Something short and sweet for any designer, graphics junky or person who uses the Adobe software for anything.
If you want to take your abilities and talents to the next level, it is imperative to learn the pen tool. I grew up with a background in fine arts and have always been very handy with a pencil or anything you put in my hand. When I made the transition to computers, I found myself feeling cooped up and uncomfortable not being able to make the same images I can with my hands.
Now don't get me wrong, there are still times and places where I use my hand ability to create and draw whatever I am making. But then I scan it and do the editing digitally to finish a logo, illustration or whatever it may be.
When using a vector program, there is no replacing the ability to create your own vector illustrations or being able to redraw and vector hand drawn illustrations you scanned. This can send you talents and worth sky high since hand illustration is a dying form often not utilized.
When working in Photoshop, the pen tool is still hands down my favorite way to make my selections. Being able to control a line exactly how I need it in order to make selections is imperative for professional quality photo-manipulations. Once you understand the pen tool, mix that with a good understanding of feathering and image resolution and you have a wonderful bases for making pixel perfect selections.
Learn the pen tool and master it!