How to convert your 2D logo into a 3D logo using illustrator and blender?

Convert a 2D Logo into a 3D logo

The first question you might ask is, why would anyone want to convert a 2D logo into a 3D logo?  

Answer is quite simple, it looks cool. As a matter of fact, it’s not only cool but also very useful when it comes to marketing as your 3D logo can be used in various marketing campaigns whether it be a static image or an animated one. It provides a level of professionalism to your brand and shows your audience that you mean business.

Convert a 2D Logo into a 3D logo

Now, what software’s would you need and how would you use them to convert a 2D logo into a 3D logo?

**Note: You will need to know the basics of Blender to get through the guide

The software’s needed:

  • Illustrator (or any vector-based software with SVG export capability)
  • Blender (Free)

How to convert 2D logo into 3D logo using Illustrator and blender:

  1. Save as SVG in illustrator
  2. Open Blender and delete the existing object
  3. Import SVG
  4. Scale, Rotate and Extrude object
  5. Add material
  6. Add lights

Step 1: Save as SVG (Illustrator)

Open your logo in illustrator then go to 

File > Save As > SVG > Save

step 1.1 Open logo illustrator file
Step 1.1 Open logo in illustrator file
step 1.2 Go to file then Save As
Step 1.2 Go to file then Save As
Step 1.3 Select SVG
Step 1.3 Select SVG
step 1.4 Save
Step 1.4 Save

Step 2: Open Blender and delete existing object

Once you have an SVG File of your logo, Open blender and select general, you can download blender from their official website or by clicking here. 

Step 2.1 Open blender
Step 2.1. Open blender

Step 2.2: Delete All Materials.

You can delete an object by simply selecting an object then Right-click > Delete

Or

If you want to delete all the objects at once, you can press “A” on your keyboard which will select every object on the plane then press “X” on your keyboard and delete.

Press A > Press X > Delete

step 2.2 Delete all the objects
Step 2.2 Delete all the objects

Step 3: Import SVG into Blender

To Import an SVG: Go to file > Import > Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg)

Step 3: Import SVG
Step 3.1. Go to file ----> Import ----> Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg)

Step 3.2: Select SVG File.

Go to the folder you saved your logo in step 1.3 and select the SVG File.

Step 3.2 Select SVG File
Step 3.2 Select SVG File

Step 4: Scale Rotate and Extrude object

After you’ve imported the file, you might think nothing has been imported but, it has, and it’s super small. 

Step 4 Object

Step 4.1: Select & Scale Object

To scale the object up, Select the object then press “S” on your keyboard and using your mouse it in the direction you want to scale it.

Step 4.1: Select and Scale

Step 4.2: Rotate Object

Select Object > Press “R” on your keyboard for rotate tool > Press “X” on your keyboard so that it rotates on the X-axis only > Using your mouse rotate to your desired angle > Enter

Step 4.2: Rotate Object

Step 4.3: Extrude Object

Select the object > Click on the ‘Object Data Properties’ tab > Geometry > Extrude

Step 4.3: Object Data Properties
Step 4.3.1: Object Data Properties
Step 4.3.2: Extrude
This is how your object will look like before adding material to it

The object has now been converted into a 3D object, but we aren’t done yet as we must add material to it.

Step 5: Adding material

Once you’ve extruded the object you will need to go to the material properties and delete the existing material (SVGMat) and add a new one. There you can change the type of material you want such as glossy, rough etc and much more.

Step 5.1.1: Remove Existing Material
Step 5: Add New Material Blender
Step 5.1.2: Add New Material Blender
Step 5 Material
Step 5.1.3: Material Settings

Step 6: Adding Light

The material has been added, now its time to add some lights to your scene. You can select the type of light as per your needs.

Step 6.1.1: Add Lighting
Step 6 Area Light
Step 6.1.2: Area Light
Step 6 Lighting Setup
Step 6.1.3: Lighting Setup

As previously mentioned, you have to know the basics of blender to follow this tutorial. The Lighting setup we used for this consists of area light and point light. You can set it up how ever you want it and you are basically done.

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