Becoming proficient at Inkscape
Nov. 19, 2024I’ve decided to become proficient at using Inkscape to draw logos and illustrations as a side project. I enjoy the creativity involved in this kind of work, and I believe it will also help me improve my drawing skills in general—or at least that’s what I tell myself. To master the software, I decided to purchase The Book of Inkscape: The Definitive Guide To The Graphics Editor, second edition, by Dmitry Kirsanov. Although Inkscape is currently at version 1.4 as of this writing, I’m confident the book is still highly relevant, as it was released in 2022—not too long ago. Why Use a Book When the Internet Is Full of Tutorials?
Why use a book when the internet is full of video tutorials?!
The reason I’m using a book—and just one book—is because it feels right. Let me explain. While online tutorials are great, I always feel like I learn more when studying printed text on a page. It must have something to do with the hand-eye-brain coordination, whatever that’s called in medical terms. I enjoy flipping pages, having a book in front of me, and following along with Inkscape as I read. This approach should really help me absorb the information better.
So far, I’ve read the first chapter, Inkscape and the World, which explains the world of vector drawing and the role Inkscape plays in it. The first chapter was fascinating and easy to read, unlike many other software books I’ve encountered, which can be quite challenging to get through.
Why Use Inkscape Instead of Illustrator?
I know Adobe Illustrator is considered the de facto industry standard for vector software, but I don’t feel like paying a monthly subscription just to use it. When you think about it, the whole subscription model is kind of absurd. People are expected to pay every month to rent software—it sounds ridiculous when you really think about it. I prefer the open-source model much more. As someone who’s a bit geeky myself, it’s reassuring to know I’m using a piece of honest software, developed by enthusiasts and geeks from around the world, rather than a multi-million-dollar, shareholder-driven corporation from Silicon Valley whose sole interest is making as much money as possible off people like you and me. I’ve used Illustrator in the past, and truth be told, it’s a great program. However, for my intended use, there’s little it can do that Inkscape cannot.
Documenting My Inkscape Learning
To ensure I don’t lose any of the knowledge I gain from studying The Book of Inkscape, I’ll be documenting my daily and weekly learnings here. This will give me a helpful record for the future, and if it helps others along the way, all the better!
