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The Artist's Guide to GIMP, 2nd Edition

Name: The Artist's Guide to GIMP, 2nd Edition
Author: Michael J. Hammel
ISBN: 9781593274146

by Michael J. Hammel

June 2012

Intermediate to advanced

320 pages

12h 49m

English

No Starch Press

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The Artist’s Guide to GIMP: Creative Techniques for Photographers, Artists, and Designers
Dedication
About the Author
About the Technical Reviewer
Acknowledgments
Credits
Introduction
What This Book Is AboutWhat This Book Is Not AboutHow This Book Is OrganizedA Few More HintsA Useful PackageAbout the Canvas
1. Fundamental Techniques
Multi-Window vs. Single-Window ModeThe GIMP ToolboxThe Tool Options DialogColor Swatches and Tool PreviewsBrush, Pattern, and Gradient PreviewsActive Image Preview WindowDockingThe Image WindowMenusAdditional FeaturesThe Preferences DialogShortcutsUndo Levels and Other Environment OptionsResource Folders1.1 Drawing and PaintingPaint Tools and FeaturesThe Pencil ToolThe Paintbrush ToolThe Airbrush ToolThe Eraser ToolThe Ink ToolBrushesCreating Ordinary and Colored BrushesCreating Parametric Brushes1.2 Layers and ModesThe Layers DialogPaint ModesLayer ModesUsing a Layer Mode to Colorize an ImageUsing a Layer Mask to Colorize an ImageLayer and Layer Mode Tips1.3 Color Modes1.4 SelectionsSelection ToolsEditing SelectionsSelection ConstraintsSelection ModesOddly Shaped SelectionsThe Free Select ToolThe Fuzzy Select ToolThe Select by Color ToolThe Scissors ToolThe Foreground Select ToolCreating Masks from SelectionsFeathering SelectionsUsing the Quick MaskDiscarding SelectionsWorking with SelectionsSelection Tips1.5 Paths1.6 Drawing Basic ShapesDrawing a Straight LineDrawing Simple ShapesDrawing Irregular ShapesDrawing Predefined ShapesBasic Shape Tips1.7 Patterns and GradientsPatternsConcrete TextureSimulated ClothCreating Tileable PatternsGradientsUsing the Shape Setting with GradientsUsing the Gradient EditorPattern and Gradient Design Tips1.8 Working with TextCreating TextThe Tool Options DialogThe Text EditorText, Paths, and the Context MenuText Tips1.9 Digital CamerasA Digital Camera PrimerFile FormatsCamera Metadata: EXIFGIMP Photo ProcessingDigital Camera Tips1.10 Basic TutorialsCloudsThe Plasma FilterThe Solid Noise FilterDifference CloudsFogCombining the FiltersCreating a Steam EffectCloud TipsRips and CracksRipping an Image’s EdgesRipping Tips
2. Photographic Effects
2.1 Soft FocusGetting StartedPreparing the High Pass FilterMerging LayersAdjusting Light and Shadow in the High Pass LayerBlending LayersFine TuningFurther Exploration2.2 Photo to SketchGetting StartedConverting the Image to a SketchAdding Depth to the SketchAdding the Finishing TouchesFurther Exploration2.3 Antiquing with Sepia TonesGetting StartedIncreasing the Middle GraysAdding the Sepia ToneFurther Exploration2.4 Color SwapA Simple Color SwapIsolating the ObjectChoosing the Destination ColorA More Complex Color SwapCreating a Complex SelectionChanging the Quick Mask ColorPainting the SelectionWorking in a Duplicate LayerFurther Exploration2.5 Changing Depth of FieldGetting StartedIsolating the ForegroundAdding Depth of FieldFurther Exploration2.6 Reflections on GlassGetting StartedPreparing the ImageCreating the ReflectionAdding a Surface for the ReflectionPlacing the Reflection on the SurfaceAdding a ShadowFurther Exploration2.7 Lake ReflectionGetting StartedCreating the Initial ReflectionAdding RipplesAdding WavesFurther Exploration2.8 Photo RestorationGetting StartedEnhancing the Scanned ImageCorrecting with a Single PatchCorrecting with Multiple PatchesCorrecting Facial BlemishesCleaning Up the BackgroundFurther Exploration2.9 Casting Light Through a WindowGetting StartedSetting Up the Shadow MaskIncreasing the LightFurther Exploration2.10 Light StreaksGetting StartedAdding an Outer GlowAdding an Inner GlowEnhancing the Initial StreakFurther Exploration2.11 Miniaturizing a SceneGetting StartedBlurring to MiniaturizeFurther ExplorationTips for Photographic EffectsAutolevel OptionSharp ScansSelections, Selections, SelectionsAdd More ContrastSoft Light and Overlay ModesSepia Means BrownThe Color of KelvinExperimentation
3. Web Design
Working in a Native MediumGIMP Tools for Web Design3.1 Gel ButtonsGetting StartedAdding Colored LayersAdding a Lower HighlightAdding an Upper HighlightStretching the Upper HighlightAdding Text to the ButtonFurther Exploration3.2 Metal ButtonsGetting StartedAdding More ReflectionsAdding ColorFurther Exploration3.3 TabsGetting StartedAdding a GradientGiving the Tab Some DepthAdding Color and HighlightsAdding TextCreating More TabsFurther Exploration3.4 Website BannersGetting StartedCropping the Background GraphicEnhancing the GlowAdding a Foreground GraphicColorizing the LaptopOpening a Window on the TreesExporting and SavingFurther Exploration3.5 Simple LogosGetting StartedCreating TextAdding Borders and ClipartAdding a WatermarkCentering the TextFurther Exploration3.6 IconsGetting StartedAdding a Gradient FillCreating a Checkered PatternAdding a PatternMasking the Bottom of the IconCreating the Application SphereAdding HighlightsAdding the Application IDFurther ExplorationTips for Web DesignUse GIMP for Images, CSS for DesignThe Right UnitsAdd Contrast Where NecessaryAvoid Busy BackgroundsChoose File Formats WiselyScan for the WebSubtle GradientsTransparency in Web DesignChoosing the Right ColorsExport Safely
4. Advertising and Special Effects
Print vs. WebStock ImagesColor, Contrast, and GrayscaleIt’s Up to You4.1 Creative Text DesignSelecting a Stock ImageChoosing a FontAdding a VignetteAdding a Text LayerCreating a Mask LayerFurther Exploration4.2 3-D Package DesignsPreparing the Front of the BoxCreating a PatchAdding Text to the Front of the BoxCreating the Side of the BoxMerging the Front and Side PanelsCleaning Up the EdgesFurther Exploration4.3 Reflective GlassGetting StartedAdding a BorderCreating a Glassy SurfaceAdding Reflective Highlights on the RightAdding Reflective Highlights on the LeftAdding Text and a Drop ShadowFurther Exploration4.4 Popping an ImageGetting StartedIsolating the BoarderEnhancing the Board DetailsRemoving the BackgroundAdding a Drop ShadowReplacing the BackgroundAdding TextFurther Exploration4.5 Shiny EmblemGetting StartedCreating a Metallic BorderCreating an EmblemAdding an Inner BorderAdding Raised LetteringFurther Exploration4.6 Wine BottleDrawing the Bottle ShapeAdding HighlightsMaking a White Label with Gold TrimMaking a Blue Stripe and Gold WrapperFurther Exploration4.7 GearsMaking the Gear CogsCreating the Outer RingConnecting the Disk and RingAdding Depth and TextureFurther Exploration4.8 Cube CityGetting StartedCreating the Building’s FaceMaking the Face a CubeMultiplying the BuildingsAdding ColorAdding HighlightsFurther Exploration4.9 UnderwaterGetting StartedCreating WavesAdding Diffused LightAdding Rays of LightIntensifying the LightFurther Exploration4.10 Colored LightingGetting StartedAdding Cool LightingAdding Warm LightingAdding a HighlightSoftening the ImageFurther Exploration4.11 iPodGetting StartedAdding the iPodPlacing the iPod in a PocketDrawing the EarphonesPlacing the Final ShadowFurther ExplorationTips for Advertising and Special EffectsCreate 3-D EffectsAdd TextureUse Layer ModesReflect with GradientsEmboss the Easy WayEliminate the JaggiesDon’t Worry About Horizontal AlignmentWatch Your Canvas Size

5. Type Effects
GIMP’s Text ToolsPredefined Text EffectsCreating Your Own Type Effects5.1 Chrome and Metal TextBrushed MetalCreating the TextExtruding the Text with the Bump Map FilterAdding a Metallic FinishHeavy MetalCreating the TextAdding DepthAdding a Metallic FinishLiquid MetalCreating the TextLiquefying the LettersAdding Depth and PolishFurther Exploration5.2 Gel TypeCreating the TextRounding the Surface of the TextAdding Lighting EffectsLightening the Text and Adding a Drop ShadowFurther Exploration5.3 Distressed TextCreating the TextCreating a Distressed LayerApplying the Distressed Effect to the TextFurther Exploration5.4 FrostCreating the Background and TextBringing the Text ForwardAdding SnowCreating Falling SnowFurther Exploration5.5 Neon SignsExperimenting with the Built-in Neon EffectCreating the BackgroundPreparing the Neon TubesAdding the GlowAdding a Glass-Edged ReflectionFurther Exploration5.6 Spray PaintCreating the BackgroundAdding a Text OutlineConverting the Text to Spray PaintFurther ExplorationTips for Type EffectsMake Alignment EasierFind Good FontsUse Only the Fonts You NeedUse Large Type and High Resolution for Print ProjectsRemember That All GIMP Text Is RasterizedPractice Copyfitting ManuallyEdit Text Layers WiselyPlan AheadCreate Font Maps
6. Creative Inspiration
6.1 Fire GirlIsolating the Girl from the BackgroundEdge-Detecting the Girl to Create Multiple LayersBlending in Ornamental ElementsBlending to Remove Excess DetailsAdding Flame ColoringCreating the Crown of FlamesFurther Exploration6.2 Star FieldStarting SmallGrowing Bigger StarsWorking at a Larger ScaleAdding Space VoidsClusteringColoringUsing Lens and Gradient Flares for HighlightsAdding Space DustFurther Exploration6.3 Creamsicle LoveCreating a Custom GradientCreating Temporary Grassy HillsAdding a Background SunGiving It the Retro Feel: SunbeamsAdding the Lovers’ SilhouetteFinishing Off the Grassy HillsFurther Exploration6.4 MobstervilleEstablishing the Base ImageMaking It RainAdding a Background Building and Lamp PostsAdding Lamps and LightsRetrieving a Red TieFurther Exploration
Index
About the Author
Copyright

Overview

As a full-featured, free alternative to Adobe Photoshop, GIMP is one of the world's most popular open source projects. The latest version of GIMP (2.8) brings long-awaited improvements and powerful new tools to make graphic design and photo manipulation even easier—but it's still a notoriously challenging program to use.

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