What is a Smart Object? It’s a special kind of Photoshop layer that allows you to manipulate art non-destructively. More importantly, it allows you to make multi-use mockups incredibly quickly! Once you set it up, you can just drop in new art any time and it will automatically be transformed into a perfect mockup. And even if you use purchased mockup templates instead of making your own, you’ll need to know about smart objects since they’re embedded in most template files.

About the Class: This class makes it easy to understand smart objects and goes over all the details for setting them up. It’s Class 3 of Mockup Academy, and while I recommend starting with Class 1, it’s not totally necessary.* I’m including a basic concept lesson for setting up your files, so you shouldn’t have any problem following along. (Note: If you’ve watched other Mockup Academy classes you can skip this lesson.) Mockup Academy is designed for surface pattern designers, graphic designers and entrepreneurs who already have a working knowledge of Photoshop who want to learn specific skills for making realistic product mockups.

My Background: I’ve been a surface pattern designer for 6+ years and have licensed art to dozens of companies. I created this course because it took me years to learn how to make mockups and I would have loved to find a course like this when I started out! I’ll be sharing all my secrets — from how to set up your layers for maximum efficiency, how to use layer masks and smart objects, tricks for outlining objects, and how to use the transform tools.