Hi,
I'm new to drawing and inkscape.
I''m trying to find tutorials on the basics of inkscape and its tools.
I don't learn well by reading. I have to follow and do to learn.

So I need the basics on how to do things.
I have watched some of the Heathen x tutorials but its not simple enough for me, I don't have the basics.
Were can I get the basic?

I'm using Ink scape to help me with my sand-carving

Thank you
Dman

Hi DMan,

There are a few excellent sources to get anyone started with Inkscape.

The briefest overview but covering all essential aspects is this one: microugly's quickguide to Inkscape
Further to that I absolutely recommend the 2 walkthroughs here:
Inkscape Basic Tutorial
Inkscape Advanced tutorial

Of course the Tav's Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program is indispensible, have a look at the Quickstart chapter as it has quite a few samples

And I tried to write my own Kokeshi doll tutorial for an absolute Inkscape beginner. Every step is detailed and the tutorial was tried out by a non-vector editor user before publishing.

Hope this helps,
Syllie

Yo Dman!

You Da man! >v<
[sorry, couldn't resist]

Quick question 4U....

What exactly is sand-carving? Do you mean like sand castles and the like? What tools do you usually use to do that (I reckon water, sand and hands, but maybe there's trowels and stuff involved).

A good idea of the art form you're used to might give us a good idea on how best to approach "basics" from your POV. ^^

Further to that I absolutely recommend the 2 walkthroughs here:
Inkscape Basic Tutorial
Inkscape Advanced tutorial

FYI, these can be found in the Inkscape Help menu, along with 3 or 4 others. And if you open them from there, you can practice right there while you read, because they are actually written in an Inkscape document; while the links syllie provided are webpages, and you can't practice on them. I just thought since you said you need to learn by doing, it might be better for you to access from the Help menu.

Of course the Tav's Inkscape: Guide to a Vector Drawing Program is indispensible, have a look at the Quickstart chapter as it has quite a few samples

Yes, yes, I agree. That chapter is basically a series of tutorials which are absolutely excellent for beginners!

I think syllie has covered all but 1 of the links in my signature, and in that one are also some very basic tuts

Thank You everybody.
I didn't know that I could get practice in the help menu.

Sand carving is taking a piece of glass, ceramic tile, wood etc. and sandblasting a picture, words or what ever on to the surface.
Here is a web site that explains some of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAr81iBQJ9w

Thanks again I will check the help menu out,

Wow! That is so COOL! [albeit expensive-looking]
Now I know how those engraved glass ornaments are made, I'm so glad I asked [see? you learn something new everyday]. ^___^b

[although shocked he did the sandblasting without gloves on]

In that case, Inkscape should fit hand and glove with your needs since I reckon the image templates have to have a certain degree of precision and abstraction, to better stand out during the engraving process, both of which vector graphics excel at. ^^b

As far as basics, I think those modules should cover your needs for the time being.
And aside from any additional specific questions you may have, I can at least offer you the "basics" in my book,...

Essentially....

C-QUEL'S SURVIVAL KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

CTRL+SHIFT+F: brings up the Fill & Stroke widget, the bread and butter of vector graphics

CTRL+SHIFT+L: brings up the Layers widget, not as essential as in GIMP/Photoshop, but useful nonetheless

CTRL+SHIFT+D: Document Properties, in case you want to resize the page to the exact measurements of that blue sheet

F1: Move/Select tool

F2: Edit/Node tool

F7: Color Eyedropper

CTRL+C: Copy selected object

CTRL+X: Cut selected object

CTRL+V: Paste whatever object you have copied/cut

CTRL+SHIFT+V: Paste only the fill and stroke properties of the object you have copied/cut

CTRL+SHIFT+C: Converts an object without nodes [like a rectangle] into one with nodes (means you can move the ends around)

CTRL+D: Duplicate selected object [VERY valuable]

CTRL+L: Simplifies shape to reduce nodes (great if you use pencil tool a lot)

PGUP: Raises selected object in front of other adjacent objects

PGDOWN: Pushes selected object behind other adjacent objects

CTRL+SHIFT++: Merges two selected objects into a single object

CTRL+SHIFT+-: Subtracts two selected objects -- the object in front subtracts the one behind it.

-: Zoom out

+: Zoom in

Open a blank document, draw a quick rectangle, circle and star shape on the canvas, and take about 5 minutes to try out all these commands and memorize as many as you can. It'll not only help you draw stuff faster, but will make you feel like an instant power-user. ^^b

Naturally there's more advanced stuff you can get from the menus, but best to start small.

brynn
That was exactly what i needed.
Thank you
and everybody else thank you also.
I will make it a point to try all.

Dman