Tutorial on Multiple Selves in GIMP

One way in which you can create multiple selves in Gimp (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is by loading images of a person onto different layers, cutting out the background of each image, then arranging the images into a humorous or artistic composition. Gimp's layer tools are essential for this approach. Layers work much like transparencies, letting you stack multiple images atop each other to create the illusion of a single image. Learning to create multiple-self images in Gimp develops skill in using the "Path" tool, which you'll use in many other Gimp projects.

Instructions

1. Take several digital photos of the person you want to create multiple selves for in Gimp. Follow your camera's instructions for importing the photos to your PC.

2. Click Gimp's "File" menu, then click "Load as layers." Navigate to and double-click a background image in which you'd like to place the multiple selves. For example, if you want the selves to appear in a forest, load a forest photo from your PC.

3. Click the "File" menu's "Load as layers" command again. Gimp will display a dialog box for you to load an image. Use the dialog's controls to navigate to the folder containing the photos you took and imported to your PC in step 1. Double-click one of the photos to load it into its own layer in Gimp, then repeat this step for each remaining photo from step 1.

4. Click the top layer in the "Layers" window to select that layer for editing, then click the icon in the toolbox that shows a nib pen.

5. Click a point on the outline of the person in the photo, then drag to another point on the outline and click again. Repeat this instruction to trace the complete outline of the person.

6. Right-click the outline and click the "Select" menu item, then click the "From path" command. Gimp will create a selection from the outline you traced.

7. Click the "Select" menu's "Invert" command to select all regions of the image that don't include the person. Press "Delete" to delete these regions and leave only the person's image.

8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for each layer in the "Layers" list that shows the person to appear in the final composition.

9. Click the toolbox's four-headed arrow to run the "Move" tool, then drag the image of the person to a position that seems realistic and pleasing to you. For example, you could drag an image of the person making a rabbit ears hand gesture behind a serious-looking image of the person.

10. Click the toolbox's icon showing an expanding square to run the "Scale" command. Drag on the selves in the composition that appear further receded in space from your viewpoint. This action simulates the optical phenomenon of perspective, which makes objects further from the viewer appear smaller.

11. Click the "Image" menu's "Flatten" command to assemble and complete the composition.

References

• "Gimp Bible"; Jason van Gumster; 2010