Nowadays, famous 3D artists have opened the door for individuals not only to bring images of their favourite celebrities to life, but also to turn their imaginations into reality. They create stunning 3D anamorphic art using visual illusions that transform flat surfaces into dimensional masterpieces. While many 3D illustrators work in street painting, only a select few have achieved worldwide recognition. In this guide, you’ll find:

• Famous 3D artists who shaped modern street painting.
• How their techniques engage millions.
• How visual illusions create powerful brand experiences across industries.

Looking to skip the formalities and create your own 3D masterpiece? Salso Design delivers professional 3D anamorphic art services, combining technical expertise with creative vision for commercial campaigns and experiential marketing.

17 Famous 3D Street Artists in 2026

Like all artists, every famous 3D animator has a history and story behind their life. Indeed, the foundation of modern 3D street art was built by visionary artists who mastered anamorphic techniques in the late 20th century.

These pioneers transformed traditional street painting into an internationally recognized art form. Their innovative work established the standards and methods that contemporary 3D artists follow today. Meet the legendary masters who defined the field:

1. Leon keer

The first person in our famous 3D artists’ list is Leon Keer. He was born in 1970 in the Netherlands and stands among the world’s leading 3D street art artists. His innovative approach combines traditional visual illusions with augmented reality, pushing the boundaries in the field.​

His notable works include:

• Underground escape illusions
• Interactive toilet painting installations

2. Julian Beever

Julian Beever, born in 1959 in England, learned anamorphic techniques in the 1990s and launched his professional career in 2000. He shone by his book, “Pavement Chalk Artist,” now in its third edition, and became one of the most famous 3D artists in educational circles.​

Julian Beever’s 3D artwork examples are:

• Giant snail street illusion
• Make poverty history narrative painting

3. Manfred Stader: Famous 3D Artist

Manfred Stader is one of the pioneers who transformed 3D street painting into a globally recognized art form. Since entering the art world in the early 1980s, he has championed this style with dedication and mastery. His expertise was confirmed in 1985 when he won the title of Master Madonararo at Italy’s prestigious Grazie di Curtatone Street Painting Competition, establishing him as a leading authority in the medium.

Although Manfred has many famous 3D masterworks, two of his most recognized artworks are:

• The Fountain
• The Waterfall

4. kurt Wenner

Kurt Wenner was born in 1958 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is widely recognized as the world’s first 3D pavement artist. Before pioneering anamorphic street art, he worked for NASA as a space illustrator. You’ll find some of his signature pieces here:

• Underground architectural illusions
• Underground town compositions

5. Edgar Müller: Famous 3D Illustrator

Edgar Müller, born in 1968 in Germany, showed early talent for painting village landscapes as a child. He has been participating in street painting festivals since 1984, when he was 16. At the age of 19, he won first place in a street festival competition by drawing a famous copy (The Supper AtEmmaus).

His most celebrated works include:

• Falling water illusion
• Blue Eagle Composition

6. Tracy Lee Stum

Tracy Lee Stum began painting as soon as she could hold a pencil. Starting street painting in 1998, she has developed a colorful style that sets her apart among popular 3D artists. In 2006, she broke the Guinness World Record for the largest street painting.

Her iconic creations are recognized worldwide:

• The Game Field
• Café scene illusion

7. Joe Hill

For over a decade, Joe Hill has created stunning 3D artwork that is famous worldwide. He collaborated with his wife, Max, through their company “3D Joe and Max”. These famous 3D artists are most renowned for their artworks:

• The Giant Hand
• Valley landscape illusion

8. Melanie Stimmell

Melanie Stimmell was born in 1975 in Los Angeles. Today, she is one of the most famous 3D illustrators. Notably, her paintings are mostly inspired by the Renaissance style.

Her most famous 3D illustrations are:

• The Baby
• The Red Head Woman

9. Eduardo Relero

This Argentinian 3D street art artist brings critical humor to his work. Beyond street painting, Eduardo creates murals, portraits, engravings, and sculptures, showcasing the rare versatility among famous 3D artists.

Eduardo is best known for The Old King and his political commentary pieces, which set him truly apart.

10. Sergio Odeith

Sergio Odeith was born in 1976 in Portugal. His first experience of street painting was in the mid1980s on the walls of a train track. He has changed his style over the years, turning more toward 3D animal paintings, but his ingenuity remains consistent in his works, including:

• The Spider
• The Rooster

11. Saleh Sokhandan

Saleh Sokhandan, born in 1990 in Iran, officially launched his 3D art career in 2011 with commercial projects. As a pioneer of digital anamorphic painting worldwide, he designed and built Tehran’s 3D illusion museum in 2018.​ His groundbreaking works are:

• King Kong 3D mural
• Coffee cup illusion

12. Alex Maksiov

Ukrainian Alex Maksiov is next in our list of famous 3D artists. He has pioneered anamorphic street painting in 2010 and worked on 3D stickers across multiple countries ever since. This has made him earn a reputation as one of the top 3D rendering artists internationally.

The Whale anamorphic painting and Conceptual anamorphic installations are among his notable 3D artworks.

13. Remko van Schaik

Dutch artist Remko van Schaik brings over 25 years of painting experience across various styles. His passion for anamorphic painting led him to specialize in 3D design and optical illusion work & experience.​

Among his signature works, you’ll find:

• The Raptor
• The Monkey

14. Victor Splash

Russian three-dimensional mural painter Victor Splash has spent five years intensively studying 3D visual illusions. In 2014, Victor won the 3D Anamorphic Painting Festival in Germany. He is currently working on 3D mural projects that are renowned worldwide.​

Victor’s famous creations are:

• Sleeping Bear
• Fantasy composition

15. Adry del Rocio & Carlos Alberto: Famous 3D Artists

This Mexican couple is a 3D art team that designs and produces most of their work together. They are independent 3D artists, and their transformational paintings are world-renowned.

You could see their creative mindset in their most famous works:

• The King of Autumn
• The Pool

16. Vera Bugatti

Italian anamorphic painter Vera Bugatti is among the famous 3D artists, whose work features figurative and realistic designs. By participating in exhibitions worldwide, she’s won numerous awards, establishing herself as an elite 3D illustrator.

As a popular 3D artist, she has created award-winning pieces that have inspired millions worldwide:

• The Old Man
• Saving Dear

17. Roben Poncia

Robin Poncia, from the Netherlands, is one of the most famous artists in 3D. As he had a deep understanding of perspective for creating impressive 3D pavement art, he could move from painting large advertising posters and murals to anamorphic 3D street painting.

His popular works of art are:

• The Magic Gramophone
• The Dragon’s Lake

3D Painters Income

Beyond artistic merit, understanding the commercial landscape provides valuable context for these artists’ success. Estimating the income of famous 3D artists proves complex because artwork value depends on multiple factors:​

1. Value Determinants

• The artist’s activity history and portfolio
• The client’s credibility and project scope
• Work quality and technical execution
• Geographic location and travel requirements

2. Festival and Exhibition Work

Artists receive comprehensive support, including media exposure opportunities and cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Major street art festivals worldwide provide platforms for 3D street art artists to showcase their talents and gain international recognition.​

3. Commercial Projects

Leading famous 3d artists such as Leon Keer, Tracy Lee Stum, Kurt Wenner, and Julian Beever earn $10,000 to $15,000 per project. Rates vary based on:

• Project complexity and scale
• Location and travel distance
• Timeline and deadline requirements
• Client budget and usage rights

Bring Art to Life with Salso Design’s 3D Artists

The popular 3D artists featured in this guide have transformed public spaces and commercial venues worldwide through their mastery of anamorphosis. Their work shows how impactful 3D art blends technical precision, creative vision, and a deep understanding of visual perception.

Inspired by these artists and ready to create your own 3D anamorphic experience? Salso Design brings world-class 3D street art expertise to brands seeking unforgettable visual impact. Our team delivers the same kind of work that has made leading 3D artists internationally renowned.

Contact Salso Design today to transform your next project into an audience-captivating masterpiece.​

FAQs on Famous 3D Artists

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about famous 3d artists and the world of anamorphic street painting. Here are the top questions and answers: