Hi All,
I'm new to vinyl cutting (in Ireland) and simply trying to make up some race motorbike stickers (bike with rider - with my company logo on it and the race number '5').
However I can't seem to get the image to signcut. I can import it to inskscape and save it as an eps, but when I open (import) it from the saved eps file, nothing comes in - the signcut screen is blank.
I was also wondering how it would cut as there is a lot of background on the photo that I import to inkscape.
Alternatively are there template motorbike images that I could import and paste my logo and race number onto? I suspect I need to attend a course, but can't find any that use Inkscape in my area.
Any help is apreciated.

Welcome to InkscapeForum!

A photo is not the best type of image for cutting out of vinyl. I don't know a whole lot about using those cutters, but I do know that they cut along paths. So the image needs to be as simple as possible. I think usually a line drawing is best.

It might still be possible to use your photo, by tracing it in Inkscape. You can either trace it using Inkscape's trace engine, Trace Bitmap (Path menu), but it is not meant to accurrately reproduce photos. Depending on the photo (could you attach it to your reply?) I'm guessing it will probably be better to trace by hand. And being new to Inkscape, there will be a learning curve. If time is a factor, you might be better finding something already drawn (as you've already asked about).

I think there is a way to get the photo of the bike, minus the background onto the sticker, but I'm not positive. Once I see the photo, I'll know more.

I don't know about templates, but you can probably find loads of motorcycles images, probably already in SVG format, and probably free for the taking, at Open Clipart Library: http://www.openclipart.org/ If you can find the style of bike, you can probably add your logo. If you do use an image from OCL, be sure to download the SVG, not the PNG.

You should be able to accomplish your goal without taking a class. There an excellent manual in the Help menu (requires internet connection), and we're glad to help if you get stuck. Although if you plan to use Inkscape a lot, you should definitely expect a learning curve!

You do need to convert the image to a Path (vector) for cutting. If there is good contrast between the subject and the background you might get away with a trace, but it's generally better to either use the Bezier tool or an existing vector. I don't use Signcut, so I can't help you with Signcut itself. There is a forum dedicated to using Inkscape to create cutting files that can help get you going in the right direction. http://www.inkscapecuttingdesign.com/index.php

There are some public domain motorbike vectors on Clker, but since they are rarely cutter ready you will need to be careful on choosing one and will most likely need to edit it for cutting. http://www.clker.com/search/motorbike/1