How do I get good with GIMP??

[billdotson]

I am really bad with GIMP.. I am trying to make backgrounds and I am miserably failing. Where can I learn how to get good with GIMP/GIMPShop?

[darkhatter]

play around with tutorials, the main thing being play. Just practice with it and you'll get good

[FuturePilot]

Yeah, what darkhatter said. You just need to fool around with it. When I first started using Gimp I couldn't do anything, but after just fooling around with it for a few months I'm getting quite good. Just stick with it.

[seth556]

I'm already starting to come along in the programs and I've only used it for a few little things. Hopefully I'll be using it more in the near future.

[picpak]

Learn the keyboard shortcuts. Once you know them, the GIMP's clumsy interface won't bother you anymore.

[fuscia]

for me, learning techniques in an art form follow imagination. ideally, the idea happens first and then the technique is found to best bring the idea to life. on the other hand, some people will do better if they are inspired by a technique they've just learned (kind of a "that's cool. i wonder what we can do with it..." approach). ask yourself if it's really technique that's slowing you down, or a lack of vivid ideas.

[Detonate]

'm not very good with Gimp, mainly because I don't have an artistic bone in my body.:)

But I've found a lot of my questions answered in the Gimp Manual.

http://docs.gimp.org/en/using-expert.html

[IYY]

I'm pretty good with The Gimp, but I've never followed any tutorials. The key to learning an artistic program is to set a goal (for example, to change the colour of the sky in a landscape) and then try to do it. Your first attempts will suck, but will slowly improve, and eventually you'll be an expert.

[rsambuca]

I find that there are a ton of Photoshop tutorials out there on the web that are very well explained, with attached pictures during each stage of the work. Most of the effects can be done with the Gimp, although sometimes it takes a little searching to find the exact equivalents.

If you do a net search for Photoshop tutorials, you will find hundreds upon hundreds of them. Find an effect or technique you like, and try to apply it using the Gimp. Over time, you'll find that you just keep getting better and better.

[Choad]

i started using gimp ages ago but i have followed very few tutorials. i think its just an experience thing. i love gimp tho, its awesome!

[v8YKxgHe]

Stand on your head for 20 seconds, do 10 star-jumps then run around the house 3 times. Once you've done that you'll become a master at the GIMP.

But seriously, there is no magic button that will make you good instantly, you have to practice and practice like mad. Over time you will soon get better, it just takes time.

[lyceum]

I was just looking at this book today in the store:

http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-GIMP-Professional-Akkana-Peck/dp/1590595874/sr=8-1/qid=1171303185/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-8611397-2383653?ie=UTF8&s=books

It was cheeper at Amazon, but it looked better than anything I have found (all in one place) on line. You may want to check it out. The pages are in color.

Also, here is the Author's site with more stuff...

http://gimpbook.com/

[Sunflower1970]

I was using Gimp yesterday, and have to say, I was quite frustrated. I'm used to Photoshop, so the tools I wanted to use just were not where I am used to them being, or different actions didn't do what I am used to them doing...(I HATE how, when I add text I don't type it *on* the graphic, instead there's a little box you type it into THEN it shows up in the image.) I think I'm going to d/l Gimpshop at some point very soon. I understand it's set up more like Photoshop...

[shining]

I find it surprising how so many people can afford photoshop (well, unless you use it a lot professionally).

[The Mekon]

I have found this link (http://www.gimpguru.org/) useful.

Brian

[saulgoode]

GIMPtalk.com (http://www.gimptalk.com/) has a pretty lively help forum where you will find many tutorials and can usually receive prompt responses to questions.

[RomeReactor]

As has been said, practice is the way to go; however, if you want extra help (downloadable by way of Synaptic or Adept), then Grokking The GIMP (http://gimp-savvy.com/BOOK/) may be just what you seek. If you prefer installing from the terminal, then


sudo apt-get install grokking-the-gimp