When shaping a tree, you must first decide which style is best suited to the tree's natural design. There are complex array of different shapes and styles to choose from. There are, however, five styles that seem to be agreed upon basic or fundamental designs. For a tree to be a formal upright, it must have a very straight trunk and a very balanced distribution of branches. The goal is to develop a sense of balance, but not strict symmetry.
Informal uprights are one of the most common styles.
This is the most basic design in that it follows the natural structure of the tree's trunk. The goal is to develop a single line of the trunk, reaching from the roots to the apex while producing a natural structure of branches and foliage. A Shakan bonsai will have a very distinctive slant, often time balanced out by very strong rootage on the opposite side of the trunk. The goal of shakan is to balance the movement of the trunk with the placement of the branches so that the tree does not appear to be lopsided. These trees give the appearance of a waterfall or cascade of foliage which spills over the pot and down toward the ground.