The Artist´s Guide to GIMP

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As a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop, GIMP is a leading open-source project. The latest version, 2.8, introduces significant improvements and powerful tools for graphic design and photo manipulation, although it remains a challenging program. This guide offers a user-friendly approach to mastering GIMP without overwhelming menus. Through Michael J. Hammel's step-by-step instructions, you'll create professional advertisements, apply stunning photographic effects, and design unique logos and text effects. The illustrated tutorials are ideal for hands-on learning or as templates for your artistic endeavors. You'll start with a crash course in essential tools like brushes, patterns, selections, layers, modes, and masks. Then, you'll explore photographic techniques to clean blemishes, create sepia images, swap colors, produce motion blurs, simulate tilt-shift effects, and repair old photos. Web design skills include creating navigation tabs, icons, buttons, backgrounds, and borders. You'll also learn to craft text effects with depth, perspective shadows, metallic and distressed styles, and neon lettering. Advertising techniques will help you design movie posters, package designs, simulate various textures, and create specialized lighting effects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will inspire you with original art, creative manipulations, and valuable tips for designers, all while covering GIMP 2.8.