Gimp is now Crafft - Open source design tool branding reimagined

Gimp is now Crafft! - Rebrand, UX improvements, and product redesign, including generative AI features

The brief

  • Avoid negative name connotations

  • Modernize the brand

  • Simplify product UX

  • Apply standards and design patterns across the UI

  • Introduce generative AI features

Existing product

  • The brand and the mascot, Wilber, haven't been updated since 1997, and doesn't give modern professional vibes.

  • The name, Gimp, received negative connotations by movies like Pulp Fiction and slang implying that someone is "stupid, uncool, disabled, or submissive sex slave".

  • The UX and UI don't adhere to the new design standards established with tools like Figma.

Gimp logo comparison with industry standards

New name, logo, and icons

Rebrand goals

  • Crafft as a new name instead of Gimp

  • Professional, clean, and unique from Figma and Adobe

  • Modern typography

  • Open source character

  • Connection to Generative AI

  • Simple and playful, resembling the creative spirit of the tool

UX/UI redesign

Key improvements

  • Consistent iconography

  • Addition of the overview page

  • Simplified open files navigation

  • Simplified side panel navigation

  • Custom font

  • Colors standarization

AI functionality

Generative features

  • Generate images and vector graphics from a text prompt

  • Adjust the generative outcome with easy to use controls

  • Use local or self-hosted LLM models

Posted on Apr 7, 2024
Tom Parandyk
Product lead, design deejay, and creative achiever

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