I-phone and NES on Inkscape; Detailed Drawings Using Simple Tools

Welcome back, readers! Today, I would like to discuss my endeavors in a topic mentioned previously. Several posts ago, I briefly described the computer program Inkscape, used to create vector graphic illustrations. Since at that time, Inkscape was interfering with my homework and writing, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Now that I cured my time-management issues, this hobby can be discussed with a happy heart. Not only will I speak about the circumstances that led to my finding time to work on it, I will also share a couple of my drawings.

As I said in my time-management posting, I have been using a priority sheet. This method of spending my time wisely has been a success over the last couple weeks, so I have had much more time to do schoolwork and complete my hobbies. Putting Inkscape on the back burner for a while was a great way to regain interest in it.

The I-phone

I will be sharing two of my Inkscape drawings: my second-ever creation and my most recent. These are the I-phone 16 and the Nintendo Entertainment Center, respectively.

Because it was drawn earlier, I will be discussing the I-phone first.

It is easy to tell that I did not have much experience when drawing this picture. The image is very basic, which was done on purpose. I did not want to start off with something incredibly complex. However, there was a fine line between diving in too far and choosing a drawing that makes me feel like I'm wasting my time.

You see, I have an issue with starting simple and working my way up. This is probably not something to be proud of, but I dislike the usual method of learning one of these graphic design software programs. When I have an interest in this sort of hobby, I find a photo on the Internet and copy it as closely as possible, down to the last detail. That's just how I work.

With this particular I-phone project, I found an image of the real phone, saved it as a file on my laptop, and opened it in a window next to my Inkscape project. Then I created the basic rectangle shape of the device. I rounded the corners using the Rectangle tool, and began adding details. First was the box containing the cameras, then the cameras themselves. As I came upon tools I didn't know how to use, or problems unsolvable with my current knowledge of the program, I used my trusty helper (the World Wide Web) and learned more about Inkscape.

I want to make it clear that both of the images discussed in this post were designed with the most primitive tools on Inkscape. I haven't used the software enough to know the more complex functions. That brings up an important point I can't stress enough: an acceptable drawing can be made with even the most basic tools. For my I-phone illustration, I will list the implements I utilized.

1. Rectangle Tool: This is pretty straighforward. Click and drag to create a shape.

2. Circle/Ellipse Tool: Identical to the aforementioned Recangle Tool, but for circles and ovals.

3. Color/Gradient Tool: As its name implies, this tool allows the user to change the color of the selected object and make a color gradient.

4. Difference Tool: This tool allows you to create two overlapping shapes, and delete one shape and the overlapping part of the other shape.

5. Group and Ungroup: Using these tools, you can merge multiple shapes into each other, and then separate them. This is useful for moving multiple shapes at once.

As you can see, with only a basic idea of the software program, you can draw a wide variety of pictures.

The NES

I finished this drawing only yesterday. It is the first in a line of Nintendo consoles I will be designing over the next weeks. An image of my illustration is included at the top of this post. This picture was drawn once I was more comfortable with the functions of Inkscape, and had learned several more tools that let me complete my work in a more orderly manner. These included the horizontal and vertical flip tools, and the ninety degree rotation tool.

As I expected, this project took a few days from start to finish. My main goal was to make the final product indistinguishable from the real thing.

I hope I introduced you to Inkscape. It is a fun software, and can be used to draw anything that comes to your mind. Best of all, it is free, and there is plenty of online documentation available to help you on your journey.

If you have ever used Inkscape or a similar program, and have tips and tricks to help you draw, tell me. I enjoy reading comments, because they really help me.

See you next time!