Photoshop-like program for free?

[Dusty Chalk]

Does anyone know of a program in which a novice graphics artist could get started? I have an idea for the logo for my band, and I wouldn't mind being able to create a rough (computer) sketch of it.

[hYdrociTy]

www.gimp.org

[tkam]

If your running Windows give Paint.NET a try.

[blessingx]

Gimp x2, though it's not the easiest to start with. Course neither is Photoshop.

If you're on OS X you have a bunch of new great apps to choose from. Three of the best are:

http://www.pixelmator.com/

http://flyingmeat.com/acorn/

http://www.getdrawit.com/

[Dusty Chalk]

Trying both of those, thanks (I'm a windows and linux guy).

[philodox]

Gimp x3

[laxx]

I hear alot of good things about Gimp.

[aerius]

There seems to be an unhealthy fascination with gimps around here...

[Chekhonte]

BOO-YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edwood]

There are tons of free copies of Photoshop Elements freely available. And it's a great gateway drug into the real Photoshop.

Now as for Gimp. Well, it's an aptly named gimped program.

Well, you do get what you pay for.

[philodox]

Sounds like someone hasn't taken the time to learn how to use Gimp.

[JBLoudG20]

Sounds like someone hasn't taken the time to learn how to use Gimp.

I am all for open source software, but that doesn't mean it is best. I keep a computer around with XP on it, JUST for Lightroom and photoshop CS3. There isn't anything better than those adobe products. Bar None. Gimp can try, but it cannot hold a candle. Maybe with a few more years of dev, it can compete with what PS has NOW.

[philodox]

I didn't say it was the best, but I don't think it is 'gimped'.

I also have Photoshop CS3 on my XP computer, and find it just as difficult to use as the Gimp.

[hYdrociTy]

photohshop7 and illustrator 10 on osx jag was the golden age. i still run ps6 and illustrator9 on os9.2 for nostalgic purposes

cs is lame.

[grawk]

I am all for open source software, but that doesn't mean it is best. I keep a computer around with XP on it, JUST for Lightroom and photoshop CS3. There isn't anything better than those adobe products. Bar None. Gimp can try, but it cannot hold a candle. Maybe with a few more years of dev, it can compete with what PS has NOW.

apple aperture is better than lightroom. But doesn't run on XP And aperture is good.

[grawk]

Sounds like someone hasn't taken the time to learn how to use Gimp.

Isn't that always the case. Open source software is only free if your time has no value.

[JBLoudG20]

I didn't say it was the best, but I don't think it is 'gimped'.

I also have Photoshop CS3 on my XP computer, and find it just as difficult to use as the Gimp.

Its not about ease of use, it about the processing power/options that it is capable. Gimp IS a gimp in this regard.

[JBLoudG20]

apple aperture is better than lightroom. But doesn't run on XP And aperture is good.

I'll look into it, for when I need to replace this aging PC I use to edit photos.

[tkam]

Its not about ease of use, it about the processing power/options that it is capable. Gimp IS a gimp in this regard.

I tend to agree the problem with Gimp is it's limited functionality not it's ease of use.

[philodox]

Isn't that always the case. Open source software is only free if your time has no value.

Huh? Photoshop isnt easy to learn either buddy.

As for Gimp having limited functionality... I guess I'm not using either piece of software for as advanced purposes as you, because I haven't noticed it.

[iceman94]

apple aperture is better than lightroom. But doesn't run on XP And aperture is good.

Bibble > Aperture

Unless you're browsing/tagging-> Breezebrowser. It doesn't run on Mac

[JBLoudG20]

I'll try not to laugh at the bibble suggestion.

[iceman94]

I'll try not to laugh at the bibble suggestion.

It has the most comprehensive toolset of any RAW converter I've come across. Older versions sucked and were unstable, yes, but I can do everything in a normal workflow short of good sharpening and CMYK conversion in Bibble instead of PS.

[JBLoudG20]

It has the most comprehensive toolset of any RAW converter I've come across. Older versions sucked and were unstable, yes, but I can do everything in a normal workflow short of good sharpening and CMYK conversion in Bibble instead of PS.

Have you used Lightroom?

[iceman94]

I've tried it before, and I plan on giving it a more thorough audition this break. The things I really rely on in Bibble aside from standard adjusments are integrated Noise Ninja, a third-party plugin that does skin tone correction, and on occasion the healing brush. Doing these in RAW instead of PS is so much better. Also, LR seemed a bit slower, and the cropping was weird when I tried it. I doubt I'd use LR to replace Breezebrowser for tagging/captioning, either.

I admit I kind of go against the grain for photo software- everyone's god in the newspaper/wire world is Photo Mechanic, and I absolutely hate it.