Many new and upcoming graphic artists struggle with various visual, web page layout and composition issues. Whether you are laying out a web page, a flyer, an illustration, a book, magazine or business card, below, you will find a very useful guide filled with concise advice on how to effectively produce a quality layout. We have examined a few general visual design, layout, aesthetic graphic design and graphic design composition principles which can be applied to illustration, graphic design and any kind of work that involves visual composition, depth and perception including web design, photography and film or video production. Effectively, we have produced the greatest series of page layout and composition tips discussed using traditional design principles for photographers, animators, graphic designers and web page designers.
Web Page Layout – Main Direction: Composition Basics
You can emphasize a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction. Vertical Space is harder to control than horizontal space. Most of our environment consists of vertical objects. A tilted horizon or angle, can cause compositional discomfort for viewers, and is often used to achieve dramatic, intense, dynamic, energetic, stress-inducing effects. We strive to maintain stability in a picture. We should be cautious when tilting the horizon in news or documentary productions. Direction was used in effective layouts and compositions throughout history, and for culture-specific purposes in architecture. Of course, the combination of horizontals and verticals reflects our current reality.