Graphic-iti

Do you believe that the parts we leave are as important as the ones we don’t? If your answer is no, then you’re part of the ones who believe that white space is a waste of space.

But there is a better way, think about it; the parts we don’t design are as powerful as the ones we do.

Consider my idea and think about it. White space, also call or referred as negative space, is the part of a page left blank, like space between lines of types, margins, etc. But it can’t be considered just BLANK space – because it’s an important element of design which creates a balance between positive (non-blank space) and negative space.

Negative space helps defines, creates balance and harmony, drag viewers attention, increase the appeal of a composition, gives a reader a place to rest and you still think that’s just absence of content. That’s right doesn’t have anything and yet it gives meaning and the use of negative space is a key element of an artistic composition.

White space can’t only be used to create harmony and balance in design, or to help position a brand, but it can be used to lead a reader from one element to another. It creates breathing room and balance and also emphasizes and/or structures information. That’s why we have to consider when we are designing that the white space is an important element and like everything else we have to work with it.

Lets have an example:

Picture #1: It’s look like two hands holding a person with open arms. This will mean like support and help. You can say “Maybe is a good simple design” But…

Picture #2: Ok there is something wrong. When we invert the colors something comes up. What was negative space now is positive space living us with something totally different. Now we have a HELMET. Do you see it?

Picture #3: Do you see it now? A poor white space or negative space design can brings us a lot of trouble and can changes the meaning of our designs. This means that the negative space is a VERY important part or element in our artworks.

So what do we need to do?

Practice. The only way to get a concept that can be as arbitrary and subjective as white space, is to practice. So to overcome these flaws we have to train our eyes and recognize that the white space isn’t just blank space but an element that can bring luxury or can deliver the wrong idea.

So practice, practice, practice and master this simple but challenging element called white space. And if you are a client, negative space has a purpose, if you don’t understand what the designer its trying to accomplish ask about why he/she used it, instead of just saying get rid of it or add more elements; I encourage you to know the purpose behind it.

White space or negative space isn’t just blank space, its art.

{Photo by: macca} {Edited by: José Morales}

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