.

[Remote-Medic]

Here's a quick example of the first one:



I found an image of a glass, used a layer mask to add transparency. Gradient background with text over the top. Used the warp tool to warp the text and added bubbles with a brush.

The skull image is a skull x-ray with the brain added, again basically you can use any image of a brain and hit ctrl+i to invert it. Sometimes this will give an appearance of an x-ray.

The question mark image is a question mark with bevel and emboss, shaded with a gradient overlay and the water drop added.

[ibclare]

I want to learn photoshop by myself and i've read that the best way to learn any skill fast is by working on a project which aims at learning some specific skills so i decide to reproduce a very beatiful slide (which is definitely done by photoshop). The problem is I don't know where to start, which tool to use ...
So if you can, please give me some guidelines on how to reproduce as precisely as possible slides below

"I've read that the best way to learn any skill fast is by working on a project which aims at learning some specific skills"

" The problem is I don't know where to start, which tool to use ..."

No kidding.
You can't walk into a PS project and just get a few instructions for god's sake. Sure, it's best to learn by doing. But . . . you have to know the basics first. Do you know what a layer mask is or how to use it or even how to add it to a layer?

R-M says
"I found an image of a glass, used a layer mask to add transparency. Gradient background with text over the top. Used the warp tool to warp the text and added bubbles with a brush.

The skull image is a skull x-ray with the brain added, again basically you can use any image of a brain and hit ctrl+i to invert it. Sometimes this will give an appearance of an x-ray.

The question mark image is a question mark with bevel and emboss, shaded with a gradient overlay and the water drop added."

How much of that did you understand?

Start with the basics. You have to learn to walk before you can run . . . much less fly!

[Remote-Medic]

Sorry, have I done something wrong here?
I assumed the OP had at least some basic knowledge

[Inkz]

For me, the best way to learn Ps...

Is, get to know your tools first. Then you will have a better understanding on how to do simple projects.

[ibclare]

Sorry, have I done something wrong here?
I assumed the OP had at least some basic knowledge

There is no wrong, unless you flame or get really graphic. The issue to me is, "I want to learn photoshop by myself. The problem is I don't know where to start, which tool to use ... " It sounds like someone who has no basis in PS. When I quoted you I was demonstrating some of the principles that are not learned in the first week or two of using the program. I wanted to guage the skill level when I asked if she/he understood. Nah, your advice was right on. Sorry I wasn't more clear.

[Remote-Medic]

Is cool and I agree, guess I should have read the OP a bit better because now reading back, I am not sure what level they are at and so as you have mentioned; how do I know they know what layers are etc.

Oh well lol guess we will see if the OP returns hehe

[IamSam]

I do agree with Clare and Inkz. I picked up on this from the post and this is why I wanted the OP to choose one of the images and we could walk them through the process.......step by step.

[inspiration4day]

First, thanks for all your support!

Let me clarify something . I DO have some basic knowledge (@remote medic: I DO know how to add a layer so... ). Even it maybe not enough but if you can point it out I can learn it in hours by tutorial videos which can be easily found in youtube. (and that's the way I learn some of my "basic")


One thing I need to clarify here is I don't learn Ps to become a "master" or a professional designer, it'll take ~ 10000 hours. I ONLY want to learn Ps to help me create a more professional presentation. In other word, I learn Ps for a SPECIFIC purpose. Because of that the number of skills and techniques I have to learn will decrease, with that is the amount of time I have to spend.

The problem is I don't know what is ESSENTIAL to learn and what I can bypass. That's what I seek for through this topic. I need just a few guidelines from you in which specific tools to use, the way to use that to reproduce those slides exactly. After that?... BINGO! I just have to focus all my time and effort in them then i'm good to go.

Some of you may wonder why my approach is somehow weird (you don't know "ALL" the basic? so what the hell you're doing here? Grab a book....etc... ) But my purpose of learning photoshop is to test and refine my method of learning a skill so that I'll be good at whichever skill I need in 2-3 months at max. The application of a methodical approach is enormous. Imagine you can learn programming or copywritting or some desirable skills in a very short time... It'll get you a huge advantage against your competitors.

I think you had better understanding about this thread So can you help me in remainning slides? (Special thanks for IamSam and remote medic)

P/s: @ibclare: I agree that "You have to learn to walk before you can run " But if you have a RIGHT purpose with RIGHT approach, you can hit your goal with much shorter time or even learning MIT's 4-year curriculum for computer science in just 12 months (search scott young if you're interested and also cal newport, the philosyphy about learning and creating a remarkable career of these two people will make a very big impact on the perspective of you all)