Author name: Carter Blakefield

Transforming a clean graphic into a vision of decay and contamination can add a dramatic effect to your digital artwork. GIMP, the free and open-source image editor, presents an array of tools that can be used to create this unique effect. From discoloration and texturing to incorporating realistic smoke elements, you will learn to master the art of the digital decay.

Start With the Basics

Before diving into the details of creating a contaminated effect, ensure you have a good understanding of GIMP’s interface and its basic tools. Familiarize yourself with the layers panel, brushes, and selection tools, as these will be fundamental in the creation process. read more

This tutorial is designed for those new to web 2.0 text logo creation, as well as for those with some experience. We’ll proceed step by step, covering each detail thoroughly, so be prepared for a comprehensive and straightforward guide. You’ll learn various techniques applicable to more than just text logos. Among the techniques we’ll cover are:

• Creating a mirrored reflection of the text logo using a Mask layer.
• Generating a glossy look using the Ellipse Selection tool in subtract mode.
• Creating smooth edges with the Grow Selection feature.

Here’s what you’ll be able to create by the end of this tutorial:

For this tutorial, I’m using the Gimp 2.4 candidate version. If there are any version-specific features, I’ll point them out as we go. read more

Preview:

Comprehensive guide: Create, slice, and code your layout using Gimp. Here’s what you’ll learn in this tutorial…

Click to Enlarge

1) The images might appear darker as they were adjusted using a different monitor. Adjust brightness according to your screen.
2) Basic familiarity with GIMP is required, as not every step is visually detailed.
3) Image quality may vary due to jpg compression for space efficiency.
4) Apologies for any delay in updates due to health reasons.

Tutorial steps:
1) Conceptualizing your design
2) Drafting the design
3) Creating navigation elements
4) Crafting content boxes
5) Slicing the layout for web
6) Integrating with HTML
7) Styling with CSS read more

Preview:

IMPORTANT REMINDER: This is my debut tutorial, so please be kind. Also, I’m not certain if there are similar tutorials out there; I did some searching and found a few, but they use different techniques. And for those who might find this confusing, it could be due to using different software versions. I’ve used version 2.2 for this tutorial.

1. Start by creating a new image.

2. Use the “Bucket Fill” tool to set up a black background.

3. Change the foreground color to a color other than black. Choose the “Text” tool and click on the canvas. A dialog box will pop up. Enter your desired text. read more

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This tutorial introduces you to the “Dynamic Flame” method. The name comes from our extensive use of the Flame Filter.

** Note: This guide doesn’t incorporate layer techniques as it was created before I learned about layers. Nonetheless, feel free to experiment and enhance this method.

Creating a Vibrant Banner –

1. Start by opening a new document (I’m using 400×150 pixels).

2. Fill your canvas with a solid black background.

3. Change the background color to white and choose a preferred foreground color for your banner’s theme (my choice is blue). read more

Preview:

This tutorial demonstrates a straightforward yet effective technique, ideal for those new to GIMP. The focus is on creating a “Sun Ray” effect, a popular style in modern web design.

For this tutorial, GIMP 2.4 is used, and it’s recommended to download this version for consistency.

Step 1

Create a new 400×400 image. In the advanced settings of the new image dialog, choose ‘Transparent fill’.

Step 2

Activate the GRID by navigating to View > Show Grid or use the shortcut CTRL+SHIFT+T. Also, enable ‘Snap to Grid’ by selecting View > Snap to Grid. read more

GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program, is a powerful free and open-source tool for image editing that closely mirrors the capabilities of Adobe Photoshop. Among its myriad of features is the ability to create shapes with rounded corners, which are a popular design element in user interface components like navigation bars. Rounded navigation bars provide a sleek, modern aesthetic to websites and applications. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a rounded rectangle in GIMP that can be used as a navigation bar for your project. read more