Topic: Inkscape (Freeware)

[Smackintosh]

You can download it here> http://www.inkscape.org/

I've been using this program for awhile. It's a vector tool along the same lines as Adobe Illustrator,
but without as many features I'm sure. It is meant as a companion piece to Gimp.

It creates Paths that can be loaded into 3D graphics programs (like Blender) and then converted to 3D.
You can create nice lettering and logos with gradients, alphas, strokes, etc... with most fonts.
Mainly I use it for plotting layouts for maps and creating bubbles for comics.

[Smackintosh]

Anyway...

I've been planning for awhile to create video tutorials for certain programs for others to learn from.
The basic idea is that most people find it easier to learn a program when they can be "shown", I prefer to learn visually rather than reading about it.

These videos I've created (with Cam Studio) are very short, simply showing the basics.

Video Tutorial Part 1 : Gradients
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ylmyczi5jal

Video Tutorial Part 2 : Making a Map Layout
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?17wrjcm9jzh


The hotkeys to remember>

CTRL+D to copy an object.

DEL to delete an object.

CTRL+Z to undo an action.


~special thanks to Gadwall for giving me tips on making the videos better.~

[quorn]

Inkscape's the bomb, I use it all the time.  I actually prefer it over Illustrator now.  I especially like the tiled clone tool, and the diagramming tools work well for work-type BS.  The bitmap-tracing routines are off the chain as well, although Illustrator's are a little more 'production ready', whatever that means.

Vector graphics rule.

[Focused Moments]

Anyway...

I've been planning for awhile to create video tutorials for certain programs for others to learn from.
The basic idea is that most people find it easier to learn a program when they can be "shown", I prefer to learn visually rather than reading about it.

These videos I've created (with Cam Studio) are very short, simply showing the basics.

Video Tutorial Part 1 : Gradients
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ylmyczi5jal

Video Tutorial Part 2 : Making a Map Layout
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?17wrjcm9jzh


The hotkeys to remember>

CTRL+D to copy an object.

DEL to delete an object.

CTRL+Z to undo an action.


~special thanks to Gadwall for giving me tips on making the videos better.~

off-topic from your own thread

How long you usually spend making a map?

[Smackintosh]

off-topic from your own thread
How long you usually spend making a map?

A map for a game? It can be indefinitely. If I run into mapper's block, it can sit and rot with no
progress whatsoever. I'm not so good at layouts, so, that's part of the problem.

You can spend as long as you want, depends on how simple are how complicated the design is and
how much detail you want. I stopped alot to make custom material (models and decals for the walls).

[Smackintosh]

Anyone look at the video tutorials?

[Focused Moments]

second one ... looks like how to create the overview?

[Focused Moments]

is there an overall guide somewhere or is that the plan - put the vids together?

[Smackintosh]

My friend and I intend on putting together several videos for multiple programs,
including Hammer, Blender, Gimp, Torque Constructor, etc... He might do some voice-over work,
I don't think I am comfortable putting my voice on it. Right now I'm just showing how to do the basics.
We can edit them together later, or redo them completely. He may put them on his website.