Composition Arranging the elements on your page for maximum impact
7 Principles of Design Balance Rhythm & Movement Symmetrical Asymmetrical Radial Pattern & Repetition
7 Principles of Design Variety Emphasis Harmony Unity
7 Principles of Design Pattern & Repetition: Repeating a shape, line, color, or form Rhythm & Movement: Creating a path for the viewer s eye to follow through the artwork Balance: How the elements are arranged on the page. Can be symmetrical (mirror image), asymmetrical, or radial (arranged around a central point) Emphasis: Drawing attention to a single element by creating contrast (difference) Harmony: The use of similar elements in the artwork Variety: Use of different shapes, forms, colors, sizes, and more Unity: All elements work together to show a sense of theme or concept. All elements should be working together and supporting one another.
Asymmetrical Balance An uneven balance; there is no line of symmetry. Opposite halves of the artwork do not match. Yet there is still balance between positive and negative space. Many small elements will balance a single large element; or 1/3 positive space will balance 2/3 negative space (roughly).
Radial Balance elements rotate around a central point
Symmetrical Balance Elements reflect each other across a line of symmetry, like a mirror image. Both halves are identical.
Emphasis this principle is created by using contrast Contrast is created any time you include differences in some element of your artwork The viewer s eye will naturally be drawn to the different element Differences in size, color, shape, placement, and more will tell the viewer that the different element is more important than the others Emphasis can be used to add significance to the meaning or symbolism of certain elements in your artwork
Here, emphasis is created in several ways. The roses contrast with the other areas of positive space because they are red, while the hands and guns are black and white. The actual lines in the negative space create movement that directs your eye to the roses. The implied lines created by the hands and guns also direct your eye to the roses. The roses are placed higher than the other elements, suggesting that they have greater importance.
Without cropping, the main elements are floating in too much negative space
With cropping and anchoring, the composition is improved, creating a stronger balance between positive and negative space.
Rule of Thirds: When the composition is divided into three rows and three columns, important elements should be placed on the lines or intersections. Using the Rule of Thirds will help you create Emphasis on important elements.
Line & Movement Line (actual or implied) is a powerful way to move the viewer s eye throughout your artwork. It can be used to create Emphasis on important elements. The goal is to always keep the viewers eye inside your composition. Make sure that lines never lead the viewer s gaze outside of your artwork. In this example, the pointed fingers, the lines of the arms, and the gaze of the main subjects directs your eye to the center of the composition.
Actual line created by elements in the composition
Implied line created by the direction of the subject s gaze; or the suggestion of movement
If the implied or actual lines lead outside of the composition, you take the risk of encouraging the viewer to look at something else instead of your artwork
In this example, most of the lines keep the viewer focused on the center of the composition, with movement and gaze bouncing back and forth between the man and the horses.
In summary, strong composition is created by using Principles of Design, especially Balance & Emphasis Anchoring Cropping Activating both positive and negative space The Rule of Thirds Actual and implied line to create movement