Make a Handy 3D Vector Calendar Icon (best of Vectut)

Make a Handy 3D Vector Calendar Icon

Learn to make a handy calendar icon to use on your blog, website, or print projects. We’ll use Illustrators Path and 3D tools to create this design. Also, a simple page curl effect will be demonstrated as well. Let’s jump into this tutorial.

Final Image Preview

Here is the final look we’ll be achieving. To successfully complete this tutorial you should have a fundamental grasp of Illustrators tools.

Step 1

Start by drawing a square using the Rectangle Tool (M).

Step 2

Rotate the square by going to Effect > 3D > Rotate. You do not have to enter these exact values, but be sure to make note of the values you do enter because you’ll need to refer to them again when we add text. After you click OK, expand your shape by going to Object > Expand Appearance.

Step 3

To simulate the depth of the calendar we’ll use Illustrator’s 3D Extrude & Bevel Options. Go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel. Enter 1 degree for the X axis rotation (first box). In the Extrude Depth box enter a high number, as shown below. The larger the X axis number the smaller your value for Extrude Depth will be.

I prefer this method because it distorts the face of the calendar much less than entering a large X axis number and small Extrude Depth number. Click OK, then go to Object > Expand Appearance. Last, go to Object > Ungroup. Note, you may have to ungroup the object several times in order for each shape to be individually handled.

Step 4

Repeat Step 3 to make the base of the calendar. Enlarge the shape so that it is slightly wider than the top. Remember to expand and ungroup the shape so that you can color each side of the object later.

Step 5

Create a small border around each of the edges of the top part of the calendar by going to Object > Path > Offset Path. Enter the values shown below. This small border will allow us to give the edge of each side calendar side a little bit of highlight or alternative gradient, which is a small detail, but adds to the overall quality of the piece.

Step 6

Give the inner shapes you just made a slight gradient. Observe how the left side of the calendar has a slightly lighter gradient than the right.

Using the Pen Tool (P), draw lines inside the inner shapes you just made to simulate the edge of some of the calendar pages. There is no math involved with this step. Just use your eye and make it look good. Notice how the lines taper down to a point.

Step 7

Once you have all the lines drawn, use the Distribute Palette to make the space between each of the lines perfect.

Step 8

Additionally, you can select all the lines at once and give them a gradient to help them blend into the shapes behind them a little more.

Give the base of the calendar some color making sure to apply a slightly lighter color on the left and a darker color on the right.

Using the same line shape you drew to create the edge of the pages, add it as highlights below to give the impression of a shadow and a highlight.

Step 9

Select a font that you like (I’ve used Din) and type the words you’d like to appear on the front of the calendar. Rotate the type to match the angle of the surface of the calendar by going to Effect > 3D > Rotate. Enter the values that you used in Step 2, then click OK.

Step 10

Add the type to the face of the calendar and change the color to white.