3D graffiti is distinguished by the absence of solid outlines and the use of black and white sparingly. This method, like many other forms of graffiti, is highly technical and requires a high level of skill as well as a thorough understanding of how to use light, angles, shadows, and depth. Although a lot of graffiti is 3D, this particular style has a very realistic depth to it that appears to be tangible.
A basic sketch is first drawn on the wall, as with other forms of graffiti. The graffiti artist then chooses an incoming source of light to base the rest of the piece’s angles, shadows, and depth on. In most cases, 3D graffiti incorporates two light sources: one primary, or main, and a secondary, or reflective, light. These two light sources are frequently on opposite sides of the room.
After that, the sketch is completed. The artists shade according to the light sources in 3D graffiti, with lighter shades closer to the light source and darker shades further away. The fill is usually made up of three tones of the same color: a lighter, higher tone, a middle tone, and a darker, lower tone. The use of these tones adds depth and aids in the rendering of color transitions through light and shadow.
3D graffiti uses muted colors to give it a more realistic appearance. Brighter colors, as well as a heavy use of black and white, make a piece appear flat and cartoonish. Surface detail is applied to 3D pieces to create textures and contours. High-contrast colors are frequently used to achieve this.
A 3D graffiti piece’s background is frequently created by placing darker tones of a color in the outer corners and then bringing in a lighter tone in the center. This technique makes the piece appear more three-dimensional by visually pushing the image forward and away from the wall. Drop shadows, which are darker areas painted beneath the elements of the piece, give the image depth and make it appear to stand up.
Fogging is another technique that can help a piece appear more three-dimensional. Fogging gives the impression that one of the piece’s elements is hidden behind the other. Another option is to incorporate shadows into the piece’s elements, emphasizing depth, transition, and texture.
Precision is one of the most important aspects of successful 3D graffiti because it gives the piece a more realistic appearance. As a result, line cleanup and sharpness are critical. To make the piece appear sharper, the final step is to emphasize the piece’s lights and darks. White highlights have a much more significant effect in bringing the elements together and making the final piece stand out, so the previously sparse use of white is used here.