Dark and light. About facial composition.

When we talk about building our own image, we're always talking about self-presentation. Using linearity, color, image types, and archetypes, we try to convey a desired message to those around us without the need for words. But while archetypes are where we directly express ourselves, with everything else we're essentially trying to live up to others' expectations and do so with maximum benefit. We primarily want to win people over, not repel them. And today we'll discuss another tool to help those interested in this.

Facial composition and impression

When covering the topic of linearity in our blog, we already touched on the nature of lines—that is, the impression certain lines subconsciously evoke in us. We also discussed what happens if we don't maintain the lines of our appearance, but instead try to "balance" them with opposite ones. However, as with figure analysis, it's not only the lines themselves that matter, but also the composition they create. And, as with figure analysis, there are two key concepts: vertical and horizontal. Let's look at what this looks like and examine its impact:

The vertical and horizontal can be assessed by the pink rectangles

Many people are aware of the different face shapes and use this information when choosing makeup and hairstyles. But the face shape itself doesn't really matter. The key factor is the distance from the eyes to the chin. Our eyes, as the mirror of the soul and the main focus of the face, can create three dynamic sensations by drawing attention to themselves. They can "pull" the face upward (vertical), "press" downward (horizontal), or maintain a static balance. The content of the pink rectangles in the diagram above can vary without detracting from the overall impression:

Different composition of facial features with different proportions

However, a few caveats can be made: with the same face shape, a long nose (from the front) or chin will shift the balance toward the vertical, while wide cheekbones and a small chin will shift it toward the horizontal. The height of the forehead, of course, plays an important role in this case, but it wouldn't play a role if the face shape were generally round or square—such faces are extremely horizontal.

What does this all mean and how does it apply in life?

Many are likely familiar with the science of physiognomy, which studies facial features and expressions to determine personality type, character, and health - physiognomy. Each of us uses it unconsciously when meeting new people. It is also used, one might say instinctively, to create vivid and relatable visual art characters. So, the horizontal and vertical dimensions we're discussing reveal the most primal impression of your character to others—whether you're dangerous or safe. And it's important to learn to work with this impression if harmony of image is your goal.

Vertical faces create a more closed, harder, darker, more authoritative, and even authoritarian impression. Such people are expected to project dominance, patronage, and rationality. This impression is reinforced by rich, dark or dramatically bright colors, high contrast, radical hair color (without softening), and sharp haircuts/hairstyles, with a firm cut and a dignified, and sometimes even proud, demeanor.

Horizontal faces, on the other hand, are open and soft, evoking democracy, equality, and brotherhood. They dislike rigid hierarchies; they are engaging and are perceived as warm-hearted and "bright." They suit light, pastel, or cheerful, bright colors, soft haircuts/hairstyles, soft/natural hair colors, soft, enveloping cuts, and nuanced color combinations. And their behavior is expected to be appropriate—friendly and open.

From the descriptions above, one might conclude that men strive more for a "vertical" impression, while women strive for a "horizontal" one. Unfortunately, we live in a society where gender roles are quite clearly defined, and this generally harmless fact, alas, pushes many people in a direction "away from themselves," away from creating an attractive and harmonious character—and toward a comical or unpleasant one. "Vertical" people strive to soften themselves, framing their features with golden curls and white lace, and where others might see an unattainably beautiful black swan, they see a wolf in sheep's clothing and prefer to stay away. "Horizontal" people, on the other hand, who lack self-acceptance, want to project a powerful and dangerous impression, which prompts them to lock themselves in the shackles of black suits and transforms them from nice people to whom doors are readily opened into people dissatisfied with life and evoke pity. This is why it is so important to see, acknowledge, and accept your “nature”—this will, at a minimum, prevent you from creating a negative first impression on others.

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It's worth noting that most people don't fall into the radical types, but most people have some degree of balance in one direction or another, and this degree of "positivity" or "negativity" in your character is another aid in finding a comfortable and effective personal style.

Peace between the outer and inner to each and everyone!

Thank you for your trust, and until next time!