Let’s begin by understanding the need of
shadows in graphic designing. Designers incorporate shadows in their designs to
create an illusion of depth. It is used to make a flat page appear
three-dimensional.
To have a better understanding of shadows,
consider the analogy when light strikes an object. The objects cast a shadow in
the opposite direction of the light source. Adding interest and realism to a
printed page is achieved by using fake shadows from an imaginary light source.
Two common effects used to add interests to graphics and text in page layout
are Drop shadows and Cast shadows.
Shadows serve a very important purpose in
graphic designing. They help in determining the spatial relationship between objects
and backgrounds. They show the difference whether an object is floating above
the surface or sitting on it. They are used to add contrast or color. They even
help in revealing the shape of objects. In this article, we discuss about Drop
shadow and Cast shadow.
Drop Shadows
While using this effect, designers place
the drop shadow behind the object and offsets depending on the imaginary light
source position and the imaginary distance of the object from the background. It
replicates the shape and size of the object and makes it appear as if the
object is floating.
Cast Shadows
This is also called a perspective shadow.
It is a more realistic approach. It gives an illusion of being in front of
another surface. It’s like a shadow cast by a person or a tree. Instead of making
objects appear as if they is floating (as in the case of a drop shadow), cast
shadow detaches behind the object and extends from the object to one or more
surfaces.
