There are so many GIMP tutorials for beginners out there on the Internet already, it's not my purpose to add to that collection. Instead, what I want to do is show you exactly where you can get the best tutorials I've seen to date, and how you can get them for free.
If that sounds like something you might be interested in, then read on.
First off, what exactly is GIMP?
In case you weren't aware, GIMP is basically a free version of Photoshop. You can download it from gimp.org. There are some things which are very similar between the two software, and some things that are different. Photoshop is superior in many ways, but GIMP has some excellent features too which are better than PS.
If you are put off by the PS price-tag, you can definitely use GIMP.
Should GIMP Tutorials For Beginners Be Taught By Beginners?
One thing I noticed when I was first browsing around looking for tutorials in GIMP was that a lot of the websites containing these tutorials were not exactly what I would call authoritarian, and looked like they were put up in a rush by someone looking to earn a quick buck. Sure enough, at the bottom of the page there was usually a link to buy some expert guide or another.
It's obvious to me that there are dozens of websites out there run by amateurs who are teaching people to do things that they themselves haven't yet mastered (especially in the “make money online” category). While this is sometimes not a big deal, when it comes to a huge software such as GIMP, I want my tutorials to be professional, clear, and easy to follow.
Expert Advice Usually Comes With An Expert Price
It goes without saying that you get what you pay for (usually), and therefore if you want the best tutorials you are going to have to pay. Well, that is not necessarily true (See more below). However, it is true that if you search around for GIMP tutorials online it could prove difficult to find excellent advice without having to pay at some point. Lots of places give you the basics for free, or gives you a “taster” before expecting more.
I'm fine with this, because if somebody has taken the time to create great tutorials for me, I understand they deserve to get paid.
The thing is though, is that if you are willing to spend some time looking, you can find most of the information for free anyway. The real problem is that you often don't know what it is you need to learn!
If you are looking for a specific thing, you can just type “How Do I …..” into Google and await the answer, but what if you are just looking for a tour?
The Solution – Lynda.com
Lynda.com is always the place I recommend to people to get high quality GIMP training. Why? Simple.
When you join Lynda.com (with a free trial no less!), you get immediate access to a series of GIMP training. These are all video tutorials, which walk you through the various things you need to know about GIMP. The best part? You learn things you didn't even know you could do, or would want to learn.
Why Lynda?
- Concise, well-made, easy to follow videos.
- You follow along with a course, and don't miss anything out.
- Learn from an EXPERT.
- Free to join.
Starting from learning your way around the dashboard, you can learn almost everything there is to know about GIMP in just 4 or 5 hours worth of video.
You can get a 7-day trial (more than enough time to complete the training) over at Lynda.com now, or if you want to learn more, I've written a review on Lynda.com here.