Emphasis

1. Why is it important to design the positive and the negative shapes of a composition?

- The relation of the positive shape and negative shape in a composition defines the state of the shape and composition, whether it is dynamic or static, leaden or buoyant. A carefully designed negative and positive shape of a composition lends energy to the entire composition/

2. What is the difference between representational shapes and abstract shapes?

- Representational shapes are derived from specific subject matter and direct observation, lending themselves to be highly descriptive. Abstract shapes are defined from a form of reality, but are distilled and transformed to represent a certain aspect of the source instead of the whole.

3. What are some of the ways emphasis can be achieved?

- Isolation, Placement, Contrast

4. What kind of subjects attracts attention?

- Any representation of another human

5. What happens when there are too many focal points?

- If there are too many focal points, they begin to compete with each other and lose power. Also, chaos is created and the viewer becomes overwhelmed.

6. Why is emphasis important, especially for graphic designers?

- Graphic Designers have a message that they want other people to notice. Emphasis allows that message to stand out and be noticed. Without emphasis, the message might be lost.

7. Which is more important: a strong focal point or unity?

- Unity is arguably more important. Unity gives a composition potential energy and without it, a focal point is useless. Without a focal point, there is nothing to release that energy, but a composition can still be pleasing.