When creating my 3D model for my brand logo, I used the idea of a mug (much like my motion graphics video) to use as my logo. I also wanted my blog’s name to be created in 3D to make it stand out and to add something extra to my model. I created this with the Cinema 4D r17 software.
Creating the design on Adobe Illustrator:
The first step I took was creating the outlines of my mug on Adobe Illustrator by using the ‘ellipse’ tool for the mug top and the ‘pen’ tool to create the more finer, tailored outline of the mug body and mug handle. I chose a fancy typography, but kept it pretty basic so it could still be legible when made into a 3D object. Make sure each layer has a black fill but no outline.
Importing the design onto Cinema 4D
After saving my file, I then imported the image onto Cinema 4D by dragging the Illustrator file into Cinema 4D. It should turn out like this:
You can use the toggle tool to get a 360 view of the image. The green and red line are used as guidelines to which way the image should be facing.
Making the 2D image into a 3D model
Firstly, I decided to make the text 3D which I did by clicking on the text layer and using the ‘extrude object‘ tool which is the button highlighted below.
Then, I dragged the extrude tool under each of the layers that I wanted to make 3D.
You can modify the dimensions in the bottom right window by choosing which ‘movement‘, ‘subdivision‘ and ‘isoparm subdivision‘ you want. These help you create the desired 3D look for your image. The mug is also made into a 3D object using these steps, which should finally look something like this:
To achieve this smooth and realistic looking mug, I had to modify the mug handle and body on Cinema 4D by using the mirror tool and freehand drawing the shape using the previous mug body and handle shape as a guide reference. A mug bottom was also made so that the 3D object wasn’t hollow all the way through.
Overall, I feel that the mug really worked as a 3D object, however I would change the dimensions of my text so that it didn’t protrude at the back as much as shown in the above image. In the future, I would add colour to my mug and perhaps some polka dots to match the logo idea I did for my motion graphics video. I do think I need more experience with Cinema 4D though as some of the software was confusing to use – such as using the extrude tool, but this would come with practice.
Rachels Image Design 