Abstract: Presented is a design aid and method for use in designing a two dimensional graphical illustration for a two dimensional sheet to be formed into a three dimensional item such as a decorative tin or metallic container. The graphical design aid comprises a two dimensional graphical surface which defines various regions of relative distortion resulting from the manufacturing process whereby the three dimensional item is formed from the two dimensional sheet. Once the various regions of relative distortion have been mapped, they are preferably filled with a graphical distortion designator such as a fill color and/or pattern. The various regions may conform to or depart from design lines based upon the distortion or function of the resulting region of the formed three dimensional item.