Element of Design - Space (positive and negative)
Every visual image uses up space, that is the area contained within an image. Space can be divided into two types of space: positive space and negative space.
Positive space is the area that an object in an image uses or occupies.
Negative space, or sometimes referred to as white space, is the area that surrounds an object in an image. Leaving space between and/or around objects in an image allow the eyes a rest while scanning the entire composition. Oh, white space doesn’t have to be white coloured!
View the following examples of how positive and negative space can work together. If the positive space is black coloured, what do you see? If the positive space is white coloured, what do you see?
A balance of positive and negative space is most appealing because it is easiest for a viewer to focus on the subject. Getting the wrong balance can result in the visual image looking too busy or unappealing.
Good balance
Poor balance
