A 3D design can bring a design to life, making it stand out from anything else around it. Anything from motion design to posters to websites can look phenomenal when you add 3D elements to the layout. However, designing in 3D creates its own challenges. Whether you design in Photoshop, Illustrator, or a host of other 3D packages, sometimes it can be overwhelming when you first start. From 3D typography to full-scale modeling, it’s a challenging process. This collection ranges from inspiring 3D work to tutorials that can give your ideas a bit more polish. Tell us what you think and which pieces inspired and helped you out the most!

How to Illustrate a 3D Email Sign

A great tut for building a quick 3D symbol using just about any 2D shape.

How To Create An Espresso Machine Icon Inside Adobe Illustrator

This is just for those of us who can only function when coffee is present.

How to Create a Rubik’s Cube

Even if the Rubix Cube isn’t what you’re going for, this tutorial has some great tips on well-designed 3D elements.

Funkrush 3D

Beautifully designed, this is an awesome example of 3D typography design.

The Suspension Series

You definitely have to check out this series of graphics designed by Joel LeLièvre of wires and cables intertwining. Stunning work!

3D Max Abstract

3D, glass, and reflection taken to their extreme. Awesome work!

Inspiration of Inevitable Change

If you want digital art with detail, texture, and depth, check out the work of Dima Filippov.

Villa 3D

An incredibly detailed 3D piece (even has birds!) worth examining.

Wintermarket

This design has an awesome balance of warmth and cool and an awesome level of detail, too.

Cosmo

Welcome to a beautiful world by George Arevshatov.

Experiment Chamber

Toni Bratincevic shows off his 3D skills using Maya, MentRay, and Digital Fusion. Scary stuff!

The Kitchen of Typography

This is an interesting series that includes numerous 3D pieces of various styles.

Playful Space

Gorgeous 3D work with Typography elements and simple shapes turned into a playful landscape with unusual lighting stylings.

Sat Street

Yes, this is 3D artwork. The realism is stunning, and it is definitely worth examining the detailed textures and lighting that make this a beautiful piece.

MIO GPS

This series by Hock Wertz demonstrates an incredible manipulation based initially on Google Map images that are completely turned and twisted.

Fresh Science Word

Now a classic typography tutorial, this graphic was developed by Shiny Binary for Computer Arts.

Gazeta do Paraná

An eye-bending experience. Check out this series by designer Evandro Reis.

Stone 3D Design

A demonstration of how easy Cinema 4D can make 3D projects. Lots of great texture and intense lighting to look at.

Rage over Babylon

A MUST READ! ZivCG, the designer behind this stunning piece, walks you through his process and the various software he used to create the final work.

Victory

A fitting end to this article, this piece is a stunning example of sky, water, light, and texture.