Graphic Design For The Clueless: An Introduction To Inkscape

One of the reasons I haven't been posting as many Linux reviews as usual so far in 2009 is because I have been spending a lot of what little free time I get learning how to use Inkscape.

For those of you who have not heard about Inkscape, it's an Open Source vector graphics editor - and it's quite superb.

I think I said on a forum somewhere that the only thing I can draw is breath, but with Inkscape and some patience you will be pleasantly surprised at the results you can achieve. So far I have only scratched the surface of what this fantastic, free application can do.

I have been helped considerably by the screencasts produced by two experienced Inkscape users (but not, I believe, professional artists), Heathenx and Richard Querin, who produce some high quality tutorials suitable for absolute beginners like myself.

Inkscape's flexibility means it can be used in conjunction with other graphics or image programs like the GIMP. The graphics you produce can be saved in a wide range of file formats, although the default, Scalable Vector Graphics, is the most widely used and useful.

But you can also produce some really interesting wallpapers for your desktop. Here's my first attempt at a wallpaper - I was trying for a quiet, calm, mystical feeling and the reason it's monochrome is because it was intended for my CrunchBang Linux desktop, which sports a very simple, minimalist theme.If you like it, feel free to download it (it's in 1600x1200 resolution). It's not a masterpiece, but I'm quite pleased with it and it has encouraged me to try to produce some other wallpaper ideas I have bubbling around in my over-crowded brain.

If you are interested in trying Inkscape, the first place to look is in your distribution's repository - it's in most of the major ones, plus there's also a Windows version available from the project's homepage.

I also found a printable PDF user guide (be warned if you plan on printing it off, it's 100 pages-plus!) here, or you can just read the tutorials on the website.

At first the Inkscape workspace can be a bit overwhelming, with tools placed down the left side, options palettes down the right and a lot of menu options across the top of the window.Those screencasts I mentioned will help you overcome the slightly cluttered interface, and the more you use it, the more used to it you will become.

It's also possible to configure your working environment to best suit your needs which, again, will become more obvious the more experience you get.

So, even if you're like me - rubbish at drawing - don't despair because Inkscape can open up an exciting new world of quality graphic design.. if you're prepared to put in the time and effort.