Capturing the creases of a cake doughnut in vector graphics

Question

I am trying to design a logo involving a doughnut. A logo of sorts. I have designed all sorts of things before but never something that would require this kind of gradient use. I am trying to break the shape of these creases down to their most essential in order to capture this in a vector graphic but am really struggling.

Of course I can get the overall shape but what I am trying to capture is sort of these creases that go into the center of the doughnut. I am hoping they will add shape/dimension that this logo would not otherwise have. I don't quite know how to express these creases and the shadowing they cause in a clean gradient.

Would appreciate any advice/vector reference/ideas that might get me started on trying to capture this detail. Even if I drew the polygon path of what is going on I am not sure how I could get the shadow gradients correct.

Answer 1

If it is a logo, do not use gradients. Simplify, abstract, reduce.

But let us put that aside.

An easy way to produce gradients is by blending shapes.

1. Divide your circle into the required fractions. And draw two trapezoidal shapes. You can refine the shapes later.

2. Blend them https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/blending-objects.html

3. And duplicate the shapes. You can do the same for the external shadow.

There are other methods for gradients, but this one is basic, easy and you have control over it.

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Another method is using gradient meshes. Just do not be too greedy making a grid too big.

You can use the gradient mesh for the triangle section I did before.

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/meshes.html

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P.S. On the initial idea to simplify. Take a look at how people solve other donut logos. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sca_esv=564462317&q=donut+logo&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiD4-PEs6OBAxVaOkQIHYJuD4wQ0pQJegQIChAB&biw=1707&bih=637&dpr=1.5 You probably need to focus on other aspects of those creases on the donuts. Just explore I guess.

Answer 2

A little tilted view is useful. The wrinkles can well be different and a simple line can create the illusion. That's well in accordance with the common dictum: keep your logo simple.

In the left there's a version with a black thick stroke and solid brown fill. The version in the right has radial gradient fill and a little thinner brown strokes. I wouldn't try anything more complex. Even the gradient can be a problem when the logo should stay recognizable in all sizes and with varying printing methods.

Your idea to have a plain donut looks perfect for me. But that's only an opinion. There can be plenty of people who think a plain donut is nothing and absolutely want it as covered with something runny or sticky, maybe pink, brown or white and then some colored crystals scattered on it. I respect those people deeply and thus I do not try to force them to accept my opinions. As an extra protection they have the Atlantic Ocean between us.