2D Digital Art — GIMP

4 units / 18 items

This course teaches students digital image editing and graphic design using GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), a free and open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Students will learn to edit photos, create original digital artwork, and design graphics for print and web. GIMP runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, so you can practice on any computer.

Course Objectives

Install and navigate the GIMP interface, toolbox, and dockable dialogs.
Use selection, painting, and transformation tools effectively.
Understand layers, channels, and blending modes for non-destructive editing.
Edit and enhance photographs using color correction, filters, and retouching.
Create original graphics including logos, posters, and digital paintings.
Export work in appropriate formats for web, print, and social media.

System Requirements

GIMP 3.0 requires Windows 10 (1903+), macOS, or Linux. It is completely free and open-source. A mouse works fine; a drawing tablet is optional but helpful for digital painting.

Getting Started

Install GIMP and learn the basics of the interface.

ReadingWhat Is GIMP?
Download and install GIMP (free, open source). Choose the installer for your operating system.
ReadingThe GIMP Interface
VideoGIMP for Beginners - Complete Overview
Video Resource: Watch Davies Media Design beginner GIMP videos for step-by-step interface and workflow practice.

Unit 1

Image Editing Essentials

Learn the fundamental tools for selecting, editing, and enhancing images.

ReadingCanvas, Resolution & File Formats
ReadingSelection Tools
Exercise 1.1: Open a photo. Practice using Rectangle Select, Ellipse Select, Free Select (Lasso), and Fuzzy Select (Magic Wand) to isolate parts of the image.
ReadingLayers & Layer Modes
Exercise 1.2: Create a multi-layer composition. Place a background on one layer, a foreground element on another, and text on a third. Experiment with opacity and layer order.
ReadingTransform & Paint Tools
Exercise 1.3: Crop, rotate, flip, and resize a photo. Then use the Clone Stamp and Healing Tool to remove an object or blemish from the image.
ReadingColor Correction & Adjustment
Exercise 1.4: Take a dark or washed-out photo and use Levels, Curves, Brightness-Contrast, and Hue-Saturation to make it look better.
CheckpointUnit 1 Activity - Photo Restoration
Video Resource: Watch GIMP photo retouching tutorials to see practical healing, clone, and color-correction workflows.

Unit 2

Filters, Effects & Text

Explore GIMP's filters and effects to transform images and create eye-catching text.

ReadingFilters & Effects Gallery
Exercise 2.1: Apply Blur, Sharpen, Distort, and Light & Shadow filters to a photo. Compare before and after for each filter.
ReadingText Tool & Typography
Exercise 2.2: Create a stylized text title using the Text tool. Apply Text Along Path to curve text, then add a drop shadow and gradient fill.
ReadingPaths & Vector Selections
Exercise 2.3: Use the Paths tool (Bézier curves) to create a precise outline around a complex object, convert the path to a selection, and extract the object from its background.
ReadingMasks & Advanced Compositing
Exercise 2.4: Combine two photos into a seamless composite using layer masks. Blend a person into a new background so it looks natural.
CheckpointUnit 2 Activity - Design a Movie Poster
Video Resource: Watch GIMP text effects and compositing tutorials for poster-style design techniques.

Unit 3

Digital Art & Graphic Design

Apply everything you've learned to create original artwork and practical design projects.

ReadingDigital Painting Basics
Exercise 3.1: Create a digital painting from scratch using GIMP's brush tools. Start with a rough sketch layer, add a base color layer, then paint details on top.
ReadingLogo & Icon Design
Exercise 3.2: Design a personal logo using shapes, paths, gradients, and text. Export it as a PNG with a transparent background.
ReadingDesigning for Print vs. Web
Exercise 3.3: Design a social media banner (1500×500px, 72 DPI for web) and a poster (8.5×11in, 300 DPI for print). Notice the differences.
CheckpointFinal Project - Portfolio Showcase
Video Resource: Watch GIMP digital painting workflow videos for brush technique and composition practice.