Dragon Illusion

Here is a fabulous optical illusion that you can download for free, print out and make yourself!
These little paper dragons are an example of what is called the 'hollow face illusion.' The head or face of the dragon is folded the opposite way you would expect - it is hollow or concave. However, our brains expect faces to stick out, to be convex. And so our brains 'flip' the face of the dragon, and we see it as being convex.
But... when we move, or if we move the dragon, the perspective of the face does not behave in the way our brain expects. And instead of seeing the face as it really is, the brain comes up with an alternative reality - it thinks the face is moving in a way that it is not!
We have got three PDF files, for a blue dragon, a green dragon or a red dragon. Just download the one(s) you want, and print the PDF out onto a sheet of A4 paper. 80gsm or 100gsm. Note that page sizes in the UK are not always the same in other countries, so look for the print option 'fit to page' or 'scale to fit'. Then cut out the dragon, fold it as instructed, and assemble it. A paper glue is best, although you can use sticky tape. Then stand by to be amazed. And then amaze all your friends too!
It sometimes helps if you close one eye when viewing the dragon...
BLUE DRAGON
www.grand-illu...
GREEN DRAGON
www.grand-illu...
RED DRAGON
www.grand-illu...

[@StealthyDead]

I've seen videos of very large (human-sized) versions of this, and it's soooo tripppy

[@blod9862]

Same

[@fatcat1]

Yep

[@eeeee7934]

Link?

[@MovieVertigo]

@Yan Degus Skip to 1 minute 12 here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2W0lKyNYtaHi8k

[@snookerwither9955]

I've been in the same room as a full sized one, and it's very weird

[@AndyLundell]

As a pro-tip, these work better with paper that is NOT shiny. Glossy paper picks up reflections from your lights, and that somehow helps your brain figure out what's going on.

[@oooohapenny4707]

Thank You

[@NarutoUzumaki-jg4pw]

No problem for me, I can't see through it no matter how hard I look 😂

[@mandarinablue8438]

My brain is ok with shiny things, still very hard to see it as a hollow head unless he turns it the other way

[@piotrmil]

The illusion that introduced me to this channel. Now I have one on each desk, they store my business cards.

[@Virolaxion]

Same. Since watched every video on the channel

[@1337Shockwav3]

Channel? I remember it from the time Tim "only" had a website ~15 years ago.

[@Virolaxion]

@@1337Shockwav3 then you too know of the rare top-hatted Tim.

[@piotrmil]

@@1337Shockwav3 It might have been that, I have seen videos he uploaded there reuploaded on other sites.

[@angelikaunger6276]

I feel like these arent Illusions but its just Tim being magic

[@JamesCaveman94]

And when he does talk about his past with magic, he's always so humble about it, usually saying that he never was that good at magic so he turned to toys and bringing the newest gadgets to kids birthdays. Tim was always magic from the start ❤️

[@alexls1923]

Plot twist, those are actually real dragons and Tim is using magic to make us believe they are illusions

[@Rockhound-yh6iz]

Second plot twist: The dragons are real and Tim is the cardboard cut-out illusion.

[@flamewolf2936]

Yes VERY

[@greysoneduardo471]

instaBlaster...

[@clockworkkirlia7475]

That's just actual magic. Truly, actually fantastic. The first optical illusion that I just can't make myself see through once I've seen the full story.

[@user-zz6iv8vt4f]

You can't break it? I can if i look at the jaw

[@B.McAllister]

Those dragons remind me of going into class late while the teacher is in the middle of a lesson.

[@zalvalk7133]

B. McAllister LMAOOOO

[@Cool_Cupid]

Lol😂

[@j-sant-animations8105]

When a paper illusion stares at you into obedience . . . I want one in my front lawn. It’ll be watching everyone that passes by! All at once!

[@jackdog06]

These have always been truly terrifying to me for some reason.

[@actualgarbage8549]

Me: *Silently adding a black marker to the eyes*

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

Almost 15 years ago, I saw the dragons on the Internet somewhere and printed out and assembled all three colors. Last year, I found this channel and subscribed. A few months, ago something reminded me of the dragons and I suddenly realized this channel's (and Tim's) connection to the dragons from so long ago.

[@AriaLunaCampbell]

I think the most stunning thing about this illusion is how easy it is to break when it's still and you know how it works but because of how are brains are imperfect at 3D visualization, especially in motion, it still holds up as you move it. Simply marvelous.

[@daveelzacky9987]

It stares directly into my soul 😂

[@MisterCasket]

Judging...

[@DannyGfreekilos]

Cheers Tim, I'm going to make loads at work tomorrow.

[@weidwingelobjegdiv]

I will think of you when i glue mine together

[@johnroy9654]

I saw a similar video to this, and they folded the head in the opposite way, which still has a mild effect, but not the MAJOR effect. THIS is the video that shows and explains it properly!

[@madalene7724]

Printed the green dragon and took me a little longer than half an hour, but I thought I assembled it incorrectly as I wasn’t seeing the illusion. Then I filmed it on the iPad and the illusion came to life! I don’t know why I can’t see it without looking through a lens. It seems, my brain refuses to be tricked! Thank you, Grand Illusions!

[@standandyliver9811]

The same thing happened with mine! To my eyes, I do not see the illusion, but it looks perfect on video. I will try again later on with a higher quality print

[@user-zz6iv8vt4f]

@@standandyliver9811 can you brwak the illusion on the video?

[@meatstring]

No Tim, you're pure magic.

[@AngelOfTheMad]

Ah, I see you've got some Dragons from the Nile, Tim.

[@jongreenleaf1000]

That was just dumb

[@weidwingelobjegdiv]

@@jongreenleaf1000 no it's brilliant

[@weidwingelobjegdiv]

@Pyromaniack kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYGuq3qXnMmphMU watch this, also notice his sexy legs

[@jongreenleaf1000]

@Pyromaniack he had this vase that he kept pouring in a cup and more and more water kept getting in vase and he called it water from the nile and so it caught on but most of the ways people use it dont make sense and it has 50 likes cause people love the reference to one of jims vids that have become a meme

[@weidwingelobjegdiv]

@Pyromaniack yes, but very short shorts

[@Nightmare88ish]

Printed this out thinking it was interesting. Little did i know this thing is one of the coolest illusions ever. Spent 10 minutes cutting it out and putting it together. Thought it was broken. But you need to be at least 1-3 feet away from this thing for it to work. Now it's looking sweet just chilling on top of my PC. Even while sitting down it can something look like it's moving. Just from the angle. Anywhere you walk in the room this thing follows you with it's eyes! A perfect desk ornament! Fantastic Tim. I'd love to see more of these sorts of things! Highly recommended!

[@LawnBowlerUK]

Well, that's my next half hour sorted!

[@Martician]

One of my favorite illusions

[@astrokits]

Tim is the grandpa of dragons, you can't change my mind.

[@NeuroToKsynya]

Yes i can i AM The president

[@jongreenleaf1000]

They look like mis colored dogs nothing like dragons

[@J-M777]

@@jongreenleaf1000 you look like a jerk

[@cxx23]

@@J-M777 Yes, no matter the angle you look at him too. Interesting.

[@WaitWhosGlitch]

changes mind*

[@Shadowstitch]

Thank you for the papercraft, Tim! Love to see more of your paper collection.

[@robaba89]

This was the first illusion I saw from you all way back in the day. Almost 15 years ago I want to say. I printed it out from your website and put it on my desk :)

[@realf.b.i3893]

Theres no illusion but a star and that star is tim IM A BIG FAN TIM PLZ CREATE MORE

[@skunkcabbages5040]

This why it's always worth revisiting things, first time I seen those I thought they were just the 3D illusion, this time I really got the movement cheers to the camera person showing some of that skill today

[@darkhorse5932]

I love your videos tim but I'm not sure how I feel about those dragons silently judging me like that

[@alexdiamantis9141]

TIM THE ABSOLUTE UNIT

[@saifschannel2599]

900 views and 100 likes, this does put a smile on my face

[@JamesCaveman94]

It should already be in the hundreds of thousands, but of course people are too busy with the brain damaging twits that pollute KZbin. I always come to the understanding that Tim is just a KZbin legend that's a hidden gem for those who are child-hearted.

[@Zolwena]

My first reaction when I saw this was where can I buy one?! Then I watched even more and wow! You are giving the plans out for free! Awesome dude! That is so exciting! Not only do you give out the plans for free, but you also share on how to assemble the beast! Thank you so very muchies!

[@roopashree9217]

Same here.

[@mitschcrafter6766]

This channel is truly delightful

[@blueluny]

Man I had this exact thing on my desk in 2005. Amazing little illusion and glad it's still available

[@phonotical]

If we combine all three, does it make a glorious colour version? Update: I just tried, while they all lign up, they only make a black and white dragon, how about that!

[@DenkyManner]

Think I'll make one. The illusion is so strong you can't resist it!

[@user-zz6iv8vt4f]

You can't break it?

[@FACEJJ]

I always love seeing a repeat toy, Tim! Bringing back the classics 👌

[@bee5120]

I've also seen "life-sized" versions (about the same size as a post mail box) of these exact same statues in some countries in Europe...

[@Phobiaph0bic]

There’s a science museum in Montréal Canada that has a huge one in the corner of one of the rooms. Creeped me the hell out when I was younger. Still does.

[@1337Shockwav3]

I remember the original video you uploaded ~15 years ago on your website :) I printed it out at home, built it in school and it became a highlight of the class I was attending for the whole class including the teacher who was fascinated by it (lesson was an ordinary German class).

[@skakdosmer]

Wow! Brilliant! I've got to get one! Thank you!

[@eb2k445]

You know, this is actually the same optical illusion the busts in the que use for the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.

[@jeremymore451]

This and that cube from the 2019 compilation both were presented in the other youtube channel Brusspup years ago, its really cool to see them again!

[@roger.agburn]

Thanks for sharing the three versions as download! I love this illusion, can't wait to create the green and red one. (Since I already own a blue one ;) ).

[@StickerWyck]

Interesting to see this again. I got bored one day in 2004 and printed one out. I used a straightened paperclip to keep the head upright. I still have it around today.

[@jackglossop4859]

I printed one of these off and put it together while stoned. Ended up building it convex instead of concave: I literally just had nice little model of a dragon that didn’t move for buggery.

[@handkc12]

I know that it's a trick with depth perception so you'll have to close one of your eyes in real life to make it work, but in camera, it's already lacking depth perception, so it's all the same. I'm glad Tim knows and recognizes this particular item. I always loved it, ever since I got to know it when I was a kid.

[@user-zz6iv8vt4f]

Can you break this illusion on camera?

[@Billbeaux]

Could you imagine this with a creepy doll face!

[@Tylerson]

It was the original video of this illusion that brought me to this channel YEARS ago. I can't remember if it was the same video or another one, but I seem to remember a mirror illusion with a pig as well.

[@jamesmills6605]

Awesome ty for your quick response

[@jaidev777]

I like that the artist for good measure made the dragons look like they're kind of furrowing their brows judgmentally and scornfully as they stare at you. Very good.

[@kelf114]

It's sort of like the busts in the Haunted Mansion. They're actually inverse, like the dragon's head. As you go by them, it looks as if they're turning to watch you go by.

[@NekuBaba]

I remember making one of these back in secondary school. How nostalgic.

[@Fenix-yx2xl]

Hello there Tim! This seems to me, the most Grand of little illusions! Wow! Love it! Take care and greetz from Belgium!

[@Dowlphin]

Since the sheet says to close one eye, I am wondering how much of the effect is actually preserved if one simply views it normally. Of course a camera is only mono vision. It would lose a lot of the wow effect if it required one eye to be closed to fool you. But I CBA to make one myself just to find out. I would maybe only have the motivation if it was totally worth it.

[@theseattlegreen1871]

I don't think a human mind made this, something far beyond our comprehension created this masterpiece.

[@judicator375]

I remember the first version of this video on your website! With the soothing voice of another fella providing narration. Biiiig nostalgia

[@trahnettilhcs]

This is one of the first times I feel like Tim's "extraordinary" is truly warranted

[@JohnSTF72]

It's all about perspective, literally. I've seen these before, still the visual illusion remains as marvelous as Tim Says.

[@user-zz6iv8vt4f]

Can you break the illusion?

[@ActionYakPolice]

oh, these are delightful! these were (one of, if not the) first papercraft things I ever put together. I made one for my dad and I think it's still on his desk many years later. (these are very good for people just starting out making papercraft because they are easy to make)

[@manuello1938]

11 Years and still not 10M+ subs this happy man should have it rn

[@shearnotspear]

Really a rather *Grand* Dragon Illusion

[@lookslikejd]

I don't no i...i just... Love Tim🌞❤

[@zangmaster]

Super cool. I made one and I can only see the illusion when I close one eye but on the video I can totally see it with out closing an eye. Super interesting!

[@user-zz6iv8vt4f]

Can you break the illusion on the video?

[@d.s.parentsr6502]

What a grand Illusion!

[@skakdosmer]

I'm visiting my 83 year old mother right now and showed her part of this video, and she was fascinated as well as incredulous. So I used her printer and made the red one, and she absolutely loves it!

[@megavidaeos]

What a Grand Illusion!

[@xmarksthespot1372]

Cool it's like their actually watching us!

[@danforbes3573]

Tim can even make dragon's do tricks.HEH!

[@jamesmills6605]

I went on the website and I can’t understand how to even see what I’m looking for a very frustrated

[@Nakanokalronin]

I remember cutting one of these out and making it many years ago. Great illusion!

[@nickflesher7608]

I could watch this guy for hours

[@Nitrodino7875]

Tim. The one. The only.

[@hotdawg8641]

If looks so cool😎

[@itsthatjellydude3823]

He is a happy man keep doing what you do because you enjoy it love ya man

[@Mountlougallops]

Great!! All 3 colors. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@semihiseri]

Finally one toy that I had when I was a kid! :D It was featured on a science magazine for kids and I printed one in black and white :)

[@fakename8749]

This upload schedule makes me happy.

[@RynoDBones]

My students have made this every year since 2007 when I first saw you present it...maybe before then...not exactly sure! Great update video.

[@benrussell1476]

Amazing. I have downloaded a pdf and will make one tomorrow

[@kguy152000]

Love you, Tim!

[@snjezanaglavan4851]

Did you steal the illusion from that one Minecraft map?

[@jamesmills6605]

What I want to know is where I can get one or how do I print one out?

[@grandillusions]

Look in the text below the video. There are 3 links there, depending what colour dragon you want.

[@shantibodhi7833]

They had these as bookends, in my elementary school library. Crazy, seeing them on this channel!

[@darthsawlex8257]

A very grand illusion indeed!

[@lam2142]

Roar! Says Tim.

[@Exupace]

I first came across this about 15 years ago, you could just print them off from a website. I had one on my desk at work for a few years. May have to make another now :-D

[@standandyliver9811]

The effect wasn't working for me,but I figured out that you have to close one eye when you look at it. Close one eye and the effect is brilliant!

[@switchy1631]

Real

[@xxdanaxx2440]

ما هذا الإبداع يا عرب؟؟

[@Cent_Reviews]

I actually have one of these as a desk decoration

[@BadgerNipplesChannel]

Thanks Tim, printed all three. Will have fun with that later.

[@nightgazer1330]

I'll have to try this one out later! Looks like a fun little craft project.

[@PyroNinja713]

I used to have one of these when I was a kid.

[@recklessroges]

I saw this years ago, but the illusion has never been better than in this video.

[@user-zz6iv8vt4f]

Can you break it in the video?

[@Mortthemoose]

Lol....I love that! I feel I don't fit into this era....was born in the 60's, and hate our technology obsessed world (although I realise the irony of me watching this on youtube 😅). This is just so delightfull and is something "real". Am going to forward the video to a friend who has kids....I'm sure they will love it! Have just come across your channel so will have a look at it. Thank you

[@SuperTigger1999]

my little sis is gonna love this

[@baronvg]

I made my first one back around 2005 and it decorated my desk for years. I can’t wait to do another one and freak out my nephew when he’s old enough haha!

[@Roze_aye]

I didnt see it with the white dragon... *Then The Camera Panned Down*

[@user-zz6iv8vt4f]

Me too!!

[@iteerrex8166]

A little servo controlled platform would be cool too, so it would move even if you are not.

[@boredholmes1410]

Excellent videos Tim

[@Teremei]

what kind of paper do you print it on? Looks much thicker than standard printer paper.

[@Veralos]

What a grand illusion.

[@FavaroLeone]

the shadows ruin the illusion

[@bellechinchen]

Incredible! What a great activity to do on a rainy afternoon