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Create Icons with Inkscape

Jonathan Owen

By the end of this project, you’ll be able to create system and application icons with Inkscape. Inkscape is a free and open-source program that creates vector graphics. Because they’re vector based, images created in Inkscape are ideal for creating icons. They can be resized and edited quickly—and they’ll stay clear and sharp even after the changes.

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By the end of this project, you’ll be able to create system and application icons with Inkscape. Inkscape is a free and open-source program that creates vector graphics. Because they’re vector based, images created in Inkscape are ideal for creating icons. They can be resized and edited quickly—and they’ll stay clear and sharp even after the changes.

During this project, you’ll practice creating line-based icons and solid-fill icons. You’ll practice researching icon requirements, you’ll prepare the Inkscape workspace to create icons, and you’ll create two different icons: a line-art lightbulb and a solid-fill envelope. Then you’ll practice resizing and exporting those images to meet Apple and Android specifications.

By the end of the project, you’ll be comfortable planning and creating icons for iOS, Android, and other systems.

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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Syllabus

Create Icons with Inkscape
By the end of this project, you’ll be able to create system and application icons with Inkscape. You'll practice creating line-based icons and solid-fill icons. You’ll practice researching icon requirements, you’ll prepare the Inkscape workspace to create icons, and you’ll create two different icons: a line-art lightbulb and a solid-fill envelope.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores a standard in icon creation: vector-based images that are suitable for resizing, resulting in clear and sharp icons
Provide learners with a thorough understanding of icon creation through practical hands-on practice of creating both line-based and solid-fill icons
Ensures learners are equipped to meet the specific requirements of icon creation for varied systems like iOS and Android
Introduces key tools and techniques of icon creation, such as line-based and solid-fill icons, and how to use Inkscape to create them
Provides step-by-step guidance through the icon creation process, making it accessible to learners who may have limited experience with image editing software

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Reviews summary

Inkscape icon creation course

According to students, this graphic design course is recommended for those who want to learn about creating icons. Reviewers highly recommend the course, saying that it is a very helpful resource with engaging content.
Content is very engaging
Highly recommended resource
"Excellent course"
"I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn about graphic designs."

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 Create Icons with Inkscape with these activities:
Compile a Collection of Design Resources
Gather and organize a collection of useful resources for icon designers, including tutorials, templates, and inspiration.
Browse courses on Design
Show steps
  • Research and collect resources related to icon design
  • Organize and categorize the resources
  • Create a central location for accessing the resources
Review Inkscape
Become familiar with the Inkscape interface and basic features to ensure a smooth start to the course.
Browse courses on Inkscape
Show steps
  • Download and install Inkscape
  • Explore the Inkscape interface
  • Create a few basic shapes and paths
  • Experiment with different tools and options
Complete Icon Design Exercises
Enhance your icon design skills by completing a set of practice exercises.
Browse courses on Icon Design
Show steps
  • Find a set of icon design exercises or challenges
  • Complete the exercises using Inkscape
  • Critique your own work and identify areas for improvement
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Explore Inkscape Tutorials
Expand your knowledge of Inkscape's capabilities by following guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Icon Design
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials that cover specific icon design techniques.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial to create your own icons.
  • Experiment with variations and apply the techniques to your own projects.
Follow Tutorials on Icon Design
Enhance your understanding of icon design principles and techniques by following guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Icon Design
Show steps
  • Search for Inkscape icon design tutorials
  • Select a few tutorials that cover different icon types and techniques
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step
  • Experiment with different approaches and styles
Inkscape Icon Design Exercises
Reinforce your understanding of Inkscape's tools and techniques with targeted practice exercises.
Browse courses on Icon Design
Show steps
  • Follow online tutorials or find practice exercises that focus on specific Inkscape features.
  • Create variations of the same icon using different techniques.
  • Experiment with different color palettes and styles.
Attend a Design Conference or Meetup
Expand your network and learn from industry professionals by attending a design conference or meetup.
Browse courses on Design
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant conferences or meetups
  • Register and attend the event
  • Network with other designers and professionals
  • Attend workshops and presentations
  • Follow up with connections you make
Create a Custom Icon Set
Build on your Inkscape skills by designing a set of icons for a personal project or portfolio.
Browse courses on Icon Design
Show steps
  • Define the purpose and style of your icon set.
  • Sketch out your icon ideas.
  • Create your icons in Inkscape.
  • Export your icons in the appropriate formats.
Create a Series of Line-Based Icons
Solidify your skills in creating line-based icons by designing and implementing a series of original icons.
Browse courses on Icon Design
Show steps
  • Define a theme or concept for your icons
  • Sketch out ideas and concepts for your icons
  • Create your icons using Inkscape
  • Refine and optimize your icons
  • Present your icons in a portfolio or online gallery
Participate in an Icon Design Study Group
Engage in a peer-learning environment to share knowledge, provide feedback, and collaborate on icon design projects.
Browse courses on Icon Design
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with other icon designers
  • Meet regularly to discuss icon design techniques and projects
  • Critique each other's work and provide constructive feedback
  • Collaborate on icon design projects
Design a Set of Icons for a Mobile App
Apply your icon design skills to a practical project by creating a set of icons for a mobile app.
Browse courses on Icon Design
Show steps
  • Research and define the requirements for your icons
  • Create a style guide for your icons
  • Design and implement your icons using Inkscape
  • Optimize and export your icons for use in the app
  • Present your icons to the app's stakeholders

Career center

Learners who complete Create Icons with Inkscape will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers use visual concepts, images, and text to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. With the knowledge and hands-on practice you gain from this Create Icons with Inkscape course, you can increase your potential to build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of creating digital graphics. Skills in vector-based graphics software, like Inkscape, are sought after in the professional design world. Whether you are new to graphic design or seeking to enhance your skillset, this course may be able to help you.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer
Web Designer
Web Designers create and maintain websites. They are responsible for the visual appeal of a website, as well as its functionality. The Create Icons with Inkscape course can be a starting point for learning the foundational concepts of digital media creation and graphic design. Vector-based graphics are widely used in web design, and Inkscape is a popular tool among professionals. If you would like to get into or advance your career as a Web Designer, this course may be a helpful step.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
Art Director
Art Directors are responsible for the visual style and overall design of a wide range of media, including magazines, newspapers, websites, and advertising campaigns. An understanding of design and digital media tools, like Inkscape, can be helpful for aspiring Art Directors. This course may be beneficial to those interested in building a foundation in digital graphic design, with a focus on vector graphics, which are commonly used by Art Directors in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Product Designer
Product Designers are responsible for the design of products, from concept to launch. They work with engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to create products that are both useful and desirable. The Create Icons with Inkscape course can be a helpful step towards a career in Product Design, as vector graphics software is commonly used throughout the product design process. Whether you are new to design or looking to expand your skills, this course may be able to help you build a foundation in digital media creation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
User Experience (UX) Designer
UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of a product or service. They work to make sure that products are easy to use, enjoyable, and efficient. This course can help you begin to develop the skills needed to succeed as a UX Designer. Digital graphic design tools, such as Inkscape, are widely used in the field of UX Design to prototype and iterate on design concepts. Taking this course could allow you to build a baseline understanding of the design process and relevant creative software.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns. They work with other departments to develop and implement strategies that will reach target audiences and achieve business goals. The Create Icons with Inkscape course can provide a useful overview of digital graphic design tools and concepts. Marketing Managers often need to collaborate with designers and creatives, and a basic understanding of design software can be a valuable asset.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Content Creator
Content Creators are responsible for creating and distributing content that is engaging and informative. They work with a variety of media, including text, images, video, and audio. The Create Icons with Inkscape course can help you develop foundational digital graphic design skills that may be useful in your work as a Content Creator. Vector graphics are used in a variety of content, from social media graphics to website design. This course may help you build a base in digital media creation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers are responsible for developing and executing social media strategies. They work with other departments to create and distribute content that will engage target audiences and achieve business goals. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be a useful starting place for those interested in Social Media Management. Digital graphic design tools, like Inkscape, are widely used in social media, and familiarity with these tools can be a valuable asset in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials and programs. They work with subject matter experts to develop learning objectives and create materials that are effective and engaging. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be a helpful starting point for those interested in Instructional Design. Vector graphics are sometimes used in the creation of educational materials and online courses. This course may provide foundational skills in digital media creation that are useful for aspiring Instructional Designers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, help files, and training materials. They work with engineers, scientists, and other technical experts to translate complex information into clear and concise instructions. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful in the field of Technical Writing, as vector graphics are sometimes used to create diagrams, illustrations, and other visual aids for technical documentation. This course could help build a foundation in digital media creation for those interested in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
E-Learning Developer
E-Learning Developers create and develop online learning materials. They work with instructional designers and other stakeholders to create courses that are effective and engaging. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be a useful starting point for aspiring E-Learning Developers. Vector graphics are often used in the creation of online learning materials. This course may provide foundational skills in digital media creation that are useful for those interested in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for E-Learning Developer
Animator
Animators create moving images for film, television, video games, and other media. They work with directors, producers, and other artists to bring characters and stories to life. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful for those interested in Animation, as vector graphics are often used in the creation of animated content. This course could provide a foundation in digital media creation for aspiring Animators.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator
Video Editor
Video Editors create and edit video footage for film, television, video games, and other media. They work with directors, producers, and other artists to bring stories and ideas to life. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful for Video Editors, as vector graphics are sometimes used in the creation of video content. This course could help build a foundation in digital media creation for aspiring Video Editors.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor
Motion Graphics Designer
Motion Graphics Designers create and design animated graphics for film, television, video games, and other media. They work with directors, producers, and other artists to bring stories and ideas to life. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful for aspiring Motion Graphics Designers, as vector graphics are commonly used in the creation of motion graphics. This course could help build a foundation in digital media creation for those interested in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer
3D Artist
3D Artists create and design 3D models and animations for film, television, video games, and other media. They work with directors, producers, and other artists to bring stories and ideas to life. The Create Icons with Inkscape course may be helpful for aspiring 3D Artists, as vector graphics are sometimes used for texturing and other aspects of 3D modeling. This course could introduce foundational digital media creation skills that may be useful in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Artist

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 Create Icons with Inkscape.
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
Classic guide to innovation. It covers the challenges of innovation, as well as how to overcome them. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about innovation and how to apply it to their work.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book
Save
Classic guide to design for non-designers. It covers the basics of design, as well as more advanced techniques. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about design and how to use it in their work.
Non-Designer's Presentation Book, The: Principles...
Paperback
$$
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book
Paperback
$$
The Non-Designer's Presentation Book by Williams,...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
The Strategyzer Box Set
Save
Guide to creating value propositions that meet the needs of your customers. It covers the basics of value proposition design, as well as how to apply it to your own business. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about value proposition design and how to use it to create products and services that people want.
The Strategyzer Box Set
Paperback
Check
The Strategyzer Box Set
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Design Elements, Third Edition
Save
Comprehensive guide to the elements and principles of design. It covers everything from the basics of design to the latest trends. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about design and how to use it in their work.
Design Elements, Third Edition
Paperback
Check
Design Elements, Third Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The New Web Typography
Save
Beautiful and inspiring collection of icons from around the world. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of icons.
The New Web Typography: Create a Visual Hierarchy...
Paperback
$$$
The New Web Typography: Create a Visual Hierarchy...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Medieval Art Second Edition
Save
Comprehensive encyclopedia of design, covering everything from the history of design to the latest trends. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about design in general.
Medieval Art Second Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
JavaScript and jQuery for Data Analysis and...
Save
Quick and easy guide to creating vector art. It covers the basics of vector drawing, as well as more advanced techniques. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about vector art and how to use it to create icons.
JavaScript and jQuery for Data Analysis and...
Paperback
Check
JavaScript and jQuery for Data Analysis and...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
2 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Jonathan Owen
Language
English
Good to know
Explores a standard in icon creation: vector-based images that are suitable for resizing, resulting in clear and sharp icons
Provide learners with a thorough understanding of icon creation through practical hands-on practice of creating both line-based and solid-fill icons
Ensures learners are equipped to meet the specific requirements of icon creation for varied systems like iOS and Android
Introduces key tools and techniques of icon creation, such as line-based and solid-fill icons, and how to use Inkscape to create them
Provides step-by-step guidance through the icon creation process, making it accessible to learners who may have limited experience with image editing software
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