How to Design a Color Theory Palette using 3D CAD Software
Designing a color theory palette is a great way to combine creativity with design skills, and SelfCAD makes the whole process simple and enjoyable. A color palette is all about organizing and displaying different shades and tones in a way that helps artists and designers choose the right combinations. In SelfCAD, you can bring this idea to life by creating a 3D model that visually represents color harmony and contrast. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to design a color theory palette using SelfCAD; from setting up the base shapes to arranging the colors and final touches. By the end, you’ll have a unique 3D palette that not only looks great but also helps you understand how colors work together.
Check out the interactive tutorial to this article; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/1o505a2l213l5n1v1ps0565wy462yn4m1y5v
Once you launch the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 12.5, Bottom radius to 12.5, height to 8.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set x to -30, z to -30, Click copy button to create copies.
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 25, height to 8, depth to 25, position z to -36.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Set x to -36, z to 36, Click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 8, height to 8, depth to 1.5, position x to -18.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose L shape; Set height to 8, front width to 1, front length to 2, side width to 1, side length to 2, position x to -14.5, rotation y to -135
Tick the checkmark to finalize L shape
Click on mesh 12 to select it
From the tools category on the toolbar choose copy offsets; Set operation to rotate, y to -60, Click copy button to create copies.
Click ‘x’ to close copy offsets panel
Click on mesh 8(1), union 1, mesh 4(1) to select it
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, direction to right, offset to 13.09
Tick the checkmark to finalize mirror
From the edit menu on the top toolbar click select all, choose group
Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 2
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 25, Bottom radius to 25, height to 8, position x to -16, position z to 38
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click scale on the toolbar; Set z to 25
Click rotate on the toolbar; Set y to -32
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 60, Bottom radius to 60, height to 7.
Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder
Click color picker button to change color of object; Click blue.
Click ok
From the generators category on the toolbar choose text generator; Set text to color, height to 8, position x to 13, position z to 27, rotation x to -90
Tick the checkmark to finalize text generator
From the generators category on the toolbar choose text generator; Set text to red, height to 5, position x to -36, position z to 16, rotation x to -90
Tick the checkmark to finalize text generator
From the generators category on the toolbar choose text generator; Set text to yellow, height to 5, position z to -20, rotation x to -90
Tick the checkmark to finalize text generator
From the generators category on the toolbar choose text generator; Set text to blue , height to 5, position x to 36, position z to 16, rotation x to -90
Tick the checkmark to finalize text generator
Click on text 4, 3, 2, 1 to select
From the edit menu on the top toolbar choose group; Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 4
From the edit menu on the top toolbar click select all
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose group 1, mesh 20, group 2 to subtract.
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace
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