Principles of Design and Layout

When creating art, there are no rules. However, some design elements are considered more pleasing to the eye than others. Artists generally agree that the ten guidelines below create attractive layouts.

1. Select a main focal point first. This is the likely to be the largest, most eye catching item on your layout. It is the element that you want the viewer to notice first. After selecting this element, decide upon your supplementary elements.

2. Accents and small embellishments look best when grouped in odd numbers, such as three, five, seven, etc. The human eye is drawn to odd-numbered groupings.

3. Embellishments and accents that are related should be placed close together so they are viewed as one unit rather than several units.

4. Place your major elements so as to create a triangle on the layout or page. The human eye likes items placed in triangular fashion.

5. Create even numbered sections -- two, four, six, eight, etc. Even numbers of sections are more aesthetically pleasing than odd numbers of sections.

6. Consider the "Rule of Thirds." Imagine your page divided into thirds, both across and down. Places were the lines converge make good focal points.

7. Strive to keep your page balanced, considering the size and complexity of elements that you use in your layout.

8. Arrange your elements so the design has a "flow". The elements should direct the viewers eyes to a main focal point, then to secondary focal points.

9. Use repetition to create interest. Repeat elements such as colors, sizes, shapes, etc.