Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape from Coursera

By the end of this project, you’ll be able to create an isometric vector graphic of a house inside a snow globe. You’ll build your image with Inkscape, a free vector graphics program. Since the images are vector-based, you’ll also have the flexibility to edit, resize, and recolor them again and again—all while keeping the best image quality. During this project, you’ll learn how to create an axonometric grid. Next, you’ll use a wireframe globe to create the outer shell of the snowglobe. Then you’ll use that grid to draw an isometric winter cabin and a mountain background. Finally, you’ll learn how to export what you create in Inkscape. By the end of the project, you’ll be comfortable creating isometric designs with Inkscape. 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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Ideal for beginners with a foundational understanding of graphic design who are interested in isometric vector graphic design

Provides hands-on experience with Inkscape, a free industry-standard vector graphics program

Develops skills in creating isometric designs, which are widely used in architecture, design, and engineering

Allows learners to create graphics that are resolution-independent, meaning they can be scaled up or down without losing quality

Taught by Jonathan Owen, an experienced instructor in the field of graphic design

May require additional software or hardware, which could pose a financial barrier for some students

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 Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape with these activities:

Review Inkscape basics

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Ensure you are comfortable using Inkscape before you start the course.

Browse courses on Inkscape

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Review online tutorials for beginners
Create a simple vector graphic
Experiment with different tools and effects

Draw a series of isometric cubes

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Practice drawing isometric shapes to improve your understanding of perspective.

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Draw a series of cubes in different sizes
Add shading and highlights to create depth
Draw cubes at different angles

Discuss isometric design with other students

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Engage with other students to share ideas and learn from their experiences.

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Join a study group or online forum
Post questions and share your work
Attend virtual or in-person meetups

One other activity

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Create a simple winter scene with Inkscape

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Follow a tutorial to create a winter scene and apply the techniques you learn to your own project.

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Find a tutorial that aligns with your skill level
Follow the steps carefully and take notes
Experiment with different colors and textures
Share your final product with others

Career center

Learners who complete Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technical Illustrator

The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create precise and informative technical illustrations. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in technical documentation and engineering drawings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Illustrator

Architect

As an architect, you will need to be able to create accurate and visually appealing architectural drawings. The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create high-quality architectural drawings that will help you communicate your design ideas effectively. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in architectural drawings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Graphic designer

The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create high-quality vector graphics, which are in high demand by graphic designers. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in technical and architectural illustrations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Engineering Designer

As an engineering designer, you will need to be able to create accurate and detailed engineering drawings. The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create high-quality engineering drawings that will help you communicate your design ideas effectively. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in engineering design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineering Designer

Interior designer

The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create realistic and visually appealing interior design renderings. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in interior design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Product Designer

As a product designer, you will need to be able to create high-quality product designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create innovative and visually appealing product designs. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in product design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Web Designer

As a web designer, you will need to be able to create high-quality graphics for your websites. The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create engaging and visually appealing graphics that will help your websites stand out from the competition. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in web design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Motion Graphics Artist

The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create engaging and visually appealing motion graphics. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in motion graphics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Artist

Game Designer

As a game designer, you will need to be able to create visually appealing and immersive game environments. The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create realistic and engaging game environments. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in game design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

User Experience Designer

As a user experience designer, you will need to be able to create prototypes and mockups that are both functional and visually appealing. The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create user-friendly and intuitive user interfaces. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in user experience design.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Animator

As an animator, you will need to be able to create fluid and realistic animations. The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create engaging and visually appealing animations. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in animation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Environmental Artist

The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create realistic and immersive environments for video games and other interactive media. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in environmental art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Artist

Illustrator

The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create high-quality illustrations for books, magazines, and other publications. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in illustration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Art Director

The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create effective and visually appealing marketing materials. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in marketing and advertising.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Industrial Designer

The Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape course can help you develop the skills you need to create innovative and functional industrial designs. This course will teach you how to use Inkscape, a free and open-source vector graphics editor, to create isometric designs, which are commonly used in industrial design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape.

Inkscape

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A practical guide to using Inkscape for vector graphics, covering essential concepts, tools, and techniques. Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners looking to enhance their Inkscape skills.

Cosmos

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A theoretical and practical exploration of axonometric and oblique projection, providing a solid understanding of the underlying principles. Offers valuable background knowledge for isometric drawing.

Cosmos

Hardcover

Isometric Notebook

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A useful resource for practicing and experimenting with isometric drawings. Provides blank isometric graph paper to aid learners in developing their understanding of isometric principles.

Isometric Notebook

Paperback

Web Accessibility Cookbook

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Provides a comprehensive overview of SVG, which is the format used to create vector graphics in Inkscape. It covers the basics of SVG, as well as more advanced topics such as animation, interactivity, and responsive design. This book great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about SVG and how to use it in Inkscape.

Web Accessibility Cookbook

Paperback

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Web Accessibility Cookbook

Kindle Edition

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DOM Scripting

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Provides a concise overview of SVG. It covers the basics of SVG, as well as more advanced topics such as animation, interactivity, and responsive design. This book great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about SVG.

DOM Scripting: Web Design with JavaScript and the...

Paperback

$$$

The Best Ever Bread Book

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Provides a collection of recipes for creating vector graphics with Inkscape. It includes recipes for creating a variety of shapes, objects, and effects. This book great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Inkscape and how to create vector graphics.

The Best Ever Bread Book: From Farm to Flour Mill,...

Hardcover

The Best Ever Bread Book: From Farm to Flour Mill,...

Kindle Edition

Draw an Isometric Snow Globe with Inkscape

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