What's Next: Discovering the Positives of Negative Space

Our newest What’s Next article has been submitted by Philip A. Provins, paprovins@topflooronline.com

Negative space, in art and graphic design, refers to the area around and between the subject of an image. Negative space becomes apparent when the space around a subject, and not the subject itself, forms an interesting or relevant shape. Often, negative space is used to form the “real” subject of an image.

The use of negative space is a key element of artistic composition. In a black-and-white image, a subject is usually depicted in black and the space around it is left blank (white). However, reversing the tones so that the space around the subject is printed black and the subject itself is left blank causes the negative space to be apparent as it forms shapes around the subject. This technique is called figure-ground reversal.

The use of equal negative space, as a balance to positive space, in a composition is considered good design. This basic yet frequently overlooked design principle gives the eye is known to increase the appeal of a composition through subtle means.

Here are a number of interesting and effective examples that illustrate the use of negative space in graphic design: