Design Element: Line (page 4)

 

 

This sketch incorporates angular and curved lines differently than the previous example. Here, the curved line is the focal point; stronger at its base and lighter in weight as it traverses upwards. As you read earlier, vertical shapes represent upward movement. In this case, upward movement solidifies with the addition of the line. If the curve stood alone, it may look more like a swirl, precariously set to topple. The line holds it in place and conveys stability.

 

Lines can physically support shapes. In this case, lines act to vertically and horizontally support and extend ellipses. What layout may result from this simple combination?

 

• a potential theme may be a cooking store, the ellipses remind me of chafing dishes, the covered serving platters used in restaurants, or
• a potential theme may be a camping supply store, the ellipses remind me of tents in a forest, or
• a potential layout can be a candy store, the lines and ellipses can represent licorice and gumdrops

 

Lines work well to communicate something simple and yet not entirely conservative. The shape and width of the line communicates your initial keyword adjectives. Slight offbeat placement of the line adds a bit of freedom or a carefree nature to the resulting shape. If you create a graphic with lines that match the language but the result is too static or dull, try moving one or two lines so that they are not quite geometric and even. The result adds a touch of creativity and fun to the overall design.

 

 

Your decision regarding choice and combination of line(s) follows the design concept and its keyword adjectives. What type of line in what position helps you to tell your story? Do you want to hold things, divide, organize, throw, connect, or lift them? Off-balance lines visually convey differently than horizontal, thin lines. Simple x-axis lines, surrounded by space, convey comfortable, calm, familiar. Lines at angles convey action, uniqueness, and tend to focus the user more intently. Curved lines convey a more natural, flowing, and softer space. Combinations of different types of lines, combined with good use of whitespace, create interesting, contrasting shapes.

 

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Written by Kelly Carey. © great25.com.