The thoroughness and truthfulness of the picture may be even the drawback 3D web icons possess. It means you're more free to use artistic vision while drawing some object. As an example, if we take a cell-phone, you'll be able to draw it rather similar to what we associate with its name but eliminate additional details, shades and highlights. However, your consciousness discerns it as a phone effortlessly. In some cases schematic drawings work even better than 3D models. You should analyze each definite case. To develop an object and make it seem closer to real one 3d icons must repeat thoroughly each detail and line. So to answer the question we can say it's more like a kind of technical representation than a piece of art. Though some illustrators manage to develop abstract 3D icons that involve creative thought and look like true works of art. Today accurate and realistic modeling is anyway the most used trend of 3D design.If you are planning to use some characters as icons, 3D icons are going to appear more realistic than 2D ones. The characters may remain cartoonish and this will give zest to your site.
The technical issues you may face while using 3D icons in your project layout.
So focus on these useful facts while creating the icons design for your site:
It is not possible to display all the beauty and details of 3d icons with bad resolution of the viewers displays;
since the monitor screen is 2D device it will not show the true three-dimensional object as we see it in reality;
3D space is harder to be manipulated and controlled in comparison with 2D one;
the non-standard applications important for correct viewing of 3D web Icons may force the user to download and install extra software which is certainly not convenient.
As far as you can see both kinds of graphical representation are based on geometric data but 3D objects are actually the sculpture models, more complicated items. Also 3D web Icons requirements are much severer. 3D web icons may lack creativity and abstract air but the facts of depth and volume which are successfully created with 3D technology are incontestable.