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I was over at Freebie Friday yesterday when I saw her new vector graphics — man are they ever cool! She’s way talented!
Anyway, someone asked her how she created them and she told us that she draws them in Inkscape, then finishes them up in Gimp which are both open source imaging software.
I usually use Paint Shop Pro for my graphics but drawing and vectors are not my usual thing — I use it mainly for photographs and creating the EntreCard images that I’ve done for people. But, I’ve always WANTED to create original drawings, I’m just not very skilled in that respect.
I did play around with the programs some this morning and created this guy that I kind of like. I’m probably going to play some more with cartoon-y drawings and things. Who knows… maybe I have a whole new hobby here — like I need something else to waste time on!
He’s not a slick as most vector graphics are. I’m thinking I probably could use a tutorial on creating them. I freehanded him using the pen, flood fill and smudge brush with a touch or two of the burn brush as well to give some shading. He looks kind of skeptical about all this, don’t you think? Either that or he’s p-o-ed about something. Maybe it’s that smear at his neck - maybe I didn’t give him good enough pecs — who knows!
Hey — Little Nyet – need another artist?? I think I’m ready for the big time! 
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Tags: Arts, Creative Commons, GIMP, graphics, Image Editing, Inkscape, Open source, Paint Shop Pro
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June 14th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
So many programs to edit graphics with, yet I have been unable to find a free or low cost one (under $20) that is quite user friendly. I am in no way artsy, so my visuals are always lacking.
Can artistic talent even be semi-learned?
June 14th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Well, Guy — here you go! Both of these are free! I’ve provided the links to them, so go download the programs and play away.
I do find PSP to be very user friendly and if you join a PSP list, sometimes you can find older versions of it on the web for free. The most popular version seems to be 7 although I’ve also found 8, 9 and 10 on the web as downloads as well. 10 was the last version before Jasc sold it to Corel. There are also a boat load of tutorials on the web on how to use PSP which I haven’t found for some of the other graphics softwares.
I’m going to go looking for some on GIMP and Inkster, though.
If I can help you, do let me know! Always glad to help others realize their dreams.
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June 15th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I have used GIMP before but Inkscape is new to me. Thanks for the heads-up, I will give it a whirl. I like your sketch. For a first attempt I think it is pretty good. Maybe one could could super-impose sketches like this on photographs, the mind boggles.
June 15th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
I think he looks great. I have mastered stick figures but that’s about it lol. Way cool.
June 16th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Speaking of graphics and the like, I noticed that your header’s width is 1024px., like mine. I’ve been thinking of changing the look of my blog, and was wondering if you knew where I might get a pre-made header of that size. I’ve Googled and Googled and haven’t been able to find anything wider than 800px. Any help would be greatly appreciated
June 16th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Sailor — Inkscape is a pretty nifty program. Even though I don’t have a pen mouse, it let me draw with a fairly steady hand — even GIMP didn’t do that!
Nessa — thanks! Stick figures can be really cute!
Mikey — yes, the header is a wide one and I made it myself. The image that came with the blog template was just so not really my blog. I could make you one — just give me some idea of what you’re looking for — I promise no poorly drawn graphics
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June 17th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Very interesting post. Also I found your blog quite colorful and interesting.
Cheers !!
Vimita(http://realitywave.blogspot.com)
June 17th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Drawing is very fun, but kind of hard for me. My Mommie usually has to help me, but maybe I could do it by myself with that program!
ps: I saw your note on the sleeping mat, and I think they only come in cat-size. But I think dogs would love them, too.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Hi, I love the new design of your site and 125×125.
I use Adobe Illustrator for my vectors. It’s a great program.
Also, you should really invest in a wacom tablet! You will never go back to a mouse : )
June 17th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Vimita — thanks for the compliment - hope you come back again real soon!
Daisy — thanks for letting me know about the mat — Reba will be disappointed as she liked the curly furs on it a lot. Drawing takes a lot of time even for me, so just be patient.
Gina — thanks! I think I have Adobe Illustrator around here somewhere — another program I haven’t investigated much.
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June 18th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Hi! Margaret,
Thank you for the link love and i am really happy you like my vector graphic, i still have lots to learn and i really enjoy them i want to learn how to properly place the shadow but still practicing, practice makes perfect and i thinks it’s going to take long.
I like your drawing, i think you just found a new hobby lol! i got addicted with mine so be warned
June 18th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
That looks like nice software I’m going to have to check it out. I have Paint Shop Pro as well but I’d really love to have PhotoShop.