Graphic Composition
Graphic Composition refers to how to layout a graphic. There are no formal rules on how to compose a graphic, just lots of different principles, theories and techniques that can help create an effective layout, some of these are listed below. As I am not a trained graphic designer, rather than creating a page on this site for each of these, I have linked to Design and Photography sites with good explanations and examples. Many of these sites will have pages on the other principles and techniques too. When working on this section of your project you will want to get information from several sources so you can rewrite it, and only quote small sections.
Negative Space
Design Principles
- Scale - draws attention to elements and creates emphasis
- Hierarchy - signal the importance of different elements
- Negative Space - blank space helps draw attention to elements that are there
- Alignment - making edges of object line up looks more professional
- Repetition - repeating design elements creates consistency that pulls a more complex piece together
- Contrast - makes design elements "pop"
- Balance - elements that are symmetrical feel "right", those that aren't - create tension.
Design Theories
- Rule of thirds - simple layout method (as well as the linked page search rule of thirds and look at the images)
- Golden ratio - slightly more complex layout method
Other useful techniques
- Simplicity - this is more a philosophy than a technique or style
- Framing