White Space. It's one of my favorite elements of design and one which I consciously consider each time I sit down to begin a page. So what is White Space? Here's a definition from Wikipedia -
In page layout, illustration and sculpture, white space is often referred to as negative space. It is that portion of a page left unmarked: the space between graphics, margins, gutters, space between columns, space between lines of type or figures and objects drawn or depicted. The term arises from graphic design practice, where printing processes generally use white paper.
White space should not be considered merely 'blank' space — it is an important element of design which enables the objects in it to exist at all, the balance between positive (or non-white) and the use of negative spaces is key to aesthetic composition.
When space is at a premium, such as some types of magazine, newspaper, and yellow pages advertising, white space is limited in order to get as much vital information on to the page as possible. A page crammed full of text or graphics with very little white space runs the risk of appearing busy, cluttered, and is typically difficult to read. Some designs compensate for this problem through the careful use of leading and typeface.
Judicious use of white space can give a page a classic, elegant, or rich appearance. For example, upscale brands often use ad layouts with little text and a lot of white space.
And here is a quote from Cathy Zielske -
White space is about letting what you have to show and say stand on its own. It's about the drama of a good photo shining in all its glory. It's about giving the eye a much needed rest. It's about purity of intent. It's a calm in the storm of visual life.
With that in mind, consider the following pages -
And of course, white space isn't necessarily white. It's whatever background color you're working on.
I'm heading off early this morning with my DH to drive our oldest daughter up to college in Utah. That will be 12 hours up today and 12 hours back tomorrow. Sounds like fun, right? But I'll get to see my family - and escape the heat for a wee bit. The high this afternoon in the Phoenix valley is expected to be 113.
Thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow, I'll share some simple card ideas!
