How to Design a Picture

Remember the Rule of Thirds when designing a picture.

Ever since artwork began, people have tried to explain what makes a good picture design. According to "Apogee Photo Magazine," the Greeks came up with what has come to be known as the "Rule of Thirds" and mathematically explained that an artist should imagine a picture is divided into nine equal parts in a three-by-three square graph. The Gestalt theory tells artists to consider the relationship between different objects when designing a picture. When artists design pictures today, they still apply the elements and principles of design.

Instructions

1. Keep the Rule of Thirds in mind. When applying the Rule of Thirds, consider the invisible three-by-three graph and place the most important part of the picture along one of the graph's lines or at an intersection.

2. Apply elements of design: line, shape, texture, value, color and space. Lines in pictures lead a viewer's eyes to the main object in the frame and add value. According to art teacher Jim Saw, lines provide continuance and direct attention. Shapes add closure to an object and negative space in a picture. When designing a picture, adding texture will give a tactile impression because of the different uses of light and dark colors. Value in a picture refers to lightness or darkness of a certain area of a picture. Value adds dimension and a focal point, according to Bonnie Skaalid. When designing a picture consider using colors that will capture audience interest. Keep in mind also your use of space, which can add dimension and perspective.

3. Apply principles of design: movement, balance, emphasis and unity. Designing the illusion of movement will make an object in a picture appear as if it is performing an action or moving quickly through space and helps connect objects in the picture. Designing balance in a picture means considering the size of shapes in the image along with the light and dark colors. Skaalid says you can design a balanced picture with color, value, shape, texture, lines and by positioning elements strategically in a picture. Using a focal point in the design of a picture attracts attention with color such as a splash of red on a black-and-white photo, by isolating an object in the picture or by creating a contrast in design elements such as adding a circle to a picture full of triangles. When designing a picture, create a sense of unity by tying together the elements in the work. Do this by grouping items close to each other, through repetition or through continuation.

References

• Classic Graphic Design Theory
• "Apogee Photo Magazine": Gestalt Theory and Photographic Composition
• First Light Tours: Photo Design Concepts
• Jim Saw: Gestalt