Easy way to 'extrude' in Illy....

[C.E.]

...for things other than text that are sort of odd shaped?

I'm going for this look:
http://content.screencast.com/media/76c2872b-257f-4222-a222-0b1737ef2039_c7bda5cb-7de7-418b-a1c3-d084dd7edab5_static_0_0_2008-04-03_1245.png
Using these types of images:
http://content.screencast.com/media/7bc3d7af-968e-423f-8f9b-99a0f1f95101_c7bda5cb-7de7-418b-a1c3-d084dd7edab5_static_0_0_2008-04-03_1246.png

...I tried using Illy's Extrude feature, and here's what I get:
http://content.screencast.com/media/ff68924d-d32a-44e1-a91a-0ae8f9c5b4c9_c7bda5cb-7de7-418b-a1c3-d084dd7edab5_static_0_0_2008-04-03_1249.png
which is obviously not quite right.

I could do this by HAND by creating offset paths and strokes and making my own vanishing point with the pen tool etc etc, but I'm wondering if there's an easier way as I'm not as proficient in Illy as I am in PS.... any suggs? Thanks gang!

[PrintDriver]

If you set your shading to none (or black) can't remember which, you will get solid extrusions you can rip appart and shade with the gradient as shown in your stars.
Illy's extrude is retarded compared to any of the sign softs or even Corel.:p
If you try to Expand those shaded extrusions, Illy will happily cut your shapes up into little bits.

[C.E.]

Shading = None ... and ... Object = Expand !!! Viola!!! Thanks PD! :D :D

[Broacher]

>>or even Corel<<

Owch! (Biting tongue)

[PrintDriver]

That sorta came out wrong, didn't it?
Sorry Broacher. I respect Corel. In the right hands.
:D

[CkretAjint]

Try using blend.

[PrintDriver]

If you use blend, you don't get the shapes on the sides to select and refill with a gradient. At least not shapes with smooth edges. They staircase if welded/united/combined/whatEVer it's called these days. I can't tell you how much I HATE logos created in Illy with Extrude!

[CkretAjint]

Tis true, forgot about that... My bad. :)

[PrintDriver]

What's really sad is in Signlab, the look in the first post (minus the specks) is attainable with a vector filter. Including the outline. And it's cuttable in vinyl after it's made.
<sigh>

[C.E.]

attainable with a vector filter

...so what would that be?

[JgS]

I did something like that once just by selecting the shape tool, holding down the (`)key, it's to the left of the 1, and the right mouse key while moving the mouse around. Probably not the best way but it worked once. I guess for you you would need to convert those to custome shapes for it to work. Might be best to just draw them by hand.

[PrintDriver]

...so what would that be?
That would be Signlab.

[C.E.]

Bump -- I just found this tutorial on BittBox... http://www.bittbox.com/illustrator/illustrator-tutorial-how-to-make-3d-vector-vintage-stars/ thot i'd share!