@unknownuser said:

I didn't know sketchup could do something that complex!

SketchUp can make anything! (or near... 💚
You must just training! 😉
Making of
By Karanak

http://orig02.deviantart.net/9426/f/2012/076/4/e/maelstrom_by_karanak-d4t0rdy.jpg

For editing in Illustrator you will be better off exporting as EPS File (*.eps)
Since EPS is a vector format this will allow you to edit the graphics in Illustrator and then scale to any size without loosing image quality.

thank you!