2D to 3D in Adobe Illustrator – Step-by-Step Tutorial
In this Adobe Illustrator 3D tutorial, you’ll learn how to turn 2D vector shapes into a fully-modelled 3D character using Illustrator’s 3D and Materials tools, Revolve, Inflate, custom rotations and high-quality Ray Tracing. I walk through drafting the head, body, arms, hands, legs and torso using the Pen Tool, shape building and symmetry techniques, then converting each part into a realistic 3D object with the latest 3D settings in Illustrator. You’ll see how to apply Revolve to curved shapes, Inflate to blocky forms, adjust depth, taper, offset direction and rotation values, and set up consistent lighting, shadows and material settings for a clean, toy-like finish. The tutorial also covers organising layers, duplicating symmetrical components, building leg geometry from reference images, generating centre pieces with Shape Builder, and using Ray Tracing for polished, high-quality 3D rendering. I also demonstrate how to create custom graphics in 2D, convert them to dynamic symbols, and apply them to 3D surfaces using the Graphics panel for accurate placement and scaling. If you want to master 3D character design, Revolve-based 3D modelling, Inflate geometry, Ray Tracing, and advanced Illustrator 3D workflows, this step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to turn simple 2D artwork into a fully rendered 3D model inside Adobe Illustrator.
🔗 DOWNLOAD THE FILES:
https://richgfx.gumroad.com/l/jkhmom
ℹ DONT FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE
http://bit.ly/SubRichGFX
🔗 STAY CONNECTED
Continue the discussion over on Discord: / discord
Premium Resources: - https://gumroad.com/richgfx/follow
Follow me on Facebook: / richardgfx
Follow me on Instagram: / _richgfx
Follow me on Dribbble: https://dribbble.com/richard_carpenter
Follow me on Twitter: / richard_carpent
🎵 MUSIC BY
Track: Infinity — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
• Infinity — Declan...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/infinity
ℹ VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
0:14 - Creating Base Shapes
2:20 - Creating The Legs
3:54 - Label your layers
4:20 - Add 3D Effects
14:18 - Test Render
15:10 - Adding Graphics
17:53 - Final Render
18:15 - Adjusting Symbols
18:40 - Tutorial Ends
#adobeillustrator #tutorial #illustrator