4 Creative 3D Lettering STYLES for Beginners and Experts
Want to level up your lettering? 3D is definitely the way to go! Not only has it been trending this year but it’s what got me excited about lettering again.
If you think you already know how to it works, chances are you know of only one method… I did and I was wrong.
Wait, there are more? There are actually 4 totally different ones.
Why not try them out and if you want to learn how they work, read till the end!
Let’s get started
#1 SIMPLIFIED 3D
The simplified 3D lettering style is a great starting point for beginners who want to add depth and dimension to their lettering without getting too technical. With this style, you'll be using a simplified approach to perspective by making every perspective line angled the same way and the same length. This creates a uniform look that's easy to execute.
To get started with simplified 3D lettering, follow these steps:
Choose a word or phrase that you want to create in 3D. It's best to keep it short and simple, especially if you're new to this style.
Sketch out your letters in pencil. Make sure to keep each letter spaced evenly and at the same height. You can use guidelines if you need to.
Once you're happy with your sketch, go over it in ink or a darker pencil. This will make it easier to see when you start adding shadows.
Decide where you want your light source to come from. This will determine where you'll be adding shadows.
Using a pencil, lightly sketch in the shadows on the opposite side of your light source. The shadows should be the same length and at the same angle as your perspective lines.
Once you're happy with your shadow placement, you can start adding color or filling in your letters. Make sure to keep the shadow areas darker than the rest of the letter to create the illusion of depth.
PRO TIP:
To make your letters really pop, try angling them slightly upwards and keeping the extrusion (the thickness of the letter) relatively thin. This will create a more dynamic look that's perfect for display lettering. Experiment with different angles and thicknesses until you find a style that works for you.
By following these simple steps, you can create beautiful 3D lettering with just a few tools and techniques. With practice, you'll be able to add more complexity and depth to your lettering, but the simplified 3D style is a great place to start.
#2 ISOMETRIC 3D
Isometric 3D lettering is a fun and creative way to add depth and dimension to your lettering. This style uses a fixed perspective angle to create the illusion of space and three-dimensionality. Isometric 3D is a popular style used in design, architecture, and video games.
To create isometric 3D lettering, follow these steps:
Choose a word or phrase that you want to create in isometric 3D. Keep in mind that this style works best with block letters that can be easily stacked on top of each other.
Draw an isometric grid on a piece of paper or use a digital isometric grid on your computer or tablet. This will help you to create accurate and consistent angles in your lettering. An isometric grid is made up of equilateral triangles that are arranged in a way that mimics three-dimensional space.
Sketch out your letters in pencil, making sure to keep them evenly spaced and legible. Use your isometric grid to guide your lettering and ensure that they're all at the same angle. For example, each vertical line of your letter should align with one of the vertical lines of the isometric grid.
Once you're happy with your pencil sketch, go over it in ink or a darker pencil. This will make it easier to see when you start adding depth and dimension.
Decide where you want your light source to come from. This will determine where you'll be adding shadows.
Using a pencil, lightly sketch in the shadows on the opposite side of your light source. The shadows should follow the same angle as your isometric grid and be the same length as the corresponding edges of your letters.
Once you're happy with your shadow placement, you can start adding color or filling in your letters. Make sure to keep the shadow areas darker than the rest of the letter to create the illusion of depth.
PRO TIP:
To make your life easier, use an isometric grid, either on your iPad or printed behind your sheet of paper. This will make it easier to keep your letters aligned and ensure that they're all at the same angle. You can also experiment with different stacking arrangements to create interesting compositions.
By following these simple steps, you can create beautiful isometric 3D lettering that's perfect for digital and print projects. With practice, you'll be able to add more complexity and detail to your designs. Keep in mind that the key to isometric 3D lettering is consistency in your angles and perspective, so take your time and have fun experimenting with different layouts and styles.
#3 ONE-POINT Perspective
One-point perspective is a powerful technique that can add depth and realism to your lettering. As the name suggests, this style uses a single vanishing point to create the illusion of distance and depth. One-point perspective is particularly effective for circular layouts, such as logos or monograms.
To create one-point perspective lettering, follow these steps:
Choose a word or phrase that you want to create in one-point perspective. Keep in mind that this style works best with circular layouts, so choose a word with rounded letters or a circular shape.
Identify the vanishing point, which is the point where all the lines converge. In one-point perspective, the vanishing point is located at the center of the circle or layout.
Using a ruler or straight edge, draw the lines radiating out from the vanishing point to the edges of the circle or layout. These lines should be evenly spaced and converge at the vanishing point.
Sketch out your letters in pencil, making sure to follow the perspective lines you've just drawn. Use the vanishing point as a guide for the angle of your letters.
Once you're happy with your pencil sketch, go over it in ink or a darker pencil. This will make it easier to see when you start adding depth and dimension.
Decide where you want your light source to come from. This will determine where you'll be adding shadows.
Using a pencil, lightly sketch in the shadows on the opposite side of your light source. The shadows should follow the same angle as your perspective lines and be the same length as the corresponding edges of your letters.
Once you're happy with your shadow placement, you can start adding color or filling in your letters. Make sure to keep the shadow areas darker than the rest of the letter to create the illusion of depth.
PRO TIP:
To make your life easier, use a string and pin it to the vanishing point. This will help you to quickly draw all the lines correctly and keep them evenly spaced. You can also experiment with different layouts and designs, such as adding ribbons or twisting your word to create a more dynamic composition.
By following these simple steps, you can create stunning one-point perspective lettering that's perfect for logos, monograms, and other circular layouts. With practice, you'll be able to add more complexity and detail to your designs. Remember to keep your perspective lines consistent and aligned with the vanishing point to create a cohesive and realistic composition.
#4 TWO-POINT (and three-point) Perspective
Two-point and three-point perspective are advanced techniques that can take your lettering to the next level. Unlike one-point perspective, these styles use multiple vanishing points to create a more complex and dynamic composition. Two-point perspective has two vanishing points, while three-point perspective has three vanishing points.
To create two-point or three-point perspective lettering, follow these steps:
Start by drawing a set of boxes using two-point or three-point perspective. These boxes will serve as the foundation for your lettering and help you to establish the correct angles and dimensions.
Divide each box into smaller boxes, using the same perspective lines. This will help you to create a more detailed and accurate composition.
Once you have your boxes in place, you can start sketching out your letters. Use the perspective lines as a guide to ensure that your letters are correctly angled and spaced.
Once you're happy with your pencil sketch, go over it in ink or a darker pencil. This will make it easier to see when you start adding depth and dimension.
Decide where you want your light source to come from. This will determine where you'll be adding shadows.
Using a pencil, lightly sketch in the shadows on the opposite side of your light source. The shadows should follow the same angle as your perspective lines and be the same length as the corresponding edges of your letters.
Once you're happy with your shadow placement, you can start adding color or filling in your letters. Make sure to keep the shadow areas darker than the rest of the letter to create the illusion of depth.
PRO TIP:
When working with two-point or three-point perspective, it's important to take your time and be patient. These techniques can be challenging, but with practice, you'll be able to create stunning lettering that pops off the page. To make the process easier, start by drawing boxes and dividing them into smaller boxes before you start sketching out your letters. This will help you to establish the correct angles and dimensions and create a more accurate and detailed composition.
In conclusion, two-point and three-point perspective are advanced techniques that can take your lettering to the next level. By following these simple steps and being patient with the process, you can create stunning and dynamic compositions that blend reality with imagination. Remember to keep your perspective lines consistent and aligned with the vanishing points to create a cohesive and realistic composition.
WANT TO MASTER THESE TECHNICS?
I know, 3D is tricky, but once you understand how it works and you practice it, it’s a piece of cake but most importantly: an extremely fun challenge (great when you are in a creative slump).
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☑️ Key Characteristics of 3D drawing
☑️ Cube - Step by Step
☑️ Complex Shape - Step by Step
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