There's an expression used in sports regarding a player who runs out of steam before the season ends known as "hitting the wall."

I feel as though I've reached that point with GIMP. I can't tell if it's limitations in my creativity, limitations in the software, or some combination of the two.

Has anyone else been here and how did you regain interest in GIMP? I feel like I'm neglecting an old friend.

So far I've been lucky in that I'm still learning new tricks within GIMP or its myriad of support programs (plugins, including python ones, Script-fus, G'MIC (more then just a plugin so deserves it's own entry), Mathmap (same MO as G'MIC), etc.). If you dig for things, you will continually find more nuggets of inspiration. If you don't dig, you will hit the wall. It's all a matter of motivation Mike.

If there's a wall in my GIMP, I need a telescope to see it.

Nice wall Sallyanne...

I've hit the wall (due to health issues) and I'm getting my momentum back. Visiting here and flickr are huge for inspiring me. Have no fear! Hitting the wall may be real, but it's real temporary!

Welcome back PhotoMaster, I hope all is well.

Seeing what others have done is a good way to get some fresh perspective.

It's probably a creative wall Mike. Pencil and paper is very limited but your imagination is limitless. It would be silly to blame the paper for my lack of inspiration. Having said that, new features do sometimes inspire use. Have you looked for new scripts or plugins recently?

I agree with Erisian that you've hit a creative block, however I think you're wrong to consider you are "neglecting an old friend".

I think you need to turn it around and consider GIMP as simply a tool that you use to achieve an end result, not an end in itself.

To that end I'll issue you a challenge if you're up for it...

I looked at your GimpChat profile. It says that you have posted 30% of your messages in the Text Tutorials section, so I'm going to suggest you do something completely different to get you out of your comfort zone.

I sometimes take part in a photographic competition at DPChallenge and right now the challenge to enter is "Human Portrait, Head & Shoulders" so I'm challenging you to produce an image with that subject.

I don't care how you create it- take a photo and manipulate it, paint from scratch, construct from objects, but do one (or more) things that fit the challenge title.

Kevin

That's an excellent idea.

Very nice to see you back. The site isn't quite the same without you.