MEDIA 1 - COMPOSITION
Composition is about order and hierarchy on a flat surface (2D), in space (3D), and in time (movement).
Most media are two dimensional
Third dimension (depth) is often just a suggestion
Time dimension is primarily visible in movement
Good composition makes use of Gestalt laws: Viewer deciphers image into visual element, making connections
between the different visual elements
FACTORS DETERMINING COMPOSITION:
1 - Shape of the surface on which the information is to be grouped. For example: a rectangle (the most common),
circle, polygon, oval...)
2 - Visual elements and the way these are grouped on the surface or page.
There are different options of visual elements:
CENTRAL VS PATTERN:
Central: The central point is where the lines meet (often symmetrical composition). You can also distinguish
the different central compositions according to the shape that the elements create together (Ex: triangular
composition).
Pattern: Creating order by placing images at the same distance apart, into a pattern. Less formal effect by
distributing elements randomly over the page. The trick is to maintain adequate balance in the composition
and at the same time to avoid excessive regularity.
SYMMETRICAL VS ASYMMETRICAL
Symmetrical: Balanced and restful composition. Dominant effect when most important element is placed
large and central, surrounded by smaller and less important elements.
Asymmetrical: Absence of symmetry creates tension. Viewer looks for a reason for the asymmetry and is led
by the diagonal line (vector) that commands the composition:
Vectors indicate depth and the movement of the eye whilst looking at an image or even a situation in
real-life.
The started point of a vector is the "actor" and the direction is the "target", which is what the vector
focuses the attention on.
Vectors can be:
One-sided vectors: a visual link as argumentative indicator in the image (Ex: an arrow to the
emergency exit).
Two-sided vectors: connect to objects.
Neutral vectors: start from an actor, but don't lead anywhere specific.
Composition is about order and hierarchy on a flat surface (2D), in space (3D), and in time (movement).
Most media are two dimensional
Third dimension (depth) is often just a suggestion
Time dimension is primarily visible in movement
Good composition makes use of Gestalt laws: Viewer deciphers image into visual element, making connections
between the different visual elements
FACTORS DETERMINING COMPOSITION:
1 - Shape of the surface on which the information is to be grouped. For example: a rectangle (the most common),
circle, polygon, oval...)
2 - Visual elements and the way these are grouped on the surface or page.
There are different options of visual elements:
CENTRAL VS PATTERN:
Central: The central point is where the lines meet (often symmetrical composition). You can also distinguish
the different central compositions according to the shape that the elements create together (Ex: triangular
composition).
Pattern: Creating order by placing images at the same distance apart, into a pattern. Less formal effect by
distributing elements randomly over the page. The trick is to maintain adequate balance in the composition
and at the same time to avoid excessive regularity.
SYMMETRICAL VS ASYMMETRICAL
Symmetrical: Balanced and restful composition. Dominant effect when most important element is placed
large and central, surrounded by smaller and less important elements.
Asymmetrical: Absence of symmetry creates tension. Viewer looks for a reason for the asymmetry and is led
by the diagonal line (vector) that commands the composition:
Vectors indicate depth and the movement of the eye whilst looking at an image or even a situation in
real-life.
The started point of a vector is the "actor" and the direction is the "target", which is what the vector
focuses the attention on.
Vectors can be:
One-sided vectors: a visual link as argumentative indicator in the image (Ex: an arrow to the
emergency exit).
Two-sided vectors: connect to objects.
Neutral vectors: start from an actor, but don't lead anywhere specific.
