What is most efficient way to generate this sort of 3D effect ?

Hi

What is the most efficient way to generate this sort of 3D effect?
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridi...cm4-459577.gif

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/tridi...cm4-459577.gif

I need to generate buttons that look very similar to the above...

It's easy enough to create a rounded box, with a black border, and a purple fill, and stick the white text over it... But I cant work out whether we should be using:
a) variable transparency,
b) some kind of blend, or ...
c) 3D tool, or
d) the bevel tool !

Any thoughts?


Ship
Shiperton Henethe

This any good. Couple choices here. Both done with the white as a highly feathered shape.

The white highlight on the button can be made using featherings and transparency.

Excellent - yes a nice effect - I had forgotten about feathering.
Thanks


Ship