Let’s learn how to create a richly ornate typographic illustration with Gimp. We’ll use ornate patterns, stock photos, and textures. Let’s start!
Please note: Some steps are complex and may be hard to follow.
Step 1
Create a 1600×1200 pixel document in Gimp with a white background. Add a large wooden texture via File > Open as Layers. Rename the layer to “wood texture 1.”
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Step 2
Enhance the wood texture’s depth and color. Create a new layer, fill it with black, set to Overlay mode, and adjust opacity to 50%.
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Step 3
Add another layer for darkening the wood texture using color #633a1c and Multiply mode.
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Step 4
Apply a top-to-bottom white to transparent gradient on a new layer. Copy and paste the visible layers as a new layer, deleting the others.
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Step 5
Download and install a free font. Type your desired text on separate layers in any color.
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Step 6
Install Gimp Layer Effect plugins. Apply effects like Drop Shadow, Outer Glow, Bevel & Emboss, Stroke to the first letter, and arrange the layers accordingly.
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Step 7
Repeat the same effects for the remaining letters and the “&” symbol.
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Step 8
Add textures to each letter using the wooden texture, shaping it to the letter form, and adjust for depth and lighting effects.
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Step 9
Download screw images, desaturate, and apply effects to create large and small screws. Place them over letters to appear as if securing them.
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Step 10
Duplicate screws for all letters, varying rotation and size.
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Step 11
Download and modify an ornate pattern to match text glow colors, then apply a layer style.
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Step 12
Enhance the ornate pattern with a colored flourish on a new layer, painting edges with a soft brush.
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Step 13
Group and duplicate the ornate pattern layers, resize and rotate them, placing them strategically around the text.
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Step 14
Apply a gradient map for color adjustment and create a layer with a radial gradient to highlight the background.
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Step 15
Add final color touches to the background and text, and incorporate an additional ornate pattern to complete the composition.
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Conclusion
And we’re done! Click the image below to view it full size!
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