Fundamentals of Graphic Design

Formal Elements:
Line: Definition
Line Type
Line Direction
Line Quality
Shape
Texture

Principles of Design:
Balance
Emphasis
Visual Heirarchy
Rhythm 
Unity

Manipulating Space:
Positive/Negative
Illusion
Perspective

Positive and Negative Space

Definition:
If you draw a shape or a line on a page that is the positive space, or the figure. The rest of the space on the page is the negative space, or the ground.

Successful positive/negative relationships must be interdependent and interactive. For example:

• No space should be dead or leftover. Dead spaces are the areas of the page that are inert or that don't work in the overall design. On the otherhand, avoiding leftover space doesn't mean that every inch has to be filled with shapes or lines. Remember the value of empty space to create drama and focus!
• Consider both positive and negative space active.
• When you consider all space active you are forced to consider the whole space.
• A wholistic design has unity. The viewer wants to see unity, not disparity.

Fish and water share a tight positive/negative relationship in this design.

The space between the two faces also reads as a dagger and a heart.

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