Im not sure I follow. I mean, a layer mask is where with the help of black and white and the values in between, you reveal or hide parts of a layer. Do you mean using this feature in a more complex way? I think you know more about photoshop than your realise. As far as masks are concerned, the use of them can get complex, but once you get use to them, they are a snap to operate. I use masks mainly for coloring; however, I also use it to edit my pencil sketch's.