How to Create an Ink Smoke Face Effect in GIMP

Creating an ink smoke face effect involves blending a smoke image with a face image to achieve a dramatic and artistic look. Follow these steps to achieve this effect in GIMP:

Step 1: Set Up Your Image

1. Create a New Image:

   • Go to File > New.
   • Set the width to 1920 pixels and the height to 1080 pixels. Click OK.

2. Adjust View:

   • Press the - key to zoom out.

3. Change Background Color:

   • Click on the Foreground Color box and choose a gray color with HTML notation #808080. Click OK.
   • Use the Bucket Fill Tool (Shift + B) to fill the canvas with the selected color.

Step 2: Add and Transform Smoke Image

1. Import Smoke Image:

   • Drag and drop the smoke image into your canvas.

2. Rotate and Scale:

   • Go to Layer > Transform > Rotate 90° Clockwise.
   • Use the Scale Tool (Shift + T) to resize the smoke layer. Ensure the chain icon is linked to maintain proportions while scaling. Press Enter to apply.

3. Remove Background:

   • If the smoke layer has an alpha channel, skip to the next step. If not, right-click the smoke layer and select Add Alpha Channel.
   • Use the Select by Color Tool to select the white background and press Delete.
   • To remove any remaining white areas, go to Layer > Transparency > Color to Alpha, select white, and adjust the Transparency Threshold and Opacity Threshold sliders until you achieve the desired transparency.

Step 3: Add and Adjust Face Image

1. Import Face Image:

   • Drag and drop the face image into your canvas. It will likely be large, so you need to resize it.

2. Resize Face Image:

   • Use the Scale Tool to adjust the size. Keep the control key pressed while scaling from one handle to maintain proportions. Position it over the smoke layer and adjust opacity for better alignment.

3. Cut Out Face Shape:

   • Adjust the face image so it fits well within the smoke area. Press Enter to apply the scaling.
   • Increase the opacity of the face layer back to 100%.

Step 4: Refine and Blend

1. Remove Unwanted Areas:

   • Use the Fuzzy Select Tool (U) to select the white background and delete it if needed. Ensure the face layer has an alpha channel for transparency.

2. Mask the Face:

   • Right-click on the face layer and select Add Layer Mask. Choose Black (full transparency) and click Add.
   • Use the Paintbrush Tool (P) with white color on the mask to reveal the face. Adjust brush hardness and size as needed. Use black to hide unwanted areas or make the blending smoother.

3. Refine the Mask:

   • Adjust brush settings to reveal or hide parts of the face for a seamless blend with the smoke.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Create New Visible Layer:

   • Right-click on the image and select New from Visible.

2. Add Vignette:

   • Go to Filters > Light and Shadow > Vignette. Adjust the settings to your preference for a subtle vignette effect.

3. Adjust the Image:

   • Make final adjustments to ensure the face and smoke blend well and look cohesive.

Watch the Tutorial

For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our YouTube video below. This video provides a visual guide to Create an Ink Smoke Face Effect in GIMP.

Feel free to ask any questions or leave a comment below. Happy designing! 

 

Smoke Image Link : Click Me

Women Image Link : Click Me

Download GIMP : Click Me