The elements of design are the basic components
used to create any visual design or work of
art. Last month we saw how to use the first two
elements - point and line - to communicate the
message of our scrapbook layout to the viewer.
This month we will explore the element "form".
Form
The simplest definition of a shape is a closed
contour, an element defined by its perimeter.
The three basic shapes are: circle, rectangle
(square), and triangle. Form is the shape and
structure of a dimensional element within a
composition, although the terms form and shape
are often used synonymously.
Form can be thought of as either two
dimensional or three dimensional. A
two dimensional form has width and height (e.g.,
a drawing of a square on a paper). A two
dimensional form can also create the illusion of
three dimensional objects (e.g., a drawing of a
dice on a paper). A three dimensional form has
depth as well as width and height (e.g., a
dice).
Form
can also be described as either organic
or geometric. Organic forms are
typically irregular in outline, and often
asymmetrical. Geometric forms are regular forms
such as squares, rectangles, circles, cubes,
spheres, and cones.
Another way to categorize form is realistic,
abstract, or somewhere in between. If we
can recognize everyday things in the form, we
say that it is realistic. But if the form is
difficult or impossible to identify in terms of
what we see in our daily life, we say it is
abstract.
Forms communicate the same state of mind as
lines, since lines are always implied by the
contours of forms. Let’s take a closer look at
the feelings the basic shapes communicate and
how you can use the basic shapes to design a
great scrapbook layout.
Rectangles
Squares and
rectangles are probably the most common
geometric shapes we encounter in our scrapbooks;
both the physical shape of the album and the
pages, as well as the photos, cut papers and
journaling blocks. Some designers might think
that square equals boring. And it is true that
other shapes can grab attention better than a
square, but think for example how difficult it
would be to read an entire book with text all
set in circles. Squares and rectangles
definitely have a place in our layouts.
The rectangle and
square suggest honesty, stability, equality,
safety and familiarity. It can also symbolize
rigidity or uniformity. The rectangular photo
block on her “Mother and Daughter” layout
emphasizes the feelings of honesty, familiarity,
and equality (on one hand) Lindsey wants to
communicate.
