HOW-TO TUESDAY: GIMP Tutorial Lesson 2: Text Color Gradients

     Last week, I showed you how to do a basic drop shadow effect using the free graphic design software, GIMP. This week, I'm going to build on that same tutorial and show how to add some color and interest to the text using the gradient tool.

HOW-TO TUESDAY: GIMP Tutorial Lesson 1: Making a Basic Text Shadow Effect

     If you're looking for great, free graphic design software, try GIMP (the GNU Image Manipulation Program). I've been using it for a couple years and love it. Any new software can be confusing at first, though. Basic tutorials will help familiarize you with the tools offered. I'm planning on doing a series of simple tutorials here, aimed at the first-time user. I'm gearing them toward writers because so many self-published writers make their own book covers now, but I hope they'll be useful for anyone. If you still need help or want to learn more advanced functions - from much more expert users - there are plenty of communities out there. Here are a couple good ones: Gimptalk / Gimpusers . And the GimpForums.

                     Lesson One: Making Basic Text and Learning to Add a Drop Shadow