How to Make 3D Objects in Illustrator?

Today, I embraced a small but meaningful change: dedicating 30 minutes daily to pure, unfiltered creativity. There are no expectations or pressure—just a moment to explore and let my imagination run free.

Why? After a full day of working creatively for others, I realized I wasn’t carving out time to create for myself. So, I decided to change that. This isn’t about being perfect or making masterpieces—it’s about unwinding, experimenting, and rediscovering the simple joys of creating.

How to Create a Super Simple 3D Inflated Alphabet in Illustrator?

I tried making something playful yet uncomplicated to kick off this journey—a 3D-inflated alphabet in Adobe Illustrator. My brain was running on fumes, so I wanted a project that was easy to execute yet satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step guide in case you want to try it too! 🎨

How to Create a Simple 3D Inflated Alphabet in Illustrator

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document. For this project, a canvas size of 1000x1000 px works perfectly.

2. Choose a bold sans-serif font like Poppins or Montserrat. Type out your letter or word using the Type Tool (T).

3. Adjust the font size so the letter fills most of the canvas.

   
   

Step 2: Convert Text to Outlines

1. Select your text and click Type > Create Outlines (or press Shift + Ctrl + O / Shift + Cmd + O on Mac). This transforms your text into editable vector shapes.

2. Ungroup the letter outlines if necessary (Object > Ungroup).

   
   

Step 3: Apply the 3D Inflate Effect

1. With your letter selected, go to Effect > 3D and Materials > Inflate.

2. Play with the settings in the 3D Inflate Panel:

   • Depth: Adjust the depth to give your letter a puffed-up, balloon-like appearance.

   • Lighting: Experiment with lighting angles and intensity for added dimension. For a playful look, try using warm light tones like yellow or orange.

     
     

Step 4: Add Color and Gradients

1. Open the Appearance Panel and customize the colour of your inflated letter. You can:

   • Apply a gradient fill for a shiny, realistic effect.

   • Use solid pastel colours for a fun, minimalistic vibe.

2. Adjust the stroke to enhance the 3D effect or leave it clean and simple.

   
   

Step 5: Fine-Tune and Export

1. Zoom in and tweak your settings until you’re happy with the look.

2. Export your creation by going to File > Export > Export As.... Save it as a PNG or SVG to share or keep experimenting.

   
   

Reflecting on the Process

I’ll be honest—this wasn’t my most groundbreaking work. But it felt great to start somewhere. There’s something magical about permitting yourself to create without judgment. It’s like peeling back the layers of burnout and letting yourself rediscover the joy of making something just because.

Why You Should Try a Creative Challenge

If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or just in need of a mental reset, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s not about the outcome; it’s about showing up and seeing where those 30 minutes take you. Who knows? You might stumble upon a new skill or passion—or simply enjoy the peace of creating for its own sake.