Create 3D Text Emblems with Illustrator

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a 3D text emblem using Adobe Illustrator. This process involves utilizing advanced features like perspectives and offsets to achieve a visually appealing design. By the end, you'll have a stylish 3D text that you can use in various design projects.

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

• Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document sized 1280x720.
• Configure your workflow:
  • Go to View and ensure Snap to Point is enabled.
  • Navigate to Window and select Control, Align, Color, and Pathfinder to display the necessary menus.
  • Under Window, go to Toolbars and select Advanced to access all the tools.

Step 2: Create and Style Text

• Select the Text Tool from the toolbar.
• Click on the canvas and choose the League Gothic font from the dropdown menu (download it from Font Squirrel).
• Type your desired text (e.g., "Design").
• With the Selection Tool, scale the text by holding Shift to maintain proportions.
• Center the text on the page:
  • Use the Align menu and set it to align to the artboard, centering both horizontally and vertically.

Step 3: Apply Text Effects

• Create an arch effect:

  • Go to Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Warp.
  • Select Arch from the dropdown and enable Preview to see changes.
  • Adjust the Bend slider to around -25 and click OK.

• Add perspective:

  • Select the Free Transform Tool (shortcut: E).
  • Choose Perspective Distort from the options.
  • Click and drag the perspective handles to achieve the desired effect.

Step 4: Expand and Layer Text

• With the text still selected, go to Object > Expand and confirm the settings.
• Change the color of the text to white.
• Create a copy to layer behind:
  • Use Edit > Copy, then Edit > Paste in Place.
  • Change the color of the copied text to black.
  • Right-click the black text and select Arrange > Send to Back.

Step 5: Create an Offset Path

• Select the black text and go to Object > Path > Offset Path.
• Adjust the offset to about 15 pixels using the mouse wheel. Find a thickness that looks good, considering your text size.
• Set the joints to Miter and click OK.

Step 6: Unite Shapes and Adjust Opacity

• Click on the black text and go to Object > Ungroup.
• Select the text and use the Pathfinder panel to click Unite to merge the shapes.
• Select all elements and reduce the opacity to see the text through the shapes during the next steps.

Step 7: Create a Lower Shadow Effect

• Select the black text, hold Shift + Alt to create a copy, and drag it down.
• Scale this copy down by dragging inwards while holding Shift to maintain proportions.

Step 8: Draw Additional Details with the Pen Tool

• Select the Pen Tool and zoom in for precision.
• Snap the cursor to the corners of the text and draw lines through any negative spaces.
• Once completed, select all relevant objects and unite them again using the Pathfinder.

Step 9: Final Adjustments and Outlines

• Return the opacity of all elements to 100%.
• If desired, create a colored outline:
  • Copy the black object, paste it in place, and change the color.
  • Send this layer to the back and apply an Offset Path to create the outline effect.

Conclusion

You have successfully created a 3D text emblem using Adobe Illustrator. This design technique can enhance your logo or graphic projects. Experiment with different fonts, colors, and effects to personalize your design further. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment for assistance!