: Where should I put the shadows and highlights on these antlers? So I made some antlers in Illustrator and now I want to add some shadows and highlights. Unfortunately, I've never been good

@BetL875

In case you are not so experienced with 3D techniques, lights, or shadows you could also play with inbuilt 3D effects such as extrusion and bevel effects (Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel).

This may give you more or less satisfying results, depending on the settings:


Stock effect Bevels Smart Jelly created with Inkscape

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@Sherry646

Use photo references. There is no reason not to make something up and then amend it with direct observations from nature. You do not have to copy explicitly. If you have a set of novelty reindeer antlers, put them on and look int he mirror.

While struggling with a painting once, I went into a drawing class next door while they were on break and asked the model (and supervisor) if I could get them to pose a knee for 2 minutes so I could get it "just so" for my picture.

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