What Is Negative Space?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Negative Space Definition

And probably the clearest definition of negative space is simply that it is

the space between things; the empty or blank areas, or the “holes” where the page shows through between the main design elements

. For this reason negative space in design is often also referred to as “white space.”

What is negative space and examples?

Negative space is

area around the subjects, or areas of interest

. Take a look at the image below. For example, do you see faces or a vase? If you are seeing a vase, then you are seeing the white area as the positive space.

What is meant by negative space?

Negative Space Definition

And probably the clearest definition of negative space is simply that it is

the space between things; the empty or blank areas, or the “holes” where the page shows through between the main design elements

. For this reason negative space in design is often also referred to as “white space.”

Which definition best describes negative space?

Negative space is

the space between, within and surrounding an object in an image, often to form another image or symbol

. The positive space is the focus of the image, the object itself, but the negative space is just as important.

What is negative space and why is it important?

Why Negative Space is Important

Negative space is

most often neutral or contrasting

, focusing our attention on the main subject, the positive shape, and providing a place for the viewer’s eye to rest. Without enough negative space, a composition can look busy, with too many distracting elements.

How does negative space work?

Negative space may be used

to depict a subject in a chosen medium by showing everything around the subject, but not the subject itself

. … Most often, negative space is used as a neutral or contrasting background to draw attention to the main subject, which then is referred to as the positive space.

Why is it called negative space?

Today, used in design, this term has nothing to do with white color: it’s all about empty space rather than color. The term “negative space” comes from photography: on a photo shot,

they define positive space (objects attracting attention)

and negative space (background).

What is space positive or negative?

Positive space refers to the subject or areas of interest in an artwork, such as a person’s face or figure in a portrait, the objects in a still life painting, or the trees in a landscape painting.

Negative space

is the background or the area that surrounds the subject of the work.

How do you create a negative space?

  1. Play a mind game. Negative space is often used to play tricks on the viewer’s mind. …
  2. Create a symbol by combining letters. …
  3. Make a cut-out. …
  4. Put words in the image. …
  5. Use the product image.

Why is negative space important?

Negative space is vital in a design


It augments the object of the design and brings it into focus

. Negative space is not redundant space or a white background. The background could be a blurred image, patterns, or anything else.

Which letter shows an example of negative space?


Letter Z

. An example of a negative space letter Z, that’s formed by rectangles, circles and negative space.

How is space important to art?


Space gives the viewer a reference for interpreting an artwork

. For instance, you may draw one object larger than another to imply that it is closer to the viewer. Likewise, a piece of environmental art may be installed in a way that leads the viewer through space.

What is negative space tattoo?

Negative space tattoos are

nothing new

, but their artistry can sometimes go unnoticed. … This style of tattoo is something different, though; instead of drawing an outline to create a shape, the design is done by using heavy colors to contour an area of skin to create a design.

What are negative spaces important in a design?

Negative Space is a cushion and a breathing room for all the design elements on the page. Gestalt principles also state that the negative space not

only helps to define links between objects but

also helps in defining their limits.

Does negative space have to be black and white?

And remember,

negative space does not have to be white

. It can be a color, a pattern or even a background.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.