Given that I typically used GIMP for pixel art when I got started, that was never really a problem for my use case. These days I try to use Aseprite for that purpose but GIMP was able to do what I needed it to easily enough while being free and easy to download. It’s got its limits but it’s what I know. These days I mostly use it for its relatively unique (and charmingly janky) filters as well as regular contrast/hue/etc adjustments
Pixel art might be an exception, you’re right. But to be fair, people can make pixel art in Paint. I mean, I’m sure it’s not fun to do it in Paint, but it’s very much the “ballpoint pen on notebook paper” of digital art.
Given that I typically used GIMP for pixel art when I got started, that was never really a problem for my use case. These days I try to use Aseprite for that purpose but GIMP was able to do what I needed it to easily enough while being free and easy to download. It’s got its limits but it’s what I know. These days I mostly use it for its relatively unique (and charmingly janky) filters as well as regular contrast/hue/etc adjustments
Pixel art might be an exception, you’re right. But to be fair, people can make pixel art in Paint. I mean, I’m sure it’s not fun to do it in Paint, but it’s very much the “ballpoint pen on notebook paper” of digital art.