GD Toolkit Summary Notes - Lesson 2

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Elements - Line
2.01
Line
Line
The direction of a Line can convey mood.
Horizontal – calmness, stability, tranquility
Vertical – balance, formality, alertness
Oblique/Diagonal – movement, action
Curved – fluidity, differing variances generate different moods
Zig-Zag – excitement, intense, danger
Thin – fragile, elegant
Thick – strength, emphasis
Lines can be literal or implied.
Line Types
Contour lines are used to define edges. The create boundaries around or
inside an object. Most lines you encounter are contour lines. In design these
could be the borders you add around an object or group of objects.
Dividing lines can also define edges, but what distinguishes them from
contour lines is they divide space. The lines between columns of text are
dividing lines.
Decoration lines are used to embellish an object. Cross-hatching is an
example of using decoration lines to add shading and form to an object.
Gesture lines are quick and rough continuous lines used to capture form and
movement. They are generally used when studying the shape and motion of
the form. You likely won’t use gesture lines, but you could certainly create
patterns of lines to signify motion of a form.
Line Patterns
A series of lines form a pattern.
Patterns convey meaning in addition to the meaning of individual lines.
Parallel lines of uniform width and spacing create a static and orderly effect.
By varying the spacing between lines of equal thickness we can convey
motion. When the spacing between lines of the same thickness is random
we get a dynamic effect with little order. When we vary both spacing and
thickness the effect becomes more chaotic and disorderly.
Lines can be made up of type or any shape placed one after the other.