Adobe Illustrator Tutorial - Create Custom Typography (HD)

Introduction

Welcome back to the channel! In today’s tutorial, we’ll be taking a deep dive into Adobe Illustrator to create a stunning three-dimensional text effect. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Setting Up the Canvas

To kick things off, we need to create our working space. Open Adobe Illustrator and set up a canvas with dimensions of 1920 by 1080 pixels.

Step 2: Text Creation

Select the Type Tool (T) from the toolbar and type in your desired word. For this tutorial, we’ll use the word “Fresh”.
Center the text on your canvas and resize it by holding down Shift + Option on your keyboard to maintain proportions.

Step 3: Font Selection

Next, let’s change the font. I’m using the Captain font, and you can find the link to download it in the description below.

Step 4: Outlining the Text

With your text selected, outline the font by pressing Command + Shift + O. This converts the text into a shape.
To merge the shapes, navigate to the Pathfinder panel and click on Unite.

Step 5: Resizing and Positioning

Double-click on the F in “Fresh” to select it.
While holding down Shift, make the F slightly larger and nudge it to the right.

Step 6: Creating the 3D Effect

Go to Object > Path > Offset Path and set it to 18 pixels, then click OK.
Unite the two shapes together using the Pathfinder again and ungroup by right-clicking and selecting Ungroup.
Select the inner shape and change its color to white using the Eyedropper Tool (I).

Step 7: Copying and Blending

Select the shape behind and copy it (Edit > Copy) and then paste it (Edit > Paste in Place).
Move the newly pasted shape down and to the right.
Select both shapes, navigate to Object > Blend > Make.
Again, go to Object > Blend > Blend Options, and this time select Specified Steps and input 30.

This will create the illusion of depth and a 3D effect!

Step 8: Final Adjustments

Expand the blend shapes by going to Object > Expand, then clicking OK.
Use the Pathfinder Tool to unite them into one shape.
Remove any unwanted white holes by double-clicking to enter isolation mode and deleting them.

Step 9: Adding Color

Select your shape and apply a dark gradient by double-clicking, selecting Gradient, and changing it to linear.
For the text in white, repeat the process of applying an offset path and uniting it again.
Apply a lighter gradient to this final shape.

Step 10: Creating a Background

Create a new layer and rename it Background before locking the original layer.
Use the Rectangle Tool to create a rectangle that matches your canvas size.
Apply a nice light blue gradient, with a radial effect for a pleasing backdrop.

Step 11: Adding Drop Shadow

Finally, select your shape and go to Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow. Adjust the settings to your preference, tweaking the opacity, blur, and offset until you achieve the desired look.

And there you have it! A beautiful 3D text effect created in Adobe Illustrator that you can use for your projects. If you enjoyed this tutorial, please give us a like and subscribe for more amazing content!

Keywords

Adobe Illustrator
3D Text Effect
Custom Typography
Captain Font
Gradient Background
Pathfinder Tool
Eyedropper Tool
Blend Options

FAQ

1. What software is this tutorial for?
This tutorial is for Adobe Illustrator.

2. Can I use any font for this design?
Yes, you can use any font you like, but for this tutorial, we used the Captain font for demonstration.

3. How do I achieve the 3D effect?
The 3D effect is achieved by using the Offset Path feature combined with the Blend tool. You can create depth by adjusting the specified steps in the blend options.

4. How do I change the color of the text?
You can change the color using the Eyedropper Tool or directly from the color palette.

5. Can I animate this text effect?
Yes, you can export the design as an image and use it in video editing software to animate the text.