The concept, classification, and composition of basic forms in graphic design

The concept, classification, and composition of basic forms in graphic design

1) The concept of basic form

Basic form refers to the most fundamental visual element used to express intent in graphic design. It is the main means of expressing and constructing intent, and the basic unit of design.

The basic shape has certain visual characteristics such as shape, size, color, and texture, among which the shape constitutes the main feature of the image, and there is a distinction between the inner and outer contours; Size is a comparative difference between shapes; Color is reflected in the differences in brightness, black and white, or hue of shapes; Texture refers to the surface texture of a form, such as roughness, thinness, gloss, wrinkles, and differences in concavity and convexity. And its characteristics are constrained by direction, position, space, and center of gravity.

The direction of the basic form is mainly determined by the relationship between the basic form and the combination rules (bones), as well as the relationship between other images.

The position of the basic shape is also determined by the relationship between the basic shape and the frame, as well as the subjective design purpose of the designer. The space of the basic shape is not only influenced by the interaction between the basic shape and the frame in the composition, but also surrounded by the space, resulting in positive and negative changes.

2) Classification of Basic Form Creation

In graphic design, the creation of basic shapes can be divided into two categories: natural shapes and social shapes

(1) Natural Form

Natural form is an objective material form that exists in nature, such as macroscopic and microscopic visual images of people, birds, flowers, grass, mountains, water, etc., ranging from celestial bodies to cells

(2) Social Form

Social form is the form produced by people engaging in various social activities. It is a visual image abstracted and refined by human beings through a long historical evolution, and has the symbol of human civilization. Social forms can mainly be summarized as mathematical geometry and design art forms.

Mathematical geometry, including lines, squares, circles, triangles, and other design art forms, are visual forms generated by people in their design or artistic work, such as different texture effects produced by different techniques in painting art, accidental or artificial effects in photography art and computer design, etc.

3）The composition method of basic form

In graphic design, the composition of basic shapes is mainly presented in the picture through methods such as combination, contact, segmentation, overlap, transparency, difference, separation, and coincidence. Using different methods can bring different visual effects to the picture.

(1) Joint law

Union method refers to the combination of two or more basic shapes to form a new shape, which will create a new visual impact in the picture and make the relationship between each basic shape more harmonious and unified, making the originally ordinary basic shape more attractive and artistic

(2) Overlapping method.

Overlapping method refers to overlapping two or more shapes together to form a new or overall shape, which can make the overall feeling of the picture stronger; At the same time, overlapping images not only allow viewers to feel the overall picture, but also the characteristics of different shapes, making the visual experience of the entire picture stronger. Transparent stacking method refers to overlapping two shapes together, with the overlapping part displayed in a transparent manner, at the base of the overlap

(3) Transparent stacking method

On the basis of this, the basic shape can still be displayed, which allows the basic shape to retain its own characteristics on the basis of overlapping, making the expression of the picture more diverse and personalized. The difference stacking method refers to two overlapping shapes, and the overlapping part is expressed in the form of blank space,

(4) Differential stacking method

The illusion of both overlapping and non overlapping can bring viewers more imagination and a sense of extension to the image, resulting in a better enhancement of the visual effect.

(5) Separation method.

The use of separation method is to use shapes to separate the elements in the picture into different elements in the top, bottom, or left and right directions, making the picture appear layered and spatial, as well as giving a feeling of folding. This composition method brings a fresher visual effect to the viewer, and the picture has an illusion of vertical alternation.