Need a freeware art program

[Jantrix]

I'd like to start creating my own decals for some upcoming projects and I'm not really computer art savvy. Is there a freeware art program that is pretty easy to use? Recommendations appreciated.

[scalenut]

I prefer to compose in vector art for decals , inkscape is a free version

[Erik Smith]

PC or Mac?

[Chief Joseph]

PC or Mac?

Both, plus Linux. It's the best freeware vector program out there.

[Jantrix]

Pc

[zenrat]

Hey Jant.

I use Micro$oft Powerpoint. It's not free (far from it) but chances are you already have it.

If what you want to do is more along the lines of sponsorship stickers and names than graphics and artwork then IMO it's all you'll need.

[Jantrix]

Thats right on Zen. I'll look into it.

[Deathgoblin]

GIMP is pretty good. You can get a modded version called GIMPshop that makes it more like Photoshop. Paint.net is also pretty nifty. Both are freeware.

[Erik Smith]

Gimp and Inkscape are ones I have used - both have a bit of a learning curve, though, as there isn't a lot of "stock" designs, etc. I end up spending hours trying things out, watching "Tuts" and having fun, but not really accomplishing much. Then, I forget how I did something and have to start over...

When I had a PC, I used MS Publisher and Word for easy text graphics and resizing images robbed from online sources. You can actually do quite a lot from those two. You can do good text graphics, use images to fill shapes, etc. Google things like "free tiled images" or "free seamless patterns" and you can get different textures for fill or fabrics or what have you.

To be honest, for me, none (outside of Publisher and Word, or the related Mac versions) are really easy, but I guess it depends on what you are trying to do.

…BTW, GIMP has been buggy since the last update and won't let me drag and drop images, so I quit using it…plus, I don't think GIMP does vector graphics...

Edited November 23, 2013 by Erik Smith