MYP 4 & 5 Design: Working on Inkscape

Inkscape is a vector-based illustration program and has many similar tools to the industry standard Adobe Illustrator...but the best part is that it is FREE!

Exploring a new program is always exciting but it can be daunting as well. It is important to familiarize yourself with the user interface, the tools and options and commands. It is also important to realize that you can't learn it all. Once you feel comfortable navigating around the program and feel like you can do what you want with the tools, you are ready to start designing your logo in Inkscape.

Ready for some challenges?

Please work on the following design challenges in class. Save them in your "Experimentation" folder. When you are finished we will have an all class critique and you will choose your favorite work to share on your blog!

1. Depth of Field
Using organic and/or geometric shapes, colors, layers and transparencies, create a composition that shows depth, something going back into space or coming out of the screen. This has to do with the positioning of your shapes. Do not use the 3D shape tool...instead if you want 3D shapes, create them on your own.

2. Your Name x 3

Using a tool of your choice, write or shape your name. Be creative...steer away from the Pen tool...try something different. Repeat 2 more names using a different tool each time.


Let's step it up a little...


3. Bezier & Transparent Layers
Choose a photo of a face...it can be of yours, a friend's or a complete stranger. The important part is that it is head on and clear. Save it to your data key. Open it up in Inkscape. Using the Layers feature, with the Bezier line tool, gradient tool and fill opacity tool, I guarantee that you can create a pretty impressive illustration of the face. It will take patience but you will be a master with these tools by the end of it!!

3. Typography* Will be introduced next week...
Typography is the study and visual design of letter forms. Pick 5 words out of the IB learner profile list of characteristics to "Illustrate". Your challenge is the communicate the meaning of the word VISUALLY. Using all the skills you have learned so far about illustration, challenge yourself to think outside of the box.

1. Open-Minded
2. Caring
3. Communicator
4. Risk Taker
5. Reflective
6. Principled
7. Balanced
8. Inquirer
9. Knowledgeable
10. Thinker


If you would like some more tutorials, check these out:

• http://inkscapetutorials.wordpress.com/
• http://inkscape.org/doc/basic/tutorial-basic.html
• http://www.microugly.com/inkscape-quickguide/