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Elements of Graphic Design: Mass

In the world of physics, “mass” has a strictly different definition than it does in the world of art.  A black hole might have a lot of mass as far as gravity is concerned, but when it comes to graphic design, it won’t have the same effect.  So what exactly is this mysterious element of graphic design known as “mass,” and how can you use it to improve your own work?

Mass: A Definition

In essence, “mass” refers to size when it comes to design.  You can’t draw a physical property like weight, but you can imply that same property by giving a certain object a lot of real estate on your canvas.

“Mass” is also a highly relative term in graphic design.  For instance, you might think that a stick figure drawn on a 3″ by 5″ note card looks small compared to us regular-sized bipeds, but if you draw a tiny stick figure right next to the larger one, suddenly your first figure grows in mass.

Physical mass can also be implied in your art.  If you were to sculpt a perfect model of a man sitting, you’d have to factor in his mass and the effect it has on the way he sits.  His skin would press flatly against the chair because gravity is pulling him down.  By making an object look like it weighs more than other objects, you can call attention to it without making it bigger.  Be wary, though, that you still don’t confuse an object’s physical mass with its artistic mass.

The Functions of Mass

Mass has a lot of uses in design.  It can solve logistical problems – for example, if you simply have too much weight to fit on a single business card, you might be inclined to construct a folding one, giving your overall product greater mass.  In many cases, thinking about your mass also means that you’re thinking about the medium in which your design will ultimately appear.

You can also use empty white space to decrease an object’s mass.  For example, if you want someone to appear small and weak, you can insert them in the bottom half of your canvas, bringing down their overall mass.  Even on larger prints, that person will continue to look small simply because of the way you don’t give him a lot of mass.

Like many other elements of design, mass will be used in conjunction of other elements in order to create these effects.  Mass relates closely to space; the less space you give an object, the less mass it has.  But there are other ways to give an object mass, such as making it the only three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional plane.  How you use mass will ultimately depend on the kind of effect you want to achieve.

To try out your skills in employing the element of mass, try this exercise:  take out some small pieces of paper and drawing objects with a lot of mass.  Try a simple coffee mug.  Notice the ways you present that mug on these small pieces of paper in order to make it appear larger and you can gain more insights into the world of mass.