Inflate Your Creativity With These Amazing 3d Puff Designs!

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Today I’m showing you how to create your own 3D inflated puff design. This design technique is all the rage right now! And since there isn't very many tutorials on how to do this, here I am today to show you how to create your own inflated design.
I am not an adobe illustrator expert my any means, but I have been able to figure out how to create these! While I wish I could figure out how to make these with a free program like Inkscape, doing it in Ai is the next best thing.
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#inflate #adobeillustrator #sublimation

[@jessthompsondesigns3591]

Instead of using the erase tool, when you go to save your image or export it, there is a box under the file name and file type that says "use artboards" click that box and it will only "see" what's on the artboard instead of erasing your edges.

[@ashleefalco]

Thank you!!!!

[@lisawhite9725]

Ashlee, you are truly one of the best teachers on KZbin. ❤ Thank you so much for doing this video and teaching us how to make these on our own. I searched and searched for a video on this process and could not find one video…Yours is the first! I really enjoy learning from you. Thank you again!! ❤

[@ashleefalco]

I couldn’t find one either, so I’m glad I could figure it out. It was a few different random videos online and on TikTok that I gathered together to come up with that I did 😂

[@jessthompsondesigns3591]

Also...under the materials tab (next to lighting) you can select default and then adjust the roughness and the metal look...if you increase the metal look you will get that "shiney" look that alot of the tumber wraps have. Also, you should also do your design in landscape mode as 99% of designs for tumblers are printed in landscape mode and you can add more elements to your design...or you can space them out more so it's not so congested.....I am however, ETERNALLY grateful for your workaround for the RAM issue...I've not done so many designs because I couldn't get them to inflate properly!

[@ashleefalco]

Because I’m not a tumbler maker by default I always forget that you should design in landscape mode 😂🤦🏽‍♀️ it’s always after the fact when I got to print it that I say to myself “shoot. Wrong way” 😂

[@TheWackyIllustrator]

That was AWESOME! I am also SELF taught in Illustrator, Photoshop and you did a fantastic job explaining this process. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@ashleefalco]

thank you!! This makes me happy to hear I didn't butcher a Ai tutorial 😂

[@lisawhite9725]

Oh my goodness Ashlee!!! You are truly the best! Thank you…Thank you!

[@ashleefalco]

No, thank you!! Because of you I learned something new! ❤️

[@michellealvarado9030]

Thank you for always sharing! So appreciated!

[@ashleefalco]

You are so welcome!

[@Artbyevelyn]

This came out beautifully

[@ashleefalco]

thank you! ❤️

[@jodiwilliams3707]

Ashlee, Thank you so much. I am also self taught so I really appreciate the way you explain everything. I subscribed so I can learn more from you!☺

[@ashleefalco]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@vivalamagiafamily6709]

I was looking for this! Thanks for the video

[@ashleefalco]

happy crafting!!

[@design.likeaboss]

Thank you so much for taking the time to go step by step. You did a great job!

[@ashleefalco]

Thank you!!!

[@TodaysSpecialMinis]

Interesting - yeah, I think you have the beginnings of the inflated effect, but something is not quite right. This design is more like a "puffy" effect. The inflated designs I see on CF look like the background is inflated with the design. In other words there's tension, loft, light, shadow, inflation in every area - the images and the spaces in between the images. That's how you get those deep shadows and bright highlights that really give you the sense of an inflated balloon. I will say that you did explain your process well though and I did get an understanding of what to do even if this is not quite the complete inflated effect. I noticed that some of the elements did not inflate at all - the bats, the stars, the checker board - so maybe they were on another layer that you forgot to do the inflate effect for?? Also, there seems to be some kind of border or edging around the design in some spots (the white areas) so I'm guessing that when you cropped the pink background you made it slightly smaller than the artboard. Maybe next time do it slight bigger or is there an option to make fit the image to the artboard? Otherwise - when you inflate it - it looks like it shrunken away from the edges a bit. I wish I had Illustrator - is this inflate option only in the CC version? Or is it in the CS6 version? Anyway - cool tutorial. It showed me, basically, what I needed to know. I WISH someone WOULD do a tutorial on how to do this style of inflate in Affinity and in Inkscape. There are some tutorials, but none have really come close to the same cool effect you can get from Illustrator - sigh...

[@ashleefalco]

Thank you for this comment!! I have heard that affinity is something I should look into for this type of design, and I need to get on it

[@dianecunningham2223]

You have a great tutorial! I have affinity designer and Affinity Photo, and cannot figure out how to do this design. The price of Adobe is way to high. Please let me know if you have found another program to use

[@ashleefalco]

sadly I haven't found a different program to use :(

[@mariemarie416]

Thank you so much. Ur so amazing 🥰

[@ashleefalco]

you're amazing Marie!

[@puckit455]

Oh my gosh thank you!! I've spent the last two days trying to figure this out!

[@ashleefalco]

I’m so glad I could help you out!!

[@junedorning1711]

Thank you for sharing this I have been wondering how to make 3D designs of my own

[@ashleefalco]

it's seriously really easy once you know what buttons to press LOL

[@kryskorky8432]

What paper is used to print to permanently stick to a tumbler or glass can? And is transfer paper used? This is the best tutorial ever. Thank you

[@ashleefalco]

Hi! It's technically not paper. How people are putting these on tumblers is by doing Sublimation. Sublimation is a special type of ink & coating of a tumbler that is use to do a permanent image transfer.

[@ELEM_Apparel]

OMGoodness, thank you!!!!!

[@ashleefalco]

You are so welcome!

[@dei.preswors]

Loved this so much I bought you coffee! ❤

[@ashleefalco]

thanks for watching!!!!

[@annatttterenik9035]

Woww I really like your video))))Could you please give any tips how to render faster in Illustrator?

[@ashleefalco]

You'll need a computer with a faster chip. It's the only way

[@annatttterenik9035]

@@ashleefalco Ah I got it 🥸 thank you

[@congthanhnguyen3649]

Hi, That was AWESOME! That was AWESOME! Can you advise me on how to configure my computer to do this well?

[@ashleefalco]

how to configure your computer? Not sure I understand that question.

[@congthanhnguyen3649]

​@@ashleefalco Currently I'm following the effect according to your video tutorial but my computer is running very slow. Can you guide me on how to make my computer run faster?

[@congthanhnguyen3649]

My computer configuration: 12th gen intel core i5-12400 2.5 GHz, 64gb ram, 500gb ssd, Nvidia geforce gtx 1660s

[@laurrine3073]

Hello, thank you very much for this video! I downloaded the same file as you (thanks for the link), but when I put it in Illustrator I can't "ungroup" it... The option is grey and I can't click on it... I'm stuck at this stage, so if anyone can please help me! Thanks 🙏

[@vredrick_]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:13 🎓 The video is about creating 3D puff designs, a popular trend in crafts and design. 00:56 🆘 The creator of the video is seeking suggestions for cheaper or free software alternatives to Adobe Illustrator for creating such designs. 01:22 🎨 The tutorial will demonstrate creating a 3D puff design in Adobe Illustrator, using just a few sample patterns. 02:28 📝 The video's host admits they are a novice at Adobe Illustrator but learned this technique themselves, indicating that the method might not be the most professional or straightforward one. 03:52 🔀 The tutorial includes uploading SVG files into the program, resizing them, and grouping design elements. 05:16 🔄 The host stresses the importance of maintaining a clean design by deleting unnecessary nodes and grouping related images together. 07:33 🎨 Indications are given on how to color match elements using different features of the design software. 10:23 🖍️ To maintain a clean design output, the host uses an eraser tool to remove unnecessary parts. 11:29 💾 The host uses the "Inflate" function for 3D rendering, albeit with some difficulties due to limited computer memory. 14:00 💻 The host reiterates that despite encountering errors, a workaround can help create a stunning 3D design, showcasing the finished output. 15:23 💡 The design is saved as a PNG file with a transparent background for ease of use. 16:30 📚 The host promotes learning new skills yourself as opposed to having professionals do tasks for you, adding that it builds your knowledge and provides satisfaction.

[@ashleefalco]

wow! thanks for this 🤯

[@madelinescreations7955]

Thank you for sharing

[@ashleefalco]

of course!

[@2fit469]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AMAZING TUTORIAL. I have a question for you. DO I NEED TO USE ANOTHER TOOL TO UPSCALE IT BEFORE LISTING IT ON ETSY? thank you

[@ashleefalco]

Hello! I'm not sure what you'd need to do in order to sell it on etsy. I feel like if you size it correctly and save it on high, that it should be good to go.

[@marysmith5547]

Thank you so much for this video. Your explanation is easy to follow. I do have one question. I am trying to get the background to remain white but it turns a soft gray. I want it a shiny white. Do you know how to keep the background the original color? Again, thank you so much.

[@ashleefalco]

You can't turn metal white unless you have white powder coated metal.

[@TheSűmerfamily]

Love the design a new sub here

[@ashleefalco]

Thanks for the sub!

[@TheSűmerfamily]

@ashleefalco you're welcome, friend 🧡 🧡

[@MichaelGSchurmann]

Help someone, please. I worked with this video and followed every step of your fantastic explanations.I am using AI 2024 and I get stuck when it comes to working with the stars and similar elements. literally, I have zero success trying to group the top with the shadow. No matter what I try they do not stay together. I am on Win 11, therefore where you say to click command G, I click Control G. I have tried this for the past two days for about five hours. If anyone reads this I would be absolutely grateful to have you help me figure this out. TIA

[@wandabalket7985]

Thank you. ❤

[@ashleefalco]

of course!

[@deliviaware4676]

Your the BEEESSSSTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!

[@ashleefalco]

awe thank you!!!

[@cancanshanshan]

How did you created the original file?

[@ashleefalco]

with Inkscape - is the only program I truly know how to use LOL

[@cancanshanshan]

@@ashleefalco Thank you! I'll watch more tutorial to learn how to use it!

[@dawnwalker716]

Lily Rose Craftroom did a tutorial about a month ago

[@ashleefalco]

Her tutorial is just using creativefabrica designs. Which is a great alternative to making your own designs, but what I was talking about is an easier/cheaper way to make your own designs in a different program.

[@billardbenjamin6164]

I wish i could use something besides adobe illustrator! It always crashes on me.

[@ashleefalco]

I’m still actively trying to figure out a different way/program to get these results

[@shernandz2006]

hello what program are you using. i have never seen it before

[@ashleefalco]

adobe illustrator

[@seoxpert7073]

Thank you

[@ashleefalco]

You're welcome

[@BHENTECH]

nice design mam, what version of illustrator you are using?

[@ashleefalco]

Ai 2023

[@BHENTECH]

​@@ashleefalco Thank you Ma'am

[@shirleygodfrey8150]

Thank you for making this video. I need HELP! When I bring over the image with drag and drop, I get an X through it. When I open it with place, I get an X. When I open it in a new window, I cannot select the image to make is smaller. Please, what step am I missing? I'm using version 27.9

[@ashleefalco]

if you are able to open it in another Ai window, try copy & pasting it from one word board to another. That may help. As far as getting the X, I'm not entirely sure. I've never ran into that problem before.

[@bykenwithkenforken]

Is anyone else having the issue of when you click on Inflate under 3D and Materials dropdown there's a message that appears that says ""3D and Materials' effect currently works only on some object types and cannot apply as multiple instances." Google tells me to save the individual vectors as svgs so I tried that but no luck. Anyone else run into this?

[@marysmith5547]

I was creating a fall image with pumpkins, leaves, acorns. When selecting all the images I got this message. I saw all images except the acorns were inflated. I then chose just the acorns and inflated them and it worked.

[@ashleefalco]

you'll want to make sure that everything is a SVG, then make sure that you group all before proceeding to the inflate. But, I have noticed that with my computer because of the low RAM I do run into error messages often. :( But if you choose one by one and inflate that should do the trick as well.

[@leesafugate]

Great tutorial.:) my daughters name is Ashlee I slept it that way because my name is leesa and my mom named me with 2 ee because her name was Lee :)

[@ashleefalco]

I love it!! That's exactly why I'm a "LEE" as well. My grandma's middle name is LEE

[@lisawhite9725]

Yay!!!!

[@ashleefalco]

list!!! I was JUST going to comment on your other comment in my last video! You're the reason why I made this video!!!!

[@shirleysavoie743]

Gimp will do everything Illustrator does...and yes it is "FREE"

[@ashleefalco]

Going to look at this software

[@thawareechan3015]

Thank you for sharing but could I use adobe illustrator on iPad?

[@ashleefalco]

I'm not sure, I don't have an iPad :(

[@marklola12]

looks great but illustrator for me is not worth the price, i mostly use photoshop and would only use illustrator to do this 3d effect but it is £22 a month just for that alone....i only pay £9.98 for Lightroom Lightroom Classic Photoshop Photoshop Express Adobe Firefly which is a bargain

[@ashleefalco]

totally get it, illustrator is costly.

[@kuyajcgano7132]

hi there! this is very helpful for me. but do you have a link where i can download free ai thank you

[@ashleefalco]

I don't think there is such a thing as free AI

[@amystanley4431]

ive got a question...i did a print for a coffee mug and once put on the mug, it didnt look puffy or 3D at all! do you gotta change the printer property settings?

[@ashleefalco]

I know this may sound dumb, but when you printed it did it look puffy? I didn't change any of my settings and my Mario cup turned out exactly like how it looked when it was printed

[@heathergray3606]

I don’t have anything that brings the svg into the art board space as easily as you. How to I get the whole thing in?

[@ashleefalco]

I'm not sure - Anytime I import my SVG file to Ai it goes all in. maybe it was the way it was saved?

[@katarinacuevas5389]

👏👏👏👏👏👏💜🩷💙. Thank you ..🥹🥹🥹

[@ashleefalco]

of course!

[@Patriceorchard]

My son wants a black background with a white element in the middle everytime I make it, the inflate turns the white into red does anyone know how to stop it from doing that?

[@ashleefalco]

Huh, mind emailing me (or you can DM me on instagram) your issue. I'm a visual thinker

[@johnraygarcia7057]

what version of AI did you used ?

[@ashleefalco]

Sorry unsure as this was recorded awhile ago.

[@nirmitibyrahul5061]

hey, can you plz tell the requirements of PC configuration forthis 3d task in illustrator

[@ashleefalco]

I’m not sure what computer specs are needed.

[@diamondzcreations4U]

Thank you so much! Would you or anyone on here know how to turn a png into a svg in order to bring it in to the program?

[@ashleefalco]

I turn png's into svg's in Inkscape. I have a full playlist dedicated to how to create SVG files: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6nLi5RtaNmKrJI&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@nineelevengirl84]

I'm so very new to this. Can anyone tell me how I can get my already purchased SVGs or pngs converted into the AI? I have no clue. Ive uploaded every image and non are accepted. Thank you

[@ashleefalco]

If it's an SVG file you just drag and drop it into Ai

[@chaylenemans8414]

Did you manage to find an app to do this? I dont have adobe illustrator.

[@ashleefalco]

Nope. Sadly

[@TIME0006]

My 16GB Ram Macbook 2020 m1 says not enough RAM.. what computers are u guys using?

[@ashleefalco]

I have a 2021 Mac with the same specs as you, the issue is that Ai takes so much RAM. What I'd suggest is closing all other programs and doing nothing but Ai when doing the inflate. It's a PIA but a workaround

[@urbanblossombyashley8419]

I did the same svg file as you but I dont have the option to ungroup the svgs.

[@ashleefalco]

you have to make sure and have the svg clicked. I did notice sometimes I had to press "ungroup" a couple times for it to work. I thought that was my computer being weird.

[@melonywilson460]

Hi I was wondering if you change one of my image into 3d and how much it cost for a few pages to be made

[@ashleefalco]

Sorry. I’m not taking commissions

[@melonywilson460]

@@ashleefalco okay thank you. I'm trying to make a 3d puff tumbler, converting images I have

[@annitakok]

When i import svg images don't make it and sometimes the illustrator closes.When i design mine everything is ok...Why???

[@ashleefalco]

I'm not entirely sure. I suspect it has something to do with the RAM on your computer. The amount of RAM that Ai needs to run properly is crazy high.

[@annitakok]

@@ashleefalco Yes it is very possible! Thank you very much

[@TIME0006]

I have a 2020 Macbook m1 with 16gb RAM but it says not enough RAM..

[@ashleefalco]

the amount of RAM Ai requires to run properly is crazy. 😵‍💫

[@TIME0006]

@@ashleefalco may i ask which mac you have? and how much ram? m1 or m2 chip?

[@rh8152]

How about Affinity Designer. One price

[@ashleefalco]

I'll look into this, I've never heard of the program before.

[@beverlylor9829]

Have you tried this on seamless pattern?

[@ashleefalco]

I haven't. sorry!

[@deonagood9464]

Question. When you bring the file over, how are you doing it?

[@ashleefalco]

just drag and drop

[@deonagood9464]

@@ashleefalco I get an x through the whole thing. Then when I go to save it it's small and I saved it as you suggested.

[@eihzyyoutubification]

What version of illustration? 😊

[@ashleefalco]

My version is 27.5 - AI 2023

[@Dreamy-writer]

Did anyone ever find a free alternative to this? I would love to be able to do this effect but can't afford Adobe :/

[@ashleefalco]

Never 👎🏽

[@Dreamy-writer]

@@ashleefalcoThat's a shame. Thanks for letting me know, though!

[@mapxiu312]

Hi, what version of Illustrator software do you use? Thank you!

[@ashleefalco]

Hello! Illustrator 27.5

[@AshleyLoredo-o2s]

Can I do this in a iPad?

[@ashleefalco]

I'm not sure, I don't have an iPad :(

[@goddessmelinda3092]

I use ps

[@ashleefalco]

thank yoU!

[@aliyakeller2573]

What is ps?

[@rh8152]

Photoshop

[@Allaboutdaniieee]

can i make it on adobe for ipad

[@ashleefalco]

I'm not sure

[@ellienaedesignsphotos-mw5ns]

No\

[@KCentricPrints]

Do the files have to be uploaded as an svg?

[@ashleefalco]

yes. I've tried doing it with png files and it won't work.

[@KCentricPrints]

Thank you!! @@ashleefalco

[@QUAKE-IT]

what is your ai version?

[@ashleefalco]

Ai 2023

[@dominiquehodgempa7967]

😢 illustrator won’t allow me to ungroup ai files

[@ashleefalco]

Are you talking about after you do the inflate? or before?

[@urbanblossombyashley8419]

@@ashleefalco It wont allow me to ungroup either, doesn't give me the option.

[@chanta872]

Thank you❤

[@ashleefalco]

of course! Hope you enjoyed!

[@carrieclymer]

Thank you

[@ashleefalco]

You're welcome