Similar to the general class of metamaterials, compliant arrays (CAs) are engineered from an array of subelements that combine to produce a response that is typically not available from a flat panel made of a single material. As such, analysis and design of CA systems requires the integration of both the material and geometrical properties of the array. This paper proposes a convenient and efficient method of combining these essential elements using analytically derived shape factors for bending modes. The approach is validated experimentally, and used to demonstrate large regions of previously inaccessible property combinations in material selection charts that become attainable using carefully design CAs.