Viral video shows how to draw a 3D optical illusion in under 3 minutes

3D optical illusion drawing hack
(Image credit: PIN KORO on YouTube)

We love a nice optical illusion (if you hadn't noticed), and happily the internet is full of people creating little gems to trick our eyes. Anyone wanting to create their own won't want to miss this quick video that shows a super easy way to sketch an anamorphic 3D illusion in just a couple of minutes.

The video shows how to draw a set of stairs that appear to descend down into a dark shadowy hole or basement. It's a simple but effective way to get started with 3D drawing and create a neat illusion in the process (you might want to invest in one of the best sketchbooks).

Shared by the Japanese artist and educator PIN KORO on YouTube, the video has notched up over 9 million views and hundreds of comments from grateful viewers eager to learn how to create 3D drawing. It shows the process in real time, from start to finish, but you could always incorporate this into a larger piece. All you need is a pencil and a piece of paper, and the sketch takes under three minutes to complete.

For more resources to improve your drawing, see our pick of the best drawing books. And if you want to go digital, see our choice of the best drawing apps. See our roundup of the best optical illusions for inspiration.

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Joseph Foley

Joe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news and features, updates buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment for creatives, from monitors to accessories and office supplies. A writer and translator, he also works as a project manager at London and Buenos Aires-based design and branding agency Hermana Creatives, where he manages a team of designers, photographers and video editors who specialise in producing photography, video content, graphic design and collaterals for the hospitality sector. He enjoys photography, particularly nature photography, wellness and he dances Argentine tango.