If you know something about Photoshop, then you can get right to work with this book. If you are a beginner, you won't be once you get involved in the tutorials. The author is very funny and the lessons are step by step with full color photos. You can match your results with the ones in the book. This a variety of subject matter from conservative to the hot new trends. As an artist, I have just added graphic arts to my portfolio. With Down and Dirty Tricks, I feel as if I have been working in the field for years. You don't even have to start at page one, just jump right in anywhere and start working. This is our textbook in my Advanced Photoshop class. You won't want to stop working! If he would only write something on Illustrator 9!