Studies in form, colour, and material
A quiet collection of design observations: how things fit together, how colour changes a composition, and how materials invite attention.
Before adding another element, look at the relationship between the elements already present. Size, alignment, and spacing often do more work than ornament.
Try a small study using only rectangles. Change one proportion at a time and notice when the composition begins to feel calm, tense, or balanced.
Begin with a light ground, a dark tone, and one accent. A limited palette makes it easier to notice how neighbouring colours affect one another.
Test the accent in different amounts. A small area of strong colour can guide attention without taking over the whole composition.
Paper, timber, fabric, and metal communicate through texture as well as shape. Light makes their differences easier to see.
Gather observations rather than purchases: a folded edge, a woven pattern, a matte finish. Sketch the detail and describe how it changes the object’s character.