Games Midterm: Texture, Repetition, Pattern, and Wabi-Sabi

Texture

the way an object feels or is perceived to feel.

Actual texture vs implied texture

Actual textures are tactile, and can be touched and felt. Implied textures are visual representations of textures.

Pattern

a combination of motifs repeated in a recurring and regular arrangement.

Simulated texture vs inverted texture

Simulated textures replicate reality. Invented textures are made up and not abstractions of real texture.

Motif

any single visual element, or grouping of visual elements, that gets repeated in a pattern.

Rhythm

how patterns repeat over time.

Regular rhythm

created by a series of elements, often identical or similar, that are placed at regular or similar intervals, such as in grids.

Alternating rhythm

This is essentially a regular rhythm that has more complex motifs, or meta-motifs. The added variety can help lessen the monotony of a regular rhythm.

Flowing rhythm

created by undulating elements and intervals, bending and curving motifs and spaces. Think streams, waterways, sand dunes, hills, etc. Pretty much anything in nature.

Progressive rhythm

each time a motif repeats it changes a little, transforming and translating in a steady sequence - the motif progresses from one thing to another.

Wabi

Transcendental beauty achieved through subtle imperfection, such as in hand-made goods.

Sabi

Beauty that comes with time, such as the patina aged copper.