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GIMP, short for GNU Image Manipulation Program, is a free and open-source raster graphics editor. The software was initially released on November 22, 1995, by Spencer Kimball and Peter Mattis as a project at the University of California, Berkeley. GIMP is part of the GNU Project and is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). Over the years, it has become one of the most powerful free alternatives to commercial image editing software like Adobe Photoshop.
GIMP is maintained and developed by a worldwide community of developers and contributors, with ongoing support from organizations such as GNOME and the Free Software Foundation.
The GIMP logo has evolved subtly over the years but has always retained its quirky and distinctive character. The central element of the logo is the mascot named Wilber, a cartoonish, fox-like creature with large expressive eyes and a paintbrush held playfully in its mouth. This mascot was introduced in 1997, designed by Tuomas Kuosmanen (tigert), a notable figure in the open-source design community.
Since its inception, the Wilber character has undergone refinements to improve resolution, add shading, and modernize the visual feel, but the core idea and personality have remained consistent. This continuity helps reinforce brand recognition among GIMP's global user base.
From a professional design perspective, the GIMP logo is a combination mark that uses a mascot illustration rather than text or abstract symbols. Here's a breakdown of its design elements:
The logo prominently features the head of Wilber, stylized with two large, circular eyes giving it a humorous and friendly expression. The mouth curves into a subtle smile and cleverly holds a paintbrush, reinforcing the program's purpose as a creative tool. The ears and head shape resemble that of a fox or cartoon animal, contributing to the logo's approachability.
The color scheme is relatively simple and muted, with shades of grey, black, white, and a pop of orange on the paintbrush. The greyish-brown of Wilber’s face gives it a neutral tone, while the black and white eyes provide strong contrast and visual focus. The orange brush handle introduces vibrancy, drawing attention to the artistic nature of the software.
This is a pictorial logo with mascot characteristics. It falls under the character-based logo category, similar to the Tux mascot used by Linux. It’s particularly effective for open-source communities where branding leans toward personality, community identity, and friendliness.
The use of a brush in Wilber’s mouth is a direct nod to image creation and editing. The playful and whimsical character is symbolic of creativity, freedom, and openness, which aligns perfectly with GIMP’s open-source philosophy. It makes the brand feel accessible and less corporate, appealing especially to the open-source and educational sectors.
The GIMP logo can be downloaded in various vector and high-resolution formats, including SVG, PDF, AI, and transparent PNG versions. These are available for free from reputable logo repositories like logowik.com for design and presentation purposes.
