More Fun with Circles

Inkscape Tutorial

This is the next step up from the basic circle tutorial. I played around some more with circles. There’s a different approach to the eyes from the first tutorial. Also, rather than restricting this tutorial to just using circles, we will use other tools as well. The bezier curves and the straight line tools will help us create some simple shapes.

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2Dgameartguru - more fun with circles

Start with a circle. Add a gradient fill to it to give it a sense of depth.

Using the bezier curves and straight lines tool create a narrow triangle.

Modify the nodes to create a curved shape.

Duplicate those and arrange them around the circle.

Combine the shapes with the circles using the Path/ Union command.

Create another circle with a radial gradient for the eye.
Add another 3 circles to create the iris and a highlight.

2Dgameartguru - more fun with circles
2Dgameartguru - more fun with circles

Duplicate and place the eyes.
Then add another triangle for the beak and a circle for the body.

Using the straight line tool create another triangle for the wings. Deform the side and combine the shapes.

A fork like shape will form the feet.

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Variations

Variation is the key. You can use the elements to form all sorts of critters and shapes. One the biggest advantage of vectors is the ease to edit. It’s easy to change existing objects to form something new.

Note:
I like to keep certain elements in separate “library files”. E.g. the curvy triangles would be in a “fury stuff” file. Whenever I need something similar, I can take if from there, alter it and save a lot of time. Usually, it makes more sense with mor complex objects or a large number of variations of one shape. A better example might be the eyes because they are frequently used and based on the same principle. A sheet with 30 different styles of eyes is a big time saver. 

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2Dgameartguru - more fun with circles
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Create a variety of shapes by changing the curves of the triangle shape. Duplicate these elements to create variations e.g. fur a furry critter…

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2Dgameartguru - more fun with circles
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or something grassy…

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2Dgameartguru - more fun with circles
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As usual, I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. I hope you have more fun with vectors… because there is a lot to be had…


Get the source art (svg file) of this tutorial for free!