"...If you are already working in gimp, I would probably keep working in that program and expand out with a few more layers. There is also google sketchup, it could easily do
block diagram light plots. Paint is another option. You would be amazed how many riders out there contain light plots made in paint..."
I haven't tried Google Sketchup. I'll go check it out after I leave here.
With GIMP Every
lens/color/txt call-out is a new layer. I've had up to seventy-plus layers without ever getting off the upstage
truss. I tried the O^3 version of Paint and it just wasn't working for me- that's why I went to GIMP.
I DO use O^3 Document for making band
stage plots- the controls at the bottom of the
page offer all sorts of control over shapes but they just can't seem to make a realistic
Source Four and other lighting instruments.
Sometimes the Learning Curve is a little abrupt. I had three days to make a Tech
Rider for a touring band and wasn't graphically prepared for all the different kinds of plots and diagrams they needed. It has been interesting.
Anything I come up with in GIMP that relates to lighting design I'll pass on here because I'm sure there are others in my situation doing freelance production.