LIBRE GRAPHICS

Introduction

Libre Graphics are graphics created through the use of freeware software programs. The word 'Libre' initially dates back to the Latin language and in English directly translates to 'Free'. I personally have used lots of libre software all my life, including GIMP (Image Manipulation), Audacity (Audio), Inkscape (SVG Image Based) and Scribus (Publishing).

I will focus on two main Libre graphics programs and touch on another (due to it's very simple purpose and interface.) These software's are GIMP, InkScape and Scribus.

'Scribus' Logo

'GIMP' Logo

'InkScape' Logo

Work space Exploration

'Scribus' Splash Screen

'GIMP' Splash Screen

'InkScape' Splash Screen

'GIMP' Work Environment

'InkScape' Work Environment

'GIMP' stands for 'GNU Image Manipulation Program' as was created as a free alternate version to Adobe Photoshop. The software provides all the basic tools needed to create/edit images. The software also comes with a variety of plugins for effects such as 'Cubism' which applies a cube style effect to an image to which you can also alter the size and space of the cubes (the image below shows an example of before and after).

Example Of Cubism

Before

After

My Exploration With GIMP

Example 1: My poster saying 'Graphics'

Example 2: My poster saying 'Graphics'

Example 3: My poster saying 'Libre'

Exercise 1

In the first exercise we were asked to use GIMP and explore a selected part of the image with scaling by zooming in.

Image 1

Original Image

After Image from zooming in on a selected area and and playing with contrasts, color inverts, canvas textures and text.

Image 2

Original Image

After Image from zooming in on a selected area and and playing with contrasts, color inverts, noise increase, artist impression filters and text.

Image 3

Original Image of Brooklyn Bridge

After Image from zooming in on a selected area and and playing with contrasts, color saturation, scratch filters and text.The image is entirely built up from the skyscraper on the left side of the original image. I decided to name it London Bridge to give the image a new identity.

'Inkscape' is professional quality vector graphics software which runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It is a handy piece of software for creating unique pieces of artistic work. The best part of working with vector images is that as much as you zoom into an image the quality does not degrade meaning the lines do not go jagged and rough. It does mean that gradients cannot be used with them though only flat block colors.

Exercise 2

In the second exercise we were asked to use Inkscape and create a diverse image that upon zooming in and out can make an image within an image.

0% ZOOM

15% ZOOM

30% ZOOM

50% ZOOM

65% ZOOM

85% ZOOM

75% ZOOM

'Scribus' Work Environment

Professional layout and publishing software supporting EPS and SVG import/export, and PDF support. This software is a great companion to Inkscape as it gives you the abilty to take you're creation from Inkscape and export in a more globally versatile compatible format like PDF.

Libre Software may lack many features like that of many industry leaders, but they all do a job as good as the leaders like Adobe, just at a slightly slower pace and a harder, more 'analogue' process. The outcome can be 'as' good as those other professional programs if used correctly, but the average person would still use paid software over these Libre programs.