In this tutorial, we are going to learn how to make a simple, but effective signature. We don't need any brushes, only The GIMP, a render and a creative mind. The end result will look a little like this.



Firstly, open up a new image with the dimensions of 400 x 125 pixels.

Go to:
Filters ---> Render ---> Clouds ---> Plasma
Click the box that says "Randomize" and hit OK.



You will get something like that. Now go to:
Layer ---> Colors ---> Desaturate
This will make the image black and white.



We are now going to add some colour. To do this, go to:
Tools ---> Color Tools ---> Colorize
Play about with the settings untill you get something you like. Try to make it match your render.



We are now going to add some cool effects. Press Ctrl + L to bring up the Layers Window. Select the layer you have just been working on (it should be called "Background") and duplicate it. Make sure the duplicated layer is active (by clicking it) and go to:
Filters ---> Blur ---> Gaussian Blur
Set both the horizontal and vertical boxes to 13. Hit OK.



In the Layers Window, set the blured layer's mode to "Overlay". "Color" can also work well. See which looks the best on yours. I used "Overlay" on mine.



Now for the render. Go to:
http://www.planetrenders.net or http://www.gamerenders.com
and search for one you like the look of. Save it to your PC. I shall be using this one I found.



Create a new layer and paste your render on to it. Move it about untill you are happy.



Make another new layer and paste your render again and again and again, then move them around and place them so they cover up the whole signature.



Select the layer with lots of renders on and go to:
Filters ---> Blur ---> Gaussian Blur
Set both the boxes to 18 this time and hit OK.



Now under "Mode" in the Layers Window, select "Overlay". Now take your original render layer and move it up above the blured, overlayed layer.



Now for some text. With white as your colour, get your text tool and type your name out in a font of your choice.



Set the layer Mode to "Overlay" and duplicate it untill it looks good.



We are now going to add a border. Go to:
Script-Fu ---> Decor ---> Add Border
Set both the X and Y size to 1 and change the colour to black. Press OK.

You have now made yourself a nice signature for use in forums, websites or anywhere!

Image version available here.

Good tut, but it ends kinda weird.

Really? I think it looks OK. I made it because its simple for people who are new to The GIMP.

really good for noobs good job looks good for a nooby sig

real nice noob tutorial

Thanks again guys.

Alright! Moved to official!

yea it really helps noobs out .. SIMPLE SIG TUTS HELP!!!!

They sure do.

yeah i recommended this to a noob graphic designing freind lol...he just got gimp i told him to get familiar a little bit before using this, but still nice tut!

Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I must get around to finishing my other tutorials.

Ok, I followed the steps in your sig, and I really liked it!
So, as you can see, I'm new at Gimp but here's my outcome:

Thats really good! Thanks for trying it out. I hope you stick around with GIMP!

when i paste my render, I can't see it, just the outline. is this supposed to happen?

maybe the layer mode is set to dodge/divide or w/e,make shure it's on normal

and NOW it won't let me do gaussian blur to the layer with all the renders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make sure, in the layers dialogue (Ctrl + L) that the layer you are putting the blur on is not hidden. There should be and eye to the left hand side of the layer name. Also, if you are very new to The GIMP, I would recommend looking at this guide. It shows you some basic features in The GIMP.

This is what i made with your tutorial

opps this should do it





<a href="http://www.imageox.com/share/2794-01siggy.jpeg"><img src="http://www.imageox.com/graphic/thumbs/2794-01siggy-th.jpeg"></a>

<a href="http://www.imageox.com/share/2794-01siggy.jpeg"><img src="http://www.imageox.com/image/2794-01siggy.jpeg"></a>

Nice tut, i will try this right now
Looks really awsome, im going to see what my outcome is.
And here it is!!

yeh. this is quite fun to work with, testing it with different renders...
this was my fav though.



thanks [: x

Thankyou so much for trying it. All your results look good. Thanks again.

Good tutorial. My result: [url=http://www.imageox.com/share/3421-gimpsig.jpeg][img]http://www.imageox.com/graphic/thumbs/3421-gimpsig-th.jpeg[/img][/url]

There it is. Thanks for trying it. Good result to.

Hey firefox thanks for the help! heres my first sig