So I’ve published the demo of my first real video game and have been asked how I created soooo mannnyyy cat assets on basically zero budget. To create the visual assets for CatSacks I chose Inkscape and Gimp. Here are some of the main boring, but important, reasons why:
- You control your files, and access.
- The possibility of corrupted or missing files/references, access denials and required internet connection has always made the subscription options a no go for me. For sure, larger teams that can afford to host their own repositories with support for vpns etc… it’s less frustrating from a coordination and process flow – however, as an individual I want to be able to work regardless of my internet or cash flow.
- Open Source, for real.
- Inkscape and Gimp have dedicated communities of developers and creatives who are driven by their passion for a great tool for everyone. People like Logos By Nick and members of the Gimp Dev Community keep the digital content creative world still in reach for so many.
- Your identity is safe…cuz nobody wants it here!
- Like it says on the tin. These are local applications you install for just you. No need to hand over emails, phone numbers or any other personally identifiable information just to draw some cats or touch up photos.
- It’s actually free!
- I’m a firm believer in “you get what you pay for” and “if something is free, you’re the product”. However, these tools are probably some of the only exceptions to those rules left on the planet. These are not trial versions, spyware or sell-your-info-for-use ware. They’re excellent applications that have been around for a long time and provide huge value. That’s basically unheard of these days, especially for someone who’s budget doesn’t have a slot for a monthly subscription fee…or high powered lawyers to constantly fight identity theft.
- They’ll make you better at what you do.
- Just hear me out. As someone who spent literally decades in the big suites for design, jumping to Inkscape and Gimp required not just a bit of shifting in my processes but also expanding my knowledge of creative work in general. For instance, I knew very little of color theory until the switch, because I “have a good eye”. These tools might just help you to understand how more design principles are applied in order to get the effects you’re looking for.