Inventive 3D Illustration Tuts from Vectortuts+

One of the most exciting features in Adobe Illustrator is the 3D effects. This powerful tool allows you to make anything from simple icons to complex creations. The following roundup of tutorials from the Vectortuts+ archives showcases some of the best Vector 3D tuts we have published to date.

• Draw a Realistic Pineapple Using 3D Illustrator Effects

  Learn how to easily draw a vector pineapple using the 3D Revolve effect, how to create the realistic texture and apply it with the Map Art option. This tutorial could also by a great way for you to practice your Pen Tool skills by drawing all the different leaves.

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• Create a Checkered 3D Chess Figure Scene

  In this tutorial, we'll explain how to create a 3D chess scene with the help of the 3D Revolve Tool and gradient masks. This is a great introduction to the 3D Tool in Illustrator, and shows you how to pose your creations within an illustrative checkered environment.

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• Make a Handy 3D Vector Calendar Icon

  Learn to make a handy calendar icon to use on your blog, website, or print projects. We'll use Illustrators Path and 3D tools to create this design. Also, a simple page curl effect will be demonstrated as well. Let's jump into this tutorial.

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• How to Create an Open Book with Illustrator's 3D Extrude & Bevel Tool

  In this tutorial, we'll explain how to create an open book mostly with Illustrator's 3D Extrude & Bevel Tool. We'll create open pages with graphics and add a wavy background. The book can be customized by applying your own graphics to the pages.

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• Design Gift Boxes Using Illustrator's 3D Tools

  Quickly make wrapped and unwrapped gift boxes using Illustrator's built-in 3D Extrude & Bevel effect. Learn how to make a fully editable 3D ribbon and masked 3D typography. Also, we'll be creating sparkles using Symbol Tools.

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• Create a Can of Beans by Mapping Vectors to a 3D Object

  Illustrator has offered a range of 3D tools for some time and this tutorial aims to get you started familiarizing yourself with them. We'll be creating a can of beans, built entirely from vectors, using the Symbols palette, the Extrude tool and Illustrator's Image Mapping. Enjoy!

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• Create a Vector, Space Rocket in Illustrator CS5

  In this tutorial you'll learn how to create a colorful rocket from simple geometric forms and 3D effects. We'll use filters like Blur to create smoothness and movement in some of the illustration elements. Effects like Inner Glow will also be used to accentuate the depth of the 3D forms.

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• Quick Tip: Create a Wireframe Globe Using Illustrator's 3D Revolve Effect

  It is surprisingly simple to create a wireframe globe. All you need is a vector world map and a grid. And this Quick Tip.

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• Give a 3D, Vector Robot a Realistic Feel in Photoshop

  In this tutorial you are going to learn how to combine different methods from Illustrator and Photoshop to enhance your 3D vector art. Through the process you will learn how to use the appearance panel, 3D extrude and 3D revolve. You will also create a custom art brush, and your own symbol. I am going to show you how to create masks using Channels and Layers, as well as creating Clipping Masks in Photoshop.

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• Quick Tip: Create a Wedding Ring and Wristband Using Illustrator's 3D Effects

  Easily turn a circle into a gold wedding band, or if that's not your style, make a rubber wristband instead. It's fast and easy with Illustrator's 3D Extrude & Bevel effect. This is a great tutorial for beginners, let's get started!

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• Design Wedding Rings Using Adobe Illustrator

  In this tutorial we create two wedding rings using 3D modeling in Illustrator. We learn a few operation techniques with gradient mesh. If you need to create an upcoming wedding invitation, this can serve as an excellent centerpiece for that kind of design.

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• How to Make Realistic Skate Wheels in Illustrator

  Using Illustrator's 3D Revolve tool, we will create a set of realistic skateboard wheels and map our own artwork on the wheel. We will cover advanced techniques, such as using the revolve tool, preparing the artwork, mapping it to the 3D surfaces, and some cool tricks for adding the finishing touches.

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• Create an Angry-Clean Bar of Vector Soap

  In this tutorial, we'll explain how to create a bar of soap and give it a retro look. This isn't just any soap though, but vector soap that has a stylistic nod to Fight Club. I am jacks clean, calm, vector rage! Let's get to it!

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• How to Make a Detailed 3D Vector Tire in Illustrator

  In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a vector tire with very easy tools and techniques. The important and trickier part of this tutorial is the tire stripes, but we'll solve this simply and we'll give it a great final look. The tutorial instruction is provided in Adobe Illustrator CS3.

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• Make a Sleek and Refreshing Vector Energy Drink

  Take your skills to the next level with this tutorial on creating a shiny voluminous object. We'll cover how to use a variety of tools like Gradient Mesh and 3D effects to create a more realistic illustration. Let's great started!

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• Make an iPod Nano Using Illustrator's 3D Effects

  While Illustrator is not a true 3D application, you can still achieve sophisticated results with a few simple shapes. Both parts of this video tutorial are included in this post. In Part 1 of this tutorial, you'll learn all about Illustrator's 3D effects, plus a few handy tips and tricks. In Part 2, we'll create shiny icons and a glossy screen, then put it all together using Symbols and 3D mapping. Two new time-saving tools in Illustrator CS5 will also be demonstrated.

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• How to Illustrate an Elegant Bottle of Wine in a Gift Box

  Make use of the 3D tools in Illustrator and learn to create this fantastic looking bottle of wine in a gift box. In this tutorial you will learn how to create your own gift box of wine using the Rectangle Tool, Pen, 3D Revolve and Gradients.

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• How to Create a Vector Baseball Bat and Ball

  In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create a baseball bat and a baseball using Illustrator's 3D tool and blends. We'll utilize 3D art mapping for texture creation and pathfinder tools to create this classic illustration of a bat and ball.

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• How To Create a Sleek DVD Player with Adobe Illustrator

  In this tutorial I'll show you how to make an Interactive DVD player in Illustrator. To reach the final result we will use the instrument Rounded Rectangle Tool, the option 3D > Extrude & Bevel and the Map Art option.

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• Wrap a Ribbon Around a Sphere, Using 3D Revolve

  In this Quick Tip, you'll create a Symbol, which you will then map to a 3D globe. The result looks like a ribbon wrapped around a hollow sphere. Let's get started!

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• Create a Green Viscous Text Effect

  In the following tutorial expand an existing font, use illustrator's 3D tools to add dimension, and then add a green viscous text effect. If you want to add a fun, vector text effect to your portfolio, then get started now.

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• Quick Tip: How to Use 3D Revolve to Make Sports Balls in Adobe Illustrator

  Creating a sphere is super easy with Illustrator's 3D Revolve effect. Understanding how artwork is mapped to a 3D object will allow you to create a variety of items for different sports.

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• Quick Tip: How to Create a Wax Seal with Adobe Illustrator

  In this tutorial we will learn how to create a voluminous seal print on the wax with the help of 3D modeling. You can use the achieved knowledge to designs prints of your own style. Let's get started!

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• Make a Mailbox Icon Using Adobe Illustrator

  Attention! This icon was not created solely for educational purposes. You can see the working process of real designing! We are going to use various professional techniques to create this icon, and I will give you many useful tips along the way. So, let's get down to work, experts!

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• How to Make a Wooden Text Effect with Adobe Illustrator

  In the following tutorial you can learn how to create "wooden text". Using the 3D Extrude and Bevel Tool combined with some clever gradients and layer effects you can make this great effect that's perfect for text and symbols alike.

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• Quick Tip: How to Create a Simple 3D Lollipop Icon

  In the following tutorial you will learn to create a lollipop icon. By using some simple shapes and the Distort & Transform function, you will see just how easy it is to make a great looking icon.

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• Quick Tip: How to Make 3D Ribbons in Adobe Illustrator

  In today's Quick Tip, you will learn how to map a simple Symbol to a 3D cylinder to make curly vector ribbons.

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