3D coffee mug with handle

[jay fresno]

I see lots of tutorials for how to make a cup that looks kind of like the shape of a Styrofoam cup, but I can't figure out how to draw a path that could be used to create a coffee mug with a handle, similar to the one below. I can draw a path that works for the main part of the mug, the part that holds the liquid, but can't figure out how to draw a path for the handle. Is this possible?

[Monika Gause]

Not really.

You can try to use a custom bevel, but that's about it.

[Srishti Bali]

Hi Jay,

Here is a video tutorial which might help you: Mug Design Adobe illustrator CC - YouTube.

Regards,

Srishti

[tromboniator · Accepted solution]

Here's a quick 'n' dirty job using the Pen tool and Freeform Gradients:

[Larry G. Schneider]

Nice job, Peter.     

[tromboniator]

Thanks, Larry.

[jay fresno]

Sorry I didn't get back more quickly. Thank you all for your replies.

[jay fresno]

For the record, I was not the one that marked a correct answer. That may have been done by the moderator. I appreciate all the answers and they were all helpful.

[eduv23643132]

Hi there @tromboniator, your design looks awesome. I would like to receive a bit of instruction about a similar issue I have while designing a mug with Ilustrator CC 2019.

So I basically follow the steps of a tutorial. That says the following:

Draw with the pen a rectangle in the form of an open C, as you can see in the first image. After that I apply an effect/3D/revolve and you get the effect you see in the second pic. Now is when I really get stucked. Hope anybody can help me.

1. If I follow these steps, is the gradients my best bet to have the handle done?

2. Is really a 3D? I mean after is done y can flip it over and all of that? I wanna do it for a web I manage about customizable mugs.

Thanl you very much for your help

[Monika Gause]

I assume the C shape is not for the mug, but for the handle. But even then I don't think they want you to use the Revolve.

That tutorial doesn't by any chance have some images that give you a clue?

Yes, it is 3D, but you can only freely rotate it inside Illustrator inside the 3D effect dialog box.

And you can only rotate the mug and the handle shape separately. So it might not be what you want or need.

[eduv23643132]

Hi there Monika, Thanks for your quick replay.

Actually yes, that C shape is for the mug. I revolve that C shape and I have a mug :).

You are right, idialy I manage to do a whole mug + handle in 3d. Really tough 😞

[Monika Gause]

"Actually yes, that C shape is for the mug"

I would ditch that tutorial immediately. It will not work.