Gradient Layer Affecting Whole Canvas

[IamSam]

Maybe you could create a new project with only 2 artboards exactly like your heart examples above and post the PSD file!! That might help tremendously and be much easier than trying to explain!

Here's mine where I followed your instructions and screen shots of your layers panel. Artboard 1 copy has had it's Gradient adjustment layers-layer mask filled with black, and then inverted. As you can see the gradient is confined to the artboard, but not the heart shape.

 

[Magicmango238]

the gradient is set to 'hue' it's purpose being an overlay to color the below layers

The left is confined using the invert / method. The right gradient is spread throughout the whole document and not confined, hence why only the top of the gradient shows

Both are set to 'hue'

 

[IamSam]

Both are set to 'hue'

There we have the unknown factor that I was missing!!! Thanks!! I'm letting this one go!

 

[Magicmango238]

Thanks again for all your help! Really appreciate your time