WHITE SPACE

Have you heard a designer reference "white space"? We'll cut through the geek speak and define this simple but powerful concept.

White space is an empty area—a space with no type or imagery. It's not necessarily white. There can be a background color or soft background graphic and still qualify as white space as long as there is nothing in the foreground.

White space is an important and dynamic tool in graphic design. When successfully implemented, it can:
· lead a reader through text.
· generate interest.
· create balance.
· provide contrast.

For example, when scanning the bookshelves at an airport newsstand, the book I noticed first was the one that focused on white space. With all the elaborate graphics, enormous type, and expensive printing techniques, the quieter cover stood out because it was so different. Sometimes it's the blank space that has the most impact.

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