Composition is the way that visual elements are arranged in a particular piece. Whether you’re working with photographs, graphic design, illustration, or some other visual medium, learning the fundamentals of composition is important in creating strong visuals.
The particular way in which you arrange elements will change the way that the finished piece feels, and you want these choices to come from a feeling of intentionality. Composition is a way in which to create relationships between different elements, to create a hierarchy of importance, and to lead the viewer’s eye to the most important points in a composition.
In a well-composed piece, the placement of each element and the scale of each element should feel purposeful. The relationship between elements should also be well considered.
This doesn’t mean that there is a set formula for composing a particular piece, as composition should be a skill and way of seeing the world that is adaptable to many different scenarios. Here, we will outline the foundations of strong composition.
Start With Visual Balance
Visual balance is achieved when the weight of different elements in a composition is well distributed.
Some elements will have more visual weight than others. A larger object may seem to have more visual weight than a smaller one. An area of high contrast or a particularly bright color in an otherwise muted piece may also be visually heavier than the surrounding elements.
The idea is to distribute this weight so that the overall composition feels stable and intentional. This does not necessarily mean that elements need to be balanced symetrically. You can also balance a composition by arranging elements in an asymmetrical way.
Balance also has to do with creating a strong focal point. The focal point is often the first area a viewer looks at, serving as the entry point of interest and intrigue.
You create focal points by playing with scale and contrast, color, positioning, negative space, and level of detail. A well-composed image shouldn’t have multiple areas competing for the viewer’s attention, which is the idea of visual hierarchy. There should be a strong focal point that viewers’ eyes are naturally drawn to.
The amount of space also has a huge impact on a composition. Empty space around a focal element can draw even more attention to it, or it can create a feeling of openness and calm. Conversely, limiting this negative space can create tension.
Space is one of the elements that takes the most practice to learn, and a common question that can trip up novice creatives is: “What should I add here?” Learning to consider what should go into a composition is just as important as learning what should stay out. “Would this composition become stronger if I left this space empty?” is an important question to ask.
Elements can add interest to a composition, create a sense of rhythm and lead the viewer’s eye. Repetition of shapes and patterns, directional elements like lines and patterns can all lead viewers’ eyes through your composition. Diagonal lines and shapes create a sense of movement. Repeating a certain pattern or shape in different areas can tie a composition together and create balance.
Practice by Analyzing, Not Just Creating
An effective way to develop this kind of visual vocabulary and strengthen your eye is to analyze the pieces that you admire. Look at a photograph, an illustration, or a piece of design that you respond to, and figure out what makes the composition successful. What is the focal point? How do you find balance in the arrangement of elements? How is empty space being used? How is your eye directed through the photograph?
By making this a conscious practice, you will start applying these elements in your own work and creating compositions that have intention and impact.
It can be helpful to start with some classic principles of composition, then understand them well enough that you can learn when to experiment and push their boundaries.