I am a new GIMP user and I have so many questions!

[God]

(12-26-2016, 08:53 PM)Ofnuts Wrote: Brushes are a convenient way to add many standard image components to an image. You take the PaintBrush tool () set the brush, and click where you want an image.  Brushes can be geometric patterns or "real" objects. Some brushes, called "Image Hoses" (.GIH extension, in Gimp) can output a different image each time (for instance various shapes of tree leaves).

From what I have seen, most sigs use a background.

I don't know what a fractal is (besides a mathematical object).

Sig creators are a bit of a cult, with their own rituals and aesthetic canons. I have yet to understand what they call the "flow". It's obviously very important but no-one can define it...

So the brushes are just used to draw on the canvas? I am kinda confused. why is downloading brushes important then? also you said sigs use backgrounds. How do I get these backgrounds? Do I download them like brushes/fonts or where do I find them? I understand what you meant generally though and thanks for your help!

(12-27-2016, 09:55 AM)rich2005 Wrote: I am really pleased ofnuts answered the questions. I had assumed god knows everything and then sigs are definitely not my thing.

Quote:...Also what does a fractal do and what is it really?

As ofnuts writes a fractal is a whole set of mathematics about infinitely scaling patterns.  Gimp has a fractal generator / explorer, https://docs.gimp.org/en/plug-in-fractalexplorer.html but to be honest it is not too easy to make interesting images from it.

You have a lot to get into, just from ofnuts reply, but if you get the time there are dedicated fractal graphic applications. Two that are worth looking at are http://apophysis.xyrus-worx.org/ and http://www.jwildfire.org/

These can be as complicated as you want but generate random images, copy and use the bits from them in Gimp.

example an old one, my fractal garden, mostly apophysis but put together in Gimp. http://imgur.com/hfHYlf3

Same questions as I asked ofnuts above but thanks for the help! I get what you mean about fractals but how do I copy paste them from the sites onto the canvas? will a simple copy + paste do or should I create a new layer and then cop and paste. 
Thanks 
God