3D Effects Cards

Create Illustrator File

  1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new "Letter" file.

    • Name your file "Last Name, Cards"

    • Letter: 8.5" x 11" (vertical) or 11" x 8.5" (horizontal)

    • Adjust the units to be "Inches"

    • Adjust the number of "Artboards" to be 4

Save as Cloud File

  1. "File" > "Save as..."

  2. Name: "Last Name, Cards"

  3. Make sure to save it as a Cloud file (there will be a cloud icon in your tab and ".aic" at the end).

Adjust Workspace

  1. Adjust your workspace (go to "Window" > "Workspace" > "Essentials Classic"

Create 4 Backgrounds

  1. In your "Layers" panel, rename your "Layer 1" to "Backgrounds"

  2. Click on the "Rectangle tool" in the left toolbar

  3. Click and drag to create 4 rectangles that cover each of your 4 artboards.

  4. Select one and double click the black square on the bottom of the left toolbar to open the "Color Picker"

  5. Pick a color for each background.

  6. Lock your background layer.

Type 4 Messages

  1. In the "Layers" panel, create a new layer by clicking the "+" and name it "Text"

  2. For each of the 4 artboards:

    1. Use the Type Tool to create a new text box.

    2. Type a message (recommended: 2-3 words)

    3. Highlight your text and click "Character" at the top and choose a font.

    4. Adjust the size: minimum size: 100 pt.

    5. If you want all caps, click the "TT"

Effect 1: 3D Bevel + Blend (Classic)

  1. In your first artboard, click on your text and then "Ctrl" + "C" to copy.

  2. Paste by clicking "Ctrl" + "V"

  3. Select both and then go to "Type" > "Create Outlines"

  4. Keeping both selected, double click the black square on the bottom of the left toolbar to open the "Color Picker"

  5. Choose a fill color for the text.

  6. Now double click the white "stroke" box that has a red line through it next to the fill color. This will open the "Color Picker" again.

  7. Choose a stroke color for the text.

  8. Go to "Effect" > "3D and Materials" > "3D (Classic)" > "Extrude & Bevel (Classic)"

  9. For the "Position" select "Isometric Top"

  10. Reduce the "Extrude Depth" to 0 pt and click "OK"

  11. Right-click on your first copy of the message and click "Arrange" > "Bring to Front"

  12. Double click the "Blend tool" and for "Spacing" choose "Specified Steps" and set it to 20. Then click "OK"

  13. Select both texts and click "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "B" to blend.

Effect 2: Extrude & Bevel

  1. In your second artboard, click on your text.

  2. Go to "Effect" > "3D and Materials > "Extrude & Bevel"

  3. In the pop-up window, choose "Extrude" and then adjust the "Depth" to 2 in. or more. In "Presets" under "Rotation" choose "Isometric Top"

Effect 3: Extrude & Bevel (Hollow)

  1. In your third artboard, click on your text.

  2. Go to "Effect" > "3D and Materials > "Extrude & Bevel"

  3. In the pop-up window, choose "Extrude" and then click the second option next to "Cap" for "Turn cap off for hollow appearance"

Effect 4: Choice

  1. In your third artboard, click on your text.

  2. Go to "Effect" > "3D and Materials > "Extrude & Bevel"

  3. Explore the other options and create something unique.

SAVE AS .AIC AND .PDF

  1. Go to "File" > "Save" to make sure to save your .aic file (if it is grayed out then it is already saved).

  2. Go to "File" > "Save As..."

  3. Choose "On your computer"

  4. Click "Creative Cloud Files" folder on the left menu

  5. Name: "Last Name, Cards"

  6. Click "Save"

  7. Click "Save PDF"

  8. Once you save as a .pdf, exit out of Illustrator. (If you need to edit again and resave, make sure to edit your .aic file and re-save as a .pdf.)

Turn in to Canvas

  1. Turn in your .jpg file on Canvas in the "3D Effects Cards" assignment.

Want yours printed?

  1. If you want your cards printed, write your full name on the whiteboard by Mrs. Hodges desk.