Positive and Negative Space

"Positive space refers to places where visual information is, and negative space refers to where it isn't. Balancing a page by weight does not guarantee a balance in positive and negative space. In fact, other principles advocate limiting the amount of information on any one page, and so it is common—and often desirable—to end up with a design that contains more negative space than positive space. Balance can still be achieved if the positive elements are properly "grounded" (as by the vertical white bar to the left), and not freely floating in a sea of negative space."

 Negative space may be most evident when the space around a subject, and not the subject itself, forms an interesting or artistically relevant shape, and such space is occasionally used to artistic effect as the "real" subject of an image. The use of negative space is a key element of artistic composition.   

The use of negative space in logo designs can also give logos a subtle third dimension, creating a layered look. The best example of this would have to be the FedEx logo. Visit www.fedex.com and take a close look at their logo. Have you ever seen the hidden arrow found in between the letters E and X? If you haven’t noticed it before, then you’ll never look at this logo the same way again. The hidden arrow portrays the speed and precision of the delivery service in a creative, simple, and clever manner.

What do you see first?

Graphics 1: Welcome to Photoshop

It seems most appropriate to begin teaching Photoshop to my Graphic 1 students by sharing this video that was recently released. It shouldn't be surprising, but it is, every time. The power of Photoshop is astounding...not just in it's technical abilities but what it leads us, as consumers, to believe...

 

We're just going to begin with filters.

Field Trip!

Upper level classes (Graphics 2/3 & AP) went on a field trip this past week to Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville. They had to complete a photo scavenger hunt for the following items (not all of Graphics 3 items are included):

• 3 different ideas/images that show emphasis on one item. (Prop/Person)
• 2 images showing each type of balance: 4 images total (Asymmetrical/Symmetrical)
• 5 images taken within a series. (Series: Images that can be shown together that have a common theme.)
• 3 landscapes showing directional lines leading off the right side of the fame. No humans.
• 5 examples of emphasis on texture.
• 2 examples of visual movement leading our eye from bottom to top of the frame.
• 5 examples of images using a prop - NOT an apple!

Meanwhile, I walked around taking pictures of them taking pictures.

It's a beautiful time of year in Virginia. Horsehead and all! (This was apparently a Drake video reference. I'm way out of touch with modern pop culture or so it appears...)

I may have taken Spirit Week a little too literally.

Happy Homecoming CHHS!

 Mrs. Berneche and I dressed up as (non-ha) fictional characters on Thursday for spirit week. Do you know who we are?! (I had to laugh when most of my students asked why I was dressed as a zombie. I would have also taken inmate for $1000.)

Do you need to take a Pollock break?

After I went grocery shopping I had to take a little Pollock break. (I suffer from decision fatigue.)

In case you need to as well, someone has created a flash Pollock site for these moments. All you have to do is furiously (or delicately...) click and drag your mouse:

http://manetas.com/pollock/

Ah, color.

Bulletin Board.

Graphics 2 in Color!

We've started off the year in Graphics 2 reviewing Color Theory (my first love) & Elements and Principles of Design. For their first project they were asked to create their own color wheel in Photoshop. It had to creatively display the primary and secondary colors using at least one Element or Principle. After we dusted out the Photoshop cobwebs and got on track, I think they turned out quite vividly!

I had to get some clarity on the 3DOUBLE0 - turns out to be an homage to the resolution size. Ha!

We Like What We See // no. 1

It's everywhere! Art art art. As we've been learning the elements and principles, it has simply reoccured to me that there is intention in everything we create. Even when breaking the rules are the desired aesthetic, there is still a formula for what needs to be rebelled against. Sometimes, you have to just look. Students with a little bit of spare time were asked to search the internet for contemporary artworks and see how, where and why these ingredients are being used. It's not an ancient methodology, these fundamentals are what we now know makes our work have artistic purpose. With the resurgence of street art happening in Richmond lately, I've been personally enamored by it and shared a few of my favorite artists that have work displayed around town. Some of my students found street art that they really liked, particularly those displaying form!

Anyways, once a week I will be posting images that we collectively find interesting for one reason or another. We like what we see! This week's roundup comes from two classes that I taught today. Do you know what elements and principles are being used?

 

 I want to do this!

 
Our very own city!

But, why?

Graphic organizers I created for my Graphics 1 students: 

Using the internet, they will find pictures and works of art that exemplify each element and principle that we have discussed in class.

 But, why?

Young designers, you and I both must know where your design decisions come from. I know they come from your heart because you love graphic design so much you took my class, but where else do they come from? Metaphorically speaking, it is imperative to learn the ingredients (elements) and the recipe (principles) to your perfectly baked cake (your creation). While I encourage the creative process to rely on your intuition, I also want it to make sense...to you...and to me.

Formly yours, Ms. Barnett

Design + Inspiration = Designspiration.com

For the days that the right side of your brain gets up on the left side of the bed...

come back and thank me then.

Oh hello there.

Hello wonderthings! My name is Jaime Barnett and I have recently embarked upon the incredible journey of teaching graphic arts in a high school. This blog is designed to keeps it real both inside and outside of the classroom. You will find a plethora of art-related information here including resources, inspiration, links, tips, related artists and updates of what we are working on! I encourage you to join me on this adventure and check back often to discover what we have to offer in Room 103.