3d Sphere

[Harry_Bartlett@adobeforums.com]

Can anyone advise me on how to do two things with Illustrator CS on a Mac OS X:

1)Create a sphere [i.e. a simple 3d circle] that has an off-center light source? Ihave tried the 3d effects but can't seem to make a simple sphere and the radial fil does not allow off center lighting effects.

2) Map a single letter to this sphere so that the letter looks like it is wrapped onto the sphere.

I realize this should be easy but am having difficulty creating this artwork. I have created a work around which can be seen at <http://www.bartlettcommunications.com/asplogin/ni/Postings/03_11_04/bug.htm> but would like the "N" to look more 3d and have the light source be more natuarlly off center.

To anyone who can help me thank you!

Harry

[Larry_G._Schneider@adobeforums.com]

Harry,

You can center a radial gradient anywhere within a circle by using the Gradient tool (the one that looks like a gradient). For a Radial Gradient, the first click sets the center and dragging sets the length of the gradient. If you want a realistic looking 3D gradient, set about 5 or 6 stops going from lite to dark and back to medium dark to give your reflected light. You should be able to use the Warp Effect to warp type to something like you want.

Larry

[John_Kallios@adobeforums.com]

As to the issue of using 3D effects.

Follow this Link to Gary's fun (too much time on his hands) <http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx?13@@.2ccef9b3/3>

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

This is simple to achieve in AI CS and what the 3D filter is all about Draw your Red Circle with the N in the middle Drag that art to the Symbols palette to make it a symbol. then create a half circle and fill it with white no stroke then while still selected choose the 3D filter when the dialog comes up where it says more options click that and you will see the option for creating and controlling the highlight and shading. once you are happy with the way the highlight is situated click on the Map Art button select your circle with N symbol and position it on your sphere as desired.
you can then change the highlight to suit. Oh, yes in the Map art there is an option to
shade art check that as well.

Like such ( you don't have to make a complete sphere you can make a half sphere if you want

Sphere with N <http://mysite.verizon.net/wzphoto/Sphere.jpeg>

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

If you fool around with the features I think you will get it:

Sphere2 <http://mysite.verizon.net/wzphoto/Sphere2.jpeg>

[Harry_Bartlett@adobeforums.com]

OK got it! Many thanks to everyone who posted a message - your advice was very helpful!