Draw Something in GIMP

Everyone can doodle a little bit in any graphics program. This will get you started and explain a general technique of how to actually draw an item. It assumes you have a basic knowledge of how to use most of the tools in GIMP.

Steps

  1. Select your item to draw, for example, a mug of coffee.
  2. Think of an approximate size you want your object to be. There is a world of difference in the technique of drawing something 30x30 pixels and drawing something 400x400.
  3. Select a technique to use. If you are drawing something relatively small, you will probably want to "pixel". If you are drawing something larger, there are a variety of other techniques you can use. This article will cover two methods. One for drawing smaller objects, one for larger.

Drawing Smaller Objects

  1. Zoom in. The zoom tool is your friend. Just press "+" or click the magnifying glass icon to zoom in and press "-" to zoom out.
  2. Use the pencil tool and draw an outline of the object with which you want to draw. Mentally divide the object into smaller objects. For example, if you were drawing a mug, you would divide it into the opening, the body, and the handle.
  3. Pick three to five different shades of the color that each object is and have these colors handy.
  4. Think of the shape of the smaller object. Getting the exact shape right is the most difficult part of pixeling.
  5. Outline the smaller object, and then shade it in using the different shades of color you chose. You many need to use more shades depending on how smooth your object is. You can "create" these shades using the smudge tool, if necessary.
  6. Zoom out, view your work, zoom in, and tweak it.
  7. Repeat these steps with all of the smaller objects.
  8. Add details to your object. If there was a logo on your mug, this would be when to draw it. Do not be afraid that something is too big, this will only confuse you.
  9. Again, zoom out, view, and tweak. Repeat this step until everything looks perfect.
  10. You should be done! Enjoy your small mug.

For larger objects

  1. As with the smaller objects, you will start by drawing the basic shape of your object.
  2. This time, instead of using the pencil tool, you will use the paths tool. The paths tool is your friend. Learn to use it and learn to love it.
  3. Click (*do not drag*) to form a series of points that form the basic shape of your object. Do not try to make things round, leave them angular for now. Make sure the paths tool mode is set for "design".
  4. This is when you will decide the scale of things. Make sure everything is the right size in comparison. If you are drawing a mug, make sure it is of the correct broadness and that the handle is not really big. Tweak things to make them the right size.
  5. Double click the paths toolbox and set the tool mode to "edit" (or you can hold CTRL while doing the next step, instead)
  6. Form your path into the shape you want your object to be in. To do this, click somewhere on your path and drag it. This is where you will round shapes that are supposed to be round. While doing this step it can be useful to zoom in and out.
  7. Tweak it until it is perfect.
  8. Then, go to Edit-Stroke Path. Select "Stroke Using Tool" and select pencil. Set the color to black, set the brush to a 1 pixel brush, and stroke it.
  9. Now, as in pixeling, divide the object into several smaller objects mentally. Color each object it's basic color with the fill tool.
  10. Now, you must texture the object. There are many, many different methods for this, and so much depends on what kind of object you are texturing.
  11. Oftentimes, you can use gradients to texture the object. Sometimes you can use the patterns that Gimp provides.
  12. To make the texture rougher, try filters-distorts-shift, or filters-noise-spread.
  13. To make it smoother, try using many gradients set on lower opacities.
  14. After you have gotten your texture right, you will need to add some lighting. There are a few methods to do this, as well.
  15. One method it to use the self-explanatory filters-light effects-lighting effect.
  16. Another is to use a simple black and white gradient set to 'value' and a lower opacity.
  17. Now is the time for you to add all the details you need to for your object. For example: a logo, a chip in the mug, the beverage in the mug, etc.
  18. Try things until you get something that works for you.
  19. Then, just tweak, tweak, tweak and your object will be done!
  20. Admire your object, and keep tweaking it.



Tips

  • Use Layers. Layers are your friends and will save you lots of work and time.
  • Practice the Path tool. Unless you have a *very* steady hand and can draw very well with the pencil tool, you're going to need the path tool.
  • Develop your own technique. There is more than one way to do everything, and someone else's method is probably not quite right for you.
  • No-one says that you cannot use other tools, such as the sharpen tool or smudge tool. Some people don't like these tools, claiming that the most quality of work doesn't require these, and that these only mess things up. However, if you feel the need, go ahead.
  • Anti-aliasing (making lines more smooth) is always good.
  • Cylinders have rounded tops and bottoms, do not fall into this trap.
  • Experiment! You will not regret it, usually.
  • Use color tools, such as the brightness-contrast tool. If you learn to use it correctly, the color curves tool can be quite handy as well.

Warnings

  • Sometimes the path tool can be very frustrating if you don't understand it. Do not vent your frustration in a violent manner.
  • Beware that since GIMP is a developing program, it can sometimes be unstable and crash. Save often - you can easily save by pressing Ctrl and S.

Things You'll Need

  • A computer with GIMP installed.
  • A keyboard and a mouse.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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