Introduction to Lines as an Element of Design

Lines can be long or short, straight or curved. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. They create patterns. Lines in graphic design can be solid, dashed, thick, thin, or of variable width.

Sometimes a designer uses a line alone to divide or unite elements on a page. Lines can denote direction of movement (as in diagonal lines and arrows) or provide an anchor to hold elements on a page (such as lines at the top, bottom, or sides of a page).

You can use lines in conjunction with other elements of your design. One well-known example, the AT&T logo, is a pattern of thick and thin lines arranged in a circular shape.

Go through your sample folder of ads, newsletters, business cards, books, and other projects with an eye on lines. I want you to find as many different examples of lines of all kinds used in these pieces. Are the lines used prominently? Are they part of a logo or used in other ways to divide the page or add decoration?

Exercise
Find examples of each of these six types of lines:

1. horizontal lines
2. vertical lines
3. diagonal lines
4. curved or freeform lines
5. lines used in a pattern
6. non-solid (dashed, dotted, etc.)
7. lines

Separate these six (or more) examples in your Class Samples collection before going on to the next lesson.

Remember, this first set of lessons is an introduction to each of the elements of design. You'll be taking an in-depth look at lines^* and other elements in subsequent classes in this course.

Next > Lesson 2 - Introduction to Shapes

_{Elements of Design Classes > Introduction to the Elements of Design > Introduction to Lines}

^*If you found this page via search and are not following this lesson-by-lesson course on the Elements of Design, jump to the in-depth lessons on lines for more detailed information.

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