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Positive space is the area in a composition occupied by the main subject. The object, the figure, the thing your eye lands on first. That’s it.
Negative space, also called white space, is typically empty and lacks details as to simplify an image and keep the focus on the subject (positive space). Negative space is equally important to positive Space.
Balancing these two elements is crucial for composition, creating rhythm, and adding dimension, with negative space preventing clutter and drawing attention to the subject.
Neither exists without the other. Change the positive space, and the negative space changes with it. Shrink the subject, and the surrounding emptiness grows. They’re locked in a permanent relationship.
Negative space is the empty or unoccupied area surrounding and between subjects in a composition. Not “wasted” space. Not “blank” space. Active, functional space that shapes how you perceive everything else on the page.
Negative space doesn’t have to be white either. Negative space can be any color, texture, or pattern. The term comes from traditional art, where the area around the subject defines the subject just as much as the subject defines itself.
Below is an example of both positive & negative space together in on composition.
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
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