How to easily create these layered shapes?

[Tom Van damme]

Hi Lucas,

there’s a few steps you’ll need to do to obtain this result, so no fast and easy way ☺

You’ll need to draw a basic shape first – I guess some sort of rounded W stroke with some thickness will do. Then use Object > Path > Offset Path… to create the different layers. Make sure you select “Round joins”. You’ll need to experiment a bit with the offset value to get the desired result.
The created offset will go all around the basic shape so you’ll have to manually cut some parts. Make a copy of the top part, then cut this copy from the underlying part using Pathfinder > Minus Front.

Hope this helps ☺
Tom

[Lucas Schwartz]

hi Tom,

Thank you for the suggestion. That is how I exactly tried to create the shape, however after offsetting the path when I select minus front and try to cut out the shape I find that I’m getting these weird artefacts.

[Lucas Schwartz]

[Tom Van damme]

That does seem strange, yes.
It’s probably due to superfluous anchor points. As far as I can see, the part in your picture should be straight, right?
Maybe try to simplify the shapes first before you do create the cutouts. The less anchor points there are, the smoother the end result will be.
You can simplify paths with Object > Path > Simplify… (or Remove Anchor Points and such…)