Shadowing Markmywords style

[MarkMyWords]

That seems to get the basic shading, but you have used a repeating transparency instead of a linear gradient fill. I find that approach can get complicated. Best to use a solid base shape for each colour and start with a fill, then lay transparencies over that, only where a transparency is needed. Now draw the shadow area and make another linear gradient fill with a darker shade. Don't forget to use the colour palette; Ctrl+E, for the easy adjustment of shades on your gradient.

After that a few subtle highlights; -white with transparency and feathered edges, should do the trick.

[woodwater]

More like that?

[woodwater]

i had forgotten to color the shape lines

[MarkMyWords]

Yes, you are getting there. A little more experimenting and you should have the technique mastered.