Any ideas?

[djb]

Anyone got any idea how to go about drawing one of these in Illustrator? I’ve been mucking around with the envelope distort tool but not sure how to handle the 3D elements?

It’s just for a logo idea so I’ll probably just give up and use a photo instead unless anyone says ‘I draw spiky balls all the time, it’s dead simple!’

[Paul Murray]

I'd say, by hand? Obviously I'd simplify it first, maybe reduce the amount of balls a bit. Maybe increase the levels, convert to black and white and live trace to see if it gives you any ideas?

[djb]

It’s going to be a pain isn’t it... time for a couple of beers to make it easier!

[spottypenguin]

Would you not create a cone shape then replicate it and form into an equal pattern, convert that to a symbol then revolve a semi-circle from right hand edge and map that symbol to it?