Looking for Suggestions To Best Revise Illustrations

Question

I have a project of updating approximately 100 illustrations (see screenshot) The illustration shown is a flatbed trailer with the proper arrangements of chains and straps to secure various cargo.
I have all original illustrations (from another agency), so I don't have to recreate. What I have to update is the location or position of a each chain or strap in relationship to cargo and the trailer. The chain is made up of separate shapes for each individual link of the chain. So moving the orientation of the chain is not going to be an easy task.
Here are my thoughts:
1. All illustrations are basically the same concept: cargo on trailer, securing method, different perspective view, etc. Could I use a 3-D modeling app to create models, yet be able to render in a similar outlined fashion? If so, what 3-D modeling/render app would you suggest?
Or, 2. Keep task in Illustrator, but try to optimize things like: recreating the chains as a brush pattern. Is there a way to alter the perspective of different links within a brush pattern? Or, is there a better approach of creating these elements?
I am open to any suggestions.

Answer 1

I am open to any suggestions...
Good. Here goes...
I have all original illustrations (from another agency), so I don't have to recreate.
I would recreate.
Could I use a 3-D modeling app to create models, yet be able to render in a similar outlined fashion?
Yes, you could. But depending on several things...:
How many different objects you're talking about.
How complex the objects.
Whether 3D geometry already exists.
... I probably wouldn't.
If so, what...app would you suggest?
I would suggest just about any 2D drawing program you might prefer.
Keep task in Illustrator, but try to optimize things like: recreating the chains as a brush pattern. Is there a way to alter the perspective of different links within a brush pattern?
Brush patterns for the chain is not the problem. The chosen use of converging perspective is the problem. That's your enemy. And it's not preferred for the task.
Or, is there a better approach of creating these elements?
There is: Parallel perspective (axonometric drawing; what most people call isometric drawing).
Individual drawings of the trailer(s) and cargo objects should be done in parallel perspective, on a pre-determined coordinate system (isometric, dimetric, or trimetric). Each object should be drawn in as many orientations as will be required to clearly illustrate the tie-down procedure. One orientation may work for the whole set. Or, particular setups may need more than one orientation to clearly show everything that needs to be shown.
Either way, regardless of what software(s) are involved, here's the thing: The project and purpose you depict (showing how objects should be properly secured to a trailer) is a prime example of why parallel perspective exists in the first place.
The purpose of the drawings is to clarify and instruct in the arrangement and assembly of multiple objects.
The visual information in the farthest distance is just as important and needs to be shown just as clearly as the nearest portion.
The drawings need to be done as efficiently as possible and to be as versatile as possible. You should be able to assemble multiple configurations/arrangements of objects from a library of objects. One original of each object should suffice for all instances.
That (among other things) is what axonometric drawing is all about. Because parallel edges are drawn as parallel, there are no "vanishing points." So a single drawing of a given object in a given orientation within the overall coordinate system (viewpoint) can be used at any location throughout the drawing. Chains and fittings don't have to shrink as they receed in the distance, no matter how they are arranged. Detail at the most distant reaches are just as clear as detail nearest the viewer.
Axonometric drawing is expressly supported in a few general-purpose drawing programs:
At the higher-priced end, Corel Designer can import 3D models in leading CAD formats, orient the model as desired, and flatten it to 2D so that it can then be enhanced with a full range of illustration tools, including a toolset designed to assist with parallel perspective drawing.
At the lower-priced end, Serif DrawPlus provides a clean feature set specifically to assist in parallel perspective drawing.
And yes, one can leverage 3D Effect (not just Extrude and Revolve, but also the too-often overlooked Rotate) to advantage. But there are problems inherent in 3D effect which largely negates its practicality. One biggie is that strokes become outlined when you usually don't want them to. So it becomes more practical to just draw using parallel perspective in the first place.
But the fact is, one can construct isometric (and dimetric and trimetric) in most any decent 2D vector drawing program with practical efficiency...if, of course, you know how.
If you don't know how, and if you the objects involved already exist as 3D models in a CAD program, you should:
Have the objects exported as flattened 2D drawings in standard isometric orientations, in DXF format.
Open the DXFs in your drawing program.
Simplify, smooth, join, and otherwise clean up the drawings to tidy paths.
Stylize the tidied-up drawings with stroke weights/fills/strokes, etc., as needed.
Make each object a reusable Group, Symbol, etc. and stored in a library.
Assemble a drawing by arranging instances of the individual objects.
Leverage whatever features the drawing program has for things like chains, ropes, etc.
JET