3-D TEXT

This assignment is intended to be an introduction to the use of the BLEND TOOL in the creation of 3-D TEXT using ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR.

Assignment OBJECTIVE - Become familiar with:

PEN TOOL / BRUSH TOOL
STROKE
FILL with a GRADIENT
SELECTION TOOLS
SHAPE TOOL(S)
GRADIENT TOOL
BLEND TOOL
ARTBOARD TOOL

Using ONE ARTBOARD, you will create 3 different designs

DESIGN 1 Using the SHAPE TOOL create 2 different shapes and blend between those shapes using the BLEND TOOL set to STEPS.
DESIGN 2 Using the SHAPE TOOL, create 2 different shapes and blend between those shapes using the BLEND TOOL set to SMOOTH COLOR
DESIGN 3 will contain a 3-D LETTER created with the BLEND TOOL

INSTRUCTIONS

Create a NEW FILE

Start with a HORIZONTAL, LETTER-SIZED file
You may need to use the ARTBOARD TOOL later to enlarge your ARTBOARD if you need more room...

Practice first by doing some basic BLENDS between shapes

In this practice assignment, experiment with using color FILLS and STROKE and NO STROKE

BLEND SHAPES in STEPS

Use the SHAPE TOOL to create 2 different shapes on your ARTBOARD
Access the BLEND OPTIONS to change how the shapes will blend

OBJECT > BLEND > BLEND OPTIONS...

SELECT both shapes and choose

OBJECT > BLEND > MAKE

Your shapes should blend blend together - in this case, it will create 8 SPECIFIED STEPS

Experiment with using the DIRECT SELECTION TOOL to change FILL and STROKE colors

BLEND SHAPES using SMOOTH COLOR

Use the SHAPE TOOL to create 2 different shapes on your ARTBOARD
Access the BLEND OPTIONS to change how the shapes will blend
This time choose SMOOTH COLOR
Experiment with using the DIRECT SELECTION TOOL to change FILL and STROKE colors

BLEND TOOL

You may also use a BLEND TOOL to make the BLEND between the shapes instead of doing the MENU command OBJECT > BLEND > MAKE

CREATE 3-D TEXT

STEP ONE – Create the letter

Create a MONOLINE letter - a letter made with "one line" and has NO FILL
If you use a reference - LOCK the layer.
Use the BRUSH TOOL to create your letter - you could use the PEN TOOL if you feel more comfortable.
Use a reference, or draw you letter freehand.
Make your STROKE black and NO FILL
HIDE or DELETE your reference layer now if you want

Here I need to expand my ARTBOARD with the ARTBOARD TOOL and I am using the BRUSH TOOL with a reference letter to trace. Have your stroke be black and have no fill

STEP TWO – Create the GRADIENT

Use the ELIPSE TOOL to create a circle - hold SHIFT while you are dragging out your ellipse to make a perfect circle.
FILL your circle with a 3 color GRADIENT
Open the GRADIENT PANEL

WINDOW > GRADIENT