Crash learning Gimp

Martieh · **Joined:** Dec 28, 2012 **Posts:** 14

Hi,
I'm trying get up to speed on Gimp 2.8 so I can create book covers and digital art. Excited to find this forum, so much good information. Been watching Youtube videos and comparing to photoshop books and videos. I'm headed over to the Gimp for beginners tutorials.

I downloaded GPS, more brushes and wondering what plugins (Mac) are must haves.
Thanks,
Martieh

Esper · **Joined:** Jul 17, 2012 **Posts:** 2769

i recommend layerfx and text along path

http://gimpscripts.com/2011/10/gimp-layer-effects/
(choose the python version - it has a preview option)

http://registry.gimp.org/node/26168

G'MIC is another obvious one, although i dont use it much

Odinbc · **Posted:** Sun Dec 30, 2012 5:17 pm **(#3)**

Welcome to Gimp Chat Martieh

I'm not using a Mac so I can't give you a specific answer on must have plugins. I would suggest you take your time learning Gimp first before you load up on scripts and plugins, as you learn you'll come across the ones that will work best for you. The Mac folks around here will help you for sure. Have fun!

Esper · **Joined:** Jul 17, 2012 **Posts:** 2769

and get Draconian's MetalCurves if you like chrometext

http://gimpchat.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=4150

Hatter · **Posted:** Sun Dec 30, 2012 5:22 pm **(#5)**

The Mac version from Lisanet.de includes a number of very useful additional plug-ins as a default.
http://gimp.lisanet.de/Website/Photo_editing.html

molly · **Joined:** Apr 07, 2010 **Posts:** 14182

Welcome to Gimp Chat Martieh

2-ton · **Posted:** Sun Dec 30, 2012 8:37 pm **(#7)**

I use McGimp, it works great on the mac and has G'mic already in it, as well as several good plug-ins...oh oh, I don't have a link...anyone, anyone?

Martieh · **Joined:** Dec 28, 2012 **Posts:** 14

Thanks! but am I to understand there are like prepackaged versions of Gimp? other than the downloads from Gimporg? Interesting. I installed G'mic though as mentioned I don't know all the basics yet. I'm trying to learn about layer masks now and haven't found any tutorials on them here.

Martieh
who's got to work on her signature

Esper · **Joined:** Jul 17, 2012 **Posts:** 2769

Martieh wrote:

I'm trying to learn about layer masks now and haven't found any tutorials on them here.

i started very early with layermasks as well and dont regret a single minute, they always come in handy

check out Alex youtube channel (he post here as tstandiford):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRBXzVzwEoM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-hFja7Tuvg

and his website:
http://gimpedtutorials.com/index.php/la ... beginners/

he also has a little ebook about layermasks on amazon that i found very useful

Hatter · **Posted:** Mon Dec 31, 2012 6:01 am **(#10)**

Martieh wrote:

Thanks! but am I to understand there are like prepackaged versions of Gimp? other than the downloads from Gimporg?

2-ton wrote:

I use McGimp, it works great on the mac and has G'mic already in it, as well as several good plug-ins...oh oh, I don't have a link...anyone, anyone?

McGimp is here: http://www.partha.com

Gimp on OS X is here: http://gimp.lisanet.de/Website/News/News.html

2-ton · **Posted:** Mon Dec 31, 2012 12:46 pm **(#11)**

Thanks, Hatter!
I have used Gimp from both places, and they both work fine. I currently have McGimp 2.8 because I don't have to fiddle around with trying to get G'MiC installed correctly. I also have 2.6 from Lisanet.de. Love them both.

akky · **Joined:** Apr 09, 2011 **Posts:** 1764

long time GIMP and even longer mac user here....my preferences are to parthas version McGimp...
as there is a lot of pre packaged stuff there...you can always add more if you wish

Martieh · **Joined:** Dec 28, 2012 **Posts:** 14

Thanks Esper and Hatter for the links and the confirmation on Alex's book on Layer Masks. I'll pick it up.

Martieh

Martieh · **Joined:** Dec 28, 2012 **Posts:** 14

Pauline, checking out McGimp next. Thanks!!

2-ton · **Posted:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:11 pm **(#15)**

I just upgraded to Mountain Lion, and am trying out McGimp now!