Diadem Graphics

Not matter what graphical work you do, from 3D modeling to making website banners, you will need a good bitmap image editor. Most graphic designers want a program with a lot of features and options. The long time standard in the graphics industry is Adobe Photoshop, which is popular with both professionals and amateurs. It's a great program, but the one problem with Photoshop is that it will set you back over $600. Some people (like me) cannot afford it, and others might not want to pay that much if they're just starting out. Luckily, there is a very good, free alternative in a program called the Gimp.

Weird name, huh? Look past that and you will find a great image editor. The Gimp is an example of open source software: programs made by talented individuals with the intent of freely distributing their work to everyone free of charge. Open source software is distinguished from freeware and other forms by the ability of anyone to modify the source code. The Gimp may lack a few of the features of Photoshop, but when you get down to it the two programs are basically the same. Most of Gimp's tools correspond with those in Photoshop, just with different names (for example, the stamp in PS is called the clone tool in Gimp). This means that Photoshop tutorials (which make up the vast majority of graphics tutorials on the web and in books) can quite easily be used with Gimp. In you already have another image editor or plan to buy Photoshop (or whatever), great. If not, then check out gimp.org for the free download.

Hey everyone, welcome to Diadem Graphics! This blog is meant for all you out there who think computer graphics, whether 2D, 3D, or whatever, are the coolest think in the world, and you want to learn more about them. But where to begin? Graphic arts are no simpler to create than oil paintings. The tools are different, but the concept is the same. As in a traditional painting, an artist's touch is still needed to create something breath-taking. However, not even those born with all the artistic ability in the world are able to just pick up a brush and a canvas and paint the Mona Lisa. Those with talent have the responsibility to hone their skills through practice, and every great arist had tons of practice before he painted his masterpiece. The old addage helps in this situation: practice makes perfect, no matter what your skill level.

This blog endeavers to offer a simple guide to those seeking to enter the wonderful realm of computer graphics. I do not claim to be a great graphic artist: I myself still have so much to learn. I do, however, hope to pass the skills I have learned on to beginners. Since every good artist needs tools, my next several posts will introduce some of the best, cheapest programs available for creating graphics. Until then, remember this: an artist is not just inspired, but has the will to follow his up inspiration with hard work.