D2 tutorial #1 j-clark

Since we have been working on logos lately and we all like to use dafont.com i thought i would do a tutorial on how to create a 3d font. (one step closer to creating our own fonts).

Create a new document in Illustrator with Size at 500×500pt.

2.Type the first letter of the word you want to create using the Type Tool (T); my first letter will be "D". Afterwards, switch to the Selection Tool (V), select the letter, then go to Type > Create Outlines (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + O or right-click/Control-click on the letter in the artboard and then choose Create Outlines from the menu that appears).

3.Select the letter and go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel.In the Extrude & Bevel Options window, check the Preview option to be able to see what the letter will look like while we tweak the Extrude & Bevel effect’s options

4)Expand the letter by choosing Object > Expand Appearance. Next, ungroup the letter in order to have all its parts separated. Ungrouping the letter gives us the ability to apply colors and gradients to each part of the letter separately. You can ungroup the object by going to Object > Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + G). You might have to perform the Ungroup command several times because our letter contains a lot of parts.

5.First, make sure the Gradient Panel is open (Window > Gradient or press Ctrl/Cmd + F9).

For the front side of the letter, use a radial gradient.On the left side, use a linear gradient. Feel free to play with colors until you achieve your desired look.For the inner part of the letter, also use a linear gradient.

6.Let’s now add detailing to our letter by giving it some nice, highlighting edges. Select the front side of the letter, copy it (Ctrl/Cmd + C), then paste in front twice (Ctrl/Cmd + F).

Select the topmost copy with the Selection Tool (V) and nudge it 1px downwards and 1px to the right (use your Arrow keys). Keep this nudged copy selected. Now, Hold down Shift and click on the other copy to add it to the selection. In the Pathfinder Panel, hit the Minus Front button. This will leave us with one object that is just the non-overlapping part of both copies.

7.) And now that you've learned the basic steps for creating 3d text you continue to do the same things for the rest of your word until you get it like you would like.

Finished product.