Graphic Design Fundamentals: Layout & Composition (2024)

FAQs

What is layout and composition in graphic design? ›

Layout and composition refer to the arrangement and organization of visual elements within a design. It involves the deliberate placement, sizing, and alignment of elements such as text, images, and graphics to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition.

So remember, focus on getting the four graphic design fundamentals right – color, imagery, typography, and composition – and your designs will hit the mark with your audience.

Watch to learn about five layout principles: proximity, white space, alignment, contrast and repetition. Need a refresher on design fundamentals?

Some very basic elements, including line, shape, form, texture, and balance. They might not seem like much on their own, but together, they're part of almost everything we see and create. The fundamentals can be intimidating at first, especially if you don't consider yourself an artist.

The elements of design are the fundamental aspects of any visual design which include shape, color, space, form, line, value, and texture. Graphic designers use the elements of design to create an image that can convey a certain mood, draw the eye in a certain direction, or evoke a number of feelings.

Composition, Components and Concepts, known as the Three Cs of Layout, are fundamental to achieving successful designs that result in effective layouts. Composition is the way the components of a layout are visually combined and arranged.

The fundamental principles of design are: Emphasis, Balance and Alignment, Contrast, Repetition, Proportion, Movement and White Space. Design differs from art in that it has to have a purpose. Visually, this functionality is interpreted by making sure an image has a center of attention, a point of focus.

Graphic Design Layout Rules

The number one rule in layout is to balance all your elements, so that the message is not distorted. You should always place your elements in the center of the page, keeping the margins on all edges.

Layout artists determine how pages in a magazine are set up or how scenes and stories get laid out in a film. Graphic designers create an overall design of a product, usually to communicate a message to an audience or consumer.

What are the basics of graphic design? ›

The five basic principles of graphic design are balance, hierarchy, repetition, alignment, and contrast. Let's learn a little more about these principles.

Visual hierarchy refers to the arrangement or organization of elements within a design in a way that guides the viewer's eye through the content in a specific order of importance. It's about creating a clear and logical structure that helps users navigate and understand the information presented.

So, what exactly is a composition? Well, in very simple terms, it's the part where all the separate elements come together to form a whole. When all of your type, your images, your graphics and colors(opens in a new tab or window), come together to form one cohesive design.

Briefly, layout refers to the arrangement of visual elements on a grid to convey a specific message. If the layout is difficult to read, then the design is ineffective, no matter how great it looks.

Page layout or page composition is the process of placing and arranging and rearranging text and graphics on the page. A good composition is one that is not only pleasing to look at but also effectively conveys the message of the text and graphics to the intended audience.

Composition is the way in which different elements of an artwork are combined or arranged. The artist has complete freedom when choosing the composition of their artwork. Elements may all be clustered towards the centre of the canvas or photograph, or spread out in the corners of the piece.