EXAMPLE : 3D FOR PRINT, PAGE DESIGN
I really enjoy mixed media, the challenge of 3D modeling and rendering for print medium. This page design won 3rd at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Advisers Association.
My usual approach, especially with projects that have many interdependent parts, is to develop a good workflow. I had used Illustrator to generate some clean text in a previous project, which imported nicely to lightwave (my 3D package of choice) where I was able to make a 3D model quickly. There are many advantages 
to Illustrator files in this scenario, like file size and scalability.
All models, and initial textures where created in illustrator as 2D paths and shapes, then exported out to lightwave for modeling and photoshop for detailing the textures. This proved to be a very powerful and quick way to get a clean, industrial look.
The best part is that I documented every test render and experiment along the way, and afterwards created a very small cheat sheet and style guide that has really sped up my work since.
