How do I create a 3D sphere out of icons?

[thepurplegoat]

Hello,

I am trying to create a globe made from different icons that I created. I want it to look something like this but with my icons. I am having trouble with the 3D map art.

Thank you!

Keri

[Michele Weisbart]

You might be better trying something like envelop distort > make with top object. If you make a pattern out of your object, make the envelop distort and under the options for the distortion, make sure that the pattern distorts, you will get a similar effect. Of course the objects that are popping out as above will require additional work, but this might be an easier alternative to start with.

[thepurplegoat]

I will try that, thank you!

[Mike_Gondek · Accepted solution]

Ingredients

• half circle
• one embedded image or vector art

Drag the image to you symbols and choose static. Then on the half circle add an effect >> 3D >> Revolve. Click on map art and choose the symbol you made.

You may want to start with art that looks extruded on a few of them as in your sample, alternatively you will need to expand and manually create the extrusions.

[thepurplegoat]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. This is what I have been doing but for some reason the symbol I created wouldn't show up. There must have been an issue with one of the elements. I recreated the icons and now it is working. Thanks again!

[Mike_Gondek]

If you were successfully able to create a symbol that should show up when you click on map art.

What option do you get when you map art and click on symbols, is none the only option. Can I see the symbol options you choose just incase there is something like how the symbol is named or another option that may be interfering.

Though I mentioned choosing static, that really does not make a difference for this, ( just when you rotate or transform symbols with effects like drop shadow). Was an error on my part mentioning that.

[thepurplegoat]

Hello,

I wasn't getting any option. The symbol just did not show up. I believe there was an issue with one of the items of vector art I created for the symbol because when I broke it apart and took out one of the icons it worked. I still am not sure what the problem was exactly but it is working now. Thank you so much for your help. I am so glad I came to this forum. I have a degree in Graphic Design but am still learning. I am so grateful to have people here like you willing to help. Here is the outcome...

Thanks again!

Keri

[Mike_Gondek]

Good to hear you got this to work, please visit us on the forums again.

I have been using Illustrator since 1987 and am still learning new techniques. Keeping up on the forums posts are a great way to push your limits and take paths you normally do not travel.