Photoshop 6 Down and Dirty Tricks (Paperback)

by Scott Kelby (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
"Valuable tips infest this book like locusts from some biblical plague! A must for any Photoshop hack."

I used to think I was a fairly good Photoshop user, but after reading this book, I've come to the conclusion that I'm a moron. This Scott Kelby guy is a genius. He knows Photoshop like a vampire knows a neck, and he attacks his subject with the same gusto. The information, nay, wisdom gushes out of this book like water through a fire hydrant. It's just good!

The best part about all this is that Kelby doesn't ever put on airs. He never says, "Oh, I am the Photoshop Lord, so let me tell you the sordid history of Photoshop and pontificate at length about my many graphics arts achievements" or any of that other malarkey that a lot of those so-called expert books regurgitate. Kelby is the humble master, offering the most amazing tricks and suggestions you would never think up yourself, and doing so in a tight, well-written manner. I mean, this book reads so well that it actually made me want to subscribe to the Photoshop User magazine he edits just to read more of his stuff.

This is not a beginner's book. Don't pick it up if you're just learning Photoshop or are utterly unfamiliar with the terms. There is no handholding. There are no tedious explanations or goofy icons. It's just knowledge and wisdom written and illustrated in an appropriate and easy-to-follow manner. Even a Photoshop moron such as myself could follow the instructions and do amazing things.

The cover price may pinch you, but the information is worth it--even without the four-color illustrations on practically every page. (And the illustrations are necessary and important, not like the eye candy or silly graphics of many other four-color books.) This book reminds me of the heyday of computer book publishing way back in the late '80s: it's good, well-presented information, and it makes you a better computer user after reading it. I can't recommend it enough. --Dan Gookin

Review
...let me just say that if you use Photoshop, get this book immediately. Eat beans for a week if necessary to save enough money to get it. -- Book Review: Graphically Speaking Online Column by Dave Huss, July 31, 2000

This is one of the very best books I've seen to date on Photoshop Tricks. Do yourself a favor and add this powerhouse to your Photoshop arsenal. -- Book Review: i/us Bookstore. Review by Joyce Evans, July 29, 2000

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: National Association of Photoshop Professiona; 2nd Rev edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967985307
• ISBN-13: 978-0967985305
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,221,689 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Down & Dirty is Down to Earth, August 7, 2000

By	Patti N. (Brooksville, Fl) - See all my reviews

The author Scott Kelby certainly knows how to be down to earth in his Down & Dirty Tricks book. I found his style to be simple enough for the occasional photoshop user as well as time saving tips for the professional needing to meet tight deadlines and please a variety of clients. What impressed me most was the abundance of helpful tips on a wide range of subjects and the step by step approach found through-out the book. I found the sections on drop shadow effects and working with type especially helpful to me in order to satisfy my clients' needs that have a limited budget but still need incredible looking pieces. I enjoyed the overall layout of the book and the fact that it showed you color results of what you are looking to achieve. I would highly recommend this book to the beginner as well as the professional looking to always expand his knowledge, surely this book will do that for them; and at a price both could afford. Out of all the books I own about photoshop, this one will certainly NOT grow dust!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roz Fruchtman reviews Photoshop 6.0 Down & Dirty Tricks, December 18, 2000

By	"rfruchtman" (Bronx, NY USA) - See all my reviews

I just finished reviewing Photoshop 6.0 Down & Dirty Tricks and I think it is the best tutorial/tips and tricks book that I have ever seen. The things that I like best about the book are the:

1) huge screen shots and display of graphic images; 2) the generous step-by-step directions; 3) clarity of the explanations; 4) large easy to read text and displays 5) many special effects -- I found effects here that I have always wanted to know how to do and could never find easy/simple directions/instructions or even instructions for at all. Now I have them all in this one phenomenal book.

If you don't believe me... the next time you are in a bookstore take a look and see if you can find this book there. For sure, you *will not* leave it on the bookshelf. This book will make even the novice Photoshop user look like an experienced expert!(What a great Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa gift this would make! If you already bought your gifts, why not throw in this book as an added bonus. The recipient(s) will be grateful you did.)

Although the book weighs in at 228 pages -- approximately 8x10 -- I wish it were more! Seriously, I think that anyone interested in/using Photoshop 6.0 needs to have this book to add to their library. I wish I had it a long time ago. Scott Kelby just got himself a new fan!

Roz Fruchtman ...

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SEVEN STARS, August 3, 2000

By	Paul Simone (Fayetteville, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Yes seven is the least this book deserves. It is laid out thoughtfully so the reader becomes familiar with its format effortlessly. There is absolutely no verbal or graphic fat anywhere. You see the effect you want; you read how to create it and it works. What more could you ask for?

The author writes in a friendly, concise manner and lets the reader in on a few hard won facts. Follow the directions and even a novice can produce the beautiful effects. Along side each trick are sidebars containing Photoshop tips. It's just a great tool to have. I'm still shocked at some of the effects I've created while reading this book.

Scott Kelby, the author, is also editor-in-chief of Photoshop User magazine, president of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals ( NAPP ), training director for the Adobe Photoshop Seminar Tour, and a great teacher. Don't be intimidated by his titles, however, he knows how to get the message across. You will only grow from reading this book.