How to Make a 3D Cartoon With Gimp
With a little practice, you can create 3D cartoons using GIMP. If you're new to drawing with GIMP, try using a photograph of a person as a model for your first cartoon. Once the basic shape is complete, you can delete the photograph to concentrate on drawing. Use color and shading to emphasize the 3D elements of your cartoon. Imagine a bright light shining on your cartoon from the front. Use light colors in the front and darker colors on the sides to simulate bright areas, shadows and depth.
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Instructions
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Draw Frame
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1
Launch GIMP and create a new document. Type “600” into the Width field and “800” into the Height field, then click “OK.”
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2
Use a photograph or 3D drawing as a template for the cartoon. Click “Open as Layers” from the File menu. Go to the image on your computer and click "Open." Use the “Move” and “Scale” tools in the Toolbox to move and resize the image as needed.
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3
Select the features of the photograph that will constitute three planes in your cartoon: front, middle and back. For example, the nose would be the front, the face the middle and the side of the head the back. If the person has a hand extended, the three planes could be the hand, arm and body. Drag the “Opacity” slider in the Layers panel to about 50 percent, so the photograph does not interfere with your drawing.
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Click “New Layer” from the Layer menu. Type “Frame” into the Layer Name field and click “OK.” Select the “Paths" tool from the Toolbox.
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Click the Paths tool on the top of the subject's head to create an anchor point, then move the tool to another point of the outline to create a second anchor point. A line forms between the anchors. Dragging the tool after clicking will create a curve in the line. Create anchor points around the face until you have drawn an outline. Press “Enter” when you have completed the outline.
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Click the “Stroke Path” button located in the Paths panel beneath the Toolbox. Type “2” into the Line Width field and click the “Stroke” button.
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Click any other tool in the Toolbox, then click the “Paths" tool again. Outline all of the body parts you want to use for the cartoon, such as the legs, body, hands and feet. Use separate outlines to highlight the back and front planes of your cartoon, such as the nose, extended hands, side of the body, and shoulders.
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Select the layer containing the photo in the Layers Panel. Click the “Trash” icon at the bottom of the panel to delete it.
Add Colors
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Click “New Layer” in the Layer menu. Type “Color” in the Layer Name field and click “OK.” Drag this layer into the Layers panel so it is below the “Frame” layer.
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Select the “Paintbrush" tool from the Toolbox. The Paintbrush panel opens. Click the "Brush" icon to select a brush size. Click the “Foreground Color” icon in the Toolbox, then select a color for the middle plane of the face from the palette. Click “OK.” Drag the Paintbrush tool across the face to color it.
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Select a lighter shade of the same color from the color palette to paint the nose on the face. Use other colors as needed for other portions of the cartoon, using lighter shades for the front plane and darker colors for the back plane.
Add 3D Color and Details
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Click the “Dodge/Burn" tool in the Toolbox. The Dodge/Burn panel appears. Select “Dodge” from the Dodge/Burn panel. This will make the color lighter. Drag the tool over each cheek, the forehead and other areas where more light would reflect from a 3D person or object.
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Select “Burn” from the Dodge/Burn panel. This tool darkens the colors. Drag it over the sides of rounded objects, under the nose and under the eyes to make these areas appear more shadowed.
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Select the “Frame” layer in the Layers panel, then click the “Trash” icon at the bottom of the panel to delete it.
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Click “New Layer” from the Layer menu. Type “Details” into the Layer Name field. Select the “Paintbrush" tool from the Toolbox. Click the “Brush” icon in the Paintbrush panel and select the “Circle (03)” brush. Draw the eyes, mouth, fingers and other fine details to complete the cartoon. Draw a line around the outline of the cartoon.
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