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?

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...)

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!