Graffiti Tutorial for GIMP

GIMP can create realistic graffiti effects

GIMP is an open source graphic-editing program for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, designed for image-editing and touch-up purposes. It is modeled after commercial graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop and includes similar tools, such as the magic wand and Burn and Dodge tools. Using GIMP, you can add a realistic graffiti logo to any image with a combination of text and a chain of effects.

Things You'll Need

• Graffiti Font (See Resources)

Instructions

1. Open GIMP and load your image by selecting "File," "Open." Navigate to your image and select "Open."

2. Select the "Text" tool from the palette on the left. This will be an icon with the letter "T" in the middle. Click on the part of the image where you want to put graffiti. Choose the graffiti text as your font and type in your text.

3. Create a new layer above the text layer in the "Layers" panel. Right-click on your text and select "Alpha to Selection." Change the foreground and background color. Select the "Blend" tool and click on your newly created layer to create a gradient.

4. Select "Layers," "Merge." Go to "Filters," "Light and Shadow," "Drop Shadow." Set the X and Y radii to "20." Set the blur radius to "0." Set the opacity to "70%." Uncheck "Allow Resizing."

5. Select the "Perspective" tool. Click on your graffiti image and select "Transform." Use this tool to skew the image so that it matches the surface the graffiti is against.

6. Select "Overlay" from the "Modes" menu in the "Layers" panel. Select "Filters," "Blur," "Gaussian Blur" to add a little blur to your graffiti image. Enter "30" for both values and click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• Erase any parts of the image that would be obstructed if the graffiti were actually there.

• Get creative with your colors, but use two that complement each other.

References

• GIMP Tutorials: Graffiti Tutorial

Resources

• Da Font: Grafitti Fonts