Over the years, few software titles have been used more gratefully by artists of all stripes than Adobe’s Photoshop.  Photoshop is the undisputed leader in graphics editing and creation, and of course manipulating and editing photography.  It is used by people who produce print and digital artwork for book illustrations, magazines, posters, websites, and billboard advertisements.  It is also used by artists who simply want to bring what exists in the realm of the imagination into the real world.  What is it that sets Photoshop apart from all the rest?  How did it grow to become the industry standard it is today?

If you were to mosey into a firm asking for a job as a graphic designer, the job description would probably insist that applicants be proficient, or even expert, at using Adobe Photoshop.  Photoshop now comes as part of the CS 5 suite of programs, but can also be purchased separately.  Students still enjoy discounts, so if you think you might be entering a field in the arts, and you are currently a college student, take advantage of it now.