Elements of Design

Graphic design is concerned with the arrangement of elements in given spaces. Designers tend to focus on the photograph, letterforms, or illustrated subjects in their designs. But, to present those graphic elements in a visually purposeful way, designers also must consider the space around the elements. When a line or shape element is introduced into an area of space, the space is said to be activated. Space can be activated subtly or overtly.

Space in a two-dimensional drawing or graphic (shape) refers to the arrangement of objects on the picture plane. The picture plane is the surface of the medium, such as paper, canvas, or screen. A picture plane can be a crowded space with many objects, or it can be an empty space with very few objects. A two-dimensional poster has height and width but no depth. The illusion of depth can be achieved by using perspective. This is the technique used to have an image appear to be moving into the distance, such as a landscape.

Space is the three-dimensionality of a sculpture (form). A person can walk around forms, look above them, or enter them, for example. This is the space of a form. Remember that a three-dimensional object (or form) has height, width, and depth.