Illustrator tutorial │Create realistic 3d metal text logo

In this tutorial we will know how to create a glossy logo in adobe illustrator. This is an intermediate tutorial of adobe illustrator. I have used many tools and palettes to create the vector art. So, if you are a beginner, I recommend you to read the "Illustrator beginner tutorials" first.

Create realistic 3d metal text logo

The final vector art work; which you will be creating.

Project details:

Level : Intermediate

Estimated time: 20 minutes

Program used: Adobe illustrator cs6.

Document type: RGB

Minimum qualifications: Ability to use the pen tool, pathfinder panel and the gradient palette.

Creating the logo text

Step 1: Type your text with the type tool. I have typed the text "3D" for working. Make it bigger with the selection tool and fill it with any color without black.

Step 2: Now, go to "effects/3d/extrude and bevel" and fill the options with the data given below.

Step 3: Your vector art work will be like below.

Step 4: Now, expand the appearance (object/expand appearance).

Step 5: Don't worry with the result. Your logo will be 100%  3d looking. Now, ungroup the object as many times as you can (objects/ungroup). If you notice carefully you will see some curves behind the original text; which will be the 3d proportion of your logo. For example look at the upper corner of the logo. You will find some parts. We have to join them.

Step 6: Select them partially and join them with the pathfinder panel.

Now, hit the(>) button or select the gradient fill located at the bottom of fill and stroke tool. Fill it with 3 color black-white-black gradient.

Follow this process for the rest curves.

Now, select the main text and fill it with the same gradient. But, as we want create a realistic 3d vector logo we have to fill with the correct option. See the image.

Step 7: I think you are happy with this vector art. But it is not the end. We have to make the corners more smooth. Select the main text and make a copy in front of it (ctrl+c and ctrl+f). Make the fill "none" and give any color to stroke.

Take the pen tool (delete anchor point) and delete some anchor point like me.

Step 8: Create an art brush like this and send it to brush panel.

Now, select any curve that you have just made and apply the art brush. The curves may be wide. Make it thinner by decreasing the value of the stroke from stroke panel.

Step 9: Select the curve and expand the appearance. Now, fill it with linear gradient as before. Selecting the curve go to transparency palette and select the screen blending mode.

Do this for every curves. Your vector art will be like below.

Finalizing vector art work

Give a simple reflection like this to make your logo more realistic.