Inkscape Automation & Vectorization Expert

We are seeking an expert in Inkscape automation and vectorization scripting to enhance our graphic design processes. The ideal candidate will have experience in automating repetitive tasks and optimizing vector graphics for various applications. Responsibilities include developing scripts to streamline design workflows and ensuring high-quality output. Familiarity with Inkscape's scripting capabilities and a strong understanding of vector graphics are essential. Role Overview We are seeking a highly skilled automation programmer to build a custom scripting solution that automatically processes large batches of raster images (PNG, JPEG, etc.) into vectorized SVG files. The ideal candidate will combine Python scripting, Inkscape's CLI capabilities, and image processing knowledge to build a seamless, headless batch processing pipeline. Key Responsibilities • Develop and optimize a script (via Python, shell script, or custom Inkscape extension) to automatically ingest folders of raster images. • Automate Inkscape's "Trace Bitmap" functionality so it successfully processes thousands of images without manual intervention. • Implement error handling and logging to flag corrupt or poor-quality input images. • Optimize the output SVG files for scalability, clean node reduction, and appropriate layering. • (Optional) Develop a user interface or simple configuration file that allows non-technical team members to launch and manage the batch jobs. Technical Skill Requirements • Inkscape & Vectorization Expertise: Deep understanding of Inkscape's internal vectorization algorithms (potrace and autotrace engines) and how to invoke them programmatically. • Command-Line Interface (CLI): Proven ability to automate Inkscape in "headless" mode using CLI flags, specifically utilizing Inkscape’s --actions system for batch processing. • Scripting Languages: Strong proficiency in Python (specifically using the inkex library for building Inkscape extensions). Shell scripting (Bash/PowerShell) for directory iteration is highly desired. • Image Processing Fundamentals: Familiarity with image formats, color quantization, brightness thresholds, edge detection, and centerline tracing. • File & Directory Management: Experience writing scripts that handle heavy I/O operations—reading thousands of files from a source directory and organizing outputs into designated target folders. Qualifications • Minimum of 2 years of experience writing scripts or plugins for vector graphic software (Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, etc.). • Familiarity with SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) markup and XML manipulation. • Portfolio or GitHub repository demonstrating past automation, batch processing, or pipeline building projects Basics of project: By activating the Inkscape/Python 'scripts' on our personal local computer, we will be batch processing 1 - 100 raster images from a shared Google drive folder into Inkscape/Python, which the script will automatically process each image individually into the required SVG (vector) image then saving back to a different Google Drive folder. There will inevitably be a few cycles of R&D & testing (as we will be developing 2-3 separate scripts) until it they meet all of the output requirements, so please be prepared for this. Do not apply if you don’t have the required skillset to achieve our desired artifacts successfully. SVG Steps Layout for Inkscape: Raster (Regular images; Non-AI) - Script One 1. Raser Image converted to SVG 2. Image needs to be moved from color into grayscale format. Would prefer the final image output setting to be in RGB 100% black, however, CMYK 30% black will work for us 3. The SVG image is saved in at least a minimum of 5-inch by 5-inch size. This allows a decent size image to be website placement ready, so the consumer has a good image size to view and work with once uploaded into the image designer. 4. Final Image saved as an SVG file Raster (AI Generated Images) - Script 2 1. AI Generated Image converted to SVG 2. Image needs to be in grayscale. Would prefer the final image output setting to be in RGB 100% black, however, CMYK 30% black will work for us 3. Line weight of the image lines need to be set at a line weight width of at least .725, after the SVG image conversion creates the vector lines 4. The AI Generated Image is saved in at least a minimum of 5-inch by 5-inch size. This allows a decent size image to be website placement ready, so the consumer has a good image size to view and work with once uploaded into the image designer. 5. Final Image is saved as an SVG file