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GIMP Computer Graphics For Kids and Beginners of any Age

Vicki Watson

Creating computer graphics is fun. It's also a useful skill in today's world. This course uses GIMP, the most powerful and popular FREE graphics software. The tools and concepts covered are common to virtually all graphics programs. 

GIMP has many of the same features as Photoshop, but without the price tag. GIMP runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

The course is very hands-on. When a skill is demonstrated in the video, students are encouraged to pause the lesson and practice until they can perform the same operation. 

Read more

Creating computer graphics is fun. It's also a useful skill in today's world. This course uses GIMP, the most powerful and popular FREE graphics software. The tools and concepts covered are common to virtually all graphics programs. 

GIMP has many of the same features as Photoshop, but without the price tag. GIMP runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

The course is very hands-on. When a skill is demonstrated in the video, students are encouraged to pause the lesson and practice until they can perform the same operation. 

The suggested age range is 12 and up, however younger students with good computer skills, or who have the help of someone older, may enjoy the course as well. And certainly, many adults will appreciate the gradual progression and detailed instructions, as well.

Revised 1/2/21 to include information about new features up to GIMP 2.10.22

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Use all the gimp tools to create a variety of fun and useful graphics projects
  • The skills acquired will make learning any other graphics software easier.

Syllabus

Students will install the GIMP software, run the program, and understand the layout of tools, menus, docks and tabs
Introduction

Course session checklist. Print this pdf to track your progress in the course.

Read more

The Begimper level badge and a zip file of sample images for use as needed. On a Mac, double click to extract the images from the zip file. On Windows, right click the file and select Extract All. Specific images will be provided for some lessons within that Lecture topic.

* Check Lecture 70 for toolbar changes in version 2.10.18 if you've updated to that version.

Students will begin to work with layers, a vital feature of any graphics software. The paintbrush and fill bucket are introduced with their options. Saving files.
Using the Paintbrush and Saving Files
Painting an Outlined Image Using Layers

* Check lecture 72 for the new merge options for layers (version 2.10.18)

Also, it seems in newer versions, The Color/Colorify menu item has been removed. Colors/Colorize will do basically the same thing. Click the color block in the Colorize dialog to tone your image to that color.

Fill a Layer With a Solid Color, Pattern, and Gradient
Fill Rectangular and Circular Shapes With a Solid Color, Pattern, and Gradient
Students will learn how to apply GIMP's transform tools to images and will create a photo montage after cropping and scaling multiple photos. Image file formats and exporting files are covered.

At around the 8:45 mark, I show an option from the Image menu/Autocrop Image. In the most recent versions of GIMP, that has been changed to Crop to Content, also found in the Image menu.

Create a Photo Montage of Multiple Cropped and Scaled Images
How to Export in the JPG, GIF, and PNG Image Formats & When to Use Each
Students will learn to style, color, outline, resize, and rotate text. Project includes overlaying an inspiring message over an image.
Styling Text - Fonts, Size, Color, Text Modes
Text/Image Project - Text Message Overlaying an Image
Filling and Outlining Text
All about Fonts
Convert Text to Image and Color It
Text Cutout to Reveal Images Project pt. 1
Text Cutout to Reveal Images Project pt. 2
Students learn how to use GIMP's seven selection tools to select a portion of an image.
Using the Rectangle and Ellipse Select Tools
Using the Lasso Tool, Saving Selections to Channels
Using the Fuzzy and Color Select Tools
Using the Intelligent Scissors Select Tool
Using the Foreground Select Tool
Scintillating Selections Project
Students learn to use GIMP's iwarp filter to distort an image and created an animated GIF to play back the distortion.

This filter was removed in recent versions of GIMP. It was replaced with the warp transform tool.


From Gimp's release notes:

The new Warp Transform tool allows doing localized transforms like growing or shifting pixels with a soft brush and undo support. Such tools are commonly used in fashion photography for retouching.

As such, the new tool retires the old iWarp filter that was innovative at the time of its inception (and pre-dated Photoshop’s Liquify filter), but was ultimately cumbersome to use. The Warp Transform tool also features an Eraser mode to selectively remove changes, previously unavailable in the iWarp filter.

Creating Animated GIFs
Students will paint on a quick mask with black or white to fine tune a selection.

Congratulations on reaching the InterGimper level!

Students will learn various enhancement and correction techniques for photographic images.
Using Curves and Levels to Correct Over and Under Exposed Photos
Using the Blur and Sharpen Filters
Correcting Colors and Using Layer Blending Modes
Adjusting Photos With the Healing Tool, Red Eye, Dodge, Burn, etc.
Using GIMP Filters and File-Create-Patterns
A Closer Look at the Color Selector Dialog
Students learn how to effectively use layer masks: create, disable, enable, and delete them, how to paint on the mask with black, white, and gray, and practical uses for them.
Layer Masks Explained
Sample Uses for Layer Masks
Create a Composite Image Using Layer Masks
Students will learn how to use the clone tool to add or remove content from an image.
Using GIMP's Clone Tool
Students will learn to use GIMP's paths tool to create open and closed paths and fill or outline them.
Paths Tool (Pen) Basics
Using the Paths Tool to Make Selections
Using the Paths Tool to Create a Cartoon Character
Students will be given an overview of the remaining GIMP tools and menu items.
Additional GIMP Tools
Additional GIMP Menu Items
Students will utilize all skills acquired in the course to create an original magazine cover and interior 2-page spread.
Magazine Project Overview

Congratulations! I now officially pronounce you an ExperGimper! I hope you've enjoyed the course and continue to use the graphics skills you've acquired.

Learn about the impressive new features in this update to GIMP
GIMP 2.10
Installing GIMP 2.10, Themes and Icon Sets
Automatic Alpha Channels, GEGL Filters With On-image Preview
MyPaint Brushes
Create and Edit a Gradient Right in the Image!
Save Gradient, Gradient Editor Dialog, Export as CSS
Layer Dock Features
Layer Group Mask

This is the image of the room with the window cutouts. The background images are in the scenery folder from the supplied sample images - or use any images you have available.

Warp Transform Tool Replaces iWarp
Handle Transform Tool
Selection Tool Updates
Rotating the Canvas
Symmetry Painting
Spiral & Supernova Filters, Shadows & Highlights Adjustments
Creating Image Slices
Color to Alpha Option and Creating Filter Presets
Version 2.10.4 Fast Load Speed & How to Straighten Images With Measure Tool
Version 2.10.6 Vertical Text & Long Shadow Filter
Version 2.10.6 Vertical Straightening, Little Planet Filter, File Dialog Changes
Version 2.10.8 Update - Mostly Bug Fixes
Highlights primary new features introduced in these updates.
Lecture 67: GIMP Update 2.10.10 Improved Bucket Fill Based on Line Art
Lecture 68: GIMP Update 2.10.12 Curves, Free Select, Layer-Transform-Offset
Lecture 69: GIMP Update 2.10.14 Viewing Outside the Canvas, Foreground Select
What's new in the latest versions of GIMP
Toolbar Groups and High Contrast Symbolic Icons
Composite Preview Mode & 3D Transform Tool
Merge Layers
73: GIMP Update 2.10.20 Non-Destructive Crops
74: GIMP Update 2.10.20 Outline Text Using Drop Shadow Filter
75: GIMP Update 2.10.20 Vignette and Bloom Filters
76: GIMP Update 2.10.20 Lens Blur and Variable Filters
Gimp Update 2.10.24 Primarily Bug Fixes and File Format Improvements

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in GIMP Computer Graphics For Kids and Beginners of any Age with these activities:
Review Basic Image Editing Concepts
Reinforce fundamental image editing concepts like resolution, color modes, and file formats to prepare for using GIMP effectively.
Browse courses on Image Manipulation
Show steps
  • Research image resolution and its impact on image quality.
  • Study different color modes (RGB, CMYK, Grayscale) and their uses.
  • Familiarize yourself with common image file formats (JPG, PNG, GIF).
Read 'GIMP for Absolute Beginners'
Supplement the course with a beginner-friendly book to reinforce GIMP fundamentals and provide additional practice.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'GIMP for Absolute Beginners'.
  • Work through the book's tutorials, focusing on the core GIMP tools.
  • Experiment with the techniques learned in the book on your own images.
Practice Selection Tool Exercises
Master GIMP's selection tools through targeted exercises to improve precision and efficiency in image manipulation.
Show steps
  • Find images with distinct objects to select.
  • Use different selection tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, Lasso, Fuzzy) on the same image.
  • Compare the results and note the strengths of each tool.
  • Practice saving selections to channels for later use.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Simple Logo
Apply GIMP skills to create a logo, reinforcing understanding of layers, text, and basic design principles.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm logo ideas based on a chosen theme or brand.
  • Create a new GIMP image with appropriate dimensions.
  • Use layers to add shapes, text, and other design elements.
  • Experiment with colors, gradients, and effects to enhance the logo.
  • Export the logo in a suitable format (PNG, SVG).
Photo Retouching Project
Undertake a photo retouching project to practice using GIMP's healing, cloning, and color correction tools.
Show steps
  • Find a photo that needs retouching (e.g., removing blemishes, adjusting colors).
  • Use the Healing Tool to remove imperfections.
  • Employ the Clone Tool to fill in missing areas or remove unwanted objects.
  • Adjust colors and levels to enhance the photo's overall appearance.
  • Compare the before and after versions of the photo.
Read 'Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional'
Expand your GIMP knowledge with a comprehensive guide that covers advanced techniques and real-world applications.
View Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional'.
  • Read the book, focusing on topics that align with your interests and goals.
  • Try out the techniques and examples presented in the book.
  • Apply your newfound knowledge to your own GIMP projects.
Create a Magazine Cover
Synthesize learned skills by designing a magazine cover, incorporating text, images, and design elements effectively.
Show steps
  • Choose a magazine theme and target audience.
  • Gather relevant images and create original graphics.
  • Design the layout, incorporating a compelling headline and supporting text.
  • Use GIMP's text tools to style the text and create visual hierarchy.
  • Export the cover in a high-resolution format for printing or digital distribution.

Career center

Learners who complete GIMP Computer Graphics For Kids and Beginners of any Age will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Graphic designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course, which covers GIMP computer graphics, helps build a foundation for a career as a graphic designer. The course's hands-on approach, with students pausing lessons to practice skills, directly translates to the practical application needed in graphic design. Specifically, the course's coverage of GIMP tools, layers, transform tools, and text styling provides a comprehensive introduction to the core skills used by a working graphic designer. Furthermore, the magazine project puts these principles into action.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer
Digital Artist
A digital artist creates art using digital technology. This course is tailored for students, kids, and beginners, and it leverages GIMP, a powerful and free graphics software, to introduce the basics of digital art. The course provides a strong grounding in digital art concepts and practices, helping students to create a variety of fun and useful graphic projects. From installing the GIMP software to understanding the layout of tools, menus, docks, and tabs, the course takes a hands-on approach, encouraging students to engage with the material actively. This emphasis on actively doing promotes a deeper understanding of the material, helping digital artists translate their creative ideas into digital masterpieces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist
Photo Editor
A photo editor enhances and manipulates photographs to improve their overall quality and meet specific artistic or commercial requirements. This course provides a strong foundation for a career as a photo editor. The course includes lessons on techniques for enhancing and correcting photographic images, such as using curves, levels, and the blur and sharpen filters. The lessons on adjusting photos with the healing tool, red eye correction, dodge, and burn tools are directly applicable to the daily tasks of a photo editor. Additionally, the course covers layer masks, which are a foundational tool for performing detailed and non-destructive edits.
See salaries and explore the career path for Photo Editor
Illustrator
An illustrator creates drawings or other artwork for use in books, magazines, and similar products. This course may be helpful for one who aspires to be an illustrator, as it provides a comprehensive introduction to computer graphics using GIMP. The course's coverage of the paintbrush and fill bucket tools, along with their options, is particularly relevant to illustration. Also, the course covers layer masks, which are a valuable tool for creating complex illustrations with detailed shading and effects. The skills acquired from this course help pave the way for one who wishes to express themselves artistically and communicate ideas through visual mediums.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator
Web Designer
A web designer plans, creates, and codes internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics and video clips. This course may be useful for one who wishes to become a web designer, as it covers the fundamentals of computer graphics using GIMP, a free and popular software. Learning about image file formats and exporting files, as covered in the course, helps a web designer create optimized graphics for websites. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on hands-on practice and projects, such as creating a magazine cover, enables students to apply their newfound graphic design skills in a practical context.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
Multimedia Artist
Multimedia artists create animation, visual effects, and other motion graphics. The skills taught in this course may be helpful for one who hopes to work as a multimedia artist. The course covers creating animated GIFs, which is a fundamental skill for creating short animations and visual effects. The course also covers applying filters to images, which can be used to create interesting visual effects and animations. Knowledge of GIMP is a useful skill in the field, and can enhance one's multimedia work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist
Marketing Coordinator
A marketing coordinator supports marketing teams by conducting research, analyzing data, and creating marketing materials. This course may be useful for one who hopes to become a marketing coordinator. The course teaches students how to use GIMP to create graphics and edit photos, which are useful skills for creating marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and social media posts. Additionally, the course covers text styling, which is important for creating visually appealing marketing materials. Learning how to create graphics can make one a more valuable and versatile member of a marketing team.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Coordinator
Social Media Manager
A social media manager is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing a company's social media strategy in order to increase brand awareness and engagement. This course may be helpful for one who wishes to become a social media manager. The course covers skills such as creating graphics, styling text, and overlaying messages on images, which are all valuable for creating engaging social media content. Additionally, the course teaches students how to export images in various formats, which is important for optimizing images for different social media platforms. Learning how to create content can empower one to reach and grow their audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Digital Marketing Specialist
A digital marketing specialist develops, implements, and manages digital marketing campaigns to promote a company's products or services. This course may be helpful. The course covers skills such as creating graphics, styling text, and overlaying messages on images, which are all valuable for creating engaging digital marketing content. The course's emphasis on hands-on practice and projects, such as creating a magazine cover, helps one to develop a portfolio of work that can be presented to potential employers. Learning about design can allow one to attract and attain customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Specialist
Art Director
An art director is responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. This role typically requires a master's degree. This course may be useful for one who wishes to become an art director. The course covers the fundamentals of computer graphics, which are essential for art direction. The magazine project within the course provides a practical exercise in applying design principles to a real-world scenario. This project allows students to experiment with different layouts, typography, and images to create a visually appealing publication.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
User Interface Designer
A user interface designer focuses on the visual layout and interactive elements of software applications and websites. This course may be useful for one who wishes to become a user interface designer. The course covers the fundamentals of computer graphics, including image editing, manipulation, and creation, which are essential for creating visually appealing and effective user interfaces. The course also teaches how to use GIMP's tools to create icons, buttons, and other user interface elements. These are the basic building blocks used to construct a user interface.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates learning materials. This course may be helpful for one who wishes to work as an instructional designer. The course might give one an understanding of graphics software, allowing for the design of more effective materials. Such learning materials might include creating animated GIFs, which is a skill the course teaches. The course is aimed at kids and beginners, so it could provide insight into techniques for designing learning materials for a less experienced audience. Learning how to use GIMP can enhance the work of an instructional designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Game Designer
A game designer creates and develops the gameplay, rules, and story of video games. This course may be useful for one who wishes to become a game designer. The course teaches the fundamentals of computer graphics, including image editing, manipulation, and creation, which are essential for creating game assets. The course covers creating and using textures, which are used to create the surfaces of objects in video games. Learning such skills can potentially lead to the creation of engaging and visually appealing game worlds.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer
Technical Writer
A technical writer writes clear and concise documentation for technical products or services. While seemingly unrelated, this course may be useful. Often, technical documentation benefits from the inclusion of relevant graphics to illustrate complex concepts. The course's comprehensive coverage of GIMP's tools and features helps one to create custom graphics and diagrams that enhance the clarity and effectiveness of technical documentation. Understanding tools such as GIMP can make technical documentation clearer and more easily understood.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Animator
An animator creates multiple images, known as frames, which when sequenced together create an illusion of movement. The skills obtained from this course may be useful to one who wishes to become an animator. The course teaches how to create animated GIFs, which are a basic form of animation. Understanding layering, masking, and image manipulation, as taught in the course, can also be very useful. Learning these skills provides a foundation to produce impressive and elaborate animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in GIMP Computer Graphics For Kids and Beginners of any Age.
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Provides a gentle introduction to GIMP, covering the basics of the interface, tools, and workflows. It's an excellent resource for students with little to no prior experience in image editing. The book's step-by-step tutorials and clear explanations make it easy to follow along and learn the fundamentals. It serves as a great companion to the course, offering additional practice and reinforcement of key concepts.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Beginning GIMP
Save
Offers a comprehensive guide to GIMP, covering a wide range of topics from basic image editing to advanced techniques. It's suitable for students who want to delve deeper into GIMP's capabilities and explore more complex projects. The book includes detailed explanations, practical examples, and real-world case studies. It serves as a valuable resource for students who aspire to become proficient GIMP users.
Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional...
Paperback
$$
Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional...
Paperback
$$
Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional 2nd...
Paperback
$$$

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Effort
9.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Vicki Watson
Language
English
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