paper brick (scenic express, clever, micromark, etc) would work great for those side walls. i’ve used this type thing for very large background buildings as well. i do a couple of things to enhance the realism.
- a extremely light black or charcoal gray spray from far enough away that it just dulls the surface. if you’re uncomfortable with that technique or don’t have the place for it, i’ve also used chalks very effectively and the results are more controllable. gives the walls an aged look.
- if not butted against another object, i often put a billboard on the building. the printed out billboard is mounted on card stock, then framed with thin stripwood (picking up a color from the add itself), then adding a couple of strips on the back so the billboard stands slightly away from the wall. i apply one strip at a ninety degree angle which creates a “shelf” which would usually be used by men installing the ad. (a ladder to the shelf could also be installed if the billboard isn’t too high).
- depending on the type of business, a wall vent or two could be added
all of this creates visual interest and detracts the viewer’s eye from focusing on the flat, paper brick. amazing how well it can work.
