Introduction and links to some of my work

[k-drive]

Hello.

I have been using Inkscape for a few years now. I am not an expert; but, I think I have a good grasp of the basics. I find that I can pretty much accomplish what I want to do. It just may take me some time. I know I have a lot to learn including more efficient ways of doing things.

Here are some links to my Flickr account with my Inkscape work, my 3D SketchUp work and some 3D work with TinkerCad. Some of the local libraries have 3D printers. So, I have been experimenting with that. I can import SVG files from Inkscape into TinkerCad to use them with a 3D design. TinkerCad's design abilities are very basic. Using Inkscape is a lot better in some cases to get smooth lines and complex shapes.

In addition to Inkscape, I used SketchUp, Paint.Net and occasionally Gimp. These are all portable versions as I don't own a computer. I use the local libraries's computers here in NE Ohio. I have messed around with Blender. But, I have worked with SketchUp for a long time. I think it is more compatible with the way my mind works.

I have seen the challenges here. I have attempted some of them. Right now I am looking for small projects like those to work with Inkscape.


Ken


https://flic.kr/s/aHskP7UY2E

https://www.flickr.com/gp/ken-a/7NdT5X

https://www.flickr.com/gp/ken-a/69Un9A

[brynn]

If I haven't welcomed you already, then welcome!

I'm not familiar with Sketch Up, but from your drawings, it looks like it must have some vector abilities.  Does it?

That's amazing that you do all of this from....well, I assume usb drives? and on public computers!  It looks like you've developed some good skills.

I really like those mechanical bird drawings.  Looks like maybe patterned after a stork, or maybe crane?  Well, I guess there are a number of long-legged birds.

You can probably find some more ideas for practice from the tutorials (IC Tutorials tab).

I haven't done much with challenges or contests lately, because most of the time it was just me and Lazur.  But if you're interested, we can make some new ones.  Actually, anyone is welcome to start up a challenge.  Just go in the Challenges board and start a new topic.  Or if you want to discuss ideas, we can do that too.  But for a contest, you need to let me know, so I can make the album in the gallery. 

[k-drive]

Thanks for the welcome.

I wouldn't really call SketchUp vector. It does allow you to be very precise with things. So, if you like vector, you will like that aspect of it.

I found SketchUp by accident. It has been installed on the Cuyahoga County library's computers for years. No one I've talked to including the IT manager can tell me why it was originally put there. But, I've really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, they don't make a portable version. So, if the libraries ever take it off their computers...I guess I will try to learn Blender!

Back when I was taking those computer graphic classes at the community college, the one instructor installed a 3D application for me to play with. That got me hooked. A few years later I found SketchUp.

SketchUp used to be owned by Google. They sold it to Trimble. But, I think the original tutorials for the tools are still online at YouTube because they were so good. They were relatively short and step-by-step with simple projects. And, they were good for reference later because you could watch someone do something.

Doing something in 3D takes a certain mindset. You have to "see" in 3D as you are building.

If you are interested in 3D, I would suggest trying both SketchUp and Blender. Both will take advantage of skills learned with a vector program. You can do more with Blender. But, there is a steeper learning curve. SketchUp is free to download. There are also a lot of plug-ins that people have created for it. Blender is open source, and there is a portable version.

As to how I operate with flash drives: I make use of the portable applications and open source applications out there. I also strive to be very organized with my files, and I back up a great deal. I used to be in software development. I had a computer up until three years ago when my old one died. I can't afford one right now. So, I make do. It is a trade-off. The library's computers are free, and I don't have to maintain them. But, I don't have control over them, and I can't take them home with me - which is probably good because I stare at them too much anyway!

If I think of something for the challenges, I will let you know.

Ken

[k-drive]

Challenges:

I used to belong to a community for SketchUp at SketchUCation.com. They used to and still have weekly contests. They would have rules like: you could only spend 2 hours to make something with the application for the contest. Now, you could spend as much time as you wanted to for planning or make a sketch on paper. The time limit with the application was good because it forced you to learn how to plan things out and translate your design to a finished piece. It also helped you organize your work and use the tools efficiently. If you found a weak spot in your abilities to render something with certain tools, it was a good thing because you could work on improving that later. You would submit a screenshot of your work after a week. Then, participants would vote. The winner would get to choose the topic for the next week's contest. I only participated in a few contests. I wasn't nearly as skilled as some of the artists there. But, they were always kind with their comments about how I could improve. And, like this website, seeing other people's work gives you ideas about how to use an application.

I went back to that website and looked up some of their contests. Here is a list of some of them. Maybe they can be used for the challenges here. As you can see, the topics can be very broad (childhood or sailing) or very narrow(a lamp or a chair).

Sailing, robot, cannon, Halloween, childhood, Dr. Seuss, crazy chair, kites, bridges, Lego, lamps, camping, fishing, underwater, jewelry, Hawaii, Valentine's Day.


Ken