How can I warp text around a freeform vertical curve?

[kryescent]

Hi, I'd like to warp text vertically around a curved shape. The effect is somewhat like the text in the following image.

I've tried Envelope Distort with the Mesh tool but it just doesn't warp the text as cleanly. Also tried out saving the graphic + text as an Air Brush and applying it along a curved path, but it ended up looking slightly flat, as compared to the image which looks almost 3D?

Any help would be appreciated, thank you.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

You could use the classic 3D effect on a dummy object like this: https://youtu.be/K05HmZg7c90

You could use shading on that object to make it more realistic

[kryescent]

Hi Monika, 

I was just playing around with 3D objects to figure this out. Your video looks super helpful. Thank you so much, I will try it out!