Elements
of Design
Exploration #1 – The Line
Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________
Lines can be long or short, straight or curved. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. They create patterns. Lines in graphic
design can be solid, dashed, thick, thin, or of variable width. There are curved, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag, wavy, parallel,
dashed, and dotted lines.Go through sample of ads, newsletters, business cards, books, and other images with an eye on lines. I
want you to find as many different examples of lines of all kinds used in these pieces. Are the lines used prominently? Are they part
of a logo or used in other ways to divide the page or add decoration?
Find examples of each of these six types of lines:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
horizontal lines
vertical lines
diagonal lines
curved or freeform lines
lines used in a pattern
Challenge #1 = How many different types of lines can you make?
Elements
of Design
Exploration #1 – The Line
Name: ____________________________________________________
Date: _________________________________
Challenge #2 - Create a portrait of the person sitting next to you by drawing a
continuous line. To do this, do NOT lift your pencil off the page once you begin
drawing.
Elements
of Design
Exploration #1 – The Line
Name: _________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________
Challenge #3 – Create your own Line Drawing. You could do a simple
turtle like the one shown here or any other appropriate shape that
you prefer. The only rule is that your shape must be filled with
various patterns and shapes.
Elements
of Design
Exploration #1 – The Line
Meaning and Mood
Lines are great for creating mood and meaning. Beyond the foundational line types above, other line types and styles can be used to create meaning and
mood. Because there truly are an endless number of line types and combinations within, we’ll just take a look at the few main types.
Vertical lines simulate height and can create a mood of grandeur or spirituality. Vertical lines are
more imposing and powerful. A great example of this is the vertical line usage in churches and
cathedrals where ceilings are lifted on tall vertical pillars guiding the eyes upward.
Horizontal lines generally create relaxation or a calming mood. They tend to be quiet and subtle
whereas vertical lines are more imposing and powerful. In design horizontal lines are also known
for their ability to organize content. Horizontal lines are often used to create balance and
organization.
The majority of curved lines create familiarity and comfort, they also suggest relaxation. Curved
lines are very easy on the eyes and are interesting to follow. Curvy lines are associated with
nature — they feel very organic.
Diagonal lines are the greatest way to create movement and direction. Where horizontal lines
suggest gravity and are stable, diagonal lines are more unstable. These lines don’t lay down or
stand up in a restful position, they are in motion and you can actually create a sense of speed just
by simply adjusting the pitch of the lines: the steeper, the faster.
Thick lines are visually powerful on the canvas, they represent power and respect. The use of
thick lines can build a feeling of power and boldness. However, the overuse of thick lines can be
very overwhelming and way too demanding so you’ll need to be careful and balance them off
with other visual elements or differing weights of line.
Thin lines tend to feel fragile, but their subtle feeling makes them great for directing the eye
without being annoying. They are also empathetic to the viewer and tend to create a feeling of
comfort and tranquility. Combining thin and thick lines is a great way to create visual interest and
hierarchy by balancing the visually demanding thick lines with the subtle, comforting thin lines.
Elements
of Design
Exploration #1 – The Line
Name: _________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________
Challenge #4 – Use the information about types of lines to analyze the ads. They will be shown on the SmartBoard.