Takeaways

• The retouching industry needs a community where professionals can share knowledge and information about rates and work practices.

• Estimating and working with clients can be challenging, but it is important to have open communication and set clear expectations.

• AI is becoming increasingly integrated into retouching workflows, but it is still a tool that requires human expertise and judgment.

• Attention to detail and authenticity are crucial in retouching to ensure high-quality results.

• The industry should strive for equality and fair treatment, addressing issues such as race and gender disparities. Retouching skills can be applied to various industries and projects, making it a versatile creative pursuit.

• Specializing in a specific area of retouching, such as fashion or beauty, can help maintain interest and expertise.

• Choosing the right projects and being transparent with clients about capabilities and limitations is crucial for a successful and fulfilling career in retouching.

• Effective communication and transparency with clients can help manage expectations and prevent misunderstandings.

• Flexibility in scheduling and being prepared for client delays is important for maintaining a healthy work environment.

• Accounting for admin and production time is essential for accurately estimating and pricing retouching projects.

• Preventing scope creep requires setting clear boundaries and being upfront about additional costs or changes in project scope.

• The retouching industry has evolved with the rise of digital media and social platforms, leading to changes in budgets and work expectations.

• Factoring in admin and production time is necessary for a well-rounded and sustainable retouching career.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Technical Difficulties

03:06 - Background and Need for a Retouching Community

06:28 - Importance of Estimating and Inequalities in the Industry

11:25 - Transition from Retouching to Photography

13:45 - The Retouching Survey

18:19 - Estimating and Working with Clients

20:52 - The Impact of AI on the Industry

25:26 - AI Features in Photoshop

32:11 - The Role of AI in Retouching

35:03 - The Importance of Attention to Detail and Authenticity

36:19 - The Value of Having an Eye for Retouching

37:40 - The Versatility of Retouching

39:03 - The Importance of Interest and Specialization

40:15 - Choosing the Right Projects

41:24 - Dealing with Client Delays

42:30 - Communication and Transparency

44:23 - Flexibility in Scheduling

45:34 - Accounting for Admin and Production Time

50:19 - Preventing Scope Creep

51:33 - The Health of the Retouching Industry

54:37 - Factoring in Admin and Production Time