Help and advice with this image

[Tygra]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how I could improve this image I am working on? I am trying to create a space scene with the planet on the verge of exploding.

I am by no means an expert. My trade is structural engineering, so I am very maths orientated, but I am enjoying myself with trying to create something half decent in Gimp. I think the image is okay. I guess perhaps I am trying to reach a level far beyond me.

Thus, some advice and constructive criticism  I would much appreciate.

Many thanks.

[rich2005]

Maybe a bit more roundness and depth.  First converted from indexed mode to RGB. Then I bump-mapped twice, first with a simple circular gradient, then a second time to give the shards a little more depth. (attached the .xcf with layers for info)

   


  space background2a.xcf (Size: 386.81 KB / Downloads: 2)

Edit: I am not really into AI but if you have access to a linux machine then this is good fun: 
https://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-AIMAGo...Linux-only

a couple of words gets this

   

[Tygra]

Hi Rich,

thank you for that.

Concerning the AI: Do you get as much satisfaction when using it?

[rich2005]

(01-03-2026, 08:27 PM)Tygra Wrote: Hi Rich,

thank you for that.

Concerning the AI: Do you get as much satisfaction when using it?

just a bit of trivia, quick easy to use, makes strange images.

[Tygra]

(01-03-2026, 08:43 PM)rich2005 Wrote:

(01-03-2026, 08:27 PM)Tygra Wrote: Hi Rich,

thank you for that.

Concerning the AI: Do you get as much satisfaction when using it?

just a bit of trivia, quick easy to use, makes strange images.

Unfortunately, I don't have a linux machine.

I have been working on another image. I think this one is much better than the first. Note, I haven't finished with it yet.

[denzjos]

Nice design. To quickly preview your design in different color combinations, you can use the G'Mic-Qt plugin. Go to 'Colors / Color Presets', select a LUTs Pack, and use the CRSR keys to browse through the presets. You can also use the sliders to customize several color combinations.

   

[Tygra]

(10 hours ago)denzjos Wrote: Nice design. To quickly preview your design in different color combinations, you can use the G'Mic-Qt plugin. Go to 'Colors / Color Presets', select a LUTs Pack, and use the CRSR keys to browse through the presets. You can also use the sliders to customize several color combinations.

Hi denzjos, thanks for that.

I take it this is something I have to install? There is no Color Presets option in my colour drop down.

[denzjos]

(9 hours ago)Tygra Wrote:

(10 hours ago)denzjos Wrote: Nice design. To quickly preview your design in different color combinations, you can use the G'Mic-Qt plugin. Go to 'Colors / Color Presets', select a LUTs Pack, and use the CRSR keys to browse through the presets. You can also use the sliders to customize several color combinations.

Hi denzjos, thanks for that.

I take it this is something I have to install? There is no Color Presets option in my colour drop down.

G'Mic-Qt is a gimp plugin : https://gmic.eu/download.html
After installing, you can find it in the gimp menu : Filters / G'Mic-Qt
There are a few cluts included in G'Mic-Qt but you can always load other cluts here :
https://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-free-c...light=luts
You can always make your own cluts :
https://www.gimp-forum.net/Thread-LUT-s-...light=luts