It requires focus and precision to create straight lines. And the impression they create, when done well, is pleasing to the eye.

Aside from the visual benefits, straight lines also provide the shortest distance between two points. If time and distance matter, it’s worth the effort to consider your path before you set out. Alternately, if a meandering path is what you seek in a walk through a park, that’s fine too. Your goal determines the best path.

Straight lines express to the viewer that the creator takes pride in their work product. It is clearly stated without words that precision is important. It also suggests to the viewer that other details, which you can’t see, have also been carefully considered.

When combined in creative ways, straight lines create patterns with visual interest. Diamonds, grids, plaids and more are possible, yet they all depend upon straight lines for their foundation. The straighter the lines, the sharper the pattern. Straight lines can actually complement nature when used in creative ways; think about the geometric patterns of classical gardens.

Precision tools can be used to improve upon what can be done free-hand. In the simplest sense, my hand isn’t that steady, so a ruler has always been a useful implement. A vast range of resources to produce straight lines exist for applications large and small; lasers, cutting tools, synchronized gears, levels, striping tools and more enable the straightest of straight lines. Just how straight depends upon how exact it needs to be to suit the intended purpose.

Straight lines aren’t for everyone, however. If the “tie-dyed” look is your thing, or the massed and random look of English Gardens are your preference, then straight lines aren’t what you’re seeking. In many situations, however, straight lines are just the thing you need to create order out of chaos in an otherwise-messy world.

Whether you prefer straight lines or winding roads, Enjoy the Journey!

Tempus Maximize!