#BlogChatterA2Z : “O”- Optical Illusions in Elements of Design (A2Z of Image Management)

Hi Everyone,

Here I am with my 15th post for #BlogChatterA2Z challenge. An illusion is a false perception or interpretation of something we see-through something that describes our eye when we look at it. An illusion makes something look quite different than it really is. Regardless of the facts,  and according to our mind’s eye, we tend to believe the illusions.

Let’s talk about Optical illusions in elements of design-

Fabric and Texture

Fabric and texture can be manipulated, steamed and layered to create illusions. A general goal is using clothing as a resource is, you select and arrange fabrics and textures in ways that enhance the body,  in ways that makes the figure appear more nearly ideal.  Fabrics can be used in ways that emphasize the most attractive lines and shapes of the body, and camouflage or counter those body lines and shapes you consider less attractive, in effect minimizing or eliminating them. Thick, bully, fuzzy or fluffy fabric can be expected to add visual weight to the body.

For example firm fabric tends to hold or support a garment’s shape, allowing the garment shape to be dominant, while a thin, soft, drapable fabric can fall closely around the body, now allowing the body form to become dominant. Differences in fabric texture cause garments of the same style look quite different when made up in deferring fabrics.

Shapes

A general goal is using clothing as a resource is you select and arrange design shapes in ways that enhance the body,  in ways that makes the figure appear more nearly ideal. Clothing lines and shapes can be used in ways that emphasize the most attractive lines and shapes of the body and camouflage or counter those body lines and shapes considered less attractive, in effect minimizing or eliminating them. You can modify or alter the illusory effects of shape with your use of the interrelated elements of design: line, color, texture and pattern. This requires you to plan and evaluate the effects of each element in the total design.

For example bigger floral shapes on any garment makes you look broader and bulkier while small shape floral patterns can reduce visual size and weight of your body.

Line

Line can be created, arranged and controlled to create illusions. Be aware, however not everyone perceives optical illusions in the same way or to the same degree and some not at all. Depending on eyesight, cultural background, personal experience, attitude and imagination, perception will vary. A general goal in using clothing as a resource is to select and arrange design lines in ways that enhances the body, in ways that make the face and figure appear more nearly ideal. Use clothing lines in ways that lead the eye or direct attention where you want it, that emphasize the most attractive lines of the body and camouflage or counter those lines we consider less attractive. Optical illusion are easier to control if you learn some of the illusions that relate directly to clothing. It is reassuring to know that specific type and directions of lines can be relied on to create specific effects or illusions. When you know what illusion you want to create, you will know better how to do it.

For example. To add visual weight and widen a thin upper torso, choose a rugby shirt with its wide horizontal stripes, or to visually lengthen and slim a thick midsection, choose a long vertical, center front zipper closure, or to visually slim a full rounded body, don’t dress it in full rounded clothes, counter the roundness with straight design lines.

Pattern

A fabric weave or surface texture often gives the appearance of a pattern or vice versa, the fabric pattern creates a definite visual texture. In all cases, either the pattern, the surface texture or the light reflection factor must be dominant.

For Example, corduroy creates textural stripes. Gabardine forms a diagonal twill, so does denim. A vertical cable knit creates stripes in a sweater. A jacquard weave can introduce beautiful textured flowers on cotton, linen or silk.

Color

Color is very good at creating illusions. Regardless of the facts, and according to our mind’s eye, we tend to believe the illusion that color creates. By recognizing the illusions that color create, you can select and arrange to create the illusions you want, they can be used to reinforce attractive personal coloring or undesirable effects of colors. Colors are seldom seen alone. They appear to change as they are seen in combination with other colors.

Warm colors can make cool colors appear cooler. Cool colors can make warm colors appear warmer. For example blue-green eyes may appear more green when blue clothing or eye shadow is worn. Light colors can make medium to dark colors appear darker. Dark colors can make medium to light colors appear lighter. For example, facial skin will appear lighter next to dark colored clothing. Bright colors can make medium to dull colours appear duller. Dull ,muted colors can make medium to bright colours appear brighter. For example, medium blue eyes will appear brighter when a slightly duller blue sweater or eye shadow is worn and vice versa.

The size of a colored area has marked influence on the way the color will be perceived. The larger the colored area, the more consistent the color will appear. The smaller the area , the more easily it appears to change.

Hope this information can help you create the right illusion you want to create.

This post is part of #BlogchatterA2Z challenge.

To read my previous posts checkout here A ,B ,C ,D ,E, F, G, I, J.K,L,M,N

@ Swati Mathur