How to Create a Vector Rocket With Inkscape

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Open Inkscape and draw a rectangle.

   Be sure that it is taller than it is wide.
   
   It also needs to have straight, not rounded, corners.
2. 2

   Step 2: Select your shape/object and convert to path; Path >> Object to Path.

   , Click on one node, hold down SHIFT, and click on the other one. , Do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + > to enlarge the segment. , With the same two top nodes selected, add a new node in the middle of their segment. ,,, Select the two bottom corners, add a new node in the middle, select it, move a bit up and make it symmetric. , A rocket needs some "wings"
   
   so create another rectangle, this time much smaller. , These are the arrows on the sides not the corners. ,, Note: no worry if the alignment is not perfect, lower it under the body and when filled with color, this won't be noticeable. ,, (Keep Ctrl pressed to limit the movement to horizontal). , To center the new wing to the rocket body, select it and the body, then use the Align and Distribute dialog to align them horizontally relative to the biggest item (the body). ,,, Another smaller circle will be the real window. ,, Color the items, using either the color palette at the bottom, the Fill and Stroke button in the toolbar or any of the other possible ways (there are quite a few).
   
   A rocket is usually silver, so use shades of gray.
   
   This image shows a couple of color schemes.
   
   Let your imagination free. , Take the Bezier tool (pen) and draw freely a few spikes, they will be the flame.
   
   Color the flame red or a reddish orange and lower it under the rocket body.
   
   Make the core of the flames.
   
   The core of the flame is supposed to be warmer, so draw a new set of smaller spikes in yellow. , Select everything and rotate a bit. (optional) , (optional) Remove the strokes (for example using the Fill and Stroke dialog) and use silver gradients for all metallic surfaces, do this by using the Gradient tool, dragging and editing colors. ,,,, Go to the stars and beyond them!
3. 3

   Step 3: Go into the node editor and select the top two nodes.

4. 4

   Step 4: 'Grow' the selected nodes.

5. 5

   Step 5: Add a new node.

6. 6

   Step 6: Select the new node (only it) and move it up (keep the Ctrl key pressed to limit the movement to vertical only).

7. 7

   Step 7: Select back the two nodes that were the top corners of the rectangle and make them symmetric

8. 8

   Step 8: for a shape starting to look like a bullet/rocket.

9. 9

   Step 9: To finish the bullet shape of the rocket body

10. 10

    Step 10: you will need to make the bottom edge rounded.

11. 11

    Step 11: Add some wings.

12. 12

    Step 12: Select the rectangle and click on it once

13. 13

    Step 13: this will put in in rotate/skew mode so it can be skewed a bit by dragging on the arrow on one of its edges.

14. 14

    Step 14: Move it in position

15. 15

    Step 15: next to the rocket body.

16. 16

    Step 16: in rotate/skew mode

17. 17

    Step 17: rotate it a bit by dragging one of the arrows at the corners

18. 18

    Step 18: until you like the alignment.

19. 19

    Step 19: Select the wing and duplicate it.

20. 20

    Step 20: Flip the new (duplicate) wing horizontally and move it to the other side of the rocket body.

21. 21

    Step 21: The wing facing you is another thin rectangle

22. 22

    Step 22: with the same height as the other wings (technically

23. 23

    Step 23: there should have two rectangles

24. 24

    Step 24: one for each edge

25. 25

    Step 25: but for now use one for simplicity).

26. 26

    Step 26: Make a window for your rocket

27. 27

    Step 27: so that the astronauts inside can look at the space.

28. 28

    Step 28: Start by drawing a circle

29. 29

    Step 29: which will be the windows frame

30. 30

    Step 30: but keep Ctrl pressed

31. 31

    Step 31: so what you draw is a round circle not an ellipse).

32. 32

    Step 32: Select the circle and the rocket body and align vertically to the center of the body.

33. 33

    Step 33: Select the two circles and align them horizontally and vertically.

34. 34

    Step 34: Color your rocket.

35. 35

    Step 35: Make your rocket fly.

36. 36

    Step 36: Get your rocket to take off.

37. 37

    Step 37: Make it 'pretty'.

38. 38

    Step 38: Fill everything with gradients

39. 39

    Step 39: including the flames and the window.

40. 40

    Step 40: Select the inner (yellow) flame and using the Fill and Stroke dialog Blur it a bit for a more realistic (and prettier) look.

41. 41

    Step 41: Blur the outer (red/orange) flame if you would like to.

42. 42

    Step 42: Now your rocket can takeoff and fly proudly.

Detailed Guide

About the Author