3d Chalk Art: How does it work?

Thanks for your interest in 3d chalk art! I am often asked how I create these pieces and I am happy to demystify the process a bit. Below are some samples of completed chalk art pieces:

Figure A: Samples of my 3d chalk art

3d chalk art is an illusion. It's an image that has been stretched out on the ground so that the 3d effect is only visible from one specific spot. As you walk around the piece, it begins to distort.

Figure B: What these same chalk pieces look like from the wrong angle

How do you make the 3d effect? First, you decide what you want the image to look like. Then you "pinch" the bottom edges in to distort the image. The pinched image is what your chalk work looks like from above. This is why 3d artwork is best done in a rectangular space: You are pinching and elongating the image to give the 3d effect.

Figure C: The image on the left shows the concept art: what I wanted it to look like. The image on the right shows the "pinched" effect; what the work would look like if viewed from above. I draw the pinched version, so that when you stand in the vantage point, it looks like the concept art.

Figure D: A visual breakdown of how the 3d chalk art works, made by artist Hector Diaz

Interacting with a 3d chalk piece takes the work to a whole new level. It's fun to imagine scenarios where people can jump into the work and make it feel even more life-like.

Figure E: People interacting with the chalk art

3d chalk art is best viewed through a lens, like a camera or a phone. This is because taking a photo forces an image onto a 2 dimensional plane. The camera takes a photo of what it sees and makes it flat. This forces the image to become 2 dimensional which creates the 3d effect. The 3d effect is not visible to the naked eye because we see in 3 dimensions already.

I often mark where people should stand to take the photo. It is helpful to have something or someone there to tell people to use their cameras to best see the work. Sometimes I provide a lens for them to look through, so that they don't have to go through the motions of looking through their own cameras.

Figure F: Examples of markers at the vantage point

where people should stand

viewing lens on site

Some things to keep in mind if you're looking to commission a 3d chalk art piece:

• 3d works take weeks of planning, be sure to reach out as soon as possible.
• Rectangular shapes work best.
• Stanchions or barricades are usually a good idea for large pieces of chalk art.
• Not all surfaces are created equal. Some pieces may require the use of washable paint to help speed the process along. Think about what is allowed on the site that you want to chalk.
• Some places do not allow chalking on the ground. We can work around this by using loose canvas, laying it on top of the ground, and working on top of that instead.
• Will the piece be a performance during the event or do you want it done ahead of time?
• There are 2 different types of 3d chalk artworks: pieces that go into the ground and pieces that look like they are laying on the ground. Think about what it is that you are looking for.

Figure G: Samples of 3d chalk pieces

going into the ground

laying on the ground

You can view more examples of my 3d chalk art here.

Do you have an idea for a 3d chalk art? I'd love to hear about it!
Click here to contact me for a free quote!