Easy Cartoon Backgrounds for Animation

Name: Easy Cartoon Backgrounds for Animation
Rating: 4.6 (106 reviews)

Learn everything you need to create cartoon backgrounds like the ones you see on TV, using Inkscape.

Highest Rated

Created byMartin Belvisi

Last updated 12/2025

English

What you'll learn

Draw cartoon backgrounds for animation.
Learn vector illustration techniques.
How to use Inkscape for illustrations.
Learn the foundamentals of background design.

Course content

5 sections • 39 lectures • 8h 35m total length

Introduction to the Course2:02
In this course you'll learn how to make the type of cartoon backgrounds you see commonly in modern cartoon shows, like Dexter's Lab, Fairly Odd Parents and My Little Pony, all be using the mouse and the free program Inkscape.
What are vectors?3:34
Learn what are vectors, and why you should draw using them.
Resources0:23
Here is the SVG file with the finalized project.

Introduction to the Inkscape Unit1:41
Inkscape is the tool we'll be using to draw the game art and in this unit, you'll get familiar with the essentials of this amazing free, open source vector illustration software.
User Interface11:45
In this lesson you'll get familiar with the user interface of the program as well as learning how to handle yourself in the document.
Objects21:45
Objects are one of the most important parts of vectorial illustration, in this lesson you're gonna learn what are they and how to use them.
Paths18:58
Paths are the other half of vector illustration, in this lesson youre gonna learn how to use them to create your own custom shapes.
Tips12:56
Before letting you go to the rest of the course, i want to share with you a few essential tips that i've gathered thru the years of working with Inkscape.
Resources and Exercices0:21
In this lesson you'll be able to download the resources and exercice files belonging to the Inkscape mini-course. You'll also see some of the best resources to keep learning Inkscape in case you want to learn more.

Introduction to the Unit1:25
Before starting to make the game art of our 2d platformer, there are a few things we need to know, a bit of theory and practical techniques that we are gonna be using all thru out the rest of the course.
Basic Inkscape illustration techniques Part 1 - Boolean Operations10:31
Now that you know the basics of Inkscape, it's time for you to learn how to use the program to make actual illustrations. In the next few lessons, you'll learn the essential illustration techniques that you'll be using, not only in this course, but in pretty much any illustration you'll ever do. Starting with everything you need to know about boolean operations.
Basic Inkscape illustration techniques Part 2 - Groups and Clips7:37
In this lesson we continue learning the essential Inkscape illustration techniques be learning how to handle complex objects.
Basic Inkscape illustration techniques Part 3 - Light and Shadow9:49
We end the techniques lessons with the basics of illustrating light and shadow using Inkscape.

Unit Introduction1:39
What this unit is all about.
Draw a Bush: Part 14:50
Learn the techniques for all background illustration using a simple bush.
Draw a Bush: Part 25:40
A continuation of the previous lesson. Learn how to add some basic light and shadow.
Draw a Bush: Part 37:41
The final part. Learn how to add some detail.
Draw Trees: Part 16:35
Learn how to make one of the most important elements in any outdoors scene, trees.
Draw Trees: Part 210:04
A continuation from the previous lesson. More types of trees.
Draw Trees: Part 39:24
Even more types of trees.
Draw Large Masses: Part 17:44
Learn how to make large masses, like hills, woods areas, and mountains.
Draw Large Masses: Part 216:52
The continuation from the previous lesson. More large masses.
Draw Skies10:20
Learn how to make different types of skies.
Draw Ground Areas11:04
Learn how to create nice looking ground areas.
Composition Basics8:36
The foundamentals of composition, in a highly simplified and strip down way, so its easier for complete beginners.

Unit Introduction3:04
What the final project is all about.
Final Project 114:31
Commented, time lapsed final project, part 1.
Final Project 210:02
Commented, time lapsed final project, part 2.
Final Project 37:24
Commented, time lapsed final project, part 3.
Final Project 411:49
Commented, time lapsed final project, part 4.
Final Project 519:16
Commented, time lapsed final project, part 5.
Real Time Final Project 150:31
The real time version of the course, uncommented. Part 1.
Real Time Final Project 240:09
The real time version of the course, uncommented. Part 2.
Real Time Final Project 329:39
The real time version of the course, uncommented. Part 3.
Real Time Final Project 447:18
The real time version of the course, uncommented. Part 4.
Real Time Final Project 51:16:29
The real time version of the course, uncommented. Part 5.
Where to Learn More?0:26
Where to learn more.
Course Conclusion1:19
Congratulations on finishing the course!.
Bonus: Exclusive FREE Inkscape Goodies! + Special Deal0:36
Unlock free Inkscape assets (facial features, backgrounds & more!)—plus a special offer to level up your skills. Download inside!

Requirements

The free, open source program, Inkscape

Description

Learn everything you need to draw cartoon backgrounds for animation, like the ones you see in TV shows like Dexter's Lab, Farily Odd Parents and My Little Pony, all by using the mouse and the free program Inkscape instead of pencil and paper, or digital tablets.

First you'll learn Inkscape for illustration, we'll take a complete and in depth view at the program and by the end of the first unit, you'll be able to draw not just what will be in this course, but anything you want!.

The we'll delve fully into the background illustration where you'll learn the methods and techniques to draw any type of background, all by drawing the most common type of elements you'll encounter in a common exterior background, like trees, bushes, skies, etc. And we'll finish the unit with a lesson on the techniques to build nice looking backgrounds by using basic composition principles.

The final unit we'll apply everything you learned by drawing the background you've been seeing in the promo. There's a commented, sped up version, where i show you my thought process as well as some tips and techniques, and a REAL TIME uncommented version, so you can better follow along.

No previous artistic experience needed!. No previous vector software experience needed!. No tablet needed!.

NOTE: The characters in the promo are there only as an example for the composition, they are not show how to draw them in this course, if you want to learn how to draw them you can check my course: Easy Character Design Using Inkscape.

Who this course is for:

Anyone interested in making cartoon backgrounds for animation
Beginner artists
Vector artists

Easy Cartoon Backgrounds for Animation

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction3 lectures • 6min

Learn Inkscape6 lectures • 1hr 7min

Common Inkscape Techniques4 lectures • 29min

Learn to Make Backgrounds12 lectures • 1hr 40min

Final Project14 lectures • 5hr 13min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: