Yes, those banners you see in most of my posts are my creations, too! Wanna know how I do it? Read up!
Since I do not have a powerful computer that can handle Adobe apps, I'm using Inkscape - a portable freeware for vector graphics. The software's lightweight and easy to navigate even for beginners! I learned drawing in Inkscape all by myself and a little of Youtube.
Here's what you need:
A working computer (obviously) with Inkscape installed Creativity
In this post, I'll be showing you the steps on how I created my banner for my post "The Root of All Evil is... NOT Money?" which you should probably read to not miss out.
Since that article revolves around crime (I told you, you should read that), I decided to draw a prisoner in a cell!
Step 1 Document Properties
Steemit can't handle photos that well. Your phone screenshots appears really big on PC as the width always covers the entire area. So, I use a PC and mobile friendly size for my banner. In this case, we'll use 1000x2000 pixels (1:2 aspect ratio). This ratio will not appear too small when viewed in a phone, and will not need a lot of scrolling when viewed in PCs or any landscape devices.
To edit Document Properties, click File > Document Properties > Page then enter desired height and width values. There is no need to change paper size since we will not be printing our work (unless you'd love to). Also, check Border on top of drawing so we'll know which part of the page we're working.
Step 2 Add Your Background
It will be easier to start from the background to the foreground but it's really up to where you are comfortable. For me, the first thing I did was to add a background using the rectangle tool. In this project, I used plain color since prison cells don't really have fancy wallpapers and whatnots. You may also draw mountains, sky, clouds, etc. for your background.
Fill your rectangle with the desired color on the bottom bar or through the Fill and Stroke Tab (Shift + Ctrl + F). Remove the stroke, and resize according to your document size (1000x2000). Make sure you lock the measurements. Then middle-center align to page.
Step 3 The Subject
In this project, our middle ground will be the prisoner, who will also be our subject. I'm not sure if it's called the middle ground but I meant the space between your background and your foreground. Using Bezier Tool, create the basic shape of the face of the prisoner. There's no need to be very precise as we can refine the shape later. Using the Fill and Stroke Tab, remove stroke and fill with desired color.
Step 4 Refine
Refine the shape using the Nodes tool. In this project, I created a bald man since it is the easiest to create. To convert solid nodes to curves, you may click on the different curves on the toolbar on the top. To add a node, simply double click on the area you want to add a node. To delete a node, click the node and press Delete key on your keyboard. Continue refining until the desired result is achieved.
Note: I just hid the background on the photo below so I can see more clearly the shapes I'm working. You may hide elements through the Object Properties Tab (Shift + Ctrl +O). You may unhide elements through Object > Unhide All.
Step 5 Add Other Elements
Now that we have achieved the desired face shape, we will then add the neck and the hands still using the Bezier tool and refining through the Nodes tool. In this part, I also added the foreground - prison bars. I did not use the Rectangle tool in drawing the bars. I used the Bezier tool instead to add that variation.
There's no need to draw another arm. In the photo below, I just duplicated the existing arm (Ctrl + D), flipped it horizontally (H), then moved it to another position.
Continue adding different elements to your liking. In this project, I forgot to add the prisoner's uniform before adding the metal bars. But that's no problem. To move any object below or above another, you may press the Page Up and Page Down buttons on your keyboard.
Also, for a more 3-dimensional effect, add shadows to your work. Simply draw your shadow over your object using the Bezier tool and select a color a little darker than the original object.
Step 6 Add Details
Now that you're already done adding your elements, add some detail. Refine your shadows, change colors, etc. I changed the background color into a darker grey then added an even darker shade on the left half to indicate that the walls are perpendicular. I also added a small window on the background.
Step 7 Typography
Now add the title. You have the freedom to choose a good font. But really, don't use Microsoft's pre-installed fonts. I suggest you to visit fonts.google.com for an extensive choice of good fonts. Then, add art to your title. Add variations in sizes, or maybe in color and thickness; it's up to you.
In this project, I used the Proxima Nova Font Family.
Step 8 Add Your Signature
We do not want others to use your work without permission. So, be sure to add your signature or other information about you, the creator. Your signature must not be too large it covers your artwork, but not too small it's not legible. In this project, I set the width of my username to 200px.
... and we're done! We have just created a 2D graphic. Easy right? To use your creation as a photo and upload it on your social media, Export it as a PNG File through the Export PNG Image Tab (Shift + Ctrl + E) to your computer. Be sure to add ".png" on your file name before clicking on the Export button!
Photo comment your creations below to show them how easy it is to create 2d graphics! Upvote if you liked this tutorial and Follow me for more interesting content.
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