◆ Photoshop · retouch

Layout Review Pushback

Across the last [N=8] brochures I've done, reviewers keep asking for 'more breathing room' or 'make the headlines pop'…

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DBecome — “help me grow”Across the last [N=8] brochures I've done, reviewers keep asking for 'more breathing room' or…+
Across the last [N=8] brochures I've done, reviewers keep asking for 'more breathing room' or 'make the headlines pop' at the proof stage and it always costs me an afternoon of rework. Show me the pattern in the choices I'm making about image scale versus typographic scale, and give me one habit to change so the first pass lands closer to what art direction and accounts accept.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Artboards

Artboards in Photoshop allow you to design multiple canvases within a single document, perfect for various design iterations or multi-page layouts.

  1. 1

    Select File > New to open the New Document dialog box.

  2. 2

    Select the Artboards checkbox in the New Document dialog box.

  3. 3

    Choose a preset size from the options, or set a custom Width and Height.

    Best practiceConsider your system's RAM; many artboards, especially large ones, can strain performance on systems with less than 16GB RAM.

  4. 4

    Click Create to open your new document with an initial artboard.

  5. 5

    Select the Artboard Tool (V) from the toolbar to add more artboards.

  6. 6

    Click the + icon in the Options bar or drag on the canvas to create a new artboard.

  7. 7

    To duplicate an artboard, right-click a layer in the Layers panel and select Duplicate Layer.

  8. 8

    Choose the target artboard for placement and click OK.

  9. 9

    Select File > Save or File > Save As to save your document.

Think of artboards as individual cropped regions within one large image, allowing for diverse design elements in a single file.

Artboard creation and manipulation can be automated using Photoshop's scripting capabilities, often via JavaScript.

Glossary

words on this page
Spot Healing BrushA tool that quickly removes small imperfections and blemishes from an image by blending surrounding pixels.ExampleThe Spot Healing Brush quickly removes a small dust speck from an otherwise clean product photo.
Duplicate LayerCreates an exact copy of a selected layer, useful for non-destructive editing or variations.ExampleYou use Duplicate Layer to create a copy of your edited photo before trying a new color effect.
Options barA contextual bar displaying settings and controls for the currently active tool.ExampleWhen you select the brush tool, the options bar shows its size, hardness, and flow settings.
ArtboardsIndividual canvases within a single document, useful for designing multiple layouts or pages.ExampleYou might use Artboards to design different versions of a logo within a single document.
AutomateTo perform a sequence of predefined tasks automatically, often using recorded actions.ExampleYou can automate the process of converting a folder of images to a different file format.

The real tasks

1 of them
Where my layout choices keep getting challenged in reviews

Who does this

1 roles
Desktop Publisher

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Use the Spot Healing Brush or Clone Stamp tool to click over dust, scratches, and tiny paint flecks. Carefully zoom in for precision to avoid affecting nearby areas. This makes your product images look clean and professional.

A photographer or product catalog manager often uses these tools before publishing to ensure the images look flawless. Remember, a small, careful correction is better than overdoing it, which can look unnatural.

You should do this after taking the photos and before finalizing the images for print or online. If you notice dust, scratches, or other flaws, fix them early. This keeps the images looking sharp and appealing.

A product photographer or catalog manager usually performs these edits during the post-shoot editing stage to ensure the product looks its best in the final images.

Use small brush sizes and work gradually, fixing only the obvious flaws. Keep textures and details intact. Over-retouching can make images look fake.

A graphic designer or product photographer does this to keep a realistic look. It’s best to zoom in and check your work at 100% to see how it will appear in print or on screen.

Many people overuse clone stamping or spot healing, creating a smooth, plastic look instead of natural texture. Also, fixing too much can reduce realism.

A catalog manager or retoucher needs to balance cleaning imperfections with preserving the product’s natural look. Step back after editing to see if the image still feels authentic.

A product photographer or catalog editor often performs this task during post-production. They fix flaws to ensure the product looks its best before publishing.

AI can automate some spot healing and dust removal, speeding up basic edits. However, it cannot replace careful, detailed work needed for natural results.

A photo retoucher can use AI tools to handle bulk corrections but should review and refine to maintain realism and avoid unnatural patches.

Restoring involves removing dust, scratches, or tiny paint flecks. Cleaning behind a subject focuses on removing background distractions. Softening skin tone smooths skin textures.

A product photographer or retoucher might do all these tasks, but each requires different tools and approaches in Photoshop. Don't confuse fixing flaws with aesthetic retouching.