Designing With Shape

Shape defined

•a area enclosed by a line or edge, has a defined boundary due to contrast in value, color, or texture

•a simple shape is more memorable and understood than a complex

Actual vs Implied Shapes

Shape and Repetition/ Pattern

Jim Flora

Overlapping, Transparency

Shape and Spatial Illusion

Figure/Ground

figure ground figure/ground

The F/G relationship

The F/G relationship

Obvious Ambiguous

The F/G relationship

Obvious Ambiguous

The F/G relationship

Obvious Ambiguous

How Shapes Interact1.Detachment-

2 forms remain separate (but may be very close)

we see both forms entirely

2. Touching (Kissing)- 2 forms just barely touch, we still see both form

entirely

How Shapes Interact

3. Overlapping- 2 forms cross over each other resulting in either

Union (2 forms create one larger form) or Subtraction (one form covers or subtracts the

other form)

Union

Subtraction

How Shapes Interact

Subtraction

4. Intersection- 2 forms overlap, but only the portion where the 2 forms cross over is visible, this creates a new

smaller form

How Shapes Interact

5. Penetration- 2 solid forms overlap, the portion where the 2

forms cross over is transparent

How Shapes Interact

Design with Letterforms

Design with Letterforms