How to Replicate Illustrator-style Gradient on 3D Object in After Effects?

Question

Hi everyone,I’ve attached two images for reference:Image 01: Created in Illustrator – features a soft, vibrant gradient look on a gear shape.Image 02: Created in After Effects using 3D extrusion and lighting via the Cinema 4D renderer.My goal is to design and animate a 3D cogwheel in After Effects that looks visually similar to Image 01. However, I’m struggling to recreate the smooth and colorful gradient style from Illustrator within the 3D environment of After Effects.Is there a way to achieve that kind of stylized gradient shading on a 3D object directly in After Effects? Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!Thanks in advance!

nishu_kush · Accepted Answer

Happy to help.I am sure there are ways to achieve this without using lights, but for a 3D object, using lights would be the easiest. You can apply gradients to a solid layer and then use the blending modes to create the effect. But these workarounds may not work if the object or the camera is animated.Hope it helps.Thanks,Nishu

nishu_kush · Answer

Thanks for reaching out.Here's what I was able to get with Advanced 3D Renderer and a few lights. Sharing the After Effects project file as well.Feel free to reach out if there are any other questions.Thanks,Nishu

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