How can you use composition to create a focal point in your graphic design?

1 Use contrast

Contrast is the difference between two or more elements in terms of color, size, shape, texture, or value. Contrast creates visual interest and hierarchy in your design, and it can help you emphasize your focal point by making it stand out from the background or other elements. For example, you can use a bright color against a dark background, a large font against a small one, a smooth texture against a rough one, or a high value against a low one.

2 Use alignment

Alignment is the arrangement of elements along a common edge, axis, or center. Alignment creates order and harmony in your design, and it can help you create a focal point by directing the eye to a specific location or area. For example, you can use a center alignment to draw attention to the middle of your design, a left or right alignment to create a margin or a flow, or a diagonal alignment to create dynamic movement or tension.

3 Use scale

Scale is the relative size of elements in your design. Scale can create a sense of depth, perspective, proportion, or importance in your design, and it can help you create a focal point by making it larger or smaller than the other elements. For example, you can use a large scale to make your focal point dominant or prominent, a small scale to make it subtle or surprising, or a varying scale to create contrast or hierarchy.

5 Use whitespace

Whitespace is the empty space between and around the elements in your design. Whitespace can create a sense of clarity, simplicity, or elegance in your design, and it can help you create a focal point by isolating it from the other elements or creating contrast. For example, you can use a lot of whitespace to make your focal point stand out or breathe, a little whitespace to make it cozy or intimate, or a negative whitespace to make it intriguing or unexpected.

6 Use movement

Movement is the illusion of motion or direction in your design. Movement can create a sense of energy, action, or emotion in your design, and it can help you create a focal point by making it dynamic or interactive. For example, you can use lines, shapes, colors, or patterns to create movement in your design, such as curves, arrows, gradients, or stripes. You can also use animation, interactivity, or transitions to make your focal point move or change.

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?