Hi Everyone, Newbie here from the UK!

I am fairly new to using Inkscape, and can only make pretty basic images in Paint, Inkscape and Photostudio at the moment. I would love to be able to create Digital Art, especially Fantasy Art. But I consider myself a beginner in Digital Art, and will have to learn from the basics. I am hoping to gain inspiration from looking at your finished works section, and hopefully plenty of hints and tips from reading your Tricks & Tutorials section. And when I am brave enough, I would like to post some of my work for some feedback, and constructive criticism. Hopefully I will improve as I go on, and make some new like-minded friends.

Looking forward to getting to know you all!

Best Wishes,

SunKat

Welcome to InkscapeForum!

Oh, I'm sure you'll find some like-minded people here! Many Inkscape lovers, and postings of fantasy art, and questions from fantasy artists are common here. Unfortunately this forum does not have a very social nature, so there's not a whole lot casual social chatter (much at all). But it's a great place to get help with Inkscape.

Please have a look at my forum signature I would especially suggest Help menu > Tutorials, and the Quick Guide, for beginners. But the Inkscape manual is not hard to understand either. I was also new to computer graphics, and Inkscape at the same time, when I first start with Inkscape. I don't remember exactly when I first downloaded Inkscape, but going by the date I joined the forum, that's how long I've been learning. In my experience, Inkscape is much more intuitive than raster graphics. You should be able to put out some simple graphics within a week, assuming you can spend say an hour or 2 per day. If you're diligent in learning Inkscape, you could probably create some pretty good work within....well, depending how much time you spend at it, within 2 to 6 months.

One very important thing that you'll want to understand, at least in a general way, is the difference between raster graphics and vector graphics. Wikipedia There are a couple 3 programs called Paint (or PaintThis or that) but afaik, they are all raster graphics editors. I'm not familiar with Photostudio, but most photo editors are also raster.

I think with fantasy art, you'll probably find that using Inkscape together with a raster/photo editor, will be very effective. In general, you'd draw the basic structure of your image with Inkscape, then use the raster apps, or Inkscape filters (most of which are raster effects) to put in the fancy textures and effects. BUT! Don't necessarily take my word for it! Most important is that you find your own artistic process, drawing techniques, favorite tools, and preference of programs you like the best. Just jump right in! Use manuals and tutorials as much as you can. But if you get stuck, you can search the forum; and if you still can't find the answer, post a message

Hi Brynn, Thank you so much for such a detailed reply. I was surprised to discover the Help menu Tutorial in Inkscape itself, I didn't expect to find such a detailed tutorial in freeware software. I love it now that I've found it, and from the very Basics sections I have learnt how to scroll and zoom, and played around with the square drawing section. I have created a basic clipart style drawing of a Vintage Television Set. A basic drawing, but nice to get acquainted with Inkscape. I am looking forward to learning more and progressing with Inkscape. As you suggest, I will get out of Inkscape what I put in, the more practice I do, the quicker I will learn and be able to create more complex images. Thank you very much for pointing me in the right direction for the tutorials to progress through, and the example of raster and vector graphics differences. This is going to be a fun adventure!


Vintage Television Set

Well look at you -- on your way already! That's very nice work for a beginner