A Cool Drawing Guide 14: Learn to Draw Optical Illusions, 3D Letters, Cartoons and More
How to Draw Cool Things, Optical Illusions, 3D Letters, Cartoons and Stuff: A Cool Drawing Guide 14
Do you want to learn how to draw cool things that will impress your friends and family? Do you want to unleash your creativity and have fun with your pencil and paper? Do you want to improve your drawing skills and learn some tricks and techniques? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you!
How to Draw Cool Things, Optical Illusions, 3D Letters, Cartoons and Stuff: A Cool Drawing Guide 14
In this article, I will show you how to draw four types of cool things that will challenge your mind and eye, and make your drawings stand out from the rest. These are optical illusions, 3D letters, cartoons and stuff. I will explain what they are, why they are cool, and how to draw them step by step. By the end of this article, you will be able to draw amazing things that will wow yourself and others. So grab your pencil and paper, and let's get started!
What are cool things to draw?
Cool things to draw are things that are interesting, unique, creative, or surprising. They are things that make you say "Wow!" or "How did they do that?" or "That's awesome!" when you see them. They are things that capture your attention and imagination, and make you want to try them yourself.
There are many cool things to draw, but in this article, I will focus on four categories that I think are especially cool. These are optical illusions, 3D letters, cartoons and stuff. Let me explain what each of these categories means.
Optical illusions
Optical illusions are images that trick your brain into seeing something that is not really there, or seeing something differently than it actually is. They play with your perception of reality, shape, color, size, movement, depth, or perspective. They can make you see impossible objects, hidden images, moving patterns, or distorted figures.
Optical illusions are cool because they challenge your logic and intuition. They make you question what you see and how you see it. They also show you how powerful and flexible your brain is in interpreting visual information.
3D letters
3D letters are letters that look like they have three dimensions: length, width, and height. They look like they pop out of the paper or screen. They look like they have volume, thickness, or depth. They look like they have shadows or highlights that create contrast and realism.
3D letters are cool because they add style and personality to your text. They make your words more eye-catching and memorable. They also show you how to use shading, lighting, and perspective to create an illusion of space.
Cartoons and stuff
Cartoons and stuff are drawings that represent characters or objects in a simplified or exaggerated way. They use basic shapes, lines, curves, colors, or patterns to create recognizable forms. They also use facial features, expressions, emotions, or actions to convey personality, mood, or story.
Cartoons and stuff are cool because they allow you to express your creativity and imagination. They make you use your sense of humor and emotion. They also show you how to use proportion, symmetry, and detail to create character and style.
How to draw optical illusions
Now that you know what optical illusions are and why they are cool, let's learn how to draw some of them. I will show you how to draw three famous optical illusions that will blow your mind. These are the impossible triangle, the Penrose stairs, and the Müller-Lyer illusion. Follow these steps carefully and you will be able to draw them yourself.
The impossible triangle
The impossible triangle is an optical illusion that shows a triangle that looks like it has three 90-degree angles, but also looks like it has no inside or outside. It looks like it defies the rules of geometry and logic. Here is how to draw it:
Draw a horizontal line near the bottom of your paper.
Draw another horizontal line parallel to the first one, but slightly higher and shorter.
Draw a vertical line connecting the right end of the first line and the left end of the second line.
Draw another vertical line connecting the left end of the first line and the right end of the second line, but make it slightly longer than the first one.
Draw a diagonal line from the top of the first vertical line to the bottom of the second vertical line.
Draw another diagonal line from the top of the second vertical line to the bottom of the first vertical line, but make it slightly shorter than the first one.
Erase the parts of the horizontal lines that cross over the diagonal lines.
You have just drawn an impossible triangle! It looks like it has three corners, but also looks like it has none. It looks like it has three sides, but also looks like it has six. It looks like it is flat, but also looks like it is twisted. How is that possible?
The trick is that you have drawn a 2D image that your brain interprets as a 3D object. Your brain tries to make sense of the image by assuming that the lines are parallel or perpendicular, and that the angles are consistent. However, this assumption is wrong, because the lines are not parallel or perpendicular, and the angles are not consistent. The image is actually made of three different triangles that are not connected in 3D space, but only in 2D space. Your brain cannot tell where one triangle ends and another one begins, so it creates an illusion of a single triangle that is impossible.
The Penrose stairs
The Penrose stairs is an optical illusion that shows a staircase that looks like it goes up forever, but also looks like it goes down forever. It looks like it has no beginning or end. It looks like it violates the laws of physics and gravity. Here is how to draw it:
Draw a horizontal line near the bottom of your paper.
Draw another horizontal line parallel to the first one, but slightly higher and shorter.
Draw a vertical line connecting the right end of the first line and the left end of the second line.
Draw another vertical line connecting the left end of the first line and the right end of the second line, but make it slightly longer than the first one.
Draw a diagonal line from the top of the first vertical line to the bottom of the second vertical line.
Draw another diagonal line from the top of the second vertical line to the bottom of the first vertical line, but make it slightly shorter than the first one.
Erase the parts of the horizontal lines that cross over the diagonal lines.
You have just drawn an impossible triangle! Now repeat steps 1-7 four more times, each time starting from one corner of the previous triangle and rotating it 90 degrees clockwise. You will end up with five impossible triangles arranged in a circle.
Erase some parts of each triangle to create gaps between them. These gaps will become steps on your staircase.
You have just drawn a Penrose stairs! It looks like a staircase that goes up or down endlessly, depending on which way you look at it. It looks like you can walk on it forever, but never reach a higher or lower level. It looks like it is circular, but also looks like it is square. How is that possible?
tries to make sense of the image by assuming that the lines are parallel or perpendicular, and that the angles are consistent. However, this assumption is wrong, because the lines are not parallel or perpendicular, and the angles are not consistent. The image is actually made of five different triangles that are not connected in 3D space, but only in 2D space. Your brain cannot tell where one triangle ends and another one begins, so it creates an illusion of a single staircase that is endless.
The Müller-Lyer illusion
The Müller-Lyer illusion is an optical illusion that shows two lines of equal length, but one looks longer than the other. It looks like the length of the lines depends on the direction of the arrows at their ends. It looks like it contradicts the principle of measurement and proportion. Here is how to draw it:
Draw a horizontal line near the bottom of your paper.
Draw another horizontal line parallel to the first one, but slightly higher and shorter.
Draw two arrows pointing inward at each end of the first line.
Draw two arrows pointing outward at each end of the second line.
You have just drawn a Müller-Lyer illusion! It looks like the first line is longer than the second line, but they are actually the same length. You can measure them with a ruler to verify this fact. Why do they look different then?
The trick is that you have drawn a 2D image that your brain interprets as a 3D object. Your brain tries to make sense of the image by assuming that the lines are part of a larger scene with depth and perspective. Your brain thinks that the first line is farther away from you than the second line, because the arrows point inward like the corners of a building or a room. Your brain also thinks that the second line is closer to you than the first line, because the arrows point outward like the edges of a window or a door. Your brain then adjusts the perceived length of the lines to account for their distance from you, making the first line look longer and the second line look shorter. However, this adjustment is wrong, because the lines are not part of a larger scene with depth and perspective, but only a flat image on your paper.
How to draw 3D letters
Now that you know what 3D letters are and why they are cool, let's learn how to draw some of them. I will show you how to draw any letter in 3D using a basic technique that involves adding shadows and highlights. I will also show you how to add perspective and depth to make your letters look more realistic and dynamic. Follow these steps carefully and you will be able to draw any letter in 3D.
The basic technique
The basic technique for drawing 3D letters is to start with a normal 2D letter and then add another layer behind it that is slightly offset. This layer will create an illusion of thickness or volume for your letter. Here is how to do it:
Draw a normal 2D letter near the center of your paper. You can use any font or style you like, but make sure it is clear and simple.
Draw another letter behind the first one, but slightly offset to the right and down. You can use a ruler or a grid to help you keep the same shape and size as the first letter.
Erase any parts of the second letter that overlap with the first letter.
You have just drawn a basic 3D letter! It looks like it has thickness or volume, but it is still flat and dull. To make it more realistic and lively, we need to add some shadows and highlights.
Adding shadows and highlights
Adding shadows and highlights to your 3D letter will create an illusion of light and contrast for your letter. This will make your letter look more solid and shiny. Here is how to do it:
Pick a light source for your letter. This can be any direction you like, but for this example, let's assume it is coming from the top left corner of your paper.
Add some shadows to your letter by shading or coloring the parts that are opposite or away from your light source. For example, if your light source is coming from the top left corner, then shade or color the bottom right parts of your letter. You can use a pencil, a pen, a marker, or any tool you like, but make sure it is darker than the original color of your letter.
Add some highlights to your letter by adding some white or light-colored spots or lines to the parts that are close or facing your light source. For example, if your light source is coming from the top left corner, then add some white or light-colored spots or lines to the top left parts of your letter. You can use a white pencil, a white pen, a white marker, or any tool you like, but make sure it is lighter than the original color of your letter.
You have just added some shadows and highlights to your 3D letter! It looks like it has light and contrast, but it is still static and boring. To make it more dynamic and exciting, we need to add some perspective and depth.
Adding perspective and depth
Adding perspective and depth to your 3D letter will create an illusion of space and movement for your letter. This will make your letter look more realistic and dramatic. Here is how to do it:
Pick a vanishing point for your letter. This is a point on the horizon where all parallel lines seem to converge. You can place it anywhere you like, but for this example, let's assume it is near the center of your paper.
Add some perspective to your letter by drawing some lines from the corners of your letter to the vanishing point. These lines will create an illusion of depth or distance for your letter.
Erase any parts of the perspective lines that overlap with your letter.
Add some depth to your letter by extending the back layer of your letter along the perspective lines. This will create an illusion of thickness or volume for your letter.
Erase any parts of the back layer that overlap with the front layer of your letter.
You have just added some perspective and depth to your 3D letter! It looks like it has space and movement, and it is ready to pop out of your paper!
How to draw cartoons and stuff
Now that you know what cartoons and stuff are and why they are cool, let's learn how to draw some of them. I will show you how to draw any character or object in a cartoon style using basic shapes, facial features, expressions, and emotions. I will also show you how to add some details and colors to make your cartoons more interesting and appealing. Follow these steps carefully and you will be able to draw any cartoon you want.
The basic shapes
The basic shapes for drawing cartoons are circles, squares, triangles, ovals, rectangles, and curves. These shapes are easy to draw and can be combined or modified to create any form you want. Here is how to use them:
Pick a character or object you want to draw in a cartoon style. You can use anything you like, but for this example, let's use a cat.
Draw a circle for the head of your cat. This will be the main shape of your cartoon.
Draw two triangles on top of the circle for the ears of your cat. These will be the secondary shapes of your cartoon.
Draw an oval for the body of your cat. This will be another secondary shape of your cartoon.
Draw four rectangles for the legs of your cat. These will be the tertiary shapes of your cartoon.
Draw a curve for the tail of your cat. This will be another tertiary shape of your cartoon.
You have just drawn the basic shapes for your cartoon cat! It looks like a simple sketch, but it has all the essential elements of your character or object. To make it more recognizable and expressive, we need to add some facial features, expressions, and emotions.
The facial features
The facial features for drawing cartoons are eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, eyelashes, teeth, tongue, etc. These features are important because they give personality and identity to your character or object. They also help you convey emotions and moods. Here is how to add them:
Pick an emotion or mood you want to show on your character or object. You can use any emotion or mood you like, but for this example, let's use happy.
Add two circles inside the head circle for the eyes of your cat. These will be the main facial features of your cartoon.
your cartoon.
Add a small circle below the eyes for the nose of your cat. This will be another secondary facial feature of your cartoon.
Add a curve below the nose for the mouth of your cat. This will be another secondary facial feature of your cartoon.
Add two curves above the eyes for the eyebrows of your cat. These will be the tertiary facial features of your cartoon.
Add some details to your facial features to make them more realistic and expressive. For example, you can add some dots or lines to the pupils, some whiskers to the nose, some teeth or tongue to the mouth, some lashes to the eyes, etc. You can also adjust the shape and size of your facial features to match your emotion or mood. For example, you can make the eyes bigger or smaller, the mouth wider or narrower, the eyebrows higher or lower, etc.
You have just added some facial features to your cartoon cat! It looks more like a cat now, and it also shows that it is happy. To make it more interesting and appealing, we need to add some details and colors.
The details and colors
The details and colors for drawing cartoons are patterns, textures, shades, highlights, outlines, etc. These elements are optional but they can enhance the appearance and style of your character or object. They can also help you create contrast and variety in your cartoon. Here is how to add them:
Pick a pattern or texture you want to use on your character or object. You can use any pattern or texture you like, but for this example, let's use stripes.
Add some stripes to your cat's body, legs, tail, and ears. These will be the main details of your cartoon.
Pick a color scheme you want to use on your character or object. You can use any color scheme you like, but for this example, let's use orange and white.
Color your cat's head, body, legs, tail, and ears with orange and white. You can use any tool you like, such as crayons, pencils, markers, paints, etc. These will be the main colors of your cartoon.
Add some shades and highlights to your cat's head, body, legs, tail, and ears with darker and lighter tones of orange and white. You can use any tool you like, such as crayons, pencils, markers, paints, etc. These will be the secondary details and colors of your cartoon.
Add an outline to your cat's head, body, legs, tail, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, pupils, whiskers, teeth, tongue, etc. with black or dark brown. You can use any tool you like, such as a pen or a marker. This will be the final detail and color of your cartoon.
You have just added some details and colors to your cartoon cat! It looks more attractive and stylish now. You have successfully drawn a cartoon cat!
Conclusion
In this article, I have shown you how to draw cool things that will impress your friends and family. I have shown you how to draw optical illusions that will trick your brain and eye; how to draw 3D letters that will pop out of your paper or screen; and how to draw cartoons and stuff that will express your creativity and imagination.
Drawing cool things is not hard if you follow these simple steps and tips:
Use basic shapes to create any form you want.
Use shadows and highlights to create an illusion of light and contrast.
Use perspective and depth to create an illusion of space and movement.
Use facial features, expressions, and emotions to convey personality and mood.
Use details and colors to enhance the appearance and style of your drawing.
Drawing cool things is also fun if you experiment with different types of cool things; different tools and materials; different fonts and styles; different emotions and moods; different patterns and textures; different color schemes; etc.
Drawing cool things is also rewarding if you share your drawing