PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN AND APPLICATION

Lesson 7: Definition of Motifs, Pattern and Design

Informal

Informal – having irregular placement of motifs (Fig. 7.5).

• The design motif itself is called positive design space and the background, is termed negative design space. The motif is considered foreground, it is seen against background.
• Negative design space does not mean space that it can be ignored because the act of placing of motif on a surface simultaneously creates another form – the background, which has its own rhythmic lines and patterns. Thus background area is as important a consideration as the motif itself.
• The negative areas should show thoughtful spacing of the motifs, whether the arrangement is formal or informal. The relative proportion of background to foreground space also contributes to the total design.
• When the impact of background space is equal to the foreground space in its power of attraction, visual fatigue results from the competition between two equal forces. Equal divisions of motif and negative areas are also displeasing to look at, particularly when strong contrast is used.
• If the negative space is greater or smaller than the area occupied by the motif the spacing will be more interesting than if it is equal to the motif.
• When the negative area is greater than the motif, it helps to give it strength. Too less negative spaces make the motif appear crowded and prevent the single motifs from dominating in the design.
• Motifs that are familiar to us tend to focus our attention upon them more as compared to the abstracted background design they create.