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3D Vector Object Tutorials for Illustrator

3D vector objects dominate the high-definition visual environment of electronic screens and devices. They feature in logos, page layouts, product identities, Web pages, icons, text effects, animation, video sequences, character design, outdoor graphics. They have the appeal of crisp, clean surfaces and vivid textures. Plus all the scaling advantages and resolution-independence unique to vector images.

You can render 3D vector objects in Illustrator for multiple designs and illustration projects. While you would need the use of 3D modelers for rendering complex objects, Illustrator is sufficient for creating 3D vectors for any graphic design project.

The following tutorials demonstrate the manipulation of basic shapes and tools to render 3D vector objects in Adobe Illustrator. You’ll become familiar with commands and tools such as Live Trace, Image Trace, Gradient mesh; Revolve, Extrude & Bevel and Rotate effects, etc.

Create a Detailed Coffee Maker Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

Coffee Maker by Andrei Marius

Create A Realistic Guitar Amp Using Patterns

Create A Realistic Guitar Amp Using Patterns

How to Create Fireworks Rockets in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create Fireworks Rockets in Adobe Illustrator, by Jasmina Stanojevic

How to Create a 3D Gold Trophy Cup Using Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a 3D Gold Trophy Cup Using Adobe Illustrator, by Iaroslav Lazunov

Learn To Make A Wonderful Vector Travel Suitcase In Illustrator

Learn To Make A Wonderful Vector Travel Suitcase In Illustrator by Shaina

How to Create a Hand Whisk using Gradients and Blends

How to Create a Hand Whisk using Gradients and Blends, by Alexander Egupov

Create a Tasty Chocolate Ice Cream in Adobe Illustrator

Create a Tasty Chocolate Ice Cream in Adobe Illustrator

Use a Basic Polygon, 3D Rotate & Gradients to Illustrate an Umbrella

Use a Basic Polygon, 3D Rotate & Gradients to Illustrate an Umbrella by Alexander Egupov

Create a Vector Bottle in Illustrator

Create a Vector Bottle in Illustrator, by Iaroslav Lazunov

Create a Detailed Envelope Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

Create a Detailed Envelope Illustration in Adobe Illustrator by Andrei Marius

Learn How to Draw Metallic Gradients to Create a Mincing Machine

Learn How to Draw Metallic Style Gradients to Create a Mincing Machine, by Alexander Egupov

3D Modeling in Adobe Illustrator

3D Modeling in Adobe Illustrator, by Iaroslav Lazunov

How to Illustrate a Vector Vacuum Cleaner

How to Illustrate a Vector Vacuum Cleaner

How to Illustrate a Screw-bolt and a Nut with 3D Effects in Illustrator

How to Illustrate a Screw-bolt and a Nut with 3D Effects in Illustrator, by Alexander Egupov

How to Create a Liquid Soap Bottle Vector Illustration

How to Create a Liquid Soap Bottle Vector Illustration, by Andrei Marius

How to Create a Detailed Box in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a Detailed Box in Adobe Illustrator, by Niels Voogt

Create a Vector Hair Dryer in Illustrator

Create a Vector Hair Dryer in Illustrator, by Alexander Egupov

How to Draw a Power Plug in Adobe Illustrator

How to Draw a Power Plug in Adobe Illustrator, by Alexander Egupov

How to Illustrate a Microscope in Illustrator

How to Illustrate a Microscope in Illustrator, by Alexander Egupov

Create a Children’s Swing using Clipping Masks and Blends

Create a Childrens Swing using Clipping Masks and Blends, by Alexander Egupov

How to Create a Hollow Die in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a Hollow Die in Adobe Illustrator, by Jasmina Stanojevic

How to Create an Open and Closed Zipper in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create an Open and Closed Zipper in Adobe Illustrator, by Andrei Marius

How to Create a Vintage Photo Camera in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a Vintage Photo Camera icon for App Store in Adobe Illustrator by Sergii Korolko

How to Create a Can with a Barcode in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a Can with a Barcode in Adobe Illustrator, by Alexander Egupov

How to Create a Detailed Keyboard Button Illustration in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a Detailed Keyboard Button Illustration in Adobe Illustrator, by Andrei Marius

Vectoring a Pair of Luscious Lips in Illustrator CS6

Vectoring a Pair of Luscious Lips in Illustrator CS6, by Sharon Milne

How to Create a Detailed Button and Needle Illustration

How to Create a Detailed Button and Needle Illustration, by Andrei Marius

Design Wedding Rings Using Adobe Illustrator

Design Wedding Rings Using Adobe Illustrator, by Iaroslav Lazunov

How to Create Stereo Headphone Plugs in Illustrator

How to Create Stereo Headphone Plugs in Illustrator, by by Simona Pfreundner

Create a Stylish Switch Button in Illustrator

Create a Stylish Switch Button in Illustrator, by Andrei Marius

How to Create a Fancy Top Hat in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a Fancy Top Hat in Adobe Illustrator, by Jasmina Stanojevic

Creation of a Realistic Vector 3D Calculator

Creation of a Realistic Vector 3D Calculator, by Sergii Korolko

Create Detailed Tulips With Gradient Mesh, Without the Mesh Tool in Illustrator

Create Detailed Tulips With Gradient Mesh, Without the Mesh Tool in Illustrator, by Diana Toma

How to Create a Stylized Shoes and Clutch Fashion Illustration in Illustrator

How to Create a Stylized Shoes and Clutch Fashion Illustration in Illustrator, by Svetlana Makarova

How to Create a Luxurious Gold Watch in Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a Luxurious Gold Watch in Adobe Illustrator, by Jayati Chakrabarti

How to Create a Rubik’s Cube in Illustrator

How to create a Rubik’s Cube in Illustrator, by Andrei Marius

How to Create Realistic Vector Bubbles

How to Create Realistic Vector Bubbles, by Iaroslav Lazunov

How to Create a 3D Airplane with Adobe Illustrator

How to Create a 3D Airplane with Adobe Illustrator, by Iaroslav Lazunov

The future of 3D vector rendering in Illustrator forges ahead. Now that Adobe has released Illustrator CC through Creative Cloud, this ensures that designers will get the latest updates and releases. New methods and processes will emerge. But many designers will continue to use the version they prefer. The principles and commands needed to render 3D vector objects will stay. And you can take what you learn in these tutorials to any version of Illustrator you’ll work with.

Written by Henry Has

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