GIMPTHE ARTIST’S GUIDE Tc r e a t i v e t e c h n i q u e s f o r p h o t o g r a p h e r s , a r t i s t s , a n d d e s i g n e r s |

Om i c h a e l j . h a m m e l

COVERS GIMP 2.8

2 N D E D I T I O N

GIMP fo r Photography, Spec ia l E f fec t s , and Des ign

about the author Michael J. Hammel has been involved with GIMP since version 0.54 and was a contributor to the early development of the program. Hammel wrote a column on GIMP for Linux Format for three years and is the author of The Artists’ Guide to the GIMP and Essential GIMP for Web Professionals. He is an embedded software engineer living in Colorado Springs.

Web design techniques to create navigation tabs, icons, fancy buttons, backgrounds, and borders

Type effects to create depth, perspective shadows, metallic and distressed text, and neon and graffi ti lettering

Advertising effects to produce movie posters and package designs; simulate clouds, cracks, cloth, and underwater effects; and create specialized lighting

Whether you’re new to GIMP or you’ve been playing with this powerful software for years, you’ll be inspired by the original art, creative photo manipulations, and numerous tips for designers.

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 brings long-awaited improvements and power-ful new tools to make graphic design and photo manipulation even easier—but it’s still a notoriously challenging program.

The Artist’s Guide to GIMP teaches you how to use GIMP without a tedious list of menu paths and options. Instead, as you follow along with Michael J. Hammel’s step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn to produce professional-looking advertisements, apply impressive photographic effects, and design cool logos and text effects. These extensively illustrated tutorials are perfect for hands-on learning or as templates for your own artistic experiments.

After a crash course in GIMP’s core tools like brushes, patterns, selections, layers, modes, and masks, you’ll learn:

Photographic techniques to clean up blemishes and dust, create sepia-toned antique images, swap colors, produce motion blurs, alter depth of fi eld, simulate a tilt-shift, and fi x rips in an old photo

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F U L L C O L O R T H R O U G H O U T

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Acknowledgments xv

Introduction xviiWhat This Book Is About................................................................xviiWhat This Book Is Not About .........................................................xviiHow This Book Is Organized .........................................................xviiiA Few More Hints .......................................................................xviii

A Useful Package ...............................................................xviiiAbout the Canvas ................................................................xviii

1 Fundamental Techniques 1Multi-Window vs. Single-Window Mode ............................................ 1The GIMP Toolbox .......................................................................... 2

The Tool Options Dialog ......................................................... 4Color Swatches and Tool Previews ........................................... 4Brush, Pattern, and Gradient Previews ....................................... 5Active Image Preview Window ................................................ 5Docking ................................................................................ 6

The Image Window......................................................................... 6Menus ................................................................................... 6Additional Features................................................................. 8

The Preferences Dialog .................................................................... 8Shortcuts ............................................................................... 9Undo Levels and Other Environment Options ............................. 9Resource Folders ...................................................................10

1.1 Drawing and Painting 11Paint Tools and Features ..................................................................11

The Pencil Tool ......................................................................12The Paintbrush Tool ................................................................13The Airbrush Tool ..................................................................13The Eraser Tool .....................................................................13The Ink Tool ..........................................................................14

Brushes ........................................................................................14Creating Ordinary and Colored Brushes ..................................14Creating Parametric Brushes ...................................................15

1.2 Layers and Modes 17The Layers Dialog ..........................................................................17Paint Modes ..................................................................................19Layer Modes .................................................................................21Using a Layer Mode to Colorize an Image ....................................... 22Using a Layer Mask to Colorize an Image ....................................... 22Layer and Layer Mode Tips .............................................................23

1.3 Color Modes 24

1.4 Selections 27Selection Tools .............................................................................. 27Editing Selections .......................................................................... 27Selection Constraints ......................................................................28Selection Modes ........................................................................... 29Oddly Shaped Selections .............................................................. 30

The Free Select Tool .............................................................. 30The Fuzzy Select Tool ............................................................31The Select by Color Tool ........................................................32The Scissors Tool ...................................................................32The Foreground Select Tool ....................................................32

Creating Masks from Selections .......................................................33Feathering Selections .............................................................33Using the Quick Mask ........................................................... 34

Discarding Selections .................................................................... 35Working with Selections .................................................................36Selection Tips ................................................................................37

1.5 Paths 38

1.6 Drawing Basic Shapes 41Drawing a Straight Line ..................................................................41Drawing Simple Shapes ..................................................................41

x Contents in Detail

Drawing Irregular Shapes ...............................................................42Drawing Predefined Shapes ........................................................... 43Basic Shape Tips........................................................................... 44

1.7 Patterns and Gradients 45Patterns ........................................................................................ 45

Concrete Texture .................................................................. 46Simulated Cloth .................................................................... 47Creating Tileable Patterns ...................................................... 48

Gradients ......................................................................................49Using the Shape Setting with Gradients ...................................49Using the Gradient Editor .......................................................51

Pattern and Gradient Design Tips .....................................................52

1.8 Working with Text 54Creating Text ................................................................................ 54The Tool Options Dialog ................................................................ 55The Text Editor .............................................................................. 56Text, Paths, and the Context Menu .................................................. 56Text Tips .......................................................................................57

1.9 Digital Cameras 58A Digital Camera Primer ................................................................58File Formats ..................................................................................59Camera Metadata: EXIF .................................................................59GIMP Photo Processing ................................................................. 60Digital Camera Tips ......................................................................61

1.10 Basic Tutorials 62Clouds ..........................................................................................62

The Plasma Filter ...................................................................62The Solid Noise Filter ............................................................ 63Difference Clouds ................................................................. 64Fog ..................................................................................... 64Combining the Filters ............................................................ 64Creating a Steam Effect ........................................................ 64Cloud Tips ........................................................................... 66

Rips and Cracks ............................................................................ 66Ripping an Image’s Edges .................................................... 66Ripping Tips .........................................................................67

2 Photographic Effects 69

2.1 Soft Focus 71Getting Started ..............................................................................71Preparing the High Pass Filter ..........................................................72Merging Layers ..............................................................................72Adjusting Light and Shadow in the High Pass Layer .............................................................................73Blending Layers .............................................................................74Fine Tuning ....................................................................................74Further Exploration .........................................................................74

2.2 Photo to Sketch 75Getting Started ..............................................................................75Converting the Image to a Sketch ....................................................75Adding Depth to the Sketch .............................................................76Adding the Finishing Touches ......................................................... 77Further Exploration ........................................................................ 77

2.3 Antiquing with Sepia Tones 78Getting Started ..............................................................................78Increasing the Middle Grays ...........................................................79Adding the Sepia Tone .................................................................. 80Further Exploration .........................................................................81

2.4 Color Swap 82A Simple Color Swap .....................................................................82

Isolating the Object ...............................................................82Choosing the Destination Color .............................................. 83

A More Complex Color Swap ........................................................ 83Creating a Complex Selection ............................................... 84Changing the Quick Mask Color ............................................ 84Painting the Selection ............................................................ 85Working in a Duplicate Layer ................................................ 86

Further Exploration ........................................................................ 86

2.5 Changing Depth of Field 87Getting Started ..............................................................................87Isolating the Foreground ................................................................ 88Adding Depth of Field ................................................................... 90Further Exploration ........................................................................ 90

Contents in Detail xi

2.6 Reflections on Glass 91Getting Started ..............................................................................91Preparing the Image .......................................................................91Creating the Reflection................................................................... 92Adding a Surface for the Reflection ................................................. 92Placing the Reflection on the Surface ............................................... 93Adding a Shadow ......................................................................... 93Further Exploration .........................................................................94

2.7 Lake Reflection 95Getting Started ..............................................................................95Creating the Initial Reflection ...........................................................96Adding Ripples ..............................................................................96Adding Waves ..............................................................................97Further Exploration .........................................................................98

2.8 Photo Restoration 99Getting Started ............................................................................. 99Enhancing the Scanned Image ....................................................... 99Correcting with a Single Patch .......................................................100Correcting with Multiple Patches ....................................................101Correcting Facial Blemishes ...........................................................102Cleaning Up the Background ........................................................103Further Exploration .......................................................................104

2.9 Casting Light Through a Window 105Getting Started ............................................................................105Setting Up the Shadow Mask ........................................................105Increasing the Light ......................................................................107Further Exploration .......................................................................108

2.10 Light Streaks 109Getting Started ............................................................................109Adding an Outer Glow ................................................................. 110Adding an Inner Glow .................................................................. 111Enhancing the Initial Streak ........................................................... 111Further Exploration ....................................................................... 112

2.11 Miniaturizing a Scene 113Getting Started ............................................................................ 113Blurring to Miniaturize .................................................................. 114Further Exploration ....................................................................... 114

Tips for Photographic Effects 115Autolevel Option .......................................................................... 115Sharp Scans ................................................................................ 115Selections, Selections, Selections ................................................... 115Add More Contrast ...................................................................... 115Soft Light and Overlay Modes ....................................................... 115Sepia Means Brown ..................................................................... 115The Color of Kelvin ....................................................................... 115Experimentation ........................................................................... 115

3 Web Design 117Working in a Native Medium ........................................................ 118GIMP Tools for Web Design .......................................................... 118

3.1 Gel Buttons 120Getting Started ............................................................................120Adding Colored Layers ................................................................. 121Adding a Lower Highlight .............................................................122Adding an Upper Highlight ...........................................................123Stretching the Upper Highlight .......................................................123Adding Text to the Button ..............................................................124Further Exploration .......................................................................124

3.2 Metal Buttons 125Getting Started ............................................................................125Adding More Reflections ...............................................................126Adding Color ..............................................................................127Further Exploration .......................................................................128

3.3 Tabs 129Getting Started ............................................................................129Adding a Gradient .......................................................................130Giving the Tab Some Depth ..........................................................130Adding Color and Highlights ......................................................... 131Adding Text .................................................................................132Creating More Tabs .....................................................................132Further Exploration .......................................................................133

3.4 Website Banners 134Getting Started ............................................................................134Cropping the Background Graphic ................................................134Enhancing the Glow .....................................................................135

xii Contents in Detail

Adding a Foreground Graphic ......................................................135Colorizing the Laptop ...................................................................136Opening a Window on the Trees ...................................................136Exporting and Saving ...................................................................137Further Exploration .......................................................................137

3.5 Simple Logos 138Getting Started ............................................................................138Creating Text ...............................................................................138Adding Borders and Clipart ..........................................................140Adding a Watermark ...................................................................141Centering the Text ........................................................................142Further Exploration .......................................................................142

3.6 Icons 143Getting Started ............................................................................143Adding a Gradient Fill ..................................................................144Creating a Checkered Pattern .......................................................144Adding a Pattern .........................................................................145Masking the Bottom of the Icon .....................................................146Creating the Application Sphere ....................................................146Adding Highlights ........................................................................147Adding the Application ID ...........................................................148Further Exploration .......................................................................148

Tips for Web Design 149Use GIMP for Images, CSS for Design ............................................149The Right Units .............................................................................149Add Contrast Where Necessary ....................................................149Avoid Busy Backgrounds ...............................................................149Choose File Formats Wisely ..........................................................149Scan for the Web ........................................................................150Subtle Gradients ..........................................................................150Transparency in Web Design.........................................................150Choosing the Right Colors .............................................................150Export Safely ...............................................................................150

4 Advertising and Special Effects 151Print vs. Web ...............................................................................151Stock Images ...............................................................................152Color, Contrast, and Grayscale .....................................................153It’s Up to You ...............................................................................154

4.1 Creative Text Design 155Selecting a Stock Image ...............................................................156Choosing a Font ..........................................................................156Adding a Vignette ........................................................................156Adding a Text Layer .....................................................................157Creating a Mask Layer .................................................................158Further Exploration .......................................................................159

4.2 3-D Package Designs 160Preparing the Front of the Box .......................................................160Creating a Patch ..........................................................................162Adding Text to the Front of the Box .................................................163Creating the Side of the Box ..........................................................164Merging the Front and Side Panels .................................................164Cleaning Up the Edges .................................................................166Further Exploration .......................................................................166

4.3 Reflective Glass 167Getting Started ............................................................................167Adding a Border ..........................................................................167Creating a Glassy Surface ............................................................169Adding Reflective Highlights on the Right ........................................169Adding Reflective Highlights on the Left ..........................................170Adding Text and a Drop Shadow ...................................................172Further Exploration .......................................................................173

4.4 Popping an Image 174Getting Started ............................................................................ 174Isolating the Boarder .................................................................... 174Enhancing the Board Details ..........................................................175Removing the Background ............................................................. 176Adding a Drop Shadow ................................................................177Replacing the Background ............................................................177Adding Text .................................................................................178Further Exploration .......................................................................1784.5 Shiny Emblem 179Getting Started ............................................................................179Creating a Metallic Border ............................................................179Creating an Emblem .....................................................................181Adding an Inner Border ................................................................181Adding Raised Lettering ................................................................182Further Exploration .......................................................................184

Contents in Detail xiii

4.6 Wine Bottle 185Drawing the Bottle Shape .............................................................185Adding Highlights .......................................................................187Making a White Label with Gold Trim ............................................188Making a Blue Stripe and Gold Wrapper .......................................189Further Exploration .......................................................................189

4.7 Gears 190Making the Gear Cogs .................................................................190Creating the Outer Ring ................................................................193Connecting the Disk and Ring ........................................................194Adding Depth and Texture ...........................................................195Further Exploration .......................................................................196

4.8 Cube City 197Getting Started ............................................................................197Creating the Building’s Face ..........................................................197Making the Face a Cube ..............................................................199Multiplying the Buildings ...............................................................199Adding Color ............................................................................. 200Adding Highlights ....................................................................... 200Further Exploration .......................................................................201

4.9 Underwater 202Getting Started ............................................................................202Creating Waves ...........................................................................203Adding Diffused Light .................................................................. 204Adding Rays of Light ....................................................................205Intensifying the Light .................................................................... 206Further Exploration .......................................................................207

4.10 Colored Lighting 208Getting Started ........................................................................... 208Adding Cool Lighting .................................................................. 209Adding Warm Lighting .................................................................210Adding a Highlight.......................................................................210Softening the Image ..................................................................... 211Further Exploration ....................................................................... 211

4.11 iPod 212Getting Started ............................................................................ 212Adding the iPod ........................................................................... 213Placing the iPod in a Pocket .......................................................... 215

Drawing the Earphones ................................................................215Placing the Final Shadow ..............................................................216Further Exploration .......................................................................216

Tips for Advertising and Special Effects 217Create 3-D Effects ........................................................................ 217Add Texture................................................................................. 217Use Layer Modes ......................................................................... 217Reflect with Gradients ................................................................... 217Emboss the Easy Way .................................................................. 217Eliminate the Jaggies .................................................................... 217Don’t Worry About Horizontal Alignment ........................................ 217Watch Your Canvas Size .............................................................. 217

5 Type Effects 219GIMP’s Text Tools .........................................................................219Predefined Text Effects ..................................................................220Creating Your Own Type Effects ....................................................221

5.1 Chrome and Metal Text 222Brushed Metal .............................................................................222

Creating the Text .................................................................222Extruding the Text with the Bump Map Filter ...........................223Adding a Metallic Finish .....................................................224

Heavy Metal ...............................................................................225Creating the Text .................................................................225Adding Depth .....................................................................226Adding a Metallic Finish ......................................................227

Liquid Metal ................................................................................228Creating the Text .................................................................228Liquefying the Letters ...........................................................229Adding Depth and Polish ......................................................229

Further Exploration .......................................................................230

5.2 Gel Type 231Creating the Text ..........................................................................231Rounding the Surface of the Text ...................................................231Adding Lighting Effects .................................................................233Lightening the Text and Adding a Drop Shadow ..............................234Further Exploration .......................................................................235

xiv Contents in Detail

5.3 Distressed Text 236Creating the Text ..........................................................................236Creating a Distressed Layer ...........................................................236Applying the Distressed Effect to the Text ........................................238Further Exploration .......................................................................239

5.4 Frost 240Creating the Background and Text ................................................ 240Bringing the Text Forward .............................................................241Adding Snow ............................................................................. 243Creating Falling Snow ................................................................. 244Further Exploration ...................................................................... 245

5.5 Neon Signs 246Experimenting with the Built-in Neon Effect .................................... 246Creating the Background ............................................................. 246Preparing the Neon Tubes .............................................................247Adding the Glow .........................................................................249Adding a Glass-Edged Reflection ...................................................250Further Exploration .......................................................................250

5.6 Spray Paint 251Creating the Background ..............................................................251Adding a Text Outline ..................................................................251Converting the Text to Spray Paint ..................................................252Further Exploration .......................................................................254

Tips for Type Effects 255Make Alignment Easier .................................................................255Find Good Fonts ..........................................................................255Use Only the Fonts You Need ........................................................255Use Large Type and High Resolution for Print Projects .......................255Remember That All GIMP Text Is Rasterized .....................................255Practice Copyfitting Manually ........................................................256Edit Text Layers Wisely .................................................................256Plan Ahead .................................................................................256Create Font Maps ........................................................................256

6 Creative Inspiration 257

6.1 Fire Girl 259Isolating the Girl from the Background ...........................................259Edge-Detecting the Girl to Create Multiple Layers ...........................261Blending in Ornamental Elements ..................................................261Blending to Remove Excess Details ................................................262Adding Flame Coloring ...............................................................264Creating the Crown of Flames .......................................................264Further Exploration .......................................................................265

6.2 Star Field 266Starting Small ..............................................................................266Growing Bigger Stars ..................................................................267Working at a Larger Scale ...........................................................268Adding Space Voids ...................................................................269Clustering ..................................................................................270Coloring ....................................................................................271Using Lens and Gradient Flares for Highlights .................................271Adding Space Dust .....................................................................272Further Exploration .......................................................................272

6.3 Creamsicle Love 273Creating a Custom Gradient .........................................................273Creating Temporary Grassy Hills ..................................................274Adding a Background Sun ...........................................................274Giving It the Retro Feel: Sunbeams ................................................275Adding the Lovers’ Silhouette ....................................................... 277Finishing Off the Grassy Hills ........................................................278Further Exploration .......................................................................279

6.4 Mobsterville 280Establishing the Base Image .........................................................280Making It Rain .............................................................................281Adding a Background Building and Lamp Posts ...............................282Adding Lamps and Lights ..............................................................283Retrieving a Red Tie ....................................................................284Further Exploration .......................................................................285

Index 287