Advice from Artists on Masking & Extractions

Thanks for taking the time to help me out. This is the form I mentioned in the email. I don’t think it will take more than five minutes to fill out, ten if you really get in to it!

First, a few questions about you:
Name
First Last
What skill level do you consider yourself at with regards to Photoshop in general?
What skill level do you consider yourself at with regards to extractions/cutouts/masking?
Do you ever use Quick Mask mode?
- Yes
- No
In what situations do you use Quick Mask mode?
Do you use a Photoshop plugin for selections/extractions/masking?
- Yes
- No
- Sometimes
Which Masking Plugin do you use?
If more than one, pick the one you consider your primary choice when using a plugin.
Which other masking plugin do you use?
Do you think the new Select and Mask work area introduced in the latest Photoshop CC update is a significant improvement over the earlier Refine Edge tools?
- Yes
- No
Why do you think so?
Now for some advice to Photoshop users of various experience levels.
Here are a few questions about what you would impart on someone at various skill levels.
What specific technique(s), method(s), trick(s), tip(s) should a beginner be aware of and work on?
This is someone who may need direction in what tool to use, how to use tools and with little or no real experience to draw on.
What specific technique(s), method(s), trick(s), tip(s) should an intermediate user be aware of and work on?
This is someone who is learning all the basics of selections, tools, and masks, and has some, but limited experience to draw on.
What specific technique(s), method(s), trick(s), tip(s) should an advanced user be aware of and work on?
This is someone who has all the basics down, lots of experience with a variety of extractions, but still looking to improve.
Specific Problem Areas
These are items that come up again and again, especially with beginning and intermediate users.
How do you fix a fringe or halo effect on straight or well defined edges?
(objects, body, face, clothing etc.)
How do you fix a fringe or halo effect on difficult edges?
(hair, fur)
How do you select and mask a model with flyaway hair, shot against a light background, in preparation for insertion into a new dark background (or vice versa)?
Don't even go that direction? Multiple masks for hair and body/face? Special tricks and methods?
Do you typically further refine your masks after coming out of the Select and Mask (or refine edge) workspace? If so, what are some methods you use?

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Advice from Artists on Masking & Extractions

First, a few questions about you:

Now for some advice to Photoshop users of various experience levels.

Specific Problem Areas

Information

Explore

Reach Us

First, a few questions about you:

Now for some advice to Photoshop users of various experience levels.

Specific Problem Areas

Information

Explore

Reach Us

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