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90Sigma — Demo: Tapering Lines (2)

Published: 2012-07-26 10:56:00 +0000 UTC; Views: 5252; Favourites: 72; Downloads: 89
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Description Someone else found this useful, so I thought I'd share it. This is a demonstration of how I taper lines for objects such as ears and eyelashes. This method allows me to ensure a consistent outline width.

I find this method is better for smaller objects that are unlikely to need repositioning and/or do not need a fill. I draw noses, eyelashes and ears with this method. It eliminates some unnecessary steps.

Download this file for a PNG version.
An MP4 demo video is available on SkyDrive (look for Tapering Demo 2) .

Steps: (in Inkscape)
1. Draw the outline of the object.
2. If necessary, add a node to control where the tapering begins.
3. Convert the Stroke to Path (Ctrl + Alt + C)
4. Join the nodes at the ends together.
5. Create the points. Make sure the angle is sharp and that the handles are about the same length.
6. Add any other missing details.
7. Optional step: To ensure an extra pointy point, add a stroke paint of the same colour with a mitre join and a very high mitre limit. In some cases (e.g. inner ear, eyelashes), it can look better. (Warning: This step is not compatible with the method in Demo: Tapering Lines (1) because the addition of a stroke will cause the two objects to no longer be aligned.) (Admittedly, this is not a good example for step 7, but feel free to experiment.)

I do not promise that this is the best or only way to do this. It is simply the way I do it. I hope you found this useful.
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Comments: 4

matty4z [2012-07-30 03:18:11 +0000 UTC]

i so hate those square nods at times mainly if thet appear on a corner or sharp bend :/

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

90Sigma In reply to matty4z [2012-07-30 09:38:56 +0000 UTC]

Try looking at this:
Tutorial: Mitre joins
That sounds like the problem you are having.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

matty4z In reply to 90Sigma [2012-07-30 12:02:34 +0000 UTC]

under fav and i do this ty for reply

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

90Sigma In reply to matty4z [2012-07-31 03:35:15 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome. I'm happy to help if I can.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0