Graphic design is much more than making pretty pictures. Graphic design uses artistic and technical skills to convey a message. Text, images, and in some cases even video are all elements that you can use in your design. But how do you use these elements efficiently? In this article we will discuss a number of basic principles that you should definitely know as a designer. We also show a number of examples of these principles. You can get in touch with Graphic Designing Agency in Washington.
Hierarchy
With hierarchy you give the elements of your design a certain order, from most important to least. The elements that are most important are the most noticeable, those that are less important receive less attention. Hierarchy allows you to position the elements to direct the user’s attention.
For example, hierarchy can be indicated by typography. A document title can be printed in a large font size, while a photo caption is printed in a smaller font size. But also the use of color or the size of elements can indicate hierarchy.
Contrast
Contrast is the difference between opposites. A good example of this is the difference between two colors (black and white) or size (small and large). Contrast is important in determining a logical hierarchy and can also make a design much more attractive.
Contrast by size
As mentioned before, contrast can be created by providing elements of different sizes. A large image next to a small button will stand out even more. Also, the difference in size makes the whole thing more interesting to look at.
Color contrast
Contrasting can also be created by placing different colors on top of each other. A dark color is easier to read on a lighter background and thus provides more color contrast.
By opting for more or less color contrast, the designer can highlight certain elements. If a certain color stands out against its background, it will demand more attention. By dealing with this consciously, the attention of the viewer can be directed.
Shape contrast
A contrast can also be created by combining different shapes. For example, sharp angles contrast with round shapes and organic shapes have a different shape than geometric shapes. By placing these opposing shapes next to each other, shape contrast is created. Also with this form of contrast, certain elements can be highlighted and used to attract attention, or to reinforce a certain contrast.
White space
White space is the (empty) space around elements. Elements can be grouped by placing elements closer together, or by leaving extra space between elements. Grouping elements makes the design clearer and easier to scan. On the other hand, you can also indicate with (white) space that elements do not belong together. By leaving sufficient space between graphic elements, a separation is created.
You can also focus on a certain element with white space. By leaving a lot of space around a part, the attention is drawn here, as it were.
White space is not always white. It can be a different color or even a background image. As long as elements are separated from each other with a space, we speak of white space.
