rea's guide to graphic design - - wip dnp
Sept 3, 2016 1:31:12 GMT -5
⁻ ⁻ ☾ ᵇˡᵘᵉ ᵐᵒᵒᶰ, ⤞ r e a, and 5 more like this
Post by ⤞ r e a on Sept 3, 2016 1:31:12 GMT -5
Making graphics and layouts isn't easy, and it can be confusing and overwhelming for beginners. Even once you know the basics there's always room to improve and new things to learn. And that's why I've made this guide, for everyone and anyone to use. It covers everything from the very first steps of installing a photo manipulation program and uploading images to creating detailed banners using layer masks and multiple images, as well as creating BBCode layouts. I've also included basic color theory and tips on how to choose attractive and practical color schemes. I've been making graphics and layouts for around five years now, and the most important advice I can give you (other than never use Comic Sans) is that it takes time and practice to learn. It's just like art or writing, or any other skill or hobby, really. Learning the techniques is one thing, but it will take experience to develop and idea of what works and what doesn't, and a lot of trial and error. Watch and learn from the other designers around you and don't give up, and you'll get where you want to be.
This guide will show you how to make graphics using GIMP 2.8. I only have experience with GIMP on Linux Mint, Windows XP and Windows 7, so my instructions for installing the program, fonts or brushes will only apply to those operating systems. However, I've provided links to other tutorials where needed and if anyone else would be willing to provide instructions for other operating systems I would be happy to add them to this thread with credit. For actually making graphics and layouts the process is the same; my screenshots will be showing GIMP on Linux Mint so they may appear slightly different from the program on your own computer, but the instructions will still apply and work correctly.
If you need help, have a question or want an objective (but constructive) opinion on your work, please ask and tag me in the post! I'll see what I can do as soon as possible. I also do take requests, if you're not interested in learning to make your own graphics or layouts; I currently don't have a shop, but if you send me what you'd like through private message I'd be happy to help when I have the time to spare.
You may be wondering why a thread about graphic design has no graphics or coding. The reason is simple: readability. This is a very long thread with a lot of text and many screenshots. This way it's easier to read and the page is less image heavy. If you want some examples of my work to be sure I know what I'm talking about or see what skills I'll be teaching, here's three layouts I've created:
SpruceClan - - A Nameless Fear - - MistClan
N A V I G A T I O N
Because this is a really long thread with a lot of long sections, I've included links to each part of the guide. You'll notice that every section title (like the one above) is also a link; click it and you'll be brought right back here.
Post 1 - - Introduction, Examples & Navigation
Using GIMP & Color Theory
Post 2 - GIMP Installation & Basics
Post 3 - - Installing Fonts & Brushes
Post 4 - - Color Theory & How to Choose the Right Color Scheme
Graphics
Post 5 - - Changing Background Colors
Post 6 - - Adding Texture
Post 7 - - Text, Borders & Shadows
Post 8 - - Cutouts
Post 9 - - Other Shapes
Post 10 - - Headers & Dividers
BBCode
Post 11 - - Div Boxes
Post 12 - - Images, Text & Links
Post 13 - - Messletters
What Next?
Post 14 - - A Challenge
Post 15 - - Taking Requests & Starting a Shop
Post 16 - - Save
You may be wondering why a thread about graphic design has no graphics or coding. The reason is simple: readability. This is a very long thread with a lot of text and many screenshots. This way it's easier to read and the page is less image heavy. If you want some examples of my work to be sure I know what I'm talking about or see what skills I'll be teaching, here's three layouts I've created:
SpruceClan - - A Nameless Fear - - MistClan
N A V I G A T I O N
Because this is a really long thread with a lot of long sections, I've included links to each part of the guide. You'll notice that every section title (like the one above) is also a link; click it and you'll be brought right back here.
Post 1 - - Introduction, Examples & Navigation
Using GIMP & Color Theory
Post 2 - GIMP Installation & Basics
Post 3 - - Installing Fonts & Brushes
Post 4 - - Color Theory & How to Choose the Right Color Scheme
Graphics
Post 5 - - Changing Background Colors
Post 6 - - Adding Texture
Post 7 - - Text, Borders & Shadows
Post 8 - - Cutouts
Post 9 - - Other Shapes
Post 10 - - Headers & Dividers
BBCode
Post 11 - - Div Boxes
Post 12 - - Images, Text & Links
Post 13 - - Messletters
What Next?
Post 14 - - A Challenge
Post 15 - - Taking Requests & Starting a Shop
Post 16 - - Save