How do you create focal points in your graphics?

1 Why focal points matter

Focal points are not only aesthetic, but also functional. They help you communicate your purpose, hierarchy, and emphasis in your graphics. They make your graphics more clear, engaging, and memorable. Without focal points, your graphics can look cluttered, confusing, or boring. Focal points can also influence the emotions, moods, and actions of your viewers, depending on how you use them.

2 How to create contrast

Contrast is the difference between two or more elements in your graphics. It can be created by using different values, colors, textures, fonts, or shapes. Contrast can make your focal points stand out from the background or other elements. For example, you can use a bright color for your focal point and a dark color for the rest of your graphic, or you can use a bold font for your headline and a thin font for your body text.

3 How to use size

Size is the relative dimension of an element in your graphics. It can be used to create focal points by making them larger or smaller than other elements. Size can also create a sense of scale, depth, or perspective in your graphics. For example, you can use a large image for your focal point and a small text for your subhead, or you can use a small element for your focal point and a large background for your graphic.

4 How to apply color

Color is the hue, saturation, and brightness of an element in your graphics. It can be used to create focal points by using different or complementary colors, or by using color schemes. Color can also create a sense of harmony, mood, or emotion in your graphics. For example, you can use a warm color for your focal point and a cool color for the rest of your graphic, or you can use a monochromatic color scheme for your graphic and a contrasting color for your focal point.

5 How to choose shape

Shape is the form or outline of an element in your graphics. It can be used to create focal points by using different or unique shapes, or by using shapes that relate to your message. Shape can also create a sense of movement, direction, or balance in your graphics. For example, you can use a circular shape for your focal point and a rectangular shape for the rest of your graphic, or you can use a shape that represents your topic or theme for your focal point.

6 How to position elements

Position is the location or arrangement of an element in your graphics. It can be used to create focal points by using the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, or other composition techniques. Position can also create a sense of order, alignment, or focus in your graphics. For example, you can use the center of your graphic for your focal point and the margins for the rest of your elements, or you can use the upper left corner of your graphic for your focal point and the lower right corner for your secondary element.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?