Please watch this video lesson on shape. (4:07)
Transcribed Notes:
Learning Goals
Identify the Meanings of Shapes: Learn how different shapes, like circles and triangles, communicate different messages to an audience.
Create Strong Silhouettes: Master the ability to design recognizable outlines that remain clear even without color or detail.
Make Intentional Design Choices: Select shapes that support the story you want to tell.
Design for Scalability: Understand how to simplify shapesso your work stays readable at any size.
Definition — The Closed Loop
The Concept: A shape is formed when the starting point meets the ending point. It starts as an open loop and becomes a closed loop.
When a Line Comes Home: Lines are a one-dimensional trajectory that suggests a journey. Shapes add weight and substance to a design.
The Dot Secret: Every complex illustration is just a collection of simple shapes layered together.
Geometric Shapes
The Concept: Geometric shapes are precise and calculated. They follow the rules of geometry (Squares, Circles, Triangles, Hexagons).
Characteristics: Think of a skyscraper. Geometric shapes are created through perfect symmetry and sharp angles.They suggest order, logic, and professionalism.
The Dot Secret: A combination of geometric shapes and vertical lines creates a sense of power.
Organic Shapes
The Concept: Organic shapes are free flowing and asymmetrical. They mimic things in nature like leaves, puddles, and clouds.
Characteristics: Organic shapes don’t follow any rules. Businesses use organic shapes to appear approachable, and eco-friendly.
The Dot Secret: If you’re using multiple organic shapes, make sure they point or lean in the same direction. This creates a sense of visual momentum.
Square & Rectangle
The Concept: Squares & Rectangles are the most common shape in design.
Psychology: In psychology, the square & rectangle is considered the most stable of all shapes because it rests on a horizontal base and has equal proportions. The square is purely rational.
Why use it: Use squares when you want a brand to feel unshakeable or grounded.
The Dot Secret: Because squares are so common, they can sometimes feel boring. To fix this, tilt them, turning them into diamonds, to add energy.
The Circle
The Concept: The circle has no start, no end, and no sharp edges.
Psychology: The circle represents eternity because it has no end point. It is the friendliest shape and designers use circles to convey that emotion.
Why use it: Circles are the best shape for brands involved in social media, health, or customer service because they want to appear friendly.
The Triangle
The Concept: The triangle is the most active shape because it acts like an arrow.
The Point:
- A triangle pointing up
Represents growth/success.
- A triangle pointing down
Represents a warning or a drop
- A triangle pointing right
Represents play or fast forward.
Abstract Shapes & Symbols
The Concept: These are abstract shapes that are simplified versions of real-world objects.
Symbols: Used throughout design to convey messages quickly, and clearly.
For example:
- Stick figure (represents a person.)
- Heart shape (represents love.)
- House (represents a home.)
- Magnifying Glass (representing looking for something)
The Goal: To communicate a complex idea instantly without drawing every detail
Positive vs. Negative Space
The Concept: An image is composed on positive and negative space which is the ink on the page and the empty space around it.
Positive Space: The actual object you drew.
Negative Space: The shape formed by the nothingness around or between objects.
The Dot Secret: The most famous example is the FedEx logo. Look between the E and the X. The negative space forms a perfect arrow.
Composition
The Concept: The way you put two shapes together, can create a new story.
Overlapping: Suggests depth and 3D space.
Touching: Suggests a relationship or a connection.
Floating apart: Suggests isolation or a lack of connection.
The Silhouette Test
The Concept: The outline is more important than the detail. The human brain processes shapes faster than color or texture.
The Design Application: If your shape is muddy or has too many small parts, the brain has to work harder to identify it. A strong shapeprovides instant recognition with zero cognitive effort.
Why it matters: A strong shape is recognizable even from far away or when it’s very small.
Rule of Thumb: If you fill a shape with pure black, can you still tell what it is?