Card Design – Positive & Negative Space
Written by Waffle Flower product designer JJ Bolton
We’re continuing Card Design month with more tips and tricks to add to your design toolbox! Today we’re discussing using positive and negative space. Positive space can most easily be described as the subject or main element, and negative space is the space around the positive space. The concept of positive and negative space is probably easiest to see with dies.
In this card, Jeanne uses the Oversized Miss word die and coordinating outline die (also known as a shadow die) in a classic example of positive space. The word and outline die cuts are front and center and popped up from the background with foam tape.
--Supplies--
Oversized Miss Combo
On the Edge Trio Die
Skinny Stripes Die
The same dies are used in this card by Galina, but this time with negative space around the word die cut. Instead of layering the die cut word over the background design of die cut flowers, Galina has cut an open space around the word with the outline die.
Oversized Miss Combo
Layered Flowers Die
Half-Half Dots Unicorn Paper Pad
Enamel Dots - JJ's Rainbow
Enamel Dots - Unicorn
Positive and negative space designs work well for any die that cuts a recognizable solid shape. Here Jeanne uses the positive die cut of the lovely cameo from the Elegant Frames set for her focal point.
--Supplies--
Elegant Frames Die
Elegant Sentiments Combo
As a negative die cut, we still see the unmistakable design of the cameo but now as a shaker! For negative space, you can die cut into a full background or into a smaller shape like Galina has done.
--Supplies--
Elegant Frames Die
Elegant Flowers Stamp Set
Happy Anniversary Duo Combo
We love this technique because you can use it with supplies you already have. What’s your favorite way to incorporate positive and negative space in your card designs?
