Unit 3: Motif & composition
Elements of Design notes · PTU syllabus (BSTD 103-20)
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Unit summary
A motif is the basic unit of a design. This unit explains how motifs are developed from a source, how they are arranged against background and foreground and how positive and negative space shape the design.
After this unit you can
- Develop a motif from a natural or man-made source
- Arrange motifs in a composition
- Distinguish positive and negative space
- Judge background and foreground relationships
PTU syllabus topics
- Motif development
- background and foreground relationships
- negative and positive space
- 1Source of inspiration
Nature, architecture, culture
- 2Observe and sketch
- 3Simplify and stylise
- 4Arrange into a repeat
Half-drop, brick, mirror
- 5Colour the design
Topic 1
Motif development
- 1
Choose a source of inspiration
- 2
Sketch and observe
- 3
Simplify to key shapes
- 4
Stylise or abstract
- 5
Test sizes and colours
- 6
Finalise for repeat
| Style | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Realistic | Close copy of the source |
| Stylised | Simplified, regular, decorative |
| Geometric | Reduced to circles, squares, triangles |
| Abstract | Source is hardly recognisable |
Exam tip
Sources of inspiration: leaves and flowers, architecture, birds, shells, traditional craft motifs such as paisley and buta.
Topic 2
Background and foreground
The foreground carries the main motifs; the background is the field behind them. A good design links both: if the foreground is busy, the background is quiet, and the reverse.
A busy ground reduces the visibility of the motif: simplify the ground or increase contrast
Topic 3
Positive and negative space
Positive space is the area occupied by the motif; negative space is the empty area around and between motifs. Negative space gives rest to the eye and strongly affects how the pattern is read.
What it is
Area filled by motifs
Area left empty around motifs
Role
Carries the message
Gives breathing room, shape and balance
Risk
Overcrowding
Looking unfinished
Exam tip
Use the 'squint test': half-close your eyes — if the negative shapes look as interesting as the positive ones, the composition is well balanced.
Key terms
- Motif
- Single repeating unit of design
- Stylisation
- Simplifying a natural form into a decorative one
- Foreground
- The main elements of a design
- Background
- The area behind the motif
- Positive space
- Area occupied by the motif
- Negative space
- Empty area around the motif
Quick revision
- Motif development: source → sketch → simplify → stylise → finalise.
- Foreground and background must work together.
- Negative space gives balance and rest.
Important exam questions
Practice questions written to the PTU exam pattern for this unit's syllabus: short answers (Section A style) and long answers (Sections B and C style).
Short-answer questions
- Q1.What is a motif?
- Q2.Name two sources of inspiration.
- Q3.Define stylisation.
- Q4.What is negative space?
- Q5.Differentiate foreground and background.
- Q6.What is a geometric motif?
Long-answer questions
- Q1.Explain the stages of motif development with examples.
- Q2.Discuss background and foreground relationships in textile design.
- Q3.Explain positive and negative space and their importance.
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