Be Our Guest - Giselle's balancing act

Today we are delighted to welcome Giselle, who is doing a series for us, covering layout design principles.

DESIGN BASICS

I am hoping to write a series of short articles over the coming months about the basic principles of layout design, covering subjects such as balance, colour usage and typography. I'm starting this month with a few words about balance and I hope you will find something interesting in what follows!

Part 1: Balance/Space

One of the basic elements of design is balance, which, even if we are not conscious of it, makes a scrapbook layout pleasing to the eye. In much the same way as our bodies need a balanced diet for a healthy life (I wish!) our minds and eyes are drawn to balanced pages, where no part overpowers another and nothing stands out more prominently than anything else.

In the layout shown here, we have a photograph that measures the same as the patterned paper squares above and below it, including the spaces between them. Because the elements on the page line up vertically and horizontally, your eye can travel comfortably through the page. Adding a few embellishments gives interest without detracting from the photo, which is the focal point of the layout. Note also that the margins between the photo and the papers are of equal size, that helps too!

Using colours chosen from those seen in the photo adds to the harmonious look. The swirl embellishment overlaps one edge slightly and because it's a similar colour to the paper and 'joins' the photo with the paper squares, it adds a little whimsical note to the page. The two lines of type are also balanced and lined up on the right edge - the addition of the small flowers compensates for the shortened text lines and leads you in to read the words. 

Lots of what is known as 'white space' above and below the main elements allow your eyes to rest, there aren't too many things on the page each fighting the others for your attention. White space does not actually refer to the colour white; sometimes it's referred to as negative space and it is an important part of any design. If there are lots of elements crammed onto a page it becomes busy, cluttered and difficult to 'read', so white space provides a plain area that enhances and shows off the shapes, colours and textures of the page.

(In case you wondered, the quote is from Dr Seuss!)

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Thank you Giselle.

Comments

[jayne]

Hiya I can't see the photo can anyone else ?
Sounds good though :)

[Eleanor]

Hmmm, I can, but hey, that means nothing. I have been known to see what isn't there.
I'm on the case.
Elx

[Eleanor]

Sorted.
Elx

[jayne]

I see it now. Thankyou Giselle it is a nice post xxxx

[alexa]

Lots of useful advice and nice to 'see' you, Giselle!

[Lynne V]

Thanks Giselle, love your LO.

[Miriam]

How wonderful to 'see' you.