Uploaded July 2020 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
In this tutorial I’ll be demonstrating how you can use Inkscape to add a simulated shading effect to your vector illustrations that makes the design pop and look more lively. This technique assumes the position of a hypothetical light source, and uses manually-drawn shapes with the Bezier Pen to simulate shadows and highlights.
You can download a vector copy of the example design I used in this tutorial here: logosbynick.com/add-shading-to-vector-illustrations-inkscape
Want to learn more about how Inkscape works? Check out the Inkscape Master Class - a comprehensive series of over 50 videos where I go over every tool, feature and function in Inkscape and explain what it is, how it works, and why it's useful: logosbynick.com/inkscape
Check out Davies Media Design's video on creating vector characters with Inkscape where he also covers shading techniques: youtube.com/watch?v=1ci4Tgt4lPY
Intro song: "In Da Mood" by Combustibles, used with written permission
In this tutorial I’ll be demonstrating how you can use Inkscape to add a simulated shading effect to your vector illustrations that makes the design pop and look more lively. This technique assumes the position of a hypothetical light source, and uses manually-drawn shapes with the Bezier Pen to simulate shadows and highlights.
You can download a vector copy of the example design I used in this tutorial here: logosbynick.com/add-shading-to-vector-illustrations-inkscape
Want to learn more about how Inkscape works? Check out the Inkscape Master Class - a comprehensive series of over 50 videos where I go over every tool, feature and function in Inkscape and explain what it is, how it works, and why it's useful: logosbynick.com/inkscape
Check out Davies Media Design's video on creating vector characters with Inkscape where he also covers shading techniques: youtube.com/watch?v=1ci4Tgt4lPY
Intro song: "In Da Mood" by Combustibles, used with written permission
