Layer Mask & Gradient Tool

For Photoshop CS3 CIB I am trying to do lesson 6. You create a layer mask of and image and then apply a gradient to the layer mask so that the Oriental characters fade for a scrapbook cover or something. It appears I can apply a black white gradient over the whole image, but not to the layer mask. When I apply the gradient to the mask the cursor just goes back to the + and it's done. What can I look for to find out why I am not able to apply the gradient to the layer mask? What am I missing? I've been going over this off and on for several days, and I am just churning my wheels. What am I missing? What can I look for?

Thank you,
--max

Max,

I don't have the book but this is what it sounds like you are trying to accomplish.

Try this.

1 - Rename your background layer.
2 - Press the Q key.
3 - Use the gradient tool to create a gradient.
4 - Press Q again.
5 - Press Del.

Is this the effect you were looking for?

Jake

Don't do that!!!!

Layer Mask is far far superior to deleting. You just have to make sure you are on the mask, not the image. Click on its icon and see if it doesn't outline. Then apply the gradient.

BTW, are you sure you don't want a black to white gradient? Is teh mask as it's made black or white?

Yep. Ed is right. Using the layer mask you can turn it on or off while my method, even though it works, is more destructive.

Jake

Make sure that the focus ring is surrounding the Mask's icon in that layer, and not around the icon for the layer's contents.

Click on both of the icons in the layer to see the focus ring appear, and toggle back and forth between the two icons in the layer.

Apply your gradient when the focus ring surrounds the mask icon.

Thanks for all the advice. I am using a layer mask. And trying to apply a gradient white to black on the layer. I tried Phos suggestions, but it didn't work either. So ... I closed the PS the opened PS and reset all the defaults (ctl-alt-shift) then I was able to apply the gradient. The only bummer of this is that I didn't know what I did wrong.

Thanks again for your suggestions.
--max