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What if I told you that the SVG you’ve been dreaming about — the one you thought you had to pay for or spend hours designing — could be in your hands in just a few clicks?

…and 100% free to do!

Sound too good to be true? I pinky promise, it’s not!

Yep, listen up because we’re about to unlock a little AI magic together. Today, I’m showing you step-by-step how to use ChatGPT to create the cutest kawaii strawberry image (or honestly, anything you want!), and then trace it in Inkscape to turn it into a clean, crisp SVG — ready for Cricut, Etsy, or whatever creative adventure you’re cooking up.

Super beginner friendly. No crazy design skills required — just a little creativity, a few clicks, and you’re off to the races. Let’s go!

Step 1: Generate Your Image Using ChatGPT

First, you’ll want ChatGPT to help you create the image you’ll work with.

Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Open ChatGPT (free version is all you need) and start a new conversation.
2. Copy and paste this prompt (or modify to something similar): “Create an image of a strawberry in a cute kawaii style, clipart, black and white, coloring page style, bold clean lines.”
3. ChatGPT will generate the image. Once it appears, click on it to open it full-size.
4. Right click > Copy Image

Tip: If you want something slightly different (like adding sunglasses or making the strawberry wave hello), you can tweak the prompt!

Step 2: Open the Image in Inkscape

Now that you have your cute strawberry, it’s time to turn it into a true SVG.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Inkscape (it’s free to download if you don’t have it yet!).
2. Paste the strawberry image you just downloaded (Right click > Paste OR ctrl/cmd + v)
3. The image might pop in large. Zoom out a little (- key on keyboard) if you need to see it all.

Step 3: Trace the Image to Convert to a SVG

This is where the magic happens — we’re going to convert the flat image into crisp vector lines.

To trace it:

1. Select the image by clicking on it once.
2. Go to Path > Trace Bitmap
3. In the Trace Bitmap window:
   • Choose Single scan if it’s a simple black-and-white image (which it is!).
   • For the Brightness cutoff, a default threshold of around 0.45-0.5 usually works well.
4. Click Update preview to preview it. If it looks good, click Apply.
5. Close the Trace Bitmap window.
6. Now there are two versions stacked — the original and the new traced version. Drag the top one aside to see it.
7. Delete the original image (one with white background) since you only need the SVG version.

Step 4: Save Your New SVG File

Once you have your clean traced version:

1. Place your traced SVG in the top left of your Inkscape page.
2. Go to File > Save As.
3. Choose SVG as the file type.
4. Give it a name like kawaii_strawberry.svg and save it to your computer.

You’re done! 🎉

Can you believe how easy that was?! And totally free!

Final Tips

• You can edit the traced SVG if needed (adjust lines, tweak nodes, or add colors!) before saving. Need help learning these skills? Check out our free training and learn about our step-by-step Inkscape course where I share all my best tips and tricks for creating awesome SVGs even if you’re a complete beginner!
• You can even convert simple single color outline SVGs like this into multi-color designs using my Break Apart Method from the course.

• If your SVG will be used for cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette, make sure the paths are clean and there are no double lines. Again, tons of lessons like these available in our course!
• Want to make a whole SVG collection? Just repeat the steps with different prompts by switching out the part that says “strawberry in a cute kawaii style” to something else!

There you have it — a super simple way to go from idea ➡️ image ➡️ SVG using ChatGPT and Inkscape.

Have fun creating! 🍓✨

Have you ever thought, “I would love to create my own SVGs to sell”… but had no idea where to even start?

Trust me, you’re not alone!

When I first started crafting, I didn’t even know what an SVG was, let alone how to design one.

But once you learn the basics? It opens up a whole new world of creativity and opportunity.

Whether you want to sell on Etsy, your own website, or just make beautiful designs for yourself and friends — today I’m walking you through how to make SVG files to sell, even if you’re brand new.

Let’s dive in!

First Things First: What is an SVG File?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s quickly cover the basics.

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics.
That’s just a fancy way of saying:

• It’s a type of file that stays crisp and clear no matter how big or small you make it.
• It’s the preferred file type for cutting machines like Cricut, Silhouette, Glowforge, and more.

If you’ve ever uploaded a design into Cricut Design Space and it cut out perfectly? It was probably an SVG!

When you sell SVGs, you’re offering digital files that other crafters (or small business owners!) can buy, download, and use for their own projects — like T-shirts, mugs, signs, stickers, and more.

What Program Do You Need to Make SVG Files?

Good news:
You don’t need anything fancy to create your own SVG files.

The best (and free!) option? Inkscape.
Inkscape is a free, powerful design software that lets you create and edit SVGs easily — without paying a penny for expensive programs like Adobe Illustrator.

With Inkscape, you can:

• Draw your own designs from scratch
• Trace images into SVGs
• Combine text and graphics
• Edit shapes and paths
• Save your work in SVG format for Cricut, Silhouette, and more

If you want to get started today without spending hundreds of dollars, Inkscape is the way to go!

(And yes — it’s totally safe to download as long as you use the official website: inkscape.org).

Related blog posts you may like:

• How to Install Inkscape
• What is Inkscape?
• Is Inkscape Really Free and Safe to Download?

How to Create an SVG File to Sell: Step-by-Step

Ready to make your first SVG? Here’s the basic process:

1. Choose a Design Idea

Start simple!
Think about:

• A short phrase (“Hello Fall,” “Coffee First,” etc.)
• A basic icon (like a pumpkin, heart, or star)
• A combination of text + a cute doodle

2. Create or Trace Your Design in Inkscape

You can either:

• Draw your design from scratch using Inkscape’s shape and text tools OR
• Trace an image (make sure you have the right to use it!) to create a cuttable SVG.

One of the most important skills you’ll want to learn?

How to trace an image into an SVG file because it gives you endless possibilities for turning ideas into designs you can sell!

(If you need help learning how to trace images, I have a free training you’ll love — more on that below!)

P.S. Did you know you can use AI to create the exact image you want for your design in seconds and for free?

Can’t wait to learn how?! More on that here!

3. Clean Up Your Design

Use Inkscape’s tools to:

• Combine objects
• Weld overlapping parts together
• Make sure there are no random floating pieces that would cause issues when cutting

You want your SVG to be clean, smooth, and easy for your customers to use.

4. Save Your Design as an SVG

When your design looks the way you want it,
go to File → Save As and choose Plain SVG.

Plain SVG is the format that plays best with Cricut and Silhouette software.

5. Test Your File

Before selling, it’s super important to test your SVG!

• Upload it into Cricut Design Space (or Silhouette Studio*)
• Make sure it cuts cleanly
• Double-check that nothing is missing or weirdly layered

Testing helps you catch any small issues before your customers do.

*You can download both Design Space and Silhouette Studio for free even if you don’t have a cutting machine, but for Silhouette Studio you need to upgrade to Designer Edition (best price linked here) to be able to upload SVG files (totally worth it!)

Where Can You Sell Your SVG Files?

Once you have a few designs ready to go, you can start selling!

Some of the best places to sell SVG files include:

• Etsy (the easiest place to start, get 40 free listings!)
• Your own website or Shopify store
• Design marketplaces like Creative Fabrica or Design Bundles
• Facebook Groups and craft communities (just be sure you follow their rules!)

You’ll want to create clear mockups of what your designs look like on T-shirts, mugs, signs, etc. (You can use free programs like Canva to make professional-looking mockups in minutes.)

How Much Can You Make Selling SVGs?

Honestly? It depends on a few things — like how many designs you offer, how you market them, and how much time you put into growing your shop.

Some SVG creators make a few hundred dollars a month as a fun side hustle.
Others turn it into a full-time income stream!

The beauty of selling SVGs is that they’re digital products — meaning once you create a design, you can sell it over and over again without needing to remake anything.

Talk about passive income magic. ✨

Want to Learn How to Convert Images into SVGs (The Easy Way)?

One of the most valuable skills you can learn as a crafter is how to convert images into SVGs.

If you want to learn exactly how to do it — step-by-step — I have a free training that will walk you through everything inside Inkscape!

👉 Check it out here: svgandme.com/convertimages

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is once you know the process.

Bonus: at the free training, you’ll get a special invite to join our Inkscape course, which teaches you all the essential skills you’ll need to design your own high-quality SVGs that sell!

Here’s what one of our students had to say…

Final Thoughts

Creating and selling your own SVG files is such a fun, creative way to make extra income — and it’s totally doable even if you’re starting from scratch.

You don’t need expensive programs or fancy degrees. Just a little bit of time, creativity, and the right tools.

If you start today, you could have your first SVG design ready to sell by tonight! 🚀

Happy creating — and I can’t wait to see what you design!

If you’ve been hearing about Inkscape and how it’s the tool for crafting your own SVGs, you might be wondering…

“Okay, but is it really free and actually safe to download?”

Because let’s be real: nobody’s trying to invite a virus onto their computer just to save a few bucks.

Here’s everything you need to know (in plain English, because life’s complicated enough).

First: What Even Is Inkscape?

Quick refresher: Inkscape is a free, open-source design program that lets you create and edit SVG files (aka the magic files that cutting machines like Cricut and Silhouette love).

It’s basically like Adobe Illustrator’s cool, free cousin.

And because it’s open-source, it’s built and maintained by a community of developers from all over the world — people who are super passionate about making awesome creative tools available to everyone.

(read our full blog post answering “What is Inkscape?” here)

So… Is It Safe?

Short answer: YES.

As long as you download it from the official source (here’s how).

Inkscape itself is safe, trusted, and used by millions of crafters, designers, teachers, and even businesses.
It doesn’t come bundled with any sketchy extras, it doesn’t install anything weird behind your back, and it doesn’t cost a thing.

BUT — like with anything on the internet — where you download it from matters. (That’s the trick.)

Here’s how to stay safe:

✅ Only download Inkscape from the official website: inkscape.org

✅ Avoid random “free download” sites, torrents, or shady popups that offer “Inkscape downloads” — those could definitely have viruses or malware.

✅ Make sure your computer is updated and has basic antivirus protection, just like you would with any new software.

If you stick to the real deal at inkscape.org, you’re golden. ✨

Why People Worry

I get it — when you hear the words “free software” or “open-source,” it can sound a little suspicious at first.
We’re trained to think that free = too good to be true.

But in Inkscape’s case?
It’s truly free because it’s a community project. (Kind of like Wikipedia — free and super useful, but made possible because lots of smart people believe in sharing.)

There’s no catch, no upsell, no “free trial” that disappears after 30 days.
Just a seriously powerful tool made for creatives like you and me.

Wait… It’s Really 100% Free?

Yep, 100% free.

No strings. No hidden fees. No “free trial” that locks you out after a month.
You can download it today, start designing tomorrow, and keep using it for years — without ever pulling out your credit card.

Why? Because Inkscape is what’s called “open-source” software.
It’s made by a community of passionate developers who believe that powerful creative tools should be available to everyone, not just people who can afford expensive subscriptions.

It’s like getting VIP access to a design studio… for free. 🙌 (here’s how to download for free safely)

And honestly? It’s one of the best gifts the crafting world has ever been given.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been holding off because you weren’t sure if it was safe or free— good news, friend:

✅ It’s safe.
✅ It’s 100% free.
✅ It’s trusted by millions.
✅ And it’s one of the best-kept secrets for crafters who want to design their own SVGs without breaking the bank.

Ready to dive in?
Download Inkscape safely from inkscape.org — and if you want to learn how to use it (especially how to convert images into gorgeous SVGs!),

👉 check out my free training at svgandme.com/convertimages.

You’re gonna love it — pinky promise.

This post contains affiliate links.

Within the Cricut Explore series, there are 2 machines available to purchase: the previous model (Explore Air 2) and the latest model (Explore 3).

(deciding between the Maker and Maker 3 instead – read this post)

Now you may be wondering, which should I buy and how are they different?

I’m going to answer that very simply and honestly (not a sponsored post) and I pride myself on getting right to the point so…

The verdict:

The only reason I would recommend buying the Explore 3 over the Explore Air 2 is if you are going to be cutting projects requiring cuts of 12″ by >24 inches often. That’s truly the only key benefit of the new Explore 3 that would warrant the price.

I do not think it is worth upgrading to the Explore 3 f you already have a Cricut Explore Air 2 machine.

If you are buying a new machine and deciding between the Explore Air 2 vs Explore 3, I would recommend buying the Explore Air 2 (as long as it’s still available) to save some money*

If you are deciding between the Explore vs Maker series, my top recommendation is still the Maker because you get more tools you can work with and more materials you can cut. Read more on why here.

*it’s possible that they will stop selling the Cricut Explore Air 2 soon in which case you would want to purchase the Explore 3 instead by default.

Now here’s some more details on why I say this:

• The Explore 3 is $319 (can find on sale for as low as $249)
• The Explore Air 2 is $249 (can find on sale for as low as $199) so up to $70 cheaper than the Explore 3 depending on current sales.
• The Explore 3 does not include a pen or blue cutting mat (which are included with the Explore Air 2) so those are already additional add-on costs ($20+) you’d have to buy
• The Explore Air 2 can use all the same tools as the Explore 3
• The only key difference is that the Explore 3 can cut longer projects >24 inches because it doesn’t require a cutting mat (requires smart materials).
• I would still often use a cutting mat even with the Explore 3 because I often use leftover scraps of paper or vinyl and not full rolls (can be more wasteful).
• My top recommendation of machine to buy is still the Cricut Maker. Read here to find out in detail why but the 5 sec version is that you can use more tools and cut more materials (felt, wood, etc) with the Maker.

What about the Cricut Venture? Is it worth it?

Find out here.

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