Artists transform rigid metal into dynamic, flowing forms through a combination of technical skill and creative vision. One key technique is strategic hammering, where controlled strikes create undulating surfaces that catch light differently, simulating motion. Metalworkers also employ precise bending and folding methods to produce rhythmic curves, often using heat to make the material more pliable.

Another approach involves kinetic design, where suspended or balanced metal pieces move naturally with air currents. Texturing tools like chisels and grinders add directional marks that guide the viewer's eye along imagined paths of motion. Some artists layer thin metal sheets to build depth, creating optical illusions of movement when viewed from different angles.

Contemporary metal sculptors frequently combine these methods with polished and matte finishes to enhance the perception of flow. The contrast between reflective and dull surfaces tricks the eye into seeing motion where none physically exists. By mastering these techniques, artists give cold, hard metal the appearance of organic fluidity and energetic movement.