Principle:
The word ‘scale’ comes from the Latin word ‘scala’ and it implies steps to climb or descend
SCALE
Principle:
SCALE Also called proportion or the element of size, scale is about relationship. Telephone poles appear to get smaller the farther away they are. But everyone knows telephone poles are really all about the same size. So there’s a dichotomy at play between what is and what appears to be. Scale is the glue that allows both cases to be true while being false at the same time. Scale simply means that, visually, objects appear to conform to fit the environment that surrounds them. We say things are “scaled up or down” depending on their setting. Scale means that an object retains its original proportions, but may “scale up or down.” And therein lies the magic of scale: you can enlarge an object to the size of the moon or reduce it down to penny-size and its proportions within have not changed one iota. Scale enables an artist to change her artwork size without loss of impact. Additionally, a strong design is more easily scaled up or down than a weak design – primarily because strong design is better at any size, but also because the stronger design usually is based upon a simpler and cleaner underlying value pattern with clear boundaries and proportions. This clarity is more easily scaled than murky shapes and relationships. In creating imagery, it’s interesting to juxtapose an unexpected shape in an otherwise predictable environment. For example, a moon depicted in an image may evoke feelings of distance or isolation; the same view as seen partially obscured by a close-
47
Untitled, Atlanta, pen on paper, John Amoss
up onject in the foreground may exaggerate the feeling. Try arranging close-up things and far-away things in close quarters for unique presentation. See more on page 49 on how to utilize the element of scale.
{
Tip: The key to size proportion or scale is the relationship between things in the image – but more importantly, where you intend to place them in regard to the viewer.
}
