Of course, with vector graphics, you can work on a very small scale, until you get it right. Then make full size. The problem is that often times, something that looks great at a small size, might look quite boring after scaling up -- especially when going from computer screen to 30 sq ft.
First, note that I just use inkscape as a hobby, and perhaps professionals will have some kind of procedure that that works better.
I would start on a small scale (computer screen/Inkscape window), and work out the basic design, and various ratios for the fish scales, and settings in the Tiled Clones dialog.
Once you have that sorted out, I would decide what constitutes one unit of the pattern. I mean, I would guess it would be easier to have a set of say 20 x 30 fish scales, that repeats across the whole 30 sq ft area.....or depending on the size of the fish scales -- I don't know if you're thinking of real size fish scales (perhaps the size of a fingernail), or if they will be giant scales, more like 1 to 3 inch size fish scales.
Of course, with Inkscape's Tiled Clones dialog, you wouldn't necessarily have to have any repeated patterns. It could be unique as a whole. But I think having a repeated pattern would allow you to work on 1 unit of the design, at the full scale, to get the design so that it looks good at the full size.
I would suggest starting with the manual: http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Tiles.html
And here's a good tutorial, although it's not specifically for such a large project, it probably has all the details you need: http://verysimpledesigns.com/vectors/inkscape-tutorial-seamless-patterns.htm....
And here's another good one: http://www.paulfriedl.com/all-portfolio-list/tileable-pattern-tutorial/
I hope that's helpful :-)
All best, brynn
From: John Fisher Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2014 11:33 AM To: inkscape User Community Subject: [Inkscape-user] Suggestions for tiling a car wrap
I am building a tiny electric car, and it has bikini-level fiberglas body components, about 30 sq ft. We've settled on a fish-scale graphic design to be done with vinyl car-wrap.
I've never done a big tiling job, and I'd like to have a lot of color&detail variation, very much like a real fish. Any suggestions, or a tutorial I missed?