Re: Trying to change to Linux...

[Ben Barrett]

Try using layers in the gimp; I presume you are familiar with the
photoshop scheme.  
Have you ever seen freshmeat or linuxapps?
go to euglug.org's linux links page, then see the
section regarding software&applications...

good luck & enjoy,

-ben

PS - Yes, I have seen a number of programs to do the sort of thing that
freehand does... Are you looking for strictly vector-based or mixed vector
and raster graphics?