The 3D letters can be used to embellish chapter titles, pages but also posters. The key to making letters three-dimensional is to give the impression that there is light illuminating them by creating shadows. This technique can be difficult to master so here is a simple step by step list on how to create this effect.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Draw the Letters
Step 1. Sketch the letters
Start sketching the word or name you want in bold letters.
Step 2. Choose an angle
Draw an X at the top, right or left of your writing, then draw lines from the X to the top of your letter.
Step 3. Create the depth
After drawing the lines, use them as guides to create depth for the letter.
Step 4. Complete the letters
Continue to apply the same procedure for the other letters or numbers, transforming them into three-dimensional objects. Remember to erase the construction lines once you have drawn the letter.
Step 5. Draw the outline
Trace the outline with a black pen and erase the pencil strokes to clean up your drawing. Use a thicker pen for the outer outline of the word.
Step 6. Color
Use a color with two variations, one lighter and one darker as in the purple illustration.
Method 2 of 2: Draw Letters with Embossing
Step 1. Write
Start by writing the letter you want to apply the effect to.
Step 2. Contour
Outline the letter with a thin line.
Step 3. Connect the dots
Connect the vertices of the inner letter with the vertices of the line you drew around it.
Step 4. Create the light
Decide where your light source will be. You can draw a circle, a square, or any other shape that represents your point of light.
Step 5. Create the shadows
Try to think as if you really have a three-dimensional object in front of your eyes and darken the areas where no light is coming.
Advice
- You may want to start with a pencil and then use it to draw the shadows.
- If your letters will be displayed on a computer screen your light source should be on the top left. It is a convention used in all programs. If you do not observe this convention, your letters may appear hollow.
- Experiment with different letters, words and shadows to see what you can accomplish!
- When drawing letters use an H pencil so when you erase the perspective construction lines you will also erase the letter construction lines.
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You can also make shadows around the letter to get a better effect.