For 2 years I always used the Multiply layer mode in Photoshop for EVERYTHING

I would just stack layers on Multiply and wonder why my digital paintings looked muddy and dark. Last week a friend watched me work and asked why I never switch to Screen or Overlay for lighting effects. I felt so dumb when she showed me how much pop I was missing by using the same mode over and over. Has anyone else had a moment where you realized you were using ONE tool for absolutely everything?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_simon28d ago

Used the eraser tool as a brush for six months because I didn't know the brush tool existed. Just thought everyone else was way better at cutting out perfectly straight edges. Your multiply story is way more embarrassing though because you probably made some real muddy looking sunsets.

wesley_jones28d ago

Six months of erasing instead of painting must have made layer management a nightmare, especially when you accidentally erased something you wanted to keep. At least with multiply you can just undo a few times and start fresh.

milam4828d agoMost Upvoted

Wait, do you really think the multiply story is more embarrassing? I actually disagree with you on that one, @the_simon. Using the eraser as a brush for six months sounds way worse to me because you probably messed up a ton of layers without realizing it. Multiply at least has a learning curve where you figure it out after a few messy tries, but erasing instead of painting is like working blindfolded for half a year. I mean, you basically trained yourself to undo instead of create, and that's a whole different level of frustration.