Ways to personalise assets for your portfolio: Try 3D in Adobe Illustrator
Simon demonstrates how to create a customized 3D presentation for a portfolio using Adobe Illustrator's 3D tools. The process involves the following key steps:
Create a new document (1600x1200 pixels, RGB color mode).
Use the pen tool to draw half of a stylized coffee cup silhouette, including the cup body and lid.
Apply colors to the cup parts and create a background.
Group the cup elements and use the 3D Revolve effect to generate a 3D model.
Adjust the original 2D artwork to refine the 3D model's shape.
Use the 3D widget to manipulate the object's rotation and find the best view.
Explore object properties like revolution angle and offset.
Add materials and textures to the 3D object using the Materials panel.
Import and apply a logo graphic to the 3D cup surface.
Adjust lighting settings, including light type, direction, and shadows.
Enable ray tracing for more realistic rendering, including natural shadows and reflections.
Throughout the process, Simon provides tips on using Illustrator's 3D tools, including how to manipulate the object, adjust graphics, and fine-tune lighting and shadows. He emphasizes that this technique allows for the creation of personalized and customized presentations for portfolios.
Simon notes that working with 3D elements in Illustrator can be resource-intensive, requiring more computer RAM and processing power, especially when using ray tracing for more realistic renders.
The final result is a stylized 3D coffee cup with a logo, demonstrating how Illustrator's 3D and material tools can be used to create unique portfolio presentations.
