Page 57 - Graphic Design and Print Production Fundamentals

Graphic Design 45
Line

Figure 3.2 Lines (by Ken Jeffery)

A line is the second most basic element of design — a line is a collection of points arranged in a linear
manner (see Figure 3.2). A line connects two points, or traces the path of a movement. A line can be
actual or implied — for instance, as a composition of two or more objects in a row. Lines in nature act as
defining planes — examples are a horizon or the silhouette of a forest against the sky. Long straight lines
do not often occur in nature, and therefore when they are present, they tend to dominate the landscape
visually. Natural settings are usually parsed by the eye into shorter sequences of curved or straight lines
and organic shapes.

When made by the hand, a line is created by the stroke of a pencil, pen, brush, or any mark-making tool.
These lines can be thin or wide, and are expressive and distinct, reflecting the texture of the tool used to
make them. Lines can create a plane (a shape) by being clustered together or by defining a shape. If the
line is thickened, it changes and becomes a plane. When lines are made digitally, they can acquire many
of the same qualities possessed by hand-drawn lines through the application of effects.