Shape language is not like what we use to speak; it is what we use to create a style. This technique helps you to communicate and push the character’s appeal. Creating the visual elements using shape language can represent the goal of the design as best as possible.
What is shape language?
Shape language technique is to specify the look and appearance of the background or character design by choosing a suitable shape for each one. You can make audiences understand the purpose of your design by using shapes correctly and appropriately. There are 3 main and basic shapes in every single object you see.
Look at the picture below and think about its constituent geometric shapes.
Oriention of Lines
Before breaking into shapes, let’s talk about the orientation of lines. We want to discuss horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines because it’s essential to know the differences in meanings.
Read More: Working with the lines
Horizontal lines
- Peaceful
- Grounded
- Calm
- Stable
- Peaceful
- Grounded
- Calm
- Stable
Vertical lines
- Active
- Power
- Growing
- Active
- Power
- Growing
Diagonal lines
- Turbulence
- Unrest
- Dynamic
- Turbulence
- Unrest
- Dynamic
The Meaning of each shape
Now it’s time to crack up these 3 shapes.
Triangles, squares, and circles are the most basic geometrical shapes everyone knows. They not only can help you in drawing but also in making sense.
Shape Language - Circle
Circles usually come to mind with bubbles, clouds, wheels, etc. Their roundness and smooth surface create a sense of freedom in movement. Circles are also know as stop signs in driving.
- Lightness
- Happiness
- Softness
- Innocence
- Movement
- Infinity
Circles usually come to mind with bubbles, clouds, wheels, etc. Their roundness and smooth surface create a sense of freedom in movement. Circles are also know as stop signs in driving.
- Lightness
- Happiness
- Softness
- Innocence
- Movement
- Infinity
Read More: Psychology of circles
Shape Language - Triangle
They are often used to convey danger, evil, and unpredictability. Triangles give the sense of action & power. They symbolize strength despite the conflict. Danger and warnings are expressed with triangular signs.
- Sharpness
- Danger
- Guidance
- Divinity
- Balance
They are often used to convey danger, evil, and unpredictability. Triangles give the sense of action & power. They symbolize strength despite the conflict. Danger and warnings are expressed with triangular signs.
- Sharpness
- Danger
- Guidance
- Divinity
- Balance
Read More: Psychology of triangles
Shape Language - Square
They are not flashy as far as others are. They are used to add depth to characters. Squares can give the sense of being stubborn, sturdy, reliable, and supportive. They are also used in some road signs to inform drivers.
- Stability
- Rigidity
- Heaviness
- Reliability
- Strength
- Seriousness
They are not flashy as far as others are. They are used to add depth to characters. Squares can give the sense of being stubborn, sturdy, reliable, and supportive. They are also used in some road signs to inform drivers.
- Stability
- Rigidity
- Heaviness
- Reliability
- Strength
- Seriousness
Read More: Psychology of squares
Case Study:
Pay attention to the picture below and think about their mentioned features.
The orientation of the left shape is vertical, so we can understand that designs based on this shape are active and full of power. However, the shape on the right hand is horizontal and symbol of stability and calmness.
According to what we have discussed so far, the picture on the right hand is calmer and more stable because of the horizontal shapes. But the left one is more active and growing based on the vertical orientations.
Shape language in Character design
Storytelling goes with the characters, and the designers, who create these characters, must design them memorable and unique.
The designers are responsible for creating their shape, personality, and attitude. Shape language is the critical technique that is involved. The question is, how?
Let’s see.
This character from the crazy clowns’ project is designed to be fast, cute, friendly, athletic, and kind. According to the picture, you can realize the purpose of using ovals and circular shapes.
The square and rectangle shapes signify the first character’s sense of weight, honesty, and stubbornness.
Use shape language to exaggerate size and fear or heighten your audiences’ awareness of danger and intelligence in your triangular design.
How to use shape language in background design
Let’s use the power of shapes for designing background in 3 steps:
Step 1 - Pick a shape
Select one of those basic shapes based on the mentioned meanings, which will drive the style of your background or character design.
Step 2 - sketch silhouette
Use your chosen shape as an inspiration for buildings and structures. I have chosen a triangle because I want my design to be the symbol of power and danger.
Step 3 - Create your style
Now you can complete the design in the way you want.
Final Design:
Power of shape language
As you see, shape language is one of the most practical techniques in designing character, game background design, and objects. Although there are many techniques to convey the character’s personality, the most effective technique is the one we analyzed. Basic shapes and their meanings are always in sight and recorded in mind; this is why they can walk your audiences through your goals.
