: Subtle vector 3D effect in Illustrator How did they create this very subtle 3D vector effect in Illustrator? Link

@Samaraweera207

Here are a few things I noticed.


The cloud shapes all have a subtle gradient to make them look as if they have depth.
It looks like their strokes also have a gradient to make them look beveled.
Most of the apparent depth comes from the use of drop shadows.




To add a gradient to the stroke:


Use Object > Expand > Stroke (do not expand the fill),
Ungroup the stroke from the fill and then you can add a gradient.
Regroup the shape and the stroke
Then add a drop shadow using Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow.


Changing the x and y coordinates and the blur of the shadow will change how much apparent depth the effect creates.

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