The present invention provides a method and composition for illuminating a contoured surface, such as a vehicle having a receiving surface extending from a structural member. A method includes providing a heterogeneous mixture including a semiconductor nanocrystal complex and a dispersion media, with the complex generally including a middle layer extending between a core and an outer layer. The mixture may be applied to receiving surface which receives illumination having sufficient characteristics for illuminating the contoured surface, and added during the polymer processing. In addition, a vehicle illumination composition is provided in which a heterogeneous mixture of a semiconductor nanocrystal complex is immersed within a dispersion media, wherein the complex may further include a semiconductor nanocrystal core separated from an outer layer by a middle layer, and the heterogeneous mixture illuminates the contoured surface.