Inkscape Adventure, Master the Free Vector Graphics Software from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Master the basic tools and concepts essential to vector graphics
The pen and node tools will no longer be mysterious or frustrating
Become familiar with all the tools and features of inkscape

The skills and concepts learned will carry over to other vector programs such as illustrator
Gain the skills and confidence to create original vector graphics

Master the basic tools and concepts essential to vector graphics
The pen and node tools will no longer be mysterious or frustrating
Become familiar with all the tools and features of inkscape
The skills and concepts learned will carry over to other vector programs such as illustrator
Gain the skills and confidence to create original vector graphics

Syllabus

Learn to download, install, and run the Inkscape software

Download, install, and run Inkscape.

Becoming familiar with the Inkscape interface: various toolbars, panels, and options.

Become familiar with the Inkscape interface: various toolbars, panels, and options. Customize your color palette with the desired settings and colors. Know how to open various dialogs/panels, such as Layers, Fill & Stroke, and Undo History.

The two pdf files below contain master lists for the sections of the course as well as the entire list of assignments. These files are for your convenience, to see the scope of the course at a glance. You may use them as checklists also as you work through the course.

There is an assignment that goes with each Section of the course. That's why some sections may have only a single lecture/video. I tried to keep the assignment numbers coordinated with the Section numbers.

For the last section, the board game, the overall assignment is to recreate the board game design, however you will do that in progressive steps.

Learn how to work with documents in inkscape (new, open, save)

Learn how to work with documents in inkscape (new, open, save), set page width and height, use the rectangle tool and fill with various colors.

Version 1.1 Welcome Screen for Opening and Creating Files

Use the selector tool. Create rectangles and polygons. Fill and Stroke dialog.

The videos in this section cover: using the selector tool. Create rectangles and polygons. Fill and Stroke dialog, fill, gradient fill, rotate, resize, skew, create strokes, set stroke width. Set stacking order of objects.

Basic Shapes Fills & Strokes

Learn how layers work and how they help organize your projects.

Using layers in inkscape: create, rename, hide/show, lock, change order, duplicate, delete, move objects between layers, set layer opacity and blending mode. Select multiple objects.

Grouping multiple objects makes many operations easier

Grouping objects, Ctrl Click to select an item in the group ungrouping. Zoom and panning options. Using the Objects panel.

In this section I review how I used previously covered tools and operations when creating the house assignment.

House Assignment Part 2

Using Additional Shape tools: ellipse, star, polygon

In this section:

Shape tools: ellipse, star, polygon. Global preferences for shape settings.

The Star Tool

The Shapes Assignment

Changing Center of Rotation

Learn how to get your inkscape work into other file formats

Note that in version 1.1 you have more file format options when exporting. Video 136 covers the new options to export in jpg, tiff, and webp formats.

Introducing the idea of paths vs shapes

Shapes to Paths and Introduction to the Node Tool

Learn aids for alignment and positioning

The Snapping Toolbar, Guides, and Grids

Using the Align and Distribute Dialog

Using the Align and Distribute Dialog/Panel

Introduction to the pencil tool, setting tool options, and smoothing.

Drawing open and closed shapes with the pencil, fills, and strokes.

Smoothing Pencil Strokes, Pencil Tool Modes

Pencil Tool Shapes

Pencil Stroke Styles, Ctrl Click Dots, Tweak Tool Jitter Colors

Cupcake Assignment Using the Pencil Tool

Drawing Tablet Review (XP Pen Deco 03)

Use the calligraphy tool to create calligraphic text

Using the calligraphy tool, using the tool presets, the mass option

Tracing Lines With the Calligraphy Tool, Assignment Overview

Using the Text Tool, select fonts, adjust spacing, rotation, convert text to path

The Text Tool

Converting Text to Paths

Tracking - in Inkscape this is the "Spacing Between Letters" option/icon in the tool settings bar at the top of the image window.

This works on flowed/wrapped text or single line text.

If you have text highlighted, it will space only between the highlighted letters.

If you just have the cursor in the line of text, it will space all the letters in the line.

Kerning - This is spacing between 2 letters. In Inkscape this will be disabled for flowed/wrapped text, but is available for single line text.

Set the cursor between the 2 characters you want to kern and use the + or - option/icon to adjust the space between those two characters only.

Using a Symbol Font

The Pen/Path Tool

Introduction to the Pen Tool

Node Types and Conversions

Learn to use operations on multiple paths to create various shapes and effects

Path Operations

Create a Leaf and Butterfly Using Path Geometry

Create a Cookie Cutout and Wrench Using Path Geometry

How to work with bitmap images in Inkscape

Importing Bitmap Images

Embedding vs. Linking Bitmaps, Using an External Bitmap Editor

Auto Bitmap Trace, Create a Vector Version of a Bitmap

Create a vector version of a bitmap image using the pen/path tool

Trace a Clipart-style Monkey Using the Pen/Path Tool

Complete the Trace of the Monkey

Object Clipping

How to Clip Objects Including Shapes, Bitmaps, and Text

Masking is similar to clipping, but not exactly the same...

Mask Objects Using White, Black, Various Grays, and a Gradient.

Covering lesser-used tools and some additional tool features not covered previously

Eye Dropper Tool and Color Selection

Selector Tool Features and Options

Copy and Paste Attributes and Styles

Fill and Stroke Menus in Status Bar

The Object Transform Panel

The Gradient Tool

Working With Mesh Gradients

Filling With the Paint Bucket Tool

The Spray Tool

The Eraser

3D Box Tool

Additional Text Features

Tweak Tool With a Single Object

Tweak Tool With Multiple Objects

The Symbol Library

I thought this was a useful feature, but it is being removed in Inkscape version 1.1. See the update video in the Inkscape version 1 section.

The Measure Tool

The Connector Tool

Patterns in Inkscape

Inkscape's Predefined Patterns

Create a Custom Pattern

Pattern Along Path

Create a Seamless/Tiling Pattern

Creating and using the 4 types of offsets

Insetting and Outsetting Shapes

Insetting and Outsetting Text

Image Offsets

Dynamic Linked Offsets

Inkscape Clones

Introduction to Cloning

More on Clones - Cloning Clones, Unsetting Colors, Relinking

How to create and manipulate tiled clones

Tiled Clones Panel: Symmetry Tab

Tiled Clones: Shift, Scale, Blur

Tiled Clones: Color Tab

Tiled Clones: Trace Tab

Tiled Clone Examples: Ring of Stars

Tiled Clone Examples: Spirograph

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Inkscape Adventure, Master the Free Vector Graphics Software with these activities:

Review Vector Graphics Fundamentals

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of vector graphics principles before diving into Inkscape's specific tools and features. This will make learning the software much easier.

Browse courses on Vector Graphics

Show steps

Review the difference between raster and vector graphics.
Understand the advantages of vector graphics for scalability.
Familiarize yourself with common vector file formats (SVG, EPS, AI).

Read 'The Non-Designer's Design Book'

Show steps

Learn design principles to create more effective and visually appealing graphics in Inkscape. Understanding these principles will elevate your designs.

View Presentation Book on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on the four basic design principles.
Identify examples of these principles in existing designs.
Apply these principles to your Inkscape projects.

Pen Tool Mastery Exercises

Show steps

Master the Pen Tool through focused practice exercises. This is the most important tool in Inkscape and requires dedicated practice to become proficient.

Show steps

Practice drawing basic shapes (lines, curves, squares, circles) with the Pen Tool.
Trace complex shapes and illustrations using the Pen Tool.
Experiment with different node types (corner, smooth, symmetric) to achieve desired curves.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Design a Logo for a Fictional Company

Show steps

Apply your Inkscape skills to create a logo, reinforcing your understanding of tools and design principles. This project will test your ability to combine different techniques.

Show steps

Brainstorm ideas for the logo based on the fictional company's brand.
Sketch several logo concepts on paper.
Recreate your favorite concept in Inkscape using various tools and techniques.
Refine the logo design based on feedback.

Explore 'Vector Basic Training'

Show steps

Learn a systematic approach to vector graphics creation to improve your workflow and precision in Inkscape. This will help you create more complex and polished designs.

View Vector Basic Training: A Systematic Creative... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, paying attention to the systematic creative process.
Apply the techniques described in the book to your Inkscape projects.
Experiment with different workflows to find what works best for you.

Create a Board Game Mockup

Show steps

Expand on the course's final project by creating a complete board game mockup, including the board, cards, and other components. This will solidify your mastery of Inkscape.

Show steps

Design the board layout in Inkscape, incorporating elements learned in the course.
Create card designs with unique graphics and text.
Design any additional game components (tokens, dice, etc.).
Assemble the mockup in a presentation format.

Contribute to Inkscape Documentation

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of Inkscape by contributing to its documentation. This will require you to thoroughly understand specific features and explain them clearly.

Show steps

Identify a section of the Inkscape documentation that needs improvement or expansion.
Research the topic thoroughly and experiment with the relevant features.
Write clear and concise documentation, including examples and screenshots.
Submit your documentation to the Inkscape project.

Career center

Learners who complete Inkscape Adventure, Master the Free Vector Graphics Software will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Graphic designer

A Graphic Designer crafts visual concepts that communicate ideas, inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. This role often involves developing the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. A course centered on Inkscape is directly relevant, as mastering vector graphics software is essential for producing high-quality, scalable designs. This course provides hands-on experience with Inkscape's tools and features, which directly translates to a Graphic Designer's ability to create compelling visuals. The final project, creating a board game layout, simulates real-world design challenges. Furthermore, the skills acquired are transferable to other industry standard software, such as Adobe Illustrator, that a Graphic Designer may use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Game Artist

A Game Artist creates visual assets for video games, including characters, environments, and user interface elements. This role requires proficiency in vector graphics software, as many game assets are created as vector graphics to ensure scalability and sharpness. This course can be directly beneficial, as it provides comprehensive training in Inkscape, a powerful vector graphics editor. Game Artists can use Inkscape to create 2D game assets, such as character sprites, backgrounds, and user interface elements. The course's final project, creating a board game layout, simulates the challenges of designing game assets, and builds confidence to create vector graphics. Furthermore, the skills acquired in this course, such as mastering the pen tool, helps the game artist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Artist

Logo Designer

A Logo Designer specializes in creating visual identities for brands and organizations. This role relies heavily on vector graphics software to create scalable and memorable logos. This course is highly beneficial, as it provides in-depth training on Inkscape, a robust tool for creating vector-based designs. Logo Designers benefit from the step-by-step instruction on Inkscape's tools and features, especially the pen and node tools, which are crucial for creating precise and unique shapes. Mastering path operations, cloning, and tiled clones, as taught in the course, allows Logo Designers to create intricate and visually appealing logos. Learning document handling in inkscape will be useful, too.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logo Designer

Illustrator

An Illustrator creates original artwork for a variety of purposes, including books, magazines, advertisements, and websites. This role demands a strong understanding of vector graphics software, making this course invaluable. Through step-by-step instruction and practical assignments, the course helps build a concrete foundation in Inkscape, a free and powerful alternative to Adobe Illustrator. Illustrators can use Inkscape to create scalable vector graphics for illustrations. The focus on mastering essential tools like the pen and node tools, combined with lessons on advanced operations like path operations and bitmap tracing, prepares Illustrators to tackle diverse projects with confidence. The final board game project provides experience in creating a cohesive design layout.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Digital Artist

A Digital Artist creates artwork using digital tools and software. This can encompass a wide range of styles and mediums, including vector graphics, raster images, and 3D models. This course is highly relevant, as it provides in-depth training on Inkscape, a powerful vector graphics editor. Digital Artists can use Inkscape to create scalable illustrations, logos, and other artwork for various applications. The course's progressive assignments and final project help hone the skills necessary to excel as a Digital Artist. Mastering operations such as clipping, masking, and live path effects, taught in the course, enables Digital Artists to create complex and visually stunning artwork. Also, they can create a vector version of a bitmap using the pen tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Web Designer

A Web Designer plans, creates, and codes internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics, and video clips. A critical component of web design is creating visually appealing and user-friendly graphics, which is where this course comes in. The course teaches how to create scalable vector graphics using Inkscape, a skill directly applicable to designing website elements such as logos, icons, and illustrations. Web Designers can leverage Inkscape's versatility for web design, social media, and other purposes. The course's emphasis on practical assignments and a major project equips Web Designers with the hands-on experience needed to excel. Also, Web Designers can import bitmap images into Inkscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Animator

An Animator creates moving images using various techniques, including computer animation, stop-motion animation, and traditional animation. Vector graphics are often used in animation, particularly for creating characters and backgrounds. This course is extremely helpful, as it provides in-depth training on Inkscape, a vector graphics editor. Animators can use Inkscape to create scalable and detailed vector graphics for animations. The course's coverage of tools like the pen and node tools, as well as operations like path operations and cloning, assists animators. The course's lessons on file format options for exporting is useful for bringing animations into other applications. Additionally, students will learn about document handling in Inkscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Digital Marketing Designer

A Digital Marketing Designer focuses on creating visually engaging content for online marketing campaigns. This involves designing graphics for social media, email marketing, and website advertisements. This course is directly applicable, as it provides comprehensive training on Inkscape, a vector graphics editor ideal for creating scalable digital assets. Digital Marketing Designers can use Inkscape to design logos, banners, illustrations, and other visual elements that enhance their marketing campaigns. The hands-on assignments and final project in the course directly translate to the skills needed to create compelling and effective digital marketing materials, and to gain skill in creating original vector graphics. Additionally, they can master essential tools such as the pen tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Designer

Textile Designer

A Textile Designer creates patterns and designs for fabrics, textiles, and other materials. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles and proficiency in vector graphics software, as many textile designs are created as vector graphics to ensure scalability and repeatability. This course is valuable, as it provides in-depth training on Inkscape. Textile Designers can use Inkscape to create intricate and repeating patterns for fabrics and other materials. Mastering cloning and tiled clones, as taught in the course, enables Textile Designers to create complex and visually appealing textile designs. Moreover, they can create custom patterns using Inkscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Designer

Freelance Designer

As a Freelance Designer you will work with vector images in nearly every project. This course will help you master Inkscape, and leverage it to create high quality, scalable designs. This course provides hands-on experience with Inkscape's tools and features, which directly translates to a Freelance Designer's ability to create compelling visuals. The final project, creating a board game layout, simulates real-world design challenges. Furthermore, the skills acquired are transferable to other industry standard software, such as Adobe Illustrator, that a Freelance Designer may use. Learning path operations will also be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Designer

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates learning materials for online courses, training programs, and educational resources. This role often involves creating visuals, graphics, and interactive elements to enhance the learning experience. This course may be useful, as it provides training on Inkscape, a versatile tool for creating vector graphics. Instructional Designers can use Inkscape to create diagrams, illustrations, and infographics for learning materials. While Instructional Designers may need to learn additional instructional design skills, the Inkscape course provides a foundation in visual communication and design. The course's instruction on using Inkscape's text tool may prove useful. Also, the final project, creating a board game layout may be useful in creating educational games.

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User Interface Designer

A User Interface Designer focuses on creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces for software and websites. This role requires a deep understanding of design principles and proficiency in vector graphics software. This course may be useful, as it provides a comprehensive introduction to Inkscape, a free vector graphics editor. User Interface Designers may use Inkscape to create icons, buttons, and other interactive elements for user interfaces. While User Interface Designers may need to learn additional skills beyond vector graphics, the course provides a foundation in visual design and digital illustration. The course may familiarize designers with various toolbars, options, and panels that are present in similar applications. Moreover, they can customize their color palettes using Inkscape.

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Marketing Specialist

A Marketing Specialist develops and implements marketing campaigns to promote products or services. This role often involves creating visually appealing marketing materials, such as brochures, advertisements, and social media graphics. This course may be useful, as it provides training on Inkscape, a vector graphics editor. Marketing Specialists can use Inkscape to create high-quality graphics for marketing campaigns. While Marketing Specialists may need to learn additional marketing skills, the course provides a foundation in visual design and digital illustration. Mastering cloning will also be useful. Also, they can learn how to get their Inkscape work into other file formats.

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Production Artist

A Production Artist prepares artwork for print or digital publication. This role involves tasks such as resizing images, optimizing colors, and ensuring that artwork meets technical specifications. This course may be useful, as it provides training on Inkscape. Production Artists can use Inkscape to create and edit vector graphics for print and digital media. While Production Artists may need to learn additional production skills, the course provides a foundation in vector graphics and digital illustration. The course's lessons on exporting files in various formats will be especially helpful. Also, they can also learn how to work with documents in Inkscape and set page width and height.

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Fashion Designer

A Fashion Designer creates clothing and accessory designs. While the role involves garment construction and an artistic sensibility, proficiency in vector graphics tools becomes relevant for sketching designs and creating graphics. This course may be useful, as it provides training on Inkscape, a vector graphics editor. Fashion Designers can use Inkscape to create technical drawings, sketches, and detailed illustrations of their designs. While Fashion Designers may need to learn additional skills beyond vector graphics, the course provides a foundation in visual design and digital illustration. Also, a Fashion Designer may find tracing with the calligraphy tool helpful.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Inkscape Adventure, Master the Free Vector Graphics Software.

Vector Basic Training

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Offers a systematic approach to creating vector graphics, which complements the tool-based instruction in the Inkscape course. It focuses on the creative process and provides practical tips for achieving precision. This book useful reference tool for improving your workflow and design skills.

Vector Basic Training: A Systematic Creative...

Kindle Edition

Presentation Book

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Provides a solid foundation in design principles, which are essential for creating visually appealing graphics in Inkscape. It covers topics such as contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. While not specific to Inkscape, the design principles discussed are universally applicable. This book is more valuable as additional reading to improve the quality of your designs.

Inkscape Adventure, Master the Free Vector Graphics Software

What's inside

Learning objectives

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Activities

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