Selecting a shape was so easy in Illustrator…just click and go. In Photoshop selecting pixels or specific parts layers can be a skill that separates you from other beginners. Learn the basics of Photoshop selections in this quest.

Quality selections or lack of quality selections are the most common reason someone will look at a photoshop design and say it looks really fake (amateur). Great selections hide the cookie cutter looking “collages”…not what we want. This is just an intro to selections as you get comfortable with the basics. There are MANY ways to do these we will focus on a few.

You should download these sample files to follow along | 1 | 2 |

Watch these videos to gain a basic understanding of creating selections. Be sure you are logged into your Lynda.com account as some videos will be from Lynda.com courses.

Completion: Watch all videos and add your detailed notes to your blog post at the end of this quest. Screenshots will make easy work of demonstrating your understanding. Once you have documented your understanding of selections you may claim completion.

This next tool is slightly different in the new version of Photoshop. You can still follow along but use the button titled “Select and Mask” rather than “Refine Edge.” It looks a little different but has all the same options plus more in the newer version. Its an important tool to learn even though it can be challenging or frustrating at times. You would learn more about this if you choose to continue on in stage 3. Feel free to ask questions about this one!

Completion: Add documentation of your new skills to the Blog Post below. You may then complete this stage.

Keep up your momentum as you become familiar with the Photoshop Basics.

While you now have an understanding of what selections are, you still have a ways to go for mastery. You don’t yet know how to create the truly accurate and versatile selections that are possible. These are the selections that can really empower an artist. Its your option to move on now, but it is highly recommended that you earn mastery for this quest.

Mastery Options:  recommended not required

You may work on either of these optional courses that are up to date options for more detailed selection skills, I would recommend downloading the exercise files with the course of your choice–

• Mastering selections in Photoshop CC – complete at least chapter 3 and 4 or more to claim this stage. Master Photoshop’s selection tools to gain precise results when compositing or performing advanced image alterations. 
• Photoshop CC Essential Training – Chapter 9 Making Selections – Photoshop CC Essential Training: The Basics filters out the noise and complexity so that you understand the basic features and concepts you need to use Photoshop effectively, whether you’re a photographer or designer.
• Photoshop CC 2017: One on One – Chapter 9 Making Selections – Deke McClelland takes you on a personalized tour of the basic tools and techniques you can use to make great images and graphics. 

If you finish the above additional work from Lynda.com you certainly deserve this major loot award, but don’t  forget to document your new skills on on your Photoshop 101 page.

Completion of the above Extra Mastery means you deserve this reward.

You have a major edge over your classmates as your understanding of what advanced selections can be is extensive…but realize there is a lot more available at Lynda.com if you want it someday!