Photoshop, one of the most well-known applications in the world, has earned its place at the top over the years through a few very effective techniques. Often imitated but never replaced, designers everywhere can learn from the techniques that put Photoshop at the top.

Regular Updates and Improvements
Ever since its humble beginnings as a simple image editor in 1988, Photoshop has been updated continually. With a total of 10 major versions, the latest being CS3, Photoshop has shown that it has no intention of dying and will be a powerful, reliable tool for years to come.

Designers need to update and improve as well. Whether it is staying on top of the latest trends and technologies or learning a new marketable skill, regular self-improvement is incredibly beneficial to any designer.

Accessibility
Photoshop strives to be as user friendly as possible. Throughout many updates, the program’s creators made vast improvements to the user interface.

Likewise, designers should also be assessable. The more user friendly you are, the better the chance of turning a first time client into a repeat client.

Setting a Fair Price
While its price is sometimes the cause for complaint, Photoshop is an application that does not under-value itself. The makers of Photoshop know the program’s value and set a price that reflects it.
Similarly, designers should set and charge fair prices for their services and talents. Under-valuing your services not only hurts yourself, but can hurt the design community at large, devaluing designers everywhere.

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