Page 6 - Photoshop User December 2016

A FEW WORDS FROM › › SCOTT KELBY
From the Editor member input
Our “Annual Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide” issue has been a tradition 11 years in the making; but before we get to all the fun gift ideas, I have to share something really cool.
One of our goals for 2016 was to get to know our mem- bers better so we can deliver the most relative, valuable, and focused education that we can. I hope you’ve noticed how quickly we’ve responded to the things you’ve told us are important to you; for example, earlier this year we sent out one of our now-famous “one-question surveys” ask- ing which online Photoshop class you wanted next, and we said that your #1 choice would be the next class we produced. Well, you made it loud and clear! Your #1 pick was compositing techniques and, within two weeks, we not only had a new class on compositing and masking hair (by yours truly), but we also promptly followed it with a second class from the amazing Corey Barker on advanced compositing techniques.
While quickly doing the #1 most-requested class is awesome (and something we were really proud to be able to pull off), what about the class that came in second, or third, or the top five or ten? Well, we’ve either released them already or we’re working on them now. You told us, “This is what we want,” and it’s our job to give you the tools and techniques to be a success, and we couldn’t be happier doing just that.
Recently, we sent out something much bigger than a one-question survey: an in-depth 20-question survey
where we asked you to help us steer the direction of Photoshop User magazine in 2017. We wanted to know which topics and techniques were important to you, what you want more of, what you can do without, and how we can make this magazine more valuable to you. We’re still stunned (and thrilled) at how many of you responded. Thousands of you participated in our survey, and you’re going to see the results of your responses here in the magazine starting with the February issue.
This huge response spoke volumes about how much you care about the magazine, and that really meant a lot to our team. Best of all, you’ll see how quickly we steer the ship in your direction by delivering the type of Photoshop education you asked for. My humble thanks to everyone who participated.
As for our “Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide” issue, it’s here! I can’t believe this year went by so fast! Once again I tried to put together a really great collection of my favorite holi- day gift ideas, based on stuff I’d recommend to a friend.
All your other favorites are here too (and we hope you’re enjoying the new Lightroom Magazine, which is now “its own thing,” and comes between every issue of Photoshop User magazine). So, are you getting 20 maga- zine issues every year as an annual KelbyOne member? Yes, you are. We want you to kick butt at this stuff, and we’re going to provide the tools you need to get there.
Here’s wishing you and your family a holiday filled with hope, friendship, sharing, and joy!
All my best,
Scott Kelby
KelbyOne President & CEO
Editor & Publisher, Photoshop User
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› › photoshop user › december 2016