Graphic design: create simple customised patterns using Gimp from Coursera

In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will learn how to:

- Manage the file requirements to optimise and export a pattern,

- Get started with GIMP 2.10 editing tools

- Design customised patterns using GIMP 2.10

By the end of this project, you will learn how to use Gimp to create simple customised patterns.

You’ll discover how to create different types of patterns, either by drawing simple shapes directly on GIMP or starting from an existing image.

In graphic design and visual arts, a pattern is a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface. Patterns are used to customise fabrics, prints, wallpaper, gift papers, and any kind of surface your imagination can reach.

GIMP version 2.10 is a cross-platform image editor available for many of the most popular operating systems. It is largely used by graphic designers, illustrators, artists, or photographers as an open-source alternative to image editing software.

Its interface is user-friendly so it can be enjoyed by anyone interested or involved in jobs related to graphics and visual arts.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

By the end of this project, you will learn how to use Gimp to create simple customised patterns. You’ll discover how to create different types of patterns, either by drawing simple shapes directly on GIMP or starting from an existing image. In graphic design and visual arts, a pattern is a design in which the same shape is repeated at regular intervals over a surface. Patterns are used to customise fabrics, prints, wallpaper, gift papers, and any kind of surface your imagination can reach. GIMP version 2.10 is a cross-platform image editor available for many of the most popular operating systems. It is largely used by graphic designers, illustrators, artists, or photographers as an open-source alternative to image editing software. Its interface is user-friendly so it can be enjoyed by anyone interested or involved in jobs related to graphics and visual arts. This guided project is for graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, or artists who want to discover Gimp as an open-source alternative to common image editing software. Anyone interested in graphic design who wants to create customised patterns for their designs using three different methods.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches GIMP 2.10, which is largely used by graphic designers, illustrators, artists, and photographers

Has a user-friendly interface suitable for anyone interested in design and visual arts

Provides guided project learning for creating customized patterns using GIMP

Develops the ability to create simple customized patterns in graphic design and visual arts

Reviews summary

Customizable patterns using gimp

Based on student reviews, this graphic design course using Gimp has been largely well received. Learners say the course has clear instructions, an excellent instructor, and a useful guided project. A common criticism is that the lecturer could provide more explanation about the tools.

Course materials are organized and easy to understand.

"Well laid out with clear instructions."

Instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material effectively.

"excellent instructor"

Practical project helps learners apply their skills.

"The guided project is useful especially for aspiring graphic designer."

Instructor could provide more context about the purpose of the tools.

"I think the lecturer should explain what each tool is supposed to do as well rather than say just use it."

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 Graphic design: create simple customised patterns using Gimp with these activities:

Review basic design principles

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Brush up on basic design principles to strengthen your foundation in graphic design.

Browse courses on Design Principles

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Read articles or watch videos on design principles.
Analyze existing designs to identify how principles are applied.

Join a design community or forum

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Engage with fellow designers in online communities or forums to share knowledge, get feedback, and learn from others.

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Identify relevant design communities or forums.
Join the community and actively participate in discussions.
Share your work, ask questions, and engage with other members.

Follow tutorials on using GIMP 2.10

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Enhance your skills in using GIMP 2.10 through guided tutorials, expanding your knowledge of the software.

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Search for tutorials on specific GIMP 2.10 features or techniques.
Follow the steps and instructions provided in the tutorials.
Practice applying the techniques on your own images or designs.

Four other activities

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Practice creating patterns using different techniques

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Reinforce your knowledge of pattern creation by practicing different techniques and experimenting with various methods.

Browse courses on Image Manipulation

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Create patterns using geometric shapes.
Experiment with organic and freehand patterns.
Explore color combinations and gradients.

Design a series of patterns inspired by nature

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Solidify your understanding of pattern creation by designing a series of patterns inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature.

Browse courses on Pattern Design

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Observe and study natural forms, textures, and colors.
Sketch out your pattern ideas.
Use GIMP 2.10 to bring your patterns to life.

Contribute to open-source projects related to pattern creation

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Extend your learning beyond the classroom by contributing to open-source projects related to pattern creation, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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Identify open-source projects that align with your interests.
Explore the project's codebase and documentation.
Make contributions, such as bug fixes or new features.

Develop a mood board or style guide for a specific design project using patterns

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Apply your pattern creation skills to a real-world design project by developing a mood board or style guide that incorporates patterns.

Browse courses on Mood Boards

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Identify the target audience and purpose of the design project.
Create a mood board to convey the desired aesthetic and mood.
Develop a style guide that includes pattern usage guidelines.

Career center

Learners who complete Graphic design: create simple customised patterns using Gimp 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. The course provides you with the understanding of the usage of Gimp, a popular software tool used by Graphic Designers, which you can use to create customized patterns for your designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and creates infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create custom designs for infrastructure projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Interior designer

An Interior Designer plans and executes interior design projects for residential and commercial spaces. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create patterns for wallpaper, fabrics, and other interior design elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Architect

An Architect designs and creates buildings. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create custom designs for buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Web Designer

A Web Designer creates the layout and design of websites. The course may be useful for understanding how to create patterns on Gimp that can be used for website backgrounds.

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Photographer

A Photographer captures images of people, places, and events. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to edit and enhance photographs.

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User Experience Designer

A User Experience Designer enhances the user's interaction with a product or service by improving the overall experience. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create patterns for user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Product Designer

A Product Designer creates the overall concept and design of products. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create custom designs for products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Fashion Designer

A Fashion Designer creates clothing and accessories. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create patterns for clothing and accessories.

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Animator

An Animator creates animated images for film, television, and video games. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create custom animations.

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Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer combines art and technology to create products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create patterns for product designs.

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Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs and creates outdoor spaces. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create custom designs for outdoor spaces.

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Art Director

An Art Director oversees the visual style and concepts for various forms of media, including print, digital, and advertising. The course may be useful for understanding tools such as Gimp that is used by graphic designers.

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Game Designer

A Game Designer creates the overall concept and design of video games. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create custom graphics for video games.

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Illustrator

An Illustrator creates visual images for books, magazines, and other publications. The course may be useful for understanding how to use Gimp to create custom illustrations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator