Illustrator: is possible to layout a looping complex shape overlaping?

Question

i'm trying to do this shape:

So i start to figure out with a simple circle with a corner more distant:

and then clone and rotate the same shape:

Basically i want to do this without the 3D effect, i just want to give the appearance that one part of the shape overlap the other one ... but it was impossible to me ... is any way that i can do this ?

Thanks

Answer 1

• Create a circle and a tear shape aligned top/center
• Rotate/duplicate the Tear Shape 120º from the circle center

• Delete the left/bottom paths of each tear shape
• Apply Projecting Cap from the Stroke Panel

• Select the three shapes and Expand Stroke

• Use the Pen to delete points outside the figure
• Use the Shape Builder Tool pressing Alt to delete overlapping paths

• Select the three shapes and convert them to a Symbol

• Apply 3D Rotate

• Once done you can edit the symbol by double clicking on the figure to add the gradients and shadows