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Build a Banner Ad with Inkscape

Jonathan Owen

By the end of this project, you will build a banner advertisement with Inkscape—a free, open-source graphics program. You’ll use objects in Inkscape that can be expanded and resized without losing image quality, so you can resize and use the same image for use with different social media platforms and websites.

You will practice working with vector graphics, including path editing, and you will feel comfortable using Inkscape to build basic and complex shapes, use align commands to accurately and easily position those shapes, and add color and stroke to create eye-catching images.

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By the end of this project, you will build a banner advertisement with Inkscape—a free, open-source graphics program. You’ll use objects in Inkscape that can be expanded and resized without losing image quality, so you can resize and use the same image for use with different social media platforms and websites.

You will practice working with vector graphics, including path editing, and you will feel comfortable using Inkscape to build basic and complex shapes, use align commands to accurately and easily position those shapes, and add color and stroke to create eye-catching images.

To build these skills, you’ll build a banner or feed advertisement image, practice customizing it, and use Inkscape’s built-in export tools.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches path editing and shape alignment, which are essential for designing and editing vector graphics
Develops core graphic design skills, such as working with vector graphics, creating shapes, and adding color
Taught by Jonathan Owen, who is a graphics designer and teacher with over 15 years of experience
Provides hands-on practice through a project where learners build a banner or feed advertisement image
Covers the basics of using Inkscape, a free and open-source graphics program
Teaches skills that are useful for creating custom images for social media platforms and websites

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Reviews summary

Practical inkscape for ad design

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive introduction to building banner ads using the free, open-source Inkscape software. Students highly value the clear, step-by-step instructions and the practical, project-based approach, which allows them to create a usable asset by completion. It's especially praised as beginner-friendly, providing a solid foundation in vector graphics concepts like shapes, alignment, and color. However, some find the pace too slow or the content too basic if they already have graphic design experience. A few learners also noted minor UI discrepancies between their Inkscape version and the videos, and the course's optimal experience is noted for North America-based learners.
The course content is optimized primarily for North American learners.
"Just be aware, if you're not in North America, some minor regional differences might occur, but it wasn't a showstopper for me."
"The mention of regional issues is also something to consider."
"I understand this course works best for learners who are based in the North America region."
Utilizes Inkscape, a cost-free and open-source graphics tool.
"I've always wanted to use a free graphics tool and this project-based approach was perfect."
"A very practical course for anyone needing to quickly create banner ads without paying for Adobe."
"It's great that it focuses on a free tool. I appreciated the practical application."
Focuses on practical application through a tangible project.
"This project-based approach was perfect. The project really helped solidify the concepts."
"The hands-on project means you finish with a usable asset."
"I appreciated the practical application. Just be aware, if you're not in North America, some minor regional differences might occur."
Highly praised for its accessibility and clarity for novices.
"The instructor's explanations were super clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is completely new to vector graphics."
"Excellent course! Highly recommend for beginners."
"Perfect for learning the basics of Inkscape for practical use cases. I loved how it guided me step-by-step through building a real banner."
Some encountered minor UI discrepancies with their Inkscape versions.
"My only minor gripe is that sometimes the UI in Inkscape changed slightly from the video, but it was easy enough to figure out."
"I had trouble finding some tools in my version of Inkscape which seemed different from the one used in the videos."
"I struggled with this course... It felt a bit outdated in parts."
Content may be too basic or slow-paced for experienced designers.
"I found it a bit too slow-paced and superficial for my needs. I was hoping for more advanced techniques."
"If you have any experience with graphic design software, you might find it redundant. It really is for absolute beginners."
"The course is okay for absolute beginners, but I'll need to find other resources to go deeper."

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 Build a Banner Ad with Inkscape with these activities:
Review Basic Vector Graphics Concepts
Refresh your understanding of basic vector graphics concepts to ensure a solid foundation for the course content.
Browse courses on Vector Graphics
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos about vector graphics.
  • Review the key differences between vector and raster graphics.
  • Familiarize yourself with basic vector editing tools, such as the Pen Tool and the Shape Tool.
Review Inkscape Documentation
Refresh your knowledge of Inkscape's features and capabilities by reviewing the official documentation, ensuring familiarity with the tool.
Browse courses on Inkscape
Show steps
  • Visit the Inkscape website and access the documentation.
  • Browse through the different sections of the documentation to familiarize yourself with the tool's features.
  • Focus on sections relevant to the course content.
Use the Path Editor in Inkscape
Practice using the Path Editor in Inkscape to edit and manipulate vectors, fostering familiarity with this key tool.
Show steps
  • Open an existing SVG file or create a new one in Inkscape.
  • Select a path or shape using the Selection Tool.
  • Click on the 'Edit Paths' tool in the toolbar.
  • Experiment with the different path editing options, such as adding or removing nodes, changing the shape of segments, and adjusting handles.
  • Practice using the Path Editor to create and modify various shapes.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Social Media Campaign Banner
Apply the skills learned in the course to a practical project, designing a banner for a specific social media campaign, solidifying your knowledge of Inkscape's capabilities.
Show steps
  • Research and understand the target audience and goals of the social media campaign.
  • Brainstorm ideas and develop a design concept that aligns with the campaign objectives.
  • Create the banner in Inkscape, incorporating relevant elements and messaging.
  • Export the banner in the appropriate format and size for the target social media platform.
  • Share the banner and evaluate its effectiveness in achieving the campaign goals.
Design a Custom Banner for a Blog
Embark on a project to design and create a custom banner for a blog, applying the skills learned in the course to a practical task.
Show steps
  • Determine the dimensions and specifications for the banner based on the blog's design.
  • Brainstorm ideas and sketch out different design concepts.
  • Create the banner in Inkscape using the techniques learned in the course.
  • Export the banner in the appropriate format and size for the blog.
  • Reflect on the design process and identify areas for improvement.
Create a Tutorials on Using Inkscape
Enhance your understanding of Inkscape by creating a tutorial that shares your knowledge with others, reinforcing your learning and expanding your expertise.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic or technique in Inkscape that you want to teach.
  • Plan the structure and outline of your tutorial.
  • Create visuals, screenshots, or demos to illustrate your explanations.
  • Record or write the content of your tutorial.
  • Publish your tutorial on a platform or share it with others.
Contribute to Inkscape
Deepen your understanding of Inkscape and contribute to its development by submitting bug reports, suggesting feature improvements, or even writing code to enhance the software.
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the Inkscape community and development process.
  • Identify potential areas for contribution, such as bug reporting.
  • Write clear and detailed bug reports or feature requests.
  • Consider submitting patches or code contributions to the Inkscape project.
  • Engage with the Inkscape community on forums or social media to share your knowledge and learn from others.

Career center

Learners who complete Build a Banner Ad with Inkscape will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Graphic Designer
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course can help you build a foundation in graphic design principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer
Web Designer
A Web Designer creates the look and feel of a website, including the layout, colors, and fonts. This course can help you build a foundation in web design principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
User Experience (UX) Designer
A UX Designer creates a seamless and enjoyable user experience for products and services, including websites, apps, and software. This course can help you build a foundation in UX design principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer
Art Director
An Art Director oversees the visual aspects of a project, including the design, layout, and typography. This course can help you build a foundation in art direction principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Creative Director
A Creative Director oversees the creative vision of a project, including the design, marketing, and advertising. This course can help you build a foundation in creative direction principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager plans and executes marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course can help you build a foundation in marketing principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Advertising Manager
An Advertising Manager plans and executes advertising campaigns to promote products and services. This course can help you build a foundation in advertising principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Advertising Manager
Public relations manager
A Public Relations Manager manages the public image of a company or organization. This course can help you build a foundation in public relations principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager
Event Planner
An Event Planner plans and executes events, such as weddings, conferences, and parties. This course can help you build a foundation in event planning principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner
Trade Show Manager
A Trade Show Manager plans and executes trade shows, which are events where businesses展示 their products and services. This course can help you build a foundation in trade show management principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Trade Show Manager
Visual Merchandiser
A Visual Merchandiser creates visual displays of products in retail stores. This course can help you build a foundation in visual merchandising principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Merchandiser
Interior designer
An Interior Designer plans and executes the design of interior spaces, such as homes, offices, and restaurants. This course may be useful for building a foundation in interior design principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer
Fashion Designer
A Fashion Designer creates clothing and accessories. This course may be useful for building a foundation in fashion design principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer
Architect
An Architect designs buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for building a foundation in architecture principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architect
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and playgrounds. This course may be useful for building a foundation in landscape architecture principles and techniques, including working with vector graphics, path editing, and using align commands to accurately and easily position shapes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Build a Banner Ad with Inkscape.
Cover image
Thinking with Type
Save
Well-written and comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of graphic design. It covers topics such as typography, color theory, and composition. This book provides a solid foundation for designers who want to create visually appealing and effective graphics.
Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers,...
Paperback
$$
Thinking with Type, 2nd revised ed.: A Critical...
Paperback
$$
Thinking with type: A Critical Guide for Designers,...
Paperback
$$
Thinking with Type: A Primer for Designers: A...
Paperback
$
E. Lupton's Thinking with Type (Thinking with Type:...
Paperback
$$
Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Universal Principles of Typography
Save
Explores the use of vector graphics in web design. Topics include creating vector graphics with Inkscape, optimizing vector graphics for the web, and using vector graphics in CSS and HTML.
Universal Principles of Typography: 100 Key...
Hardcover
$$
Universal Principles of Typography: 100 Key...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Graphic Language of Neville Brody 3
Save
Thoughtful and inspiring guide to the profession of graphic design. It covers topics such as finding your passion, building a portfolio, and dealing with clients.
The Graphic Language of Neville Brody 3
Product Bundle
$$$
Cover image
Fabric for the Designed Interior
Save
Comprehensive guide to color theory and color combinations. It provides a solid understanding of color and how to use it effectively in design.
Fabric for the Designed Interior: Studio Instant...
Paperback
$$$$
Fabric for the Designed Interior: Bundle Book +...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
CSS3 for Web Designers
Save
Is an excellent resource for designers who want to learn more about CSS and how to use it to style their designs. While not directly related to Inkscape, it provides a solid understanding of CSS, which can be beneficial when creating web graphics.
CSS3 for Web Designers
Paperback
$
CSS3 FOR WEB DESIGNERS (Second Edition)
Paperback
$$
(Français) CSS3 pour les web designers
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Front-End Back-End Development with HTML, CSS,...
Save
Provides a practical introduction to JavaScript and jQuery, the essential technologies for adding interactivity to web pages. While not directly related to Inkscape, it can be useful for designers who want to create web graphics that are dynamic and responsive.
Front-End Back-End Development with HTML, CSS,...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Logo Design Love
Save
Provides a practical guide to logo design. Topics include creating a logo brief, brainstorming ideas, and developing a logo concept.
Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand...
Paperback
$$
Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand...
Paperback
$$
(中文) Logo Design Love:a Guide to Creating Iconic Brand...
Paperback
$$
Logo Design Love: A guide to creating iconic brand...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
2 hours
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Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Jonathan Owen
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches path editing and shape alignment, which are essential for designing and editing vector graphics
Develops core graphic design skills, such as working with vector graphics, creating shapes, and adding color
Taught by Jonathan Owen, who is a graphics designer and teacher with over 15 years of experience
Provides hands-on practice through a project where learners build a banner or feed advertisement image
Covers the basics of using Inkscape, a free and open-source graphics program
Teaches skills that are useful for creating custom images for social media platforms and websites
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