How Shape Language Affects Our Emotional State.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed how, in some movies, certain characters feel like old friends the moment they appear on screen, while others give you the creeps before they even speak. It’s not just Denzel’s gravitas or Anthony Hopkins’ captivating performance. There’s another, often overlooked, element at play: shapes.

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with shape language—the idea that basic forms like circles, squares, and triangles—are quietly working behind the scenes to stir my emotions. They can warm my heart or send shivers down my spine.

Think of the soft, rounded designs in Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo compared to the harsh look of the Harkonnen in Dune. Shapes work like the backstage crew of storytelling—operating behind the scenes to deliver a powerful impact.

The Silent Symphony of Shapes

Imagine walking into a room with cozy, rounded furniture, soft edges, and polka dot patterns. You’d probably feel comfortable and, maybe even relaxed. Now trade it for a long and narrow corridor dominated by sharp corners, angular decor, and jagged lines. The vibe shifts—you feel more tense and cautious. That’s no accident; it’s shape language doing its thing. It’s by design.

1. Curves: The Warm Embrace

Curves and circles naturally symbolize safety, unity, and comfort. They have no beginning or end, which gives them a sense of completeness. You’ll find curves all over nature—the roundness of the sun, the moon, and even our own faces. These shapes feel familiar—no sharp edges, no threat. It is why they’re often used to represent characters or settings meant to evoke trust and warmth.

2. Squares: The Dependable Friend

Squares and rectangles give off a solid, stable vibe. They suggest balance, order, and honesty with their equal sides and neat angles. Think of buildings, books, or windows—all generally sturdy and reliable. Characters or scenes shaped like this feel trustworthy, dependable, and grounded.

3. Triangles: The Danger Sign

Now, triangles are where things get interesting. Triangles can come off as dynamic, sharp, aggressive, and even dangerous. They remind us of thorns, teeth, or knives—sharp things that could hurt us. So when you see triangles in character or environment design, you’re probably getting a subtle hint: be alert; something’s about to happen.

The Shape Magic of Disney, Pixar, and Studio Ghibli

If anyone’s a master of using shapes to make us feel, it’s the big three—Disney, Pixar, and Studio Ghibli. These studios craft emotional experiences to tell their stories. And, shapes are their secret weapon.

1. The Comfort of Curves

Characters like Baymax from Big Hero 6 and Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro are designed almost entirely with curves and circles.

Baymax is a soft, inflatable robot with a balloon-like body and a circular face. With his big belly and gentle features, he emits a comforting presence. These shapes make him instantly lovable and non-threatening, drawing us in before he even says a word.

Totoro, from My Neighbour Totoro. is another example. Despite his massive size, his rounded body, and the fact that he is… a monster, his friendly features make him look like a giant teddy bear. Curves work wonders for making even the largest characters feel approachable.

2. The Sharp Terror of Alien

Full disclosure: I just watched Alien Romulus. Ridley Scott masterfully uses shape language to tap into our deepest fears—the opposite of the above-mentioned characters.

The Xenomorph’s design is full of sharp angles and creepy elongated shapes—a head that narrows into a point, razor-sharp teeth, and limbs that look like they could slice through steel.

Add to that the unsettling design of the Facehugger, with its spindly, finger-like legs and spider-like form, and the fear intensifies.

The shape language here plays a huge role in amplifying the terror. Every element, from the Xenomorph to the facehugger, screams “danger,” making them some of the most terrifying creatures in film.

The spaceship Nostromo increases the unease with its tight corridors filled with hard lines and abrupt angles. Shadows cast sharp patterns, creating a claustrophobic environment where danger feels ever-present. The design is intentionally arranged to turn up the sense of dread and vulnerability.

3. The Dynamics of Movement and Power in Star Wars

Nothing is more iconic than the design of the Galactic Empire in Star Wars. All triangles, straight lines, and sharp angles. Darth Vader’s helmet, TIE fighters, and Star Destroyers—all are rigid and geometric, radiating power and control.

‘But what about the Death Star?’ you say.

Sure, on the surface, it looks like a giant Poké Ball—ready to capture the galaxy. But its softness is deceptive. Once you step inside, it’s an entirely different story. The interior is clinical, sterile, and overwhelmingly white, like a cold, massive medical facility. Its lack of warmth and humanity reinforces the Empire’s oppressive nature.

In contrast, the Rebel Alliance embraces more curves and asymmetry. Their bases are often integrated into natural environments, full of organic shapes and textures, emphasizing harmony with the galaxy.

The Millennium Falcon, with its circular cockpit and uneven design, feels dynamic and exciting, aligning with the rebels’ spirited fight against the Empire, and perfectly fitting its rogue pilot, Han Solo and fluffy giant, Chewbacca. hhhhhhhhrrrgh!

Even the droids tell a story through shapes. BB-8 and R2-D2, all curves and domes, are instantly endearing and trustworthy. C-3PO’s blend of rounded and angular features reflects his anxious yet well-meaning nature.

Why Shape Language Works

The real power of shape language is its ability to slip past our logic straight to our emotions. It is effective because it works on a subconscious level, which is why it is one of the quiet yet potent tools designers and filmmakers use to how we feel about what we see.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Quick reactions: Our brains process simple shapes faster than detailed images. This triggers an immediate emotional response.

• Hardwired from childhood: We start associating shapes with emotions early on. Even as kids, we instinctively link certain forms to how they make us feel—suggesting this response might be built into us.

• Nature’s influence: Curves often remind us of smiles, while sharp angles can feel threatening—like spotting something dangerous in nature or reading an angry expression. It’s a gut reaction tied to our primal instinct.

• No shape is an island: Shapes don’t work alone. They interact with color, movement, and other visuals to create a bigger emotional impact, making the whole scene hit harder.

• A tool for influence: Designers and marketers know the power of shape. They use it to shape (pun intended) brand perception and user experience. But keep in mind, cultural factors can tweak how these shapes are interpreted.

The Wrap-Up

Shape language is the secret sauce that makes stories stick. Filmmakers, animators, and designers know how to use it to hit us where it matters—deep in the feels. Shapes pull you in, hold you tight, and don’t let go.

But the influence of shape language extends far beyond film and animation. Shape language is everywhere. In graphic design, product design, architecture, even ads. Understanding and utilizing this concept is crucial for creating compelling compositions across various fields. By thoughtfully incorporating specific shapes, professionals can evoke targeted emotions, guide perceptions, and amplify the impact of their work.

So next time you’re binging a show, watching an ad, exploring a building, or interacting with a product, pay attention to the shapes around you. You’ll begin to notice how they’ve been subtly influencing your emotions, adding layers of meaning you might not have been consciously aware of. It’s storytelling in its purest, most powerful form—without words. Direct. Powerful. Real.

Recommended Reading

While there are countless resources I could recommend on the subject of shape language and its emotional impact, I’ve decided to keep it simple and focus on just one: Picture This: How Pictures Work by Molly Bang.

Using the story of Little Red Riding Hood, Molly breaks down how shapes, colors, and composition in imagery directly influence how we feel and respond to visuals. It’s clear, insightful, and incredibly practical—a must-read if you want to dive into the emotional side of visual storytelling.

I'll catch you in the next Note.

Mo. ✌️ ❤️