Open Source Software for Artists and Illustrators. Jim Larson, RA

Transcription

1 Open Source Software for Artists and Illustrators By Jim Larson, RA

2 I am Jim Larson, RA Bachelor Fine Arts in Architecture- University of New Mexico Licensed Architect

3 Illustrations by Jim Larson

4 What is Open Source Software? Open Source software is software licensed under a General Public License (GNU). Software Under GNU is available to anyone. It is free and cannot be sold.

5 Who writes it and why? Just as painters like to paint, programmers like to program and create great programs. Some make money selling customization of the program. Some make money selling training. For some companies it is a strategy to undermine competitors or just create buzz for their business.

6 Why should Artists consider using Open Source software? Price (did I mention free). Some Artists prefer not patronizing and supporting Corporations and prefer giving power to the people. It can be as good or better than the commercial equivalent. No subscriptions and continuous upgrade cycle.

7 Don t confuse Open Source Software with Pirated Software Pirated software is stolen software. Open Source is a freely granted license for the software. It s a lot like art; if you have your work ripped off and used without your permission you are mad, if you give it to the World and get credited for it you are happy.

8 Types of Software for Artists Photo Editing (i.e. Adobe Photoshop) Vector Graphics (i.e. Adobe Illustrator) 3-Dimensional Modeling (i.e. Maya) Animation (Apple Final Cut) Technical Drawing (i.e. Autocad) Office Suites (i.e. Microsoft Office)

9 Photo Editing Program: GIMP Available at Equivalent: Adobe Photoshop Cost: $0.00 Operating Systems: PC, MAC, Linux Note: Works almost identically to Photoshop.

10 Screenshot of GIMP:

11 Program: Paint.Net Available at. Equivalent: Adobe Photoshop Cost: $0.00 Operating Systems: PC, MAC, Linux Note: A simpler more user-friendly equivalent to Photoshop.

12 Screenshot of Paint:

13 Vector Graphics: Program: Inkscape Available At: Equivalent: Adobe Illustrator Cost: $0.00 Operating Systems: PC, MAC, Linux Note: Easy to use.

14 Screenshot of Inkscape:

15 3-Dimensional Modeling: Program: Google SketchUp Available At: Equivalent: None Cost: $0.00 (Professional Version $195) Operating Systems: PC, MAC Notes: Great for sketching out scenes and casting shadows. Visit for great content.

16 Screen Shot SketchUp

17 SketchUp Demo:

18 Technical Drawing: Program: Draftsight Available At: Equivalent: Autocad Cost: $0.00 Operating Systems: PC, MAC, Linux Notes: Great for technical drawing. Alternative:

19 Draftsight Screen Shot:

20 Animation Program: Blender Available at: Equivalent: Maya Cost: $0.00 Operating Systems: PC, MAC Notes: This program has a long learning curve. Those who stick with it get good results.

21 Blender Screen Shot

22 Office Suite: Program: LibreOffice Available At: Equivalent: MS Office Cost: $0.00 Operating Systems: PC, MAC, Linux Notes: Very complete. Alternatives: Try OpenOffice at

23 LibreOffice Screen Shots

24 Thank You! Contact Jim Larson at Buy my wife s book Hummingbirds Facts and Folklore from the Americas Don t run with scissors.