- Software: Inkscape or other vector graphics editor
- Level: Beginner
- Subject: Axe
I watched Pathfinder the other day. Not a great movie, but I got inspried to vector an axe. So, here is the tutorial.
First we need to create the basic shape of the axe.
Start of with a circle. Make copies of it and place it at the top right and bottom right of the first circle. The blue and the green ones are copies. Color is not important – I put them so for reference.
Select the black circle and perform a subtract operation with the blue circle. Do the same with the green circle. Here you have a basic axe shape.
Now we need a basic shape of the handle of the axe. Start of with a simple thin rectangle. Convert it to editable path. (Path > Object To Path in Inkscape). Shape it to give it a more ‘ergonomic’ shape by moving around the four nodes and pulling out (bezier) curves.
Start of giving details to the axe. First, give it a base metal color. Then, make a copy of it and scale down horizontally a little bit. You may need to play around with its path-corners to fit it into the original axe shape. Give it a darker shade to give the bevel look for the axe’s sharp edge.
The fat looks too flat – we need to give it metallic look.
Make a copy of the smaller axe shape and give it a gradient fill with a lighter metal tone.
Fill the handle with the base wood tone – brown. Make a copy of the handle, layere it below the axe shapes, and give it a dark gradient near the joint.
You now have a basic axe. If you are using it in another artwork, you might consider adding more highlights depending on the light sources of the scene.
Post a link to your axe in the comments – or ask questions if you get stuck at some point.
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That looks great! Considering that I’m going to re-dive into trying to learn how to do vectors, this is a perfect project to start with. Thanks a bunch!!!
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Hey RangerBob. I am glad that you will be starting to vector again.
Do post your works and let me know. I will be looking forward to the results.
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Thanks for a good Inkscape tutorial.
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You are welcome, Fernando.
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Thank you very much-this was quite helpful showing various effects for an inkscape newbie!
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You are welcome, Jeff. Inkscape is quite intuitive once you get the hang of it.
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Just started to play with inkscape and I love it, never done any types of drawings before and your tutorial taught me alot. If I can find a place to post my axe I will let you know
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I am glad you found it useful, Woody.
As far as posting your artwork, you could start your own blog or profile showcase. But since it costs a bit, you can go for free options of starting your own blog at Blogger.com or Wordpress.com. You also have the option of getting an account at deviantART.com and having a profile there.
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Great tutorial. Extraordinary site. I love your art and your helpful tutorials. I think you’ll be seeing alot of me. xD
My outcome: http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo181/ZeeGraphicz/Illustrations/Axe.png
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