Two Dimensional Design - Opposite Space

There is no better designer than nature. 

-Alexander McQueen

 

There are two types of space: positive and negative space. Positive space refers to the space of a shape representing the subject matter. Negative space refers to the space around and between the subject matter. 
It doesn't matter what 2 dimensional area you are working in, painting,  photography, advertisement or illustration the negative space needs as much attention as the positive.

One of the best visual examples of the equality of positive (figure) and negative  (ground) is the old vase profiles. 

The black can be a positive vase and the white negative space or, the white can be positive profiles and the black negative space. Both equally balanced.

Take a look at the page your reading. The letters are the positive shapes and the area surrounding the letters the negative shapes.

We have been trained to only pay attention to the positive and disregard the negative shapes. They exist together and are equally important, there wouldn't be any letters if there were wasn't empty space around them.

Look at the FedEx logo and see what you can find......................

The negative space between the E and X creates the shape of an arrow, which is now a positive shape. Most folks just see the word.

Now is a good time to look at the trees when they have no leaves and see all unique shapes between the branches. You might also check out the negative shapes between other positive objects like buildings, fences etc.

Because we usually pay little or no attention to negative space,  I used to tell my students in drawing class, what you don't draw is as important as what you do draw.
As a designer we need to focus on the negative space as much as the positive as they coexist and together create a total. 


Action and reaction are equal and opposite. 

Gertrude Stein