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The elements of graphic design are used, and often combined, to create graphic works. They should not be confused with principles of design, such as balance and white space, but rather components such as color, type and images. Presented here is a list of the most commonly used elements in graphic design.
Shapes
From ancient pictographs to modern logos, shapes are at the root of design. They are used to establish layouts, create patterns, and build countless elements on the page. With graphics software such as Illustrator, creating and manipulating shapes is easier than ever, giving designers the freedom to create them at will.
Shapes are at the root of graphic design. They are figures and forms that make up logos, illustrations and countless other elements in all types of designs.
Using Shapes
Using shapes properly is one of the keys to successful graphic design. The form, color, size and other characteristics for the shapes in a layout can determine its mood and message. Soft, curved and rounded shapes are perceived differently than sharp, angled shapes. The “white space” or negative space left between shapes will also significantly impact a design. Experimentation and altering of shapes within a design can ultimately lead to the desired result.
Shape Creation in Modern Graphic Design
Current graphics software has transformed the way graphic designers can deal with shapes. Adobe Illustrator is the most useful tool for shape creation and manipulation. Simple shapes such as circles, squares and triangles can be created with a click and drag of the mouse. Adjusting lines and curves using the tools in Illustrator and similar programs can create more complex shapes, of limitless dimensions. Colors, patterns, opacity and other characteristics of shapes can easily be altered. It is important for designers to master the shape tools within their favorite software, as almost any shape that can be imagined can now be created.
Triangle Shapes
Triangles suggest action. They are dynamic. Triangles may convey either conflict or strength. Triangles can direct movement (up, down, left, right — depending on which way they 'point') but rather than moving themselves, they point the way for the reader.
Triangles are suggestive of many different shapes and ideas. They can represent a religious Trinity, a pyramid, a flag or pennant, an arrow, a beacon.
Some ways you can use triangles:
To symbolize action or conflict. In a logo, a triangle might be better suited to a growing, dynamic high tech company than the more stable, familiar square, for example.
Related to the first bullet item, use triangles to suggest familiar themes (flag, pyramid, arrow or pointer). A single or a series of triangles can point the eye to important information or act as an arrow to get readers to turn the page.
To highlight, organize, or set apart information using a solid or outlined triangle. Use a triangle to suggest progression. Place it behind a 'Top 10' list or the steps to accomplish a specific task.
Replace the letter A or V in text with a trianglur shape that suggests that letter. Try a wedge of pie for the letter A in the phrase Amy's Desserts.
Hands-On ExerciseLook at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects . Find examples of the use of triangles either in logo designs, as a shape to break up text or provide emphasis or interest, or as the physical shape of the piece. Look for creative use of triangles such as to replace letters in a nameplate or to represent familiar ideas
Practical Use of Shapes
As with lines, whether shapes appear as part of a graphic element, such as a logo or illustration, or the shapes themselves are the graphic element, such as frames or boxes, use them purposefully in the overall design.
Some ways that you might use shapes in your design are to:

Organize, connect, separate
Symbolize an idea
Create movement
Provide texture or depth
Convey a mood or emotion
Provide emphasis
Provide a framework
Geometric ShapesIn addition to the basic square, circle, and triangle discussed so far, other geometric shapes have specific meanings, some culturally-based. An octagon, especially a red one, usually means stop. A starburst is commonly used to grab attention and identify something that is new, improved, or 'on sale.'
Natural ShapesNatural shapes can add interest and reinforce a theme. Rather than a plain box, frame text with a coiling rope or a spray of leaves or flowers. Use a freeform, non-symmetrical shape to convey a feeling of spontaneity.
Abstract ShapesSome abstract shapes are almost universally recognized and easily 'read' even when the text is in an unfamiliar language. The stylized wheelchair, the male and female symbols for restrooms, and the jagged steps for stairs or an escalator are some examples. Icons are often abstract or stylized shapes. For example, a rectangle with a 'folded corner' often indicates a page in a document or a word processing program. A hollow circle or oval with smaller circles on the 'path' may be a literal representation of a planetary system or symbolic of a network, such as a computer network.
Auxillary LessonsThis course isn't the first time I've addressed the use of shapes in desktop publishing. Read each of the following pages (some are parts of longer articles but you only need to read the one page dealing with shape). Use your back button to return to this page after reading each auxillary page.
Use Shapes in Logo Design is part of a longer tutorial on logo design. This page shows examples of how you can use shapes to convey ideas plus more ideas on using shapes to replace letters.
In the same logo feature, Combine Lines and Shapes in Logo Design is about using the basic geometric shapes and lines to construct more complex images or to suggest familiar themes.
Hands-On ExerciseLook at ads, magazines, brochures, logos, and other printed projects . Find examples of basic geometric shapes used to construct more complex designs (see the Building Logos auxillary lesson to see what I mean). Look for examples of natural and abstract shapes. Find as many examples as you can of pieces that are use physical shapes other than squares/rectangles (if necessary, look through some of your design books and find pictures of pieces that use unusual shapes). Separate your samples into pieces that primarily use geometric, natural, and abstract shapes. (you'll need these for the assignment)
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