Page 47 - Designing Ways 250
P. 47

organic shapes.  A subject will be much
                                                                                less confrontational once one has broken it
                                                                                down into these basic shapes.  Instead of
                                                                                having to solve one large and challenging
                                                                                puzzle, solve several smaller but easier
                                                                                puzzles.

                                                                                The role of shapes in graphic design.
                                                                                  Shapes are another basic element in
                                                                                graphic design.  They pertain to the figures
                                                                                and forms that are geometric, organic or
                                                                                abstract, making up all the other elements
                                                                                in design.
                                                                                  Geometric shapes like squares, triangles
                                                                                and circles have certain meanings that
                                                                                define the graphic design. Circles represent
                                                                                eternity because they have no beginning
                                                                                or  end.    They  likewise represent  free
                                                                                movement but are also widely used to
                                                                                protect and restrict. Squares and triangles
           studying the influence of shapes on people   What is shape in art?   mean  stability,  honesty, security  and
           is known as the psychology of shapes.   There are two major types of shape in   equality among other things.  But because
             The study claims that each shape has its   art: Geometric and Organic.  of their familiarity, they are not used to grab
           own meaning, and influences our minds   The geometric shapes are mathematical   attention.   Triangles suggest  movement,
           and reactions differently.  There are many   and include squares, circles and   action, tension and aggression.  They mean
           psychological tests that are used to define   triangles.  Organic shapes are irregular or   stability when standing on their base and
           the personality or mental condition via   asymmetrical.  One will encounter them   instability when not.
           shapes.  For example, a favourite figure   frequently when painting a landscape   Natural shapes take the form of those
           can tell about a person’s character traits, a   (think of the shapes which make up   naturally or organically available in the
           quickly chosen shape can show what’s on   clouds, trees and rocks).  environment, such as trees, birds and
           the mind.                           When starting a new drawing or   rivers.  When applied in graphic design,
             Many years of research and tests have   painting, the first task is to break the   natural shapes are rather interesting and
           helped professionals to define what   subject down into basic shapes.  Instead   thematic.  A basic shape like a round or
           meaning each shape typically brings, and   of seeing trees, rocks, grass and sky, one   a square can become more dramatic if it
           how it can influence human perception.  should see squares, circles, triangles and   were adorned with leaves or flowers.  dw








































                                                                                                    dw • Issue 250   47
   42   43   44   45   46   47   48   49   50   51   52