SHAPE

An understanding of shape in composition is valuable to students majoring in various design fields because it is one of the fundamental building blocks of visual language. Shapes can be used to create a wide range of effects, from creating a sense of balance and harmony to conveying energy and movement. By using shapes effectively, designers can create designs that are both visually appealing and effective at communicating their intended message.

Here are some examples of how an understanding of shape can be valuable in different design fields:

  1. Interior Design: In interior design, shapes can be used to create visual interest and contrast in a space. For example, using organic shapes like curves and circles can create a sense of flow and movement, while using geometric shapes like squares and triangles can create a sense of stability and order. Contemporary interior designers like Kelly Wearstler often use bold, graphic shapes to create a strong visual statement, such as in her design for the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills.

  2. Game Arts: In game design, shapes can be used to create characters, environments, and UI elements that are visually appealing and memorable. For example, using simple, iconic shapes like circles and triangles can create characters that are easy to recognize and remember, while using more complex shapes like polygons can create environments that are richly detailed and immersive. Contemporary game artists like Shigenori Soejima, who worked on games like Persona 5, often use dynamic, stylized shapes to create characters and worlds that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

  3. Fashion: In fashion design, shapes can be used to create garments that are both stylish and functional. For example, using soft, flowing shapes like drapes and ruffles can create a sense of movement and femininity, while using bold, geometric shapes like squares and rectangles can create a more structured, minimalist look. Contemporary fashion designers like Alexander McQueen often use sculptural, avant-garde shapes to create garments that are both visually striking and conceptually rich.

  4. Illustration: In illustration, shapes can be used to create characters and environments that are both expressive and memorable. For example, using simple, iconic shapes like circles and squares can create characters that are easy to recognize and relate to, while using more complex shapes like polygons can create environments that are richly detailed and immersive. Contemporary illustrators like Christoph Niemann often use simple, graphic shapes to create illustrations that are both playful and profound.

  5. Graphic Design: In graphic design, shapes can be used to create layouts and compositions that are both visually appealing and effective at communicating their intended message. For example, using simple, geometric shapes like circles and squares can create a sense of balance and harmony, while using more complex shapes like polygons can create a sense of energy and movement. Contemporary graphic designers like Jessica Walsh often use bold, colorful shapes to create designs that are both eye-catching and meaningful.

  6. Web Design and Animation: In web design and animation, shapes can be used to create user interfaces, motion graphics, and visual effects that are both engaging and functional. For example, using simple, geometric shapes like circles and rectangles can create buttons and icons that are easy to navigate and use, while using more complex shapes like polygons can create dynamic animations and transitions. Contemporary web designers and animators like Val Head often use subtle, nuanced shapes to create designs that are both sophisticated and user-friendly.

In all of these design fields, an understanding of shape is essential for creating effective and visually compelling designs. By using shapes in a thoughtful and intentional way, designers can create designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and effective at communicating their intended message.