Trick art that makes flat pictures look three-dimensional or change depending on where you view them from.
This fascinating art that uses optical illusions doesn’t just captivate children—adults get drawn into its world, too.
If you’re thinking about incorporating such trick art into your school festival exhibit, this is a must-read!
In this article, we introduce recommended trick art designs to display at a school festival.
You might think, “Handmade sounds difficult,” but with a few tricks—like how you add shading—it’s surprisingly easy to pull off!
Give it a try!
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Surprise! Trick Art Design Recommendations for the School Festival (1–10)
Stairs that look climbable but aren’t
Stairs are a classic subject for trick art.
They’re a relatively easy motif to draw, so they’re recommended for anyone trying trick art for the first time.
Start by creasing the drawing paper, then draw a line with a pencil perpendicular to that crease.
Next, while looking at the paper from a 45-degree angle from above, align a ruler in the air to place reference dots, and draw two parallel lines.
Finally, draw the steps, changing their size so the ones at the top are larger and the ones at the bottom are smaller.
It’s simple, but it mysteriously looks three-dimensional—you’ll want to reach out and touch it to make sure! If you apply this method to create a large staircase in a spacious area, you can make a very impactful piece, so I highly recommend it.
A floor that destroys your sense of balance
How about a striking piece of trick art that makes bold use of the floor? Arrange black and white squares in an alternating pattern, and the key is to distort the squares to create a sense of depth.
The larger the piece, the harder it is to fix mistakes, so be sure to sketch thoroughly first and check the overall composition as you go.
It’s the kind of work that makes even the creator feel like they’re being drawn into the illusion while making it.
The body below the neck disappears.
This trick art is sure to get reactions like “Whaaat?!” and “Eek!”—and become a hot topic.
It’s a clever setup where only your head remains in a box on a stand while your body seems to disappear.
The mechanism is surprisingly simple: place a box with doors that open in the middle on a stand with a hole in the center, and attach mirrors beneath the stand.
Use a three-legged table for the stand, firmly attach mirrors on all three sides, and position it so one of the points faces forward.
Photo tip: rest your chin on the table and push your face forward for the best effect!
A big hole in the palm of my hand!
Visitors make it themselves! Introducing the idea of a giant hole in your palm! When you think of trick art, many people imagine a booth where you enjoy completed artwork.
But how about hosting a trick art experience that visitors create and enjoy themselves? Cut a round piece of white paper and draw shadows on it with a pencil.
If you also prepare a matching hand-shaped shadow and a round cutout underneath, you can take photos that look just like there’s a hole in your palm! Give it a try at your event.
Mysterious Mirror
Get lost in an unreal world! Here’s an idea for a mysterious mirror.
Normally, with a mirror, light reflects off the surface so you can see your own reflection.
But this mysterious mirror not only prevents you from seeing yourself—it also has a trick that shows someone else on the other side of the mirror.
Visitors are sure to have a blast taking photos with friends and family! When creating the decorations, it’s a good idea to mark where the person being photographed should stand.
Creatures jump out
How about some trick art that makes powerful creatures like dragons, dinosaurs, and sharks seem to leap out from a flat surface? Using paints, gradually build up the motif across the entire white canvas.
The key is adding shadows with gradients.
This creates a sense of three-dimensionality, making it look like it’s popping out.
Let each layer dry as you work and apply multiple coats; by repeatedly painting over, you can enhance the effect of it protruding even more.
Give it a try!
Transform into a mermaid
Let’s become the doll you’ve always admired and take some photos! Here are some ideas for transforming into a mermaid.
Mermaids, treated as legendary creatures, appear in anime, films, and Andersen’s fairy tales.
Many people are likely captivated by their beautiful and ephemeral nature.
This time, let’s create trick art that lets you take commemorative photos together with sea creatures.
In the photo in the post, a little boy has transformed into a mermaid.
It’s a good idea to design it so that both children and adults can take part in the shoot.