Creative Workflow Using the LACE Design Method
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:
- Use the LACE method to structure your photo editing workflow
- Apply systematic iteration to improve your creative projects
- Combine AI-powered Photoshop features with traditional editing techniques
- Evaluate your work effectively and make targeted improvements
Introduction
The LACE method gives you a clear framework for tackling creative projects in Photoshop. Instead of editing randomly and hoping for the best, this approach breaks your workflow into four distinct phases: Layout, Adjust, Create, and Evaluate.
This structured method works particularly well when you're using Photoshop's AI features like Neural Filters, Sky Replacement, and Content-Aware tools. You'll find yourself making better creative decisions and producing more polished results.
Lessons
Understanding the LACE Framework
The LACE method consists of four phases that you cycle through repeatedly:
Layout – Set up your basic composition and establish the foundation of your project. This includes importing images, creating your canvas, and positioning key elements.
Adjust – Make targeted improvements to colour, exposure, contrast, and other technical aspects. This is where you fix problems and enhance what's already there.
Create – Add new elements, apply effects, or introduce creative treatments that weren't in the original image. Think compositing, artistic filters, or generated content.
Evaluate – Step back and assess your work critically. What's working? What needs improvement? This phase determines whether you're ready to finish or need another cycle.
The key insight is that you don't do these steps once and stop. You cycle through them multiple times, with each round building on the previous one.
Setting Up Your Layout Phase
Start every project by getting your foundation right:
- Open Photoshop and create a new document or open your source image
- Set up a logical layer structure from the beginning
- Position your main elements roughly where they need to be
- Establish your overall composition before worrying about details
During Layout, resist the urge to start adjusting colours or adding effects. Focus purely on positioning and basic composition. Use Photoshop's guides and alignment tools to get clean, balanced layouts.
Making Strategic Adjustments
The Adjust phase is where you solve technical problems and enhance existing elements:
- Use Levels and Curves to fix exposure issues
- Apply selective colour adjustments to specific areas
- Clean up distracting elements with healing tools
- Sharpen or blur areas to direct attention
Photoshop's AI features shine here. Content-Aware Fill can remove unwanted objects. Neural Filters can enhance portraits or adjust lighting. Sky Replacement can fix boring skies in landscape shots.
Work non-destructively using adjustment layers and smart objects. This lets you modify or remove changes later without starting over.
Adding Creative Elements
Now you can add new elements and creative treatments:
- Composite additional images or graphics
- Apply artistic filters or effects
- Generate new content using AI tools
- Add textures, overlays, or creative treatments
This is the most experimental phase. Try multiple approaches and don't worry about getting it perfect immediately. Save different versions so you can compare options.
Use layer masks extensively to blend new elements naturally. Pay attention to lighting direction and colour temperature to keep everything cohesive.
Evaluating Your Progress
Regular evaluation prevents you from going down the wrong path:
- View your image at 100% to check for technical issues
- Step away from your screen and look at the overall impact
- Compare your current version to your original goals
- Identify the weakest areas that need attention
Ask yourself specific questions: Is the focal point clear? Do the colours work together? Are there any distracting elements? Does it achieve what you set out to do?
Be honest about what's not working. It's better to identify problems now than after you've spent more time refining the wrong approach.
Cycling Through Multiple Iterations
Here's where the LACE method really pays off. After your first evaluation, go back to Layout if you need major compositional changes, or jump to Adjust if you just need refinements.
Each cycle should have a specific focus. Maybe your second cycle concentrates on colour harmony. Your third might focus on adding depth and dimension.
Keep notes about what you're trying to achieve in each cycle. This helps you stay focused and measure progress objectively.
Practice
Choose a photo that needs significant improvement – perhaps an old family photo or a shot with technical problems.
Apply the LACE method through at least three complete cycles:
Cycle 1: Get the basics right. Fix major composition issues, correct exposure, and clean up obvious problems.
Cycle 2: Enhance the mood and atmosphere. Work on colour grading, add creative effects, or composite additional elements.
Cycle 3: Polish the details. Fine-tune everything, add finishing touches, and prepare for final output.
Document each cycle by saving separate versions. At the end, compare all versions to see how the systematic approach improved your final result.
FAQs
How long should each LACE cycle take?
This varies by project complexity, but aim for focused sessions rather than marathon editing. Thirty minutes to two hours per cycle often works well, with breaks between cycles for fresh perspective.
What if I get stuck in one phase?
Move to the next phase anyway. Sometimes you need to see how other elements develop before you can solve problems in the current phase. You can always come back to it.
Should I use all of Photoshop's AI features?
Use the tools that serve your creative vision. AI features are powerful, but they're not mandatory for every project. Choose based on what your image needs, not what's newest or most impressive.
How do I know when to stop iterating?
Set specific goals before you start and stop when you've achieved them. Also watch for diminishing returns – if your changes are getting smaller and less impactful, you're probably done.
Jargon Buster
LACE Method: A systematic approach to creative projects using four phases: Layout, Adjust, Create, and Evaluate, repeated in cycles until the desired result is achieved.
Non-destructive editing: Making changes to images without permanently altering the original data, typically using adjustment layers and smart objects.
Neural Filters: AI-powered filters in Photoshop that can perform complex tasks like skin smoothing, style transfer, and smart portrait adjustments.
Content-Aware: Photoshop technology that analyzes surrounding pixels to intelligently fill, move, or remove image content.
Wrap-up
The LACE method transforms chaotic editing sessions into focused, productive workflows. By cycling through Layout, Adjust, Create, and Evaluate phases systematically, you'll make better creative decisions and achieve more polished results.
The real power comes from iteration. Your first cycle establishes the foundation, but subsequent cycles add sophistication and refinement that would be difficult to achieve in a single pass.
Start applying this method to your current projects. You'll find it particularly helpful for complex composites, major photo restorations, or any project where you're not sure where to begin.
Join Pixelhaze Academy to access more structured workflows and advanced creative techniques.