# Arcade-Inspired Graffiti (UPDATE) '3D Super Mario Chalk Art' by Chris Carlson is Hyper-Realistic By Marina Rotharmel | Published 2012-08-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-super-mario References: [hiconsumption](http://hiconsumption.com/2012/08/3d-super-mario-bros-chalk-art/) & [chriscarlsonco.tumblr](http://chriscarlsonco.tumblr.com/post/28324433477/july-2012-soft-pastel-chalk-on-concrete) You'll feel like you're right in the game with the '3D Super Mario Chalk Art.' These gamer-inspired pieces were created by Chris Carlson. Each drawing is hyper-realistic -- they may be even clearer than the real game. The colors are totally vibrant, making every piece pop. You see plenty of the [classic characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invincibility-star) in these depictions, including Mario, Luigi, the piranha plant and even some goombas. This isn't just another piece of [Mario artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-mario-kart); a ton of time went into the incredible detailing. In terms of getting each character exactly right, Carlson had to color each piece perfectly with shading, and making them come to life with a 3D effect. The pieces were done in a studio, but Carlson will hopefully take his [art to the street](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) for more to enjoy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hyper-realistic Graffiti:** Advanced technology and techniques are being used to create graffiti art that rivals reality. Opportunities for incorporating augmented reality and interactive elements. - **Gamer-inspired Art:** The popularity of gaming culture is inspiring artists to create unique and exciting pieces that are resonating with fans. Opportunities for collaborations with game developers and merchandise sales. - **Studio-produced Street Art:** Artists are creating graffiti art in controlled environments, and then bringing those pieces to the streets. Opportunities for commissioned works and public art installations. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming:** Gaming companies can collaborate with artists to create unique merchandise featuring iconic characters and scenes from their games. - **Art:** Art galleries and museums can showcase graffiti art as a legitimate art form, attracting new audiences and elevating the status of participating artists. - **Tourism:** Cities can commission street art installations, creating tourism hot spots that showcase local talent and attract visitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Game-Themed Pixel Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pixel-art-collection.md) - [Animated Game-Inspired Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-road.md) - [Video Game-Inspired LEGO Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunscreen-mist.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Homewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-home-adventure-life.md) - [Holographic Video Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protohologram.md) - [Artistic Game-Inspired Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-de-guzman-1.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-bros-wonder-1.md) - [Racing Video Game-Inspired Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-kart-set.md) - [Digital City-Inspired Art Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-central-station.md)