Are there are basic/free graphic making programs?

[Kurt Noble]

I was asking because I have an interest in wanting to try and make graphics. Nothing like the quality X, just simple stuff, kind of to start off. Being that I have limited funds right now, I wouldn't be able to buy anything, but maybe in the future. Id rather have some practice first, you know?

If anyone knows of a basic program or whatnot, I'd really appreciate it!

[Commissioner Warrior™]

GIMP is what you want. I always used to just pirate Photoshop, but with my MacBook I decided not to torrent or pirate anything on it. But GIMP is just about as good as Photoshop, has a very similar interface, is what I used for my most recent banners, including the one in my sig now. And it's completely free.

[James]

Next time you're on MSN, hit me up. I'll get you CS5!

That or talk to Crissy K and he'll send you CS3

[primetime]

Using pirated programs, though nice to do, is shit. Let me explain why. I am sharing this info with you all out of experience.

Programs that manipulate images and such are very easily utilized as a means to spread a virus, worm, etc. Even more so than the average download believe it or not. This is why Adobe is constantly putting out updates to the software. (If you use a legal version of photoshop you should be updating regularly.) Anyway, pirating the program not only disables that function leaving you vulnerable but is just plain out illegal. I would rather not worry about having a lawsuit. Been to jail one too many times already, you know?

Now, as Warrior said.. there is a image manipulation program ON PAR with photoshop on the web for free. This is the same program that Lucasarts even uses with their software creations. I know this, because my brother shared it with me. It is called the Gimp. If you can not afford photoshop, or just plain out do not want to spend the cash then I suggest you download it. You won't be sorry. I started off using the Gimp myself because I couldn't see spending the cash to make images. I ended up buy photoshop later with my tax return when I got more into it and looking back.. I wasted my money. The gimp did everything I needed it to do.

So here is the link. There you go.
www.gimp.org/


P.S: Gimp should hire me. I wrote that like I had stock in the fucking company, lol. Seriously though.. it is good shit.

[Kurt Noble]

I downloaded GIMP a couple of days ago, and it's a really cool program. Granted, I'm still a newbie at it, so I've only been toying around it, but it's looking like a fun program. I'm hoping to really make some cool stuff later on, just gotta watch a lot of Youtube tutorials, ha.,

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it!