Learn how to make a complex shape using only simple shapes. Learning this technique allows you to create clean uniform curves without using the Bezier Pen.
Download the SVG file HERE
Step 1 – Download the File
The sketch is included in the file and will be needed to recreate this design. It will make matching shapes much easier having something to “trace”.
Step 2 – Build the Body
Using the Rectangle Tool( R ) draw a big rectangle over the body of the shark. Make that there is no fill color and the stroke width is 5px, changing the color of the stroke makes things easier to see. Round the corners of the rectangle to match the sketch. Double-check after rounding the corners to make sure that the rectangle is long enough for the nose to be straight.
Hit ( Ctrl D ) to duplicate the body. Make sure that the option “When scaling objects, scale the stroke width by the same proportion” at the top is not active. Watch Here to understand why.
Resize this rectangle to match the bottom of the shark in the sketch. Make sure that both rectangles are aligned by going to the Align and Distribute tab and selecting Align Bottom Edges.
Step 3 – Add the Mouth
Using the Rectangle Tool( R ) draw a rectangle that matches the mouth’s width and height. In the Top menu Path tab dropdown select Path Effects( Ctrl & ). Click the plus button at the bottom of the dialog box and search for “corners”, click the Corners( Fillet & Chamfer ) path effect.
Select the top right corner of the mouth rectangle and drag the node down until the rounded edge matches the sketch.
Step 4 – Finish Body Outline
Using the Rectangle Tool( R ) add a rectangle to the edge of the nose. Make sure the rectangle is long enough to intersect the mouth rectangle. Do the same with the bottom rectangle making sure it intersects the mouth.
With the Select Tool( S ) select the main body rectangle and top rectangle. Go to the Path tab in the top menu and select the Path Function Difference( Ctrl – ). Repeat this for the bottom rectangle, mouth, and tail.
Step 5 – Add the Fins
Using the Circle Tool( E ) draw a circle over the shark’s top fin. Make sure to hold ( Ctrl ) to maintain a perfect circle. Use the Bezier Pen( B ), draw two straight lines through the circle, one horizontal and one vertical. Holding ( Ctrl ) ensures the line will be straight. In the Align and Distribute tab make sure centered horizontally and vertically.
While selecting one line and the circle go to the Path tab and select Path Function Division( Ctrl / ). Repeat for the other line. Match the shape to the sketch. Hit ( Ctrl D ) to duplicate the shape and drag it down to match the fin position on the body.
Make another circle with the Circle Tool( E ) holding ( Crtl ) match the tail shape size. Make sure the circle is selected and hit ( Ctrl D ) to duplicate it. Holding ( Ctrl ) move the circle to the left and match the outer edge of the tail. While having both circles selected go to the Paths tab and select the Path Function Difference ( Ctrl – ).
Step 6 – Add the Eye and Teeth
With the Circle Tool( E ) draw a circle over the eye of the sketch. Using the Bezier Pen( B ) draw a straight line matching the angle of the sketch. With the line selected hold ( Shift ) and select the circle then go to the Path tab and select Path Division( Ctrl / ). Delete the leftover top part of the circle.
Use the Polygons Tool ( * ) with the Corners setting set to 3, draw a small triangle. Hold ( Shift ) to make the triangle straight while drawing. Match the size of the teeth to the sketch and hit ( Ctrl D ) to match all the teeth. Toggle on Snapping to Nodes and make sure Snapping to Paths is enabled. This will allow the triangle edges to snap together.
Flip a triangle ( V ) vertically and repeat the process for the bottom row of teeth.
Step 7 – Draw the UnderBelly
Using the Rectangle Tool( R ) draw a rectangle with the top aligned with the bottom of the mouth and aligned with the right edge in the sketch. Hit ( N ) to use the Edit Paths by Nodes Tool and drag the circle down to match the rounded edges in the sketch.
Draw another rectangle around the mouth, matching it up with the sketch. Make sure the rectangle intersects with one just drawn. Go to the Path tab and select Path Effects, hit the plus button, and select the Corners( Fillet & Chamfer ) path effect. Round the top corner to match the sketch.
While having both rectangles selected go to the Path tab and select Path Union ( Ctrl + ).
Step 8 – Add the Color
While having the underbelly selected use #526977 for the fill color. For the eye and teeth use #e7f9fd for the fill color and #526977 for the shark’s body.