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
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Step 1. Sketch the letters
Start sketching the word or name you want in bold letters.
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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.
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Step 3. Create the depth
After drawing the lines, use them as guides to create depth for the letter.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Step 1. Write
Start by writing the letter you want to apply the effect to.
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Step 2. Contour
Outline the letter with a thin line.
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Step 3. Connect the dots
Connect the vertices of the inner letter with the vertices of the line you drew around it.
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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.
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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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Letter 7 You can also make shadows around the letter to get a better effect.