Hi,

I am trying to create this type of art where symmetrical(?) lines are flowing in a curvy way. What would be the best/easiest way to reproduce sth like this? I can draw a good looking curvy line with the bezier pen but I am having trouble with drawing the other lines in equal distance.

Thanks in advance!

Tattoo credit: Ken Shikuma

Check for Extension->Interpolate. In essence you'll draw 2 wavy lines and Inkscape will generate an adjustable amount of lines inbetween.

Thanks for the answer! This is the result. Any other idea? Otherwise I might just try to draw every line since I get better at it 😀

Try [Interpolation method: Discard extra nodes of longer path].

You selected [Interpolation method: Split paths into segments of equal length]. This algorithm takes the first two nodes of path A and calculates the length then does the same for Path B. Add an intermediate node in the longer path to equalise the segment lengths then calculate the interpolation. Repeat for the remaining segments until you reach the end.

As per Paddy_CAD:

Thanks for your suggestions Paddy and Polygon! I'm getting there. I didn't put effort in the first try (right) and did it again with equal distances (left) and this happens. Any explanations for the result? I did just the same.. at least I thought.

regards!

Looks like the paths have not the same direction.

You can make the direction of the path visible when using node tool in global inkscape preferences (I am not in front of my pc, il will write you exactly where the option is).

Select one path and do [path > reverse] and retry, It should work.

The first interpolated node lies between the first node of path A and the first node of path B. Reversing a path (as @David248 suggested) moves the first node to the other end.

I have two further suggestions. Use [Path > Simplify] or delete nodes with the Node tool [n] to reduce the number of nodes in your paths. Try to equalise the number of nodes in each path. Neither of these is essential but I find it makes the interpolated paths smoother and more predictable.

You guys are the best! But I'm still not there yet. Not sure what to try next.

edit: I just did a 3rd try and it worked! (see 2nd image). I try to figure out what I did differently this time.. I'm confused but satiesfied. Thank you kind strangers! If you need some tattoo designs, better not hit me up 😀

edit 2: seems like the amount of nodes is relevant to get the result I wanted. I just simplified it over and over again (for science) and this is the result (see image 3). Weirdly enough, the amount of nodes is the same in every line thingy. They just shift a bit further.

edit 3: the attached images are in reversed order now

The issue I have (and Inkscape probably as well) is the amount of nodes for such a simple wavy line:

David248

You can make the direction of the path visible when using node tool in global inkscape preferences (I am not in front of my pc, il will write you exactly where the option is).

Global inkscape preferences > Tools > Node Tool : tick "Show paths directions on outlines"

Needs additional enabled: Show Path outline:

Thanks again for clarifying everything guys! This was really helpful, I appreciate your effort!

Polygon

Needs additional enabled: Show Path outline:

Thanks Polygon, I did never notice this (I did never untick this icon) 😋